It may be hyperbole for fans to call for a coach to be fired just three weeks into an NFL season when their team is struggling.
However, whether it’s right or wrong, overreacting is what fans tend to do.
Several teams that looked like Super Bowl contenders are already struggling so far this year.
In a couple of cases, their records are deceiving, as that record is masking some serious concerns.
When things go south for a team, the head coach is often turned into a casualty, and a few of them could already be on the hot seat right now.
Of course, there are 15 weeks left in the season, and these three coaches still have every opportunity to turn things around and take their squads deep into the playoffs.
But another unexpected loss or two in the near future could cause things to get ugly.
Nathaniel Hackett, Denver Broncos
The Broncos are 2-1, which means they’re tied for first place in the ultra-talented AFC West, but they do have problems.
Their offense is struggling, as they rank 18th in passing yards, 27th in passing touchdowns, and 31st in points scored.
And they have failed to score more than 16 points in any contest this year.
Quarterback Russell Wilson, who was supposed to make the Broncos look mighty, is not playing well, but many are pointing fingers at Hackett.
The lowest-hanging fruit as far as Hackett is concerned is Denver’s Week 1 blunder when they allowed the lock to run down late in the fourth quarter and went for a very long field goal instead of allowing Wilson to attempt to convert on fourth down.
Peyton Manning would have handled the final minute different than Denver did…. pic.twitter.com/yRqlxjFDQ3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2022
The clock management problems continued in Week 2, and given that Hackett is a first-time NFL head coach, many expect him to get fired if Wilson and crew don’t turn things around.
Is it panic time for Russ and the 1-1 Broncos?
"We all know Nathaniel Hackett is in over his head." — @getnickwright pic.twitter.com/e5ItOxrac2
— First Things First (@FTFonFS1) September 20, 2022
Kyle Shanahan, San Francisco 49ers
Shanahan has long been regarded as a fine offensive mind, especially since he is the son of legendary head coach Mike Shanahan, who was a wiz at getting his offensive linemen to help maximize the production of his running backs.
But after quarterback Trey Lance suffered a gruesome ankle injury in Week 2, many members of Niners faithful are calling for the younger Shanahan’s head for letting Lance run the football so often.
It’s a tough determination, as at this point in his career, Lance’s best attribute is his ability to move the chains with his feet as a dual-threat QB.
Perhaps the real problem with the 49ers is injuries, as well as a deficient offensive line.
Maybe a solid offensive line would’ve been able to prevent Lance’s injury by providing one strong block on that particular play.
Josh McDaniels, Las Vegas Raiders
Despite a talented roster on both sides of the football, the Raiders are an embarrassing 0-3 right now.
Losing to the Los Angeles Chargers on the road in Week 1 was acceptable, but blowing a late 23-7 lead to the Arizona Cardinals, then losing to a subpar Tennessee Titans squad is inexcusable.
Following the loss to the Titans, McDaniels had a closed-door meeting with team owner Mark Davis, which has fueled speculation that his job could be in jeopardy.
#Raiders coach Josh McDaniels enters interview room after a lengthy closed-door meeting with owner Mark Davis.
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) September 25, 2022
McDaniels had been the offensive coordinator for multiple champion New England Patriots teams, but being a head coach is a different animal.
After the turmoil the Raiders went through last year with head coach Jon Gruden, this organization needs some lasting stability.
NEXT: 3 NFL Teams Who Need A Win In Week 4