The first NFL head coach has been fired this season, the Carolina Panthers decided to part ways with Matt Rhule after a 1-4 start to the season.
Due to the Panthers’ struggles in recent years, Rhule was on the hot seat heading into this season.
So it should not be a surprise to many that he is the first coach fired.
But, Rhule was not the only coach on the hot seat this year.
There are plenty of other coaches that need to turn their season around or they could be out the door.
Here are three NFL head coaches now on the hot seat.
Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders
The Commanders have gotten off to a poor start this season.
After acquiring Carson Wentz in the offseason, they hoped to make him their franchise quarterback.
That has been far from the case as Wentz seems broken.
Coach Ron Rivera shares his thoughts on why the Commanders are trailing other NFC East teams. pic.twitter.com/DGiNxqKIkc
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 10, 2022
The player we once saw in 2017 is gone and he looks like a borderline NFL starter.
With a record of 1-4 to start the season, there is no doubt Ron Rivera is on the hot seat.
He is a defensive head coach, yet the Commanders’ defense has not been good.
They are allowing 345.6 yards per game and 25.6 points.
Everything about the Commanders seems dysfunctional, and that reflects poorly on the coach.
If Washington does not turn their season around soon, Rivera might be headed out the door before the season is over.
Nathaniel Hackett, Denver Broncos
It is hard to find a team that has looked worse through five weeks than the Denver Broncos.
Despite being 2-3 on the season, Denver is lucky to not be 0-5.
The Broncos are the most disappointing team in the NFL season thus far.
Just asked an NFC executive to put himself in George Paton’s position. Would he fire Nathaniel Hackett? His answer: “I’d give him one more week, maybe two. Otherwise, this season’s over before it even started.” #Broncos
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 7, 2022
Quarterback Russell Wilson looks awful in his first year in Denver.
Hackett is an offensive coach and this Denver offense averages 15.0 points per game.
Anything short of the playoffs could result in Hackett being fired after the year.
The Broncos’ defense is the only thing keeping them alive this season.
With Wilson locked in as the future QB in Denver, all the blame will be placed on Hackett for how poorly this season ends up.
Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals
Something seems to be missing with the Arizona Cardinals.
Despite having a good quarterback in Kyler Murray, their offense consistently struggles week in and week out.
They rank 17th in the league in points per game with 21.0.
One big issue they are having is running the ball.
Murray is averaging the most yards per carry on the team and has been the only effective runner.
This offense is missing DeAndre Hopkins, who is expected to return from suspension in Week 7.
Sitting at 2-3 on the season, the Cardinals are another team that has playoff expectations.
If they fail to meet those expectations, Kingsbury may be on the way out.
Matt Rhule was fired today. Who will be the next #NFL HC fired (odds via @betonline_ag)?
Kliff Kingsbury (+150)
Nathaniel Hackett (+200)
Ron Rivera (+450)
Dan Campbell (+900)
Frank Reich (12/1)
Kevin Stefanski (16/1)
Matt Eberflus (16/1)
Pete Carroll (20/1)
Mike Tomlin (22/1)— Jaime Eisner (@JaimeEisner) October 10, 2022
The only wins the Cardinals have this season are against 1-4 teams (Raiders, Panthers).
At some point, they are going to have to beat some good teams to get back into the hunt.
NEXT: Will Sean Payton Be The Next Coach In Carolina?