Ranking the Worst Coaching Hires in NFL History

The allure of a great head coach is a pursuit every NFL franchise embarks upon with ambition and hope. However, history has shown that not every hire lives up to the lofty expectations. In fact, some coaching tenures are so disastrous that they remain etched in fan memories as cautionary tales. Here, we recount the most unfortunate choices in NFL head coaching history.

The incredible highs and devastating lows of NFL head coaching.

Counting Down the Disasters

Honorable Mentions

Before diving into our list, let’s acknowledge several notable misses: Jeff Saturday (Indianapolis Colts, 2022 Interim), Greg Schiano (Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2012), Jim Zorn (Washington, 2008), Lane Kiffin (Oakland Raiders, 2007), Rod Marinelli (Detroit Lions, 2006), Dave Campo (Dallas Cowboys, 2000), and Lou Holtz (New York Jets, 1976).

10. Adam Gase, New York Jets (2019)

Gase’s prior success in Miami remained a mystery when the Jets took a leap of faith in hiring him. He struggled significantly, leading to a tumultuous tenure that left fans yearning for stability.

9. Freddie Kitchens, Cleveland Browns (2019)

Despite the Browns’ optimistic outlook, Kitchens was thrust into a challenging position without adequate preparation, resulting in him proving ill-suited for the role.

8. Rich Kotite, New York Jets (1995)

Kotite arrived with credibility from his time with the Eagles, yet his Jets tenure was mired in disappointment and failure.

7. Matt Patricia, Detroit Lions (2018)

An extension of the Belichick coaching tree, Patricia’s attempt to recreate the Patriots’ magic was anything but successful in Detroit, ultimately leading to his undoing.

6. Joe Judge, New York Giants (2020)

Another disciple of Belichick, Judge faced monumental challenges in reviving the Giants’ fading legacy but faltered under the pressure and scrutiny.

5. David Shula, Cincinnati Bengals (1992)

Shula’s hiring could have set the Bengals on a promising path with alternative choices like Bill Cowher available, but instead, they faced disarray in the years that followed.

4. Hue Jackson, Cleveland Browns (2016)

Jackson’s tenure exacerbated the Browns’ struggles as he faced the daunting challenge of turning around a franchise marred by losing; unfortunately, he became part of the problem.

3. Bobby Petrino, Atlanta Falcons (2007)

An infamous short stint, Petrino’s quick exit back to college football marked him as a fleeting figure, underscoring his inability to adapt to the NFL’s demands.

2. Nathaniel Hackett, Denver Broncos (2022)

Hackett’s tenure began with promise but devolved into chaos, with rookie mistakes leading to an early exit from a franchise aspiring for greatness.

1. Urban Meyer, Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)

Meyer’s recruitment was controversial due to his lack of NFL experience and chaotic transition to the pro level. His time with the Jaguars was riddled with turmoil, culminating in an ignominious exit that haunts the franchise.

The pressures of NFL coaching can lead to unprecedented outcomes.

Conclusion

The quest for the right head coach is a delicate balancing act between hope and realistic expectations. As teams embark on this crucial journey, the lessons from these ill-fated hires provide a stark reminder of the stakes involved. NFL franchises are constantly reminded that the road to success is fraught with challenges, and not every choice will yield fruitful results. For every Lombardi, there’s a myriad of cautionary tales, laying bare the intricate tapestry of talent, luck, and timing necessary for coaching success in the NFL.