As NFL groups report back to coaching camp, some can be beneath extra of a microscope than others. Other than the standard curiosity and buzz related to the beginning of an NFL season, an enormous motive for that microscope is the strain on a number of outstanding head coaches.
Whereas the strain on every of those coaches is just not the identical, there isn’t any denying they every must take advantage of out of the 2025 season.
These are the 4 coaches beneath probably the most strain and the place the warmth they’re dealing with charges from 1-10 on our “strain cooker” scale.
Mike Tomlin
It appears unlikely that the Steelers will ever fireplace Mike Tomlin. Regardless of what number of occasions followers and media debate if they need to, they could by no means do it. A part of the Steelers’ Means is loyalty to coaches, and even whereas exhibiting a slight change in mentality, that most likely is not altering.
However with all of that stated, Tomlin has to win a playoff sport. He simply does. The Steelers have principally acted in a “win now” method all offseason, most notably bringing in Aaron Rodgers after which swiping out George Pickens and Minkah Fitzpatrick for DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey.
The strikes alone include strain, however consider that Tomlin has did not win a playoff sport since 2016 and now holds a profession postseason document of 8-11, and something shy of ending that drought will go away Steelers followers unhappy.
Tomlin has the resume of a possible future Corridor of Famer. Nevertheless, a failure to make the Steelers professional contenders once more might result in a mutual parting of how between Pittsburgh and its longtime coach.
Stress cooker scale score: 9
Sean McDermott
Making this checklist for the second-straight 12 months is Payments head coach Sean McDermott, who has, paradoxically, been one of many winningest coaches within the NFL since taking up in Buffalo.
The explanation McDermott is right here is similar motive why Josh Allen would make such a listing for quarterbacks coming off profitable the MVP — there’s just one accomplishment left to realize.
McDermott has led the Payments to a profitable document in seven of his eight seasons and has gained 5 consecutive AFC East division titles. The issue? Properly, he has a 7-7 playoff document and is on the heels of his third exit by the hands of the Chiefs.
Some may argue that being eradicated by a dynasty led by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes is not something to be ashamed of, however Payments followers are among the many most pissed off in all of sports activities — they endured 4 Tremendous Bowl losses in a row — and can be left disillusioned with out at the least a Tremendous Bowl look in the course of the Allen period.
If McDermott cannot get them there, the Payments might have to show to another person in some unspecified time in the future.
Stress cooker scale: 8
Mike McDaniel
Staying within the AFC East, Miami’s Mike McDaniel burst on the teaching scene as an offensive guru. His charismatic persona and revolutionary thoughts made folks consider he may take the Dolphins locations the franchise hasn’t been in a long time.
However after a dropping season in 2024, Miami followers are starting to marvel if the bloom is falling off the rose. And with the continued uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s well being and Tyreek Hill’s happiness, it is doable the Dolphins might be nearer to a different rebuild than constructing on the success of going 11-6 two seasons in the past.
Stress cooker scale: 7
Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll is coming into his fourth season with the Giants, and that is the equal of double the time within the New York market.
He is hardly ever loved a roster worthy of the expectations, however he is additionally steadily gained three fewer video games yearly, cratering with a 3-14 document final season.
Possibly Russell Wilson will help deliver Daboll a veteran presence to lean on, however both means, he will have to determine a technique to present indicators the group is enhancing or he’ll be out and one of many NFL’s most storied franchises can be on the hunt for a coach as soon as once more.
Stress cooker scale: 10
Honorable mentions: Zac Taylor, Shane Steichen, Kevin Stefanski and Matt Eberflus.
