Although it often feels unfair and hasty to speculate about NFL coaches’ job security before a season has progressed much, Tuesday served as another reminder that changes are a regular part of the league’s ongoing narrative.

Despite there being 12 games left in the 2024 season, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson chose to dismiss Robert Saleh after over three seasons and a record of 20-36, handing the team’s fading Super Bowl ambitions to Jeff Ulbrich – a former linebacker with the San Francisco 49ers who has plenty of experience as a defensive coordinator, yet none as a head coach – and perhaps resting some hopes on QB Aaron Rodgers.

It remains to be seen if Ulbrich (and Rodgers) can revitalize this team like a fighter pilot bringing a damaged F-14 back to life. What seems likely, however, is that Saleh’s dismissal is just the beginning, with several more head coaches facing the same fate as indicated by past trends.

Here are seven head coaches, in alphabetical order, who may be feeling increased pressure following Saleh’s exit:

Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints

Allen may understand Saleh’s situation better than most. His squad started strong at 2-0, tallying 91 points in their first two games with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. However, things have since taken a downturn, with quarterback Derek Carr’s ongoing oblique injury adding to a list of quarterback challenges since the departure of Drew Brees. The team’s fortunes now seem to hinge on either rookie QB Jake Haener or QB Spencer Rattler. A surprising turnaround could happen, or Carr might return ahead of schedule and revive the offense, but Allen’s current coaching record of 26-49 might suggest a looming exit from The Big Easy.

Dave Canales, Carolina Panthers

It feels unfair to put pressure on a rookie head coach just five games into the season, but Canales has led the Panthers to a disappointing 1-4 record. He was hired to improve second-year QB Bryce Young’s performance, but has instead decided to bench him after only two games. Canales might be doing his best under challenging conditions, but with owner David Tepper known for making quick changes (he’s had seven coaches since 2019), his job could be on the line.

Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys, known as “America’s Team,” are capable of experiencing extreme highs and lows within just five weeks. McCarthy might deserve credit for leading the team to a 3-2 start amidst contract issues and significant roster changes during owner Jerry Jones’ ambitious offseason. Yet it’s evident that 2024 Cowboys lack the talent of recent seasons, especially with key players like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence sidelined with injuries. The team’s upcoming schedule, featuring tough opponents like the Lions and Eagles, doesn’t help. McCarthy also bears the pressure of not having led the Cowboys to a Super Bowl appearance in almost 30 years, worsened by the fact that his contract is nearing expiration. If he doesn’t find success soon, Jones may seek out other options, including renowned coaches like Bill Belichick or Mike Vrabel.

Doug Pederson, Jacksonville Jaguars

Pederson recently faced questions about his job security following the Jaguars’ 0-4 start, and his reaction was both frustrated and dismissive. “My status?” he replied, indicating the oddity of such a question. Interestingly, he has defended the offensive game plan and his unique approach to game management while shifting blame to players’ performance, which is worrying given the significant investment owner Shad Khan made in this roster. Khan has explicitly stated that “winning right now” is an expectation. Pederson has won only twice in the last 11 games dating back to last season, which saw the Jaguars miss the playoffs after an AFC South title the previous year. Now in his eighth season as head coach, Pederson has achieved 10 or more wins just once during his tenure with the Eagles in 2017, a feat that seems increasingly unlikely for the Jaguars.

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders

Pierce provided a necessary boost to the Raiders midway through last season, achieving a 5-4 record after the team parted ways with Josh McDaniels. He became one of the few interim coaches to earn the permanent title. However, Pierce’s 2024 campaign began with a 2-3 record, struggling primarily due to the unresolved quarterback issues that have lingered since the previous coaching regime chose to let Carr go. Despite being a former player, Pierce hasn’t shied away from calling out his players, criticizing some for supposedly making “business decisions” during games, particularly as the team’s relationship with All-Pro WR Davante Adams seems to be deteriorating. While Pierce may deserve more time to establish a stronger QB foundation, he is now the fourth head coach in four seasons for the Raiders, a trend that’s not encouraging.

Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles