As NFL teams report to training camp, some will be under more of a microscope than others. Aside from the usual interest and buzz associated with the start of an NFL season, a big reason for that microscope is the pressure on several prominent head coaches.
While the pressure on each of these coaches is not the same, there’s no denying they each need to make the most out of the 2025 season.
These are the four coaches under the most pressure and where the heat they’re facing rates from 1-10 on our “pressure cooker” scale.
Mike Tomlin
It seems unlikely that the Steelers will ever fire Mike Tomlin. No matter how many times fans and media debate if they should, they may never do it. Part of the Steelers’ Way is loyalty to coaches, and even while showing a slight change in mentality, that probably isn’t changing.
But with all of that said, Tomlin has to win a playoff game. He just does. The Steelers have mostly acted in a “win now” manner all offseason, most notably bringing in Aaron Rodgers and then swiping out George Pickens and Minkah Fitzpatrick for DK Metcalf and Jalen Ramsey.
The moves alone come with pressure, but factor in that Tomlin has failed to win a playoff game since 2016 and now holds a career postseason record of 8-11, and anything shy of ending that drought will leave Steelers fans unsatisfied.
Tomlin has the resume of a likely future Hall of Famer. However, a failure to make the Steelers legitimate contenders again may lead to a mutual parting of ways between Pittsburgh and its longtime coach.
Pressure cooker scale rating: 9
Sean McDermott
Making this list for the second-straight year is Bills head coach Sean McDermott, who has, ironically, been one of the winningest coaches in the NFL since taking over in Buffalo.
The reason McDermott is here is the same reason why Josh Allen would make such a list for quarterbacks coming off winning the MVP — there’s only one accomplishment left to achieve.
McDermott has led the Bills to a winning record in seven of his eight seasons and has won five consecutive AFC East division titles. The problem? Well, he has a 7-7 playoff record and is on the heels of his third exit at the hands of the Chiefs.
Some could argue that being eliminated by a dynasty led by Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes isn’t anything to be ashamed of, but Bills fans are among the most frustrated in all of sports — they endured four Super Bowl losses in a row — and will be left disappointed without at least a Super Bowl appearance during the Allen era.
If McDermott can’t get them there, the Bills may have to turn to someone else at some point.
Pressure cooker scale: 8
Mike McDaniel
Staying in the AFC East, Miami’s Mike McDaniel burst on the coaching scene as an offensive guru. His charismatic personality and innovative mind made people believe he could take the Dolphins places the franchise hasn’t been in decades.
But after a losing season in 2024, Miami fans are beginning to wonder if the bloom is falling off the rose. And with the continued uncertainty surrounding Tua Tagovailoa’s health and Tyreek Hill’s happiness, it’s possible the Dolphins could be closer to another rebuild than building on the success of going 11-6 two seasons ago.
Pressure cooker scale: 7
Brian Daboll
Brian Daboll is entering his fourth season with the Giants, and that’s the equivalent of double the time in the New York market.
He’s rarely enjoyed a roster worthy of the expectations, but he’s also steadily won three fewer games every year, cratering with a 3-14 record last season.
Maybe Russell Wilson can help bring Daboll a veteran presence to lean on, but either way, he’s going to have to figure out a way to show signs the team is improving or he’ll be out and one of the NFL’s most storied franchises will be on the hunt for a coach once again.
Pressure cooker scale: 10
Honorable mentions: Zac Taylor, Shane Steichen, Kevin Stefanski and Matt Eberflus.
