15 Worst NFL Coaching Picks of 2025
As the 2025 NFL head coaching carousel spins into high gear, some teams appear poised to make bold, forward-thinking hires—while others seem to be stuck in the past, flirting with candidates who inspire more head-scratching than hope. It’s one thing to cast a wide net during the hiring process, but certain names being floated this year raise legitimate concerns about whether some franchises are paying attention to the demands of modern football.
With the stakes as high as ever for struggling organizations, selecting the wrong head coach isn’t just a misstep—it can derail a team’s trajectory for years. Here’s a breakdown of the worst coaching candidates being discussed in this cycle and why teams would be wise to steer clear.
Pete Carroll
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Once revered as one of football’s best coaches during his time with Seattle, Pete Carroll’s age and outdated strategies have raised eyebrows in recent years. As younger coaches continue to innovate, Carroll may struggle to keep pace with modern trends if given another chance at head coaching.
Mike McCarthy
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Hiring McCarthy could mean more of the same for any franchise willing to take that gamble. After parting ways with the Dallas Cowboys, Mike McCarthy is searching for a new opportunity. While he won a Super Bowl with Green Bay, his recent struggles with decision-making and team performance raise red flags.
Rex Ryan
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Rex Ryan’s reputation is a mixed bag. While he had some success with the Jets early in his career, his last stint in coaching was in 2016. Since then, he’s been more of an analyst than a coach. His outdated strategies and lack of recent experience make him a risky choice for any team looking to innovate.
Ron Rivera
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Ron Rivera has seen better days. After a disappointing tenure with the Washington Commanders, his inability to adapt to modern offensive strategies has left fans frustrated. With a record that reflects struggles in both leadership and game management, hiring Rivera could lead to more disappointment.
Kellen Moore
Credit: Facebook
Currently the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, Kellen Moore has shown promise but lacks head coaching experience. His inconsistency in critical moments raises concerns about his ability to lead a team effectively. Teams looking for stability may want to consider other options before taking a chance on Moore.
Kliff Kingsbury
Credit: Youtube
Kliff Kingsbury’s transition from college football to the NFL has been less than smooth. His time with the Arizona Cardinals was marked by underwhelming performances and an inability to develop quarterbacks effectively. With doubts surrounding his coaching acumen, Kingsbury is not the answer for teams seeking a fresh start.
Brian Griese
Instagram
Brian Griese’s candidacy highlights the risks of elevating unproven talent too quickly. As the 49ers’ quarterbacks coach, his body of work largely depends on Kyle Shanahan’s offensive system rather than his independent contributions. While the 49ers’ success is undeniable, Griese’s limited experience as a coach makes him a questionable pick to lead an NFL team. His leap to a head coaching role feels premature and overly reliant on association rather than tangible results.
Bobby Slowik
YouTube
Bobby Slowik’s trajectory has stalled after a rocky sophomore season as the Texans’ offensive coordinator. Despite early buzz surrounding his offensive potential, his inability to adjust and elevate the Texans’ offense raises serious doubts about his readiness for a head coaching position. Slowik’s struggles with consistency and game-planning make him an unconvincing choice for any team looking for stability at the helm.
Arthur Smith
YouTube
Arthur Smith re-emerges as a candidate despite a tenure with the Atlanta Falcons that left many underwhelmed. His tendency to underutilize key players and fail to maximize offensive potential followed him to his role with the Steelers, where their offense remains frustratingly stagnant. Smith’s track record suggests a pattern of missed opportunities, making his candidacy difficult to justify for teams seeking innovation and progress.
Brian Flores
Credit: Youtube
Brian Flores made headlines with his lawsuit against the NFL for discriminatory hiring practices, but his coaching record is also under scrutiny. After being let go by Miami, his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers did little to enhance his reputation. Teams may hesitate to bring him on board due to ongoing legal issues about his leadership style.
Jim Harbaugh
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jim Harbaugh enjoyed success at Stanford and with the San Francisco 49ers, but his abrasive personality has caused friction in past roles. His return to the NFL may not yield positive results if he fails to foster a collaborative environment among players and staff.
Urban Meyer
Credit: flickr
Any team considering him would likely face significant backlash. Urban Meyer’s brief tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars was chaotic and filled with controversies. From off-field distractions to poor performance on the field, Meyer’s time in the NFL was flawed by missteps that left fans and players frustrated.
Adam Gase
Credit: Youtube
Adam Gase has become synonymous with failure since leaving Miami and taking over as head coach of the New York Jets. His offensive schemes have consistently underperformed, and there’s little evidence that he can turn things around anywhere else. Unfortunately, hiring Gase would likely lead to more disappointment.
Doug Marrone
Credit: Youtube
Doug Marrone had some success with the Jaguars but ultimately failed to build a consistent winner during his tenure. His conservative play-calling and inability to develop young talent raise concerns about whether he can lead a team back into contention.
Jason Garrett
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Jason Garrett’s time as head coach of the Cowboys was marked by underwhelming results on offense and questionable decision-making in crucial moments. Teams looking for innovative minds may want to look elsewhere rather than gamble on Garrett’s outdated approach.
Leslie Frazier
Credit: Youtube
Leslie Frazier’s tenure with the Minnesota Vikings ended poorly, and while he’s had some success as a defensive mind, teams may not be willing to give him another shot at being a head coach. Plus, he has been around as both a head coach and defensive coordinator but hasn’t made much impact in recent years.
Dan Quinn
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Dan Quinn had initial success with the Atlanta Falcons but is best remembered for blowing a significant lead in Super Bowl LI—a moment that still haunts him today. While he found some redemption as a defensive coordinator with Dallas, many teams might question whether he can effectively lead again.
Hue Jackson
Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Hue Jackson has had multiple chances as an NFL head coach but has consistently failed to deliver results—most notably during his time with the Cleveland Browns, where he amassed just three wins over two seasons. Hiring Jackson would likely result in more frustration than progress.