The most unfortunate NFL coach terminations ever
Numerous teams have erred in their decision to part ways with a head coach or coordinator. A few have been outright terminations, while others are de facto terminations that are referred to as mutual divides. These are a few of the most prominent firings of coordinators or coaches in NFL history.
Sportswire/Mark LoMoglio/Icon Games
The Seahawks have struggled in the years since they replaced their defensive coordinator after the 2017 season, even if this is also a personnel-based trend. Gus Bradley and Dan Quinn rode dominant Seahawk defenses to head coach positions, while Richard completed an unparalleled four-year run for the team with the top-ranked scoring defense (at least in the Super Bowl era). The squad placed fifth in total defense in 2016 and eleventh in 2017—the latter year despite injuries that ended Richard Sherman’s and Cliff Avril’s seasons. In terms of defense, Seattle has only ever been placed in the top 20. Eliminating the non-Bobby Wagner cogs from the unit has made a difference, but the post-Richard decline continues.
Icon Sportswire/Zumapress/Brian Kunst
Following a disappointing tenure as head coach of the Bengals, LeBeau, who had been the defensive coordinator for the Steelers during the Greg Lloyd-Kevin Greene “Blitzburgh” era in the mid-1990s, made a comeback. Both the 2005 and 2008 Steeler championship teams were built on formidable defenses, and the Hall of Fame wide receiver’s second act in Pittsburgh resulted in two Super Bowl trophies. In 2008, Pittsburgh’s defense led the NFL in DVOA, points, and yards. Following a disappointing 2014 season—the team’s first since Troy Polamalu left—the Steelers and LeBeau decided to separate ways. Behind the “Killer B’s,” the Steelers went on to become an offensive-focused club, starting a run of high sack totals but persistent defensive unpredictability.
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With a victory over a superior (roster-wise) Philadelphia team in Super Bowl LVII, Reid and esteemed student Patrick Mahomes served as a recent reminder to the Eagles of just how vital he has become in his second act. Under Reid, the Eagles’ head coach from 1999 to 2012, they had their most consistent Super Bowl run, winning five NFC title games and one Super Bowl. However, the 2011 “Dream Team” endeavor failed, resulting in a 4-12 season in 2012. Since Reid left, the Eagles have been successful, winning Super Bowl LII. However, Reid has established a superpower in Kansas City and is currently among the top five all-time winners. Under the master playcaller, the Chiefs are 10 for 10 in winning seasons.
Hunter Martin/Getty Images/Philadelphia Eagles
Reid promptly terminated McDermott’s employment after two seasons. Following the veteran Jim Johnson’s death from cancer in 2009, the current head coach of the Bills assumed the role of defensive coordinator for the Eagles. Despite finishing 12th defensively and making the playoffs in 2009 and 2010, the Eagles’ injury-plagued defense surrendered a then-team-high 31 touchdown passes in the latter season. Following his removal, McDermott acted as Ron Rivera’s right-hand man in Carolina, which he used to his advantage to design the rebuild that is arguably the best of this century. McDermott has been the head coach of the Bills for seven years.
Denver Broncos: Rich Kane/Icon Sportswire, 2008; Mike Shanahan
Indeed, Shanahan’s prime years coincided with those of John Elway, yet the Broncos qualified for the playoffs four times between 2000 and 2005. Shanahan was referred to as Pat Bowlen’s “coach for life,” but following a 2008 collapse, Bowlen fired the 14-year HC. With three games remaining, the Broncos became the first club to blow a three-game lead in the division. Josh McDaniels, Bowlen’s replacement, almost set the place on fire. In addition to taking over as head coach, McDaniels also became Shanahan’s de facto general manager. The videotaping controversy and the Jay Cutler trade brought disgrace to McDaniels’ miserable tenure, which ended in December 2010. The Broncos were saved by Peyton Manning in 2012, but after Shanahan, they have had some swings and misses in the HC department.
