As we gear up for the 2025 NFL season, the spotlight turns toward head coaches and the mounting pressure that comes with the territory. Last week, we zeroed in on quarterbacks facing scrutiny for their performances. This week, it’s the head coaches who are poised to feel the heat from fans and analysts alike, particularly those leading teams with playoff aspirations. The coaches discussed here are not necessarily on the hot seat, but the imperative to win is palpable, especially if they want to avoid increased criticism as the season unfolds.
So, without further ado, let’s break down five head coaches facing significant pressure to secure wins in 2025:
1. Dan Campbell – Detroit Lions
Dan Campbell has undeniably transformed the Detroit Lions from a perennial also-ran into a contender. Under his leadership, the Lions have won a remarkable 35 of their last 44 regular-season outings, signaling a significant turnaround for a franchise that once wore the label of “laughingstock.” The team’s front office has supported Campbell by investing in key players like Pro Bowl wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell, and quarterback Jared Goff.
However, with these commitments come heightened expectations. The Lions experienced a major disappointment last January when they held the NFC’s No. 1 seed only to lose to the Washington Commanders, pushing the idea of “if not now, then when?” to the forefront among fans. Their playoff performances have raised eyebrows, compounded by the fact that they’ve been outscored 72-38 in their last six quarters of postseason action. The pressure is mounting on Campbell to not just maintain this trajectory, but to take the next step: winning the franchise’s first Super Bowl.
2. Sean McDermott – Buffalo Bills
After an impressive 2024 season that saw the Bills clinch the AFC East, the conversation surrounding Sean McDermott now hinges on his ability to navigate the playoffs, particularly when faced with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Having clinched five consecutive division titles in the wake of the Tom Brady era, McDermott has laid a solid foundation — yet what’s missing is a trip to the Super Bowl.
The Bills’ failure to overcome the Chiefs in the postseason for a fourth time in five years casts a overshadowing cloud over McDermott’s success. His balancing act of retooling the roster while still competing remains no small feat, but that’s what makes the pressure on him so palpable. The question now is: what will it take to finally eclipse the curse of the Chiefs? If McDermott can’t answer that in 2025, questions about his future might arise.
3. Zac Taylor – Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor’s ascent as head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals has been quite a story, especially considering where the franchise stood when he took the reins in 2019. The Bengals have enjoyed a renaissance, reaching the Super Bowl in 2021 and the AFC Championship game in 2022. However, the last two seasons have fallen short of lofty expectations, particularly with their star quarterback, Joe Burrow, leading the league in significant passing statistics yet failing to guide the team to the playoffs.
A troubling trend has emerged: slow starts that have hindered their playoff chances. Continuous missteps early in the season have denied the team the success it should have seen given its talent level. With stars like Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Trey Hendrickson, expectations are sky-high. The onus is on Taylor to ensure that the Bengals come out strong in 2025. If they falter again, it will be on him to answer for the missed opportunities.
4. Matt LaFleur – Green Bay Packers
Matt LaFleur’s offensive acumen is well-regarded, having achieved regular-season success with 11-plus wins in four of his first six seasons. Transitioning from Aaron Rodgers to Jordan Love has been a testament to his adaptability. Yet, LaFleur is grappling with troubling playoff outcomes, losing four of his last five playoff games — including heartbreaking matches at home.
The Packers’ inability to capitalize against formidable opponents has drawn concern, particularly given the expectation for consistent playoff appearances. LaFleur’s capacity to develop love as a starter is paramount, but he also must elevate the Packers as a playoff team that can advance deep into the postseason. The pressure is now firmly on him to combine early-season efficiency with postseason poise to restore the Packers’ playoff aspirations and bring the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay.
4. Todd Bowles – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Todd Bowles continues to solidify his tenure as head coach by leading the Buccaneers to three consecutive NFC South titles. Despite a decline in overall team performance since Tom Brady’s retirement, Bowles has navigated the transition with relative success, even leading the team into contention by balancing the offensive line with Baker Mayfield now at the helm.
However, the challenge for Bowles remains getting the Buccaneers back to being upper-tier contenders in the NFC. With a potentially explosive offense and a solid defensive core, there’s no shortage of talent. The questions surrounding Bowles now revolve around whether he can harness that talent effectively. In 2025, he must guide this team through the competitive landscape and elevate it to a level that aligns with its capabilities.
5. Kyle Shanahan – San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Shanahan stands out as the only coach on this list with a Super Bowl appearance under his belt, yet his record of 0-2 on the big stage looms large as he enters his ninth season. Last year’s 6-11 finish, largely attributed to injuries, raised concerns about his ability to navigate difficult stretches. A promising legacy is at stake as key pieces of the roster, like Deebo Samuel, start to shift.
The pressure is mounting on Shanahan to keep the 49ers offense innovative and competitive amid roster changes. With the franchise’s championship drought extending since 1994, the urgency for Shanahan to deliver results is undeniable. Winning isn’t just about checks and balances on the field anymore; it’s about rewriting the narrative surrounding the 49ers and finally bringing home the trophy.
These five coaches enter the 2025 season with careers and legacies on the line, underscored by the relentless drive for championship success in a league where expectations are sky-high. As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on them to see if they can meet the challenge and silence any impending criticisms.
