The NFL season is now just 99 days away. The anticipation is building, but for some head coaches, trepidation may be setting in as well. In a recent preview article published by ESPN’s Ben Solak, he pointed out two AFC head coaches who may be on the hot seat entering the 2025 season.
Mike McDaniel and Kevin Stefanski Named as 2 AFC Head Coaches on the Hot Seat
Solak had two head coaches on his list of “11 jobs with question marks.” Coincidentally, both of them are from the AFC.
Solak spotlighted Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel and Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski as two guys who need a successful season in 2025 to keep their jobs.
Stefanski, specifically, has the fourth-highest odds to be the first head coach fired, while McDaniel comes in eighth.
First coach fired odds at one offshore. Figured it’s worth tossing out before full schedule is officially released tonight.
Brian Callahan 4-1
Brian Daboll 5-1
Dave Canales 6-1
Kevin Stefanski 12-1
Shane Steichen 12-1
No Coach Fired 15-1
Aaron Glenn 20-1
Mike McDaniel 20-1…— Derek Wagner (@djwagss) May 14, 2025
Solak complimented McDaniel for building Miami’s offense around quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but said the lack of a playoff win in his first three years is becoming hard to justify.
“I believe two things very strongly. First, McDaniel’s work building an offense around QB Tua Tagovailoa is some of the best offensive scheming in the league. Second, his offense fades against truly great defenses, in cold weather and on the road — in short, playoff football.
“The Dolphins need a strong season from their defense, which could have an extremely inexperienced and shaky secondary following a Jalen Ramsey trade, to make a postseason push. Otherwise, it’ll be four seasons without a playoff victory under McDaniel — tough to defend.”
Part of McDaniel’s fate could rest on how the defense performs. The Dolphins bolstered their defensive line during the 2025 NFL Draft, selecting Michigan defensive tackle Kenneth Grant in the first round, then adding DTs Jordan Phillips and Zeek Biggers on Day 3.
Miami will also hope edge rushers Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb can stay healthy after both missed major chunks of 2024 with knee injuries.
Ben Solak Backs Stefanski Despite Being on the Hot Seat
Solak pointed to the uncertainty at quarterback for Cleveland and suggested another three-win season could be on the table.
“I have no idea what the goalposts are for Stefanski this season, but the team was 3-14 last year, and another three-win season wouldn’t surprise me in the slightest.”
The Browns still haven’t figured out the most important position on the field. Deshaun Watson was a miss and is now rehabbing a torn Achilles. Now Cleveland has to sort through four options: veterans Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, plus rookies Dillon Gabriel (third round) and Shedeur Sanders (fifth round).
Solak said Stefanski might not be long for Cleveland, but sees him landing on his feet.
“I will say this with complete conviction: Stefanski seems like an excellent veteran OC retread option if and when the Browns clean house. He has made the best out of the Browns’ QB carousel and navigated major offensive injuries over the past two seasons.”