NFL owners don’t always get it right—especially when it comes to hiring head coaches. Sometimes the decision feels more like a shot in the dark than a well-thought-out strategy.
From odd fits to flat-out disasters, these hires had fans scratching their heads before the first press conference even ended. Here are the 10 most clueless NFL coaching hires of the modern era—ranked by just how off the rails they felt.
10. Nathaniel Hackett – Denver Broncos
He walked into a high-pressure job with a superstar QB and looked overwhelmed from day one. Clock management alone had fans wondering if anyone was actually in charge.
9. Jim Tomsula – San Francisco 49ers
The energy was great, the mustache was strong, but the results were rough. It felt more like a locker room buddy got promoted to head coach by accident.
8. Freddie Kitchens – Cleveland Browns
He went from position coach to head coach in record time—and it showed. The play-calling was wild, and the sideline vibes were even wilder.
7. Adam Gase – New York Jets
The introductory press conference went viral for all the wrong reasons, and it never really got better. Somehow, his second chance looked even worse than his first.
6. Joe Philbin – Miami Dolphins
Philbin always looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. His tenure was full of awkward moments and forgettable football.
5. Urban Meyer – Jacksonville Jaguars
A college legend turned NFL flop, Meyer looked lost from the start. The off-field drama somehow outpaced the on-field dysfunction.
4. Steve Wilks – Arizona Cardinals
This one felt doomed from the beginning, with no clear plan and even less patience. One-and-done never looked so inevitable.
3. Rod Marinelli – Detroit Lions
He went 0-16 in spectacular fashion. Enough said.
Read More: Ranking the 20 Worst NFL Coaching Hires of All Time
2. Hue Jackson – Cleveland Browns
Three wins in three seasons speaks for itself. Somehow, he kept getting more chances—and each one was more confusing than the last.
Read More: 10 Reasons Jerry Jones Should Step Down as Dallas Cowboys General Manager
1. Matt Patricia – Detroit Lions
The pencil, the attitude, the endless excuses—it was a tough watch. He brought the Patriot playbook without the Patriot success, and the result was a mess from start to finish.
Read More: Ranking the 15 Worst NFL Coaching Hires of All Time
