Being an NFL head coach is one of the most thankless jobs in sports. Win, and you’re expected to do it again. Lose, and you’re public enemy number one on talk radio, Reddit threads, and in grocery store parking lots.
Some coaches never quite escaped the wrath of their own fanbases—no matter how many games they won (or didn’t). Whether it was their personality, their play-calling, or just a string of painful Sundays, these 15 coaches seemed to be permanently stuck in the fans’ doghouse.
15. Jason Garrett
He clapped a lot, smiled through losses, and somehow always kept his job. Cowboys fans couldn’t believe how long he stuck around, and they let him hear about it every step of the way.
14. Adam Gase
Jets fans didn’t even pretend to be excited when he was hired. The bug-eyed press conferences and bizarre offense only made things worse.
13. Mike McCarthy
Despite a Super Bowl win in Green Bay, fans never fully trusted him, especially when the offense felt stale. Now in Dallas, the skepticism has followed him like a shadow.
12. Matt Patricia
He came in with a pencil behind his ear and a Belichick pedigree. Lions fans were over it by midseason, year one.
11. Nathaniel Hackett
Broncos fans had high hopes, and Hackett’s season was… historically confusing. The clock management alone nearly sent Denver into meltdown.
10. Jim Schwartz
Even when the Lions had moments of promise, fans always seemed to turn on Schwartz’s style and attitude. He felt more like a defensive coordinator over his head than a head coach with a plan.
9. Joe Judge
Giants fans tried to buy in early, but the motivational slogans wore thin fast. That QB sneak on 3rd and long became the last straw.
8. Mike Martz
He ran “The Greatest Show on Turf” into the ground. Rams fans were dazzled one minute and deeply annoyed the next.
7. Jeff Fisher
Few coaches inspired more “meh” from their own fans than Fisher. His commitment to 7-9 energy was almost poetic.
6. Josh McDaniels
Broncos and Raiders fans would both like to pretend his head coaching stints never happened. Arrogance and underachievement made for a truly painful combo.
5. Rich Kotite
Jets fans still shudder at the name. Two wins in two seasons will do that to a fanbase.
4. Mike Nolan
He wore a suit on the sidelines, but that was about the only thing that looked sharp. Niners fans were ready for a new era… and quickly realized Nolan wasn’t it.
3. Freddie Kitchens
One season in Cleveland felt like five. Browns fans had expectations, and Kitchens’ chaotic approach only added to their heartbreak.
Read More: 10 NFL Coaches Hired for Vibes, Not Wins
2. Urban Meyer
It took Jaguars fans about five minutes to turn on him. The off-field scandals and total lack of professionalism made it one of the most toxic tenures in recent memory.
Read More: 10 Times NFL Teams Chose the Wrong Coach — And Knew It Instantly
1. Bill O’Brien
He won games in Houston, sure, but trading away stars and wearing both hats as GM and coach didn’t sit well. Texans fans went from frustrated to furious in record time.
Read More: 15 NFL Head Coaches Who Should’ve Stayed as Coordinators
