Top 10 Worst Head Coaching Hires in NFL History

By NFLSpotlight24

Adam Gase, New York Jets (2019)

10.

– Poor performance with the Dolphins didn't deter the Jets. – Struggled with QB Sam Darnold and team veterans. – Finished 7-9 and 2-14; fired after two seasons.

Credit: Pro Football Rumors

Freddie Kitchens, Cleveland Browns (2019)

09.

– Rapid promotion from RB coach to head coach. – Overwhelmed by the role; made questionable decisions. – Fired after a 6-10 season; moved to college coaching.

Credit: CBS Sports

Rich Kotite, New York Jets (1995)

08.

– Had some success with the Eagles but failed with the Jets. – Poor draft and free-agent decisions. – Finished 4-28 over two seasons; never returned to the NFL.

Credit: New York Daily News

Matt Patricia, Detroit Lions (2018)

07.

– Failed to replicate Patriots' success in Detroit. – Toxic locker room environment. – Fired after 6-10, followed by two more poor seasons.

Credit: CBC

Joe Judge, New York Giants (2020)

06.

– Former Patriots assistant with a 10-23 record. – Notable for conservative play-calling. – Fired after two seasons.

Credit: ESPN

David Shula, Cincinnati Bengals (1992)

05.

– Son of legendary coach Don Shula; struggled as Bengals' HC. – Went 19-52 with no winning seasons. – Fifth-worst winning percentage in NFL history.

Credit: Britannica

Hue Jackson, Cleveland Browns (2016)

04.

– Went 1-31 in first two seasons with the Browns. – Fired after starting 2018 season 2-5-1. – Second-worst winning percentage in NFL history.

Credit: Akron Beacon Journal

Bobby Petrino, Atlanta Falcons (2007)

03.

– Resigned after just 13 games. – Poor handling of the team led to an abrupt departure. – Returned to college coaching.

Credit: The Courier-Journal

Nathaniel Hackett, Denver Broncos (2022)

02.

– Poor game management from Week 1. – The Broncos scored the fewest points in the league. – Fired after 4-11 season.

Credit: Bleacher Report

Urban Meyer, Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)

01.

– Fired before completing the first season. – Numerous off-field issues and poor team performance. – Won only two of 13 games.

Credit: Pro Football Rumors

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