How many NFL coaches have been fired mid-season?

Former NFL head coaches Chip Kelly, Urban Meyer and Hue Jackson
Former NFL head coaches Chip Kelly, Urban Meyer and Hue Jackson

5 NFL head coaches who were fired during the season

Notable NFL head coaches that were fired during an active season.

#2 - Chip Kelly, Philadelphia Eagles (2015)

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly
Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly

The Chip Kelly experiment didn't work out in Philadelphia. He had a ton of success with the Oregon Ducks in college football, but his "fast break" style of offense just didn't work in the NFL. Kelly also made questionable roster decisions, like convincing the organization to trade superstar running back LeSean McCoy for mediocre linebacker Kiko Alonso.

#3 - Hue Jackson, Cleveland Browns (2018)

Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson
Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson

Hue Jackson will always be remembered for his 0-16 record. It was one of the worst single-season records in NFL history. It was an overall miserable performance over his two-and-a-half year span as head coach, accumulating a disastrous 3-36-1 career record. He is statistically one of the worst head coaches in NFL history.


Also read: Which teams have gone winless in the NFL?


#4 - Mike McCarthy, Green Bay Packers (2018)

Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy
Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy

Mike McCarthy is the only head coach on this list to win a Super Bowl. He is also the longest tenured head coach on this specific list. During his 13th season with the Green Bay Packers, and his 7th season after the Super Bowl victory, he was fired. After spending a year away from football, Jerry Jones hired him to be the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys prior to the 2020 season.

#5 - Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans (2013)

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak
Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak

Gary Kubiak had success with the Houston Texans. He won the AFC South division in back-to-back years in 2011 and 2012, but apparently that wasn't enough to provide him with job security. He was promptly fired after a disappointing 2-11 start to the 2013 season.

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