
Stepping into the NFL coaching role is daunting, burdened with high expectations and the potential for triumph and disappointment. Achieving success extends beyond mere outcomes and results; it’s also about leading and inspiring a team. However, not all coaching hires live up to these lofty expectations, and some appointments highlighted by Pro Football Network are unforgettable for all the wrong reasons.
Adam Gase’s time with the New York Jets was marked by controversy and poor performance. Hired in 2019, Gase had a reputation for being an offensive guru. However, his stint with the Jets was anything but successful. With a record of 9-23 over two seasons, Gase’s leadership was frequently questioned. His inability to develop young talent and notorious press conferences only added to the chaos.
Moving on, Rich Kotite’s coaching career is infamous for its failures. Prior to his Jets tenure, Kotite managed to alienate the Philadelphia Eagles’ fan base with questionable decision-making and a lack of success. After a disastrous 4-28 run with the Jets from 1995 to 1996, Kotite cemented his legacy as one of the worst hires in NFL history. Both Gase and Kotite highlight the Jets’ struggle to find effective leadership, leading to prolonged periods of underperformance and fan frustration.
Drawing a parallel to Kotite’s impact on team morale, Matt Patricia arrived in Detroit in 2018 with high expectations, having served as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots. Unfortunately, his tenure with the Lions was marred by discord and underperformance. Patricia’s abrasive style did not sit well with players, and his defensive schemes were unsuccessful on the field. With a record of 13-29-1, Patricia’s time in Detroit ended unceremoniously in 2020.
Taking a swift turn from Patricia’s defensive woes, Hue Jackson’s time with the Cleveland Browns is remembered for its ineptitude. Hired in 2016, Jackson led the Browns to a 1-31 record over his first two seasons, including a winless 0-16 season in 2017. Despite his previous success as an offensive coordinator, Jackson’s head coaching gig was a disaster. The constant quarterback carousel and lack of cohesion doomed his tenure, leading to him being fired midway through the 2018 season.
Lastly, Urban Meyer’s NFL coaching stint was a tumultuous ride that ended almost as quickly as it began. Hired in 2021, Meyer’s tenure with the Jacksonville Jaguars was fraught with controversy, including off-field scandals and a reported toxic atmosphere within the organization. Meyer’s college success did not translate to the NFL, and he was fired after just 13 games, leaving the Jaguars to pick up the pieces from his disastrous reign. Meyer’s excuse for a career takes the cake as the worst coaching career in NFL history.