NFL Coaches Share Post-Firing Journeys and Comebacks

Getting fired as an NFL head coach is often a brutal and public experience, but for many, it becomes a stepping stone to growth and redemption. ESPN spoke with several coaches who have been fired, including Raheem Morris, Dan Quinn, Vance Joseph, Matt Nagy, and Ron Rivera, to understand their journeys after losing their jobs and how they prepared for their next opportunities.

Raheem Morris, now head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, was fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 after a 17-31 record. Morris described the experience as a moment to reflect and improve. He spent the next 12 years working under coaches like Mike Shanahan, Dan Quinn, and Sean McVay, learning different systems and preparing for another head coaching opportunity. ‘I was so driven to just work,’ Morris said. ‘I wanted to be around people that I wanted to be around and choose those people.’

Dan Quinn, fired by the Atlanta Falcons in 2020 after a 43-42 record, used his time off to conduct a 360-degree review of his coaching style. He sought feedback from players, coaches, and staff to identify blind spots. Quinn later became the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, where he revitalized his career before being hired as head coach of the Washington Commanders in 2024. ‘If you don’t learn from it and apply what you learned, then all the pain of going through what you did is lost,’ Quinn said.

Vance Joseph, fired by the Denver Broncos in 2018 after two seasons, turned to self-reflection and sought advice from veteran coaches like Andy Reid and Mike Tomlin. Joseph emphasized the importance of understanding the multifaceted role of a head coach. ‘You’re a part-time CEO, you’re a part-time coach, you’re a part-time father,’ Joseph said. He returned to the Broncos as defensive coordinator in 2022, applying lessons from his previous experience.

Matt Nagy, fired by the Chicago Bears in 2021, took time to reconnect with family and sought advice from mentors like Andy Reid. Nagy returned to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator, where he continues to prepare for another head coaching opportunity. ‘The biggest thing is if you get an opportunity, know where you went wrong or where you could have been better,’ Nagy said.

Ron Rivera, fired by the Washington Commanders in 2023, spent time reflecting on his tenure and the challenges of managing a team amid off-field controversies. Rivera, now a TV and radio analyst, remains hopeful for a return to coaching. ‘All I want to do is coach football,’ Rivera said. ‘Whether I’m coaching the team or I’m coaching the defense, I just want to coach.’

These coaches’ stories highlight the resilience and adaptability required to navigate the highs and lows of an NFL career. Their journeys serve as a testament to the importance of self-reflection, mentorship, and continuous improvement in the face of adversity.