CFL coaches ranked: who should be fired next?

CFL coaches ranked: who should be fired next?

Coaching in the CFL is a high-pressure business — a few poor results can turn a hot seat into a burning one. With midseason form already shaking up expectations, here’s a look at which CFL head coaches are under the most pressure heading into the final stretch of 2025.

1. Highest pressure: Paul LaPolice (Toronto Argonauts)

LaPolice’s Argonauts entered the season with championship ambitions but have struggled to find consistency. Multiple close losses and an underperforming offense have fans questioning whether the team can recover for a playoff push. If results don’t improve quickly, LaPolice could face serious scrutiny.

2. Offensive struggles: Rick Campbell (Edmonton Elks)

Campbell has a strong reputation, but Edmonton’s offense has been stagnant for weeks. QB play has been inconsistent, red-zone efficiency low, and the team has failed to capitalize on big opportunities. In a pass-heavy league like the CFL, a lack of scoring punch draws immediate attention.

3. Stagnant rebuild: Jason Maas (Montreal Alouettes)

Maas is in the middle of a rebuild and has shown some flashes, but Montreal has lost winnable games and struggled to establish identity. While patience exists due to the long-term project, if improvement stalls, Maas may be vulnerable.

4. New coach under pressure: Noel Thorpe (Hamilton Tiger-Cats)

Thorpe’s first year as full-time head coach hasn’t gone as smoothly as hoped. Inconsistent play and defensive lapses have left the Tiger-Cats hovering around .500. The next few weeks will be critical in proving he can handle the pressures of the top job.

5. Lower pressure (for now): Mike Benevides (BC Lions)

The Lions are in a rebuild mode, and Benevides has some wiggle room. Young talent is developing, and the team remains competitive in most games. Patience is still warranted, provided the club continues to show growth on both sides of the ball.

🔥 What usually gets a CFL coach fired?

Across the league, the most common triggers are:

• Losing streaks in winnable games

• Ineffective offense or QB play

• Poor in-game adjustments

• Failing to motivate or control the locker room

Final thought

Every game counts in the CFL, and pressure only builds as the playoffs approach. Some coaches are already on thin ice, while others can survive a rough patch if improvement is visible.