This is an article version of the CBS Sports HQ AM Newsletter, the ultimate guide to every day in sports. After all of the hirings and firings this offseason, the number of coaches on the hot seat in 2026 might be smaller than in recent years. Still, the pressure is on for leaders like Todd Bowles, whose Buccaneers are on a downward trajectory heading into 2026.
Our Zach Pereles explains why Bowles might have the shortest leash in the league. Head coaches are not the only people whose seats can become uncomfortably warm, though. Coordinators face similar pressure, quarterbacks are always under scrutiny and players at all positions have expectations to meet.
Pereles identified the one member of every team who enters the season with the hottest seat. For the Browns, it's a player rather than a coach. Deshaun Watson is on track to win the starting quarterback job in Cleveland, and as a member of our 2026 NFL All-Overpaid Team, anything less than a stellar season would make him a bust.
Here are a few other names on the hot seat: While Islam Makhachev had to work hard for his unanimous decision win over Ian Machado Garry, it was a victory nonetheless. That UFC 330 result gave us no reason to move Makhachev out of the No. 1 position in our UFC Pound-for-Pound rankings. It did, however, lead us to wonder if the gap between him and the rest of the welterweight division is slimmer than it once was.
Our Brian Campbell explained why, despite the lack of dominance, Makhachev still reigns over the UFC. Meanwhile, on the women's side, there is a newcomer in the top five. Strawweight champion Mackenzie Dern defended her title by unanimous decision over Gillian Robertson thanks to an improved wrestling game and greater striking.
Here's her new position in the rankings: ⚾ Padres at Mets or Tigers at Pirates, 12:35 p.m. on MLB Network ⚾ LLWS: Nicaragua vs. Dominican Republic, 1 p.m. on ESPN ⚾ Braves at Twins, 1:40 p.m. on ESPN Unlimited ⚾ White Sox at Cubs, 2:20 p.m. on Peacock ⚽ UEFA Champions League qualifying playoffs, 3 p.m. on Paramount+ ⚾ LLWS: Alabama vs. Washington, 3 p.m. on ESPN ⚾ LLWS: Canada vs.
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