What is the hardest coaching job in world sport?

From Real Madrid to the New York Jets via the USWNT, our writers pick out the most unforgiving coaching roles

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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We asked our writers across all sports for their nominations for the title of the hardest coaching job in world sport, from Manchester United to the USWNT via Ferrari team principal (among others). In each case, reporters were asked to focus on those teams' wider historical context rather than simply this current season.

Why it matters

Coaching the biggest and most successful teams in the world comes with immense pressure and expectations. Failure is not an option, and coaches are often quickly dismissed if they do not deliver immediate success. This highlights the unique challenges faced by coaches at the highest levels of sports, where the stakes are incredibly high and the margin for error is razor-thin.

The details

The article examines several coaching jobs that are considered among the most difficult in world sport, including the England men's national team, the New York Jets, Real Madrid, Ferrari's Formula 1 team, Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, Chelsea, the New York Yankees, the U.S. women's national team, Watford, Bayern Munich, the Brazil national team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, and the top clubs in Turkish football. Each role is analyzed in terms of the unique challenges and pressures the coach faces, such as high expectations, intense media scrutiny, meddling ownership, and the weight of a team's history and legacy.

  • The article was published on February 15, 2026.

The players

Graham Taylor

Former manager of the England men's national team, who was the subject of a documentary called "An Impossible Job" that laid bare the team's unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 1994 World Cup.

Thomas Tuchel

The current coach of the England men's national team, who this week signed a new deal until the European Championship in 2028.

Aaron Glenn

The current head coach of the New York Jets, who was not granted much of a grace period after one losing season, with fans already calling for his head.

Florentino Perez

The long-serving president of Real Madrid, who has little patience for long-term projects or planning, and no time for excuses or mitigating factors such as injuries or misfortune.

Fred Vasseur

Ferrari's team principal since 2023, who faces immense pressure to end Ferrari's title drought and deliver championships, the only currency they want to deal in.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.