Simon Goodwin may have "as few as three games" to prove he should remain in charge of Melbourne.
The former premiership-winning coach has overseen an 0-5 start this AFL season.
Saturday’s loss to Essendon saw them drop to an 11-1 record in their last 12 games (including last season).
Herald Sun's Jon Ralph has revealed Goodwin could be moved on within a month if results don't improve.
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However, despite the building pressure, he has the "backing" of star player Christian Petracca.
The four-time All-Australian reportedly requested a trade away from the Demons last season, which was denied.
Petracca is now committed to seeing out his contract, though.
"Simon Goodwin might have as few as three games to save his AFL coaching career, but at least he will do so with the backing, right now, of Christian Petracca," Ralph said on On the Couch.
"So much talk about a trade, (but) I spoke to his manager Anna Scullie tonight — she tells Fox Footy there is no prospect of him asking for a trade.
"I can tell you he is committed from moving on from that issue and from the past, so much so that he’s actually dropped out of the AFLPA joining an investigation into that injury on King’s Birthday.
"He met with AFL football boss Laura Kane, he says now that he cannot be part of that investigation, needs to back in the club doctor and his teammates and of course the senior officials at the club.
"Scullie tells Fox Footy he’s committed to Melbourne, he’s showing that leadership, he’s really committed to getting through this year and next year ... he has not entered that (a trade) into his psyche."
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Melbourne face Fremantle on Saturday before they play bottom-four sides Richmond and West Coast.