Coaches on the Hot Seat
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by Letstalknfl
Let's talk potential coaching changes after 2007:
Figured I'd bring up which coaches in the league need to have really good seasons in 2007 in order to save their jobs. What does everyone else think each of these coaches needs to do to avoid having to look for work in 2008? Also, who do you all think would be viable candidates for these teams next season?
Brian Billick- Billick needs his offense to show up this year, and needs to win the division title again, or he may find himself out of a job. The Ravens have been patient with him, trying to build a solid offense, but that patience may run out. Rex Ryan signed a big extension, and may be the head coach in 2008 if the offense doesn't show some life.
Romeo Crennell- Crennell needs to show massive improvement on the rebuilding Browns to keep his job. If Brady Quinn shows development, and if the defense keeps improving, Crennell could possibly be around in 2008, but it's not likely. It seems as though the Browns have soured on him, and it may take a very unlikely playoff appearance to restore their faith. Bill Cowher has an outside chance of returning to the league as the Browns coach in 2008.
Tom Coughlin- Coughlin realistically should've been fired after last year. He virtually lost control of his team, Manning seemed to take a step back, and they were absolutely horrible in the second half of the season. They were not a playoff team, even though they made it into a wild card. Coughlin may need to win the division in order to be around in 2008, and he's lucky to be given another chance. The Giants would be wise to bring in a new head coach with a track record of developing quarterbacks. Norm Chow might be a darkhorse candidate.
Jon Gruden- Gruden needs to make the playoffs to keep his job. This is very unlikely, but may the only thing that can save him. After winning a super bowl, the coach has done very little to keep this team competitive, and after such a disappointing season last year, the Bucs are expecting vast improvement from the offense. I'd love to see the Bucs bring in a good college coach such as Chris Peterson from Boise State.
Joe Gibbs- Gibbs may be forced to re-retire after this season if the Redskins don't seriously contend for an NFC East title. Right now, they have an offensive coordinator calling all the plays and a struggling defense. I could see Ron Rivera coming in and becoming an excellent head coach for the Skins.
Less pressure, but still needing to step it up:
John Fox- Fox needs to elevate the running game and play his style of football this season. He needs to contend for a playoff spot and get solid play out of his quarterback (whether that be with Delhomme or Carr). Fox is a good coach, but the Panthers have not lived up to expectations as of late and may be looking for a change if they don't improve this season. I could see them going after someone like Russ Grimm should they be looking for a coach next season.
Marvin Lewis- Lewis needs to finish at least in the top-ten in the league in defense. The defense has been horrible throughout his entire tenure, and the poor conduct of his players is reflecting badly upon him. Lewis is a great coach though and deserves to keep his job. However, more off-field incidents and another horrible season for the defense could cost him his job. If that happens, expect the Bengals to look for a solid defensive coordinator in the league such as one of the Ryan brothers (Rex or Rob), or a promotion of their offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski.
