The NFL coaches facing the axe, and their likely replacements
HERE’S a rundown of potential coaching changes to come in the National Football League, and a handicapping of their possible replacements.
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THE Rams and Jaguars got a head start on Black Monday by firing their respective head coaches over the past week, but they are likely to have plenty of company as soon as the season ends.
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Here’s a rundown of potential coaching changes to come and a handicapping of their possible replacements:
RAMS
Jeff Fisher was only hired by Stan Kroenke because he had experience coaching through difficult franchise relocations and was long overdue to get the axe after compiling a 31-45-1 record (. 409) in nearly five seasons. Defence isn’t a problem for L.A. but offence is, and this franchise needs some star power to stand out in a crowded entertainment market. Patriots offensive co-ordinator Josh McDaniels is the hottest name among play-caller candidates, although he likely will have his pick of landing spots and — with the way New England is playing now — probably won’t be available until after the Super Bowl. Others likely in the mix: Falcons offensive co-ordinator Kyle Shanahan and Lions play-caller Jim Bob Cooter.
J AGUARS
Jacksonville mercifully ended the Gus Bradley era on Sunday after he went 14-48 in less than four full seasons, promoting former Bills coach Doug Marrone in his place. But the Jags confirmed that Tom Coughlin will be in the mix, and that seems to be a no-brainer. Not only did Coughlin pretty much create the franchise in 1995 and lead it to two conference title games in its first five seasons, but he also lives in the Jacksonville area, still wants to (and can) coach at age 70 and would be the taskmaster the comatose Jags locker room desperately needs. Coughlin is still beloved by a big contingent of the fan base and would bring some long-overdue excitement to Shad Khan’s moribund franchise. McDaniels, Steelers offensive co-ordinator Todd Haley and Marrone also could be in the mix, but Coughlin seems like the natural choice.
BILLS
Rex Ryan probably isn’t going to make the playoffs, which doesn’t bode well for his job security considering owner Terry Pegula labelled this a playoffs-or-bust season last winter. Reports of Ryan’s impending doom have been circulating for weeks now, in part because Ryan reportedly doesn’t get along with GM Doug Whaley. Like the Jags and Rams, the Bills are badly in need of an offensive-minded coach after Ryan’s defensive prowess took them nowhere in two seasons. McDaniels, Shanahan, Cooter and current Buffalo offensive co-ordinator Anthony Lynn are names to consider here.
JETS
Todd Bowles is likely safe for at least another year, but the past two home games — embarrassing prime time losses to the Colts and Dolphins, in front of thousands of empty seats, by a combined score of 75-23 — could prompt Woody Johnson to change coaches yet again. If that happens, Johnson needs to hire a coach with experience.
BENGALS
Marvin Lewis is likely to miss the playoffs for the first time in six seasons and — incredibly — still doesn’t have a postseason victory in 13 years on the job. Lewis would seem like a natural to get the boot, but Cincinnati owner Mike Brown doesn’t work that way. Brown is the most patient owner in the sport, so even a 5-10-1 finish probably wouldn’t be enough for him to make a change. The Bengals also have been beset by injury, which takes Lewis off the hook somewhat.
BROWNS
Hue Jackson is respected around the league and only in his first season as head coach. But that hasn’t stopped Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam from cleaning house before, and all bets when it comes to Haslam’s patience might be off if — as expected — the Browns finish an embarrassing 0-16.
COLTS
Indianapolis is scuffling at 7-7 and seems headed for a second consecutive non-playoff season, which will probably do it for Chuck Pagano and perhaps GM Ryan Grigson. Defence remains the big issue for the Colts, so Patriots defensive co-ordinator Matt Patricia and Eagles defensive co-ordinator Jim Schwartz (who has head-coaching experience with the Lions) will be names to watch here.
CHARGERS
San Diego will miss the playoffs for the third year in a row under fourth-year boss Mike McCoy, which would almost certainly mean the axe except that these aren’t normal times for the franchise. Owner Dean Spanos might be reluctant to make a coaching change in the midst of what is looking like a move to Los Angeles to share the new Rams stadium.
BEARS
At 3-11, Chicago is guaranteed to go backward this season after a 6-10 finish in John Fox’s first year. In Fox’s defence, the Bears have played much better in recent weeks since Matt Barkley took over for the injured Jay Cutler, and the defence is now ranked in the top 10 in the league. Fox is likely safe for at least one more season.
49ERS
Chip Kelly appears headed for a 1-15 finish in his first season and looks thoroughly miserable. Assuming he even wants to return, his job is probably safe for at least one more year. The same can’t be said for GM Trent Baalke, who has done an awful job, and Kelly might be gone if the Niners give Baalke’s replacement say-so over the head coach.
This article originally appeared on The New York Post
Originally published as The NFL coaches facing the axe, and their likely replacements
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