Both New York head coaches are at extreme risk of being fired at the end of the regular season. So is Mike Smith in Atlanta, Marc Trestman in Chicago, and there’s a bit of a problem in the Bay Area that you may have heard about.
Jim Harbaugh doesn’t get along with the people that pay his salary. He hasn’t since his first year with the 49ers, and even though he has brought this team to the NFC championship three consecutive years, that has bought him little credit with the organization.
If the Niners don’t make the playoffs, Harbaugh will be fired or he will get traded. Additionally, Tony Sparano, Coach Meatball, is doing little to warrant being named head coach as he finishes out his interim duties in Oakland.
And there could be two or three other head coaches that could be out of a job on Black Monday. Joe Philbin in Miami could lead his team into the playoffs, but if the Dolphins fall short, he has no guarantees. Ron Rivera was known as “Riverboat Ron” a year ago when the Panthers were roaring, but now his team is lost and he works for an unpredictable owner in Jerry Richardson. Gus Bradley is admired for his enthusiasm in Jacksonville, but he doesn’t win enough games.
Coaches will be fired on Black Monday, and new hires will be made. Perhaps veteran Mike Shanahan might appeal to one team or another, but several coordinators, assistants, and college coaches will get their opportunity.
Here’s a look at five of the top names who will get interviews when the hiring season begins.
