On the Hot Seat
by Josh Gaier
Whether it’s because of a disappointing previous season or a failure to live up to expectations, certain coaches find themselves sitting on the “hot seat” this season. This group of coaches know they’ll need remarkable seasons to avoid the unemployment line in January. Below is the list of the top (or, bottom?) four coaches — and an honorable mention — who are already grilling.
1. Mike Nolan, San Francisco 49ers
During the rebuilding phase for the 49ers, Nolan was given a mulligan for his first two seasons — a mediocre 4-12 record in 2005 and his 7-9 record in 2006. However, after an ultra-aggressive offseason following the 2006 season, expectations in the Bay Area were higher than ever under Nolan. A once-proud franchise, tired of the recent losing, felt that Nolan was the man to lead the talented-on-paper 49ers to the postseason. Despite going on a shopping spree during the offseason, Nolan and the 49ers plummeted as they finished with a disappointing 5-11 record. In addition to the poor records over his three year tenure, Nolan is responsible for the drafting of quarterback Alex Smith, who hasn’t panned out thus far. With the expectations high again, it appears that Nolan needs a winning season this year — possibly with a postseason appearance — to save his job.
2. Scott Linehan, St. Louis Rams
When Linehan took over the Rams after Mike Martz, he was expected to install a sense of balance to the offense, which, in turn, would help ease the pressure off of the defense. Although he’s accomplished his goal of forming a formidable running game, Linehan failed to post a winning record in his first two seasons. In fact, Linehan has an overall record of 11-21 with the team, including a dismal 3-13 in 2007. With the Rams boasting a surplus of talent on offense and enough talent on defense to win games, Linehan has been under the hot seat since mid-season in 2007. It will take at least a playoff berth for Linehan to have his job heading into the 2009 season. If the Rams start off slow, don’t be surprised if Linehan doesn’t make it past Week 12.
3. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals
Despite turning the laughing stock of the NFL into a legitimate contender, Lewis is feeling the heat. The main reason Lewis is under scrutiny — despite posting a winning mark of 42-38 during his five years in Cincinnati — is because of the lofty expectations he set for himself. Although Lewis was brought to Cincy because of his defensive pedigree, it’s been his offense that has carried him throughout his tenure in Cincinnati. His defense, on the other hand, has shouldered blame for the Bengals missing out on the postseason over the past two years. Add that Lewis built the most troubled team off the field, and you’ll find yourself a coach on the verge of losing his job despite his early success.
4. John Fox, Carolina Panthers
Two years removed from leading the team to the NFC Championship game, fans are growing impatient with John Fox. Following in the track of Marvin Lewis, Fox is feeling the heat because of the high expectations placed upon the organization. The Panthers have had consistent Super Bowl aspirations since their crushing defeat to the New England Patriots following the 2003 season, but Fox has failed to deliver even a postseason birth in the past two seasons. Although he has a wining record during his six-year tenure (51-45), recent struggles have left questions about Fox’s ability to coach the team back to success. With Super Bowl aspirations placed upon the Panthers again this upcoming season, anything short of the postseason could be an automatic axe for Fox.
Honorable Mention: Herm Edwards, Kansas City Chiefs