10 coaches on the hot seat through Week 6
Through six weeks of NFL action plenty has changed in the coaching landscape.
For some, it may only take one run of bad losses or a short series of bad decisions for a coach to lose his job. For others, it may be one season too many of disappointing results that lands them in the unemployment line.
Here are ten coaches who could find themselves searching for work when the 2016 season ends, if not sooner.
Todd Bowles, Jets
A 1-5 start and a quarterback controversy that could be handled a lot better doesn't bode well for Bowles in his second year as Jets head coach. They were supposed to capitalize on a lack of Tom Brady in the division to start the year, and instead their season goal has become "hey, let's try not to embarrass ourselves too much."
Marvin Lewis, Bengals
In his 14th season with no playoff wins to speak of, the Bengals may not even make the postseason this year after a 2-4 start. Owner/general manager Mike Brown has stuck with Lewis for a long time, constantly hoping next year is the year it's going to happen. If they finish at the same pace, it will be Lewis' worst record since 2010 and could be the end of the line.
Sean Payton, Saints
It feels like it's time for a change in New Orleans. If Payton didn't have so much sentimental value to the city and the team, he would have been gone a while ago. With Drew Brees no longer able to will his team to winning seasons, an overall change in identity is necessary.
Chuck Pagano, Colts
Just because he got a new contract after avoiding a firing last season doesn't mean Pagano is in the clear this year. The Colts are on pace for their worst season under Pagano, and with the exception of Andrew Luck, they have one of the league's worst rosters. It appears time for Pagano, and general manager Ryan Grigson, to move along if they can't go on a magical run soon.
Gus Bradley, Jaguars
If not now, then when. In his fourth year coaching the Jaguars, Bradley finally reached the five-win mark last season and has yet to finish better than third within the AFC South. The Jags came into the season with higher expectations than they've had in some time, but so far have just one win to show for it.
Mike McCarthy, Packers
For the second season in a row McCarthy's offense has failed to live up to the expectations it set in 2013 and 2014. Without any injuries or major changes to point to on the roster, someone has to take the blame, and Aaron Rodgers certainly isn't going anywhere.
Mike McCoy, Chargers
He may have avoided a midseason firing with last week's win over the Broncos, but he's far from securing his job for next season. With ten games remaining and a long list of injuries piling up again, McCoy won't be able to use the "my guys are all hurt" excuse two years in a row.
Bill O'Brien, Texans
He finally got his franchise quarterback, but the offense doesn't look much better. Brock Osweiler has looked mediocre at best against above-average defenses, while Brian Hoyer is doing pretty well with the listless Bears. O'Brien was brought in as a "quarterback guru," but hasn't been able to show it through three seasons.
Jim Caldwell, Lions
The Lions are off to a pretty good start at 3-3 considering it's their first season without the services of Calvin Johnson, but after last year's staffing overhaul from owner Martha Ford, a .500 record isn't going to cut it for Caldwell.
John Fox, Bears
Brought in with the reputation of a coach who can turnaround a team, the Bears are looking worse in their second season under Fox. Without Adam Gase to run the offense, the Bears are 1-5 with their playoff chances essentially dead.