Seven weeks into the 2015 NFL regular season, one team is already using an interim head coach. But if these guys keep it up, Dan Campbell of the Dolphins might soon be joined by a few others. Here’s how we view the coaches who are in the greatest danger of being fired entering November…
1. Jim Caldwell, Lions — I know Detroit made the playoffs in Caldwell’s first season but the Lions are far too talented to be 1-6 and Caldwell is the absolutely worst when it comes to game management. I wouldn’t be surprised if the Lions cleaned house come December or January.
2. Chuck Pagano, Colts — The only thing saving Pagano in that tumultuous situation is the fact the Colts are still likely to make the playoffs in the horrible AFC South. Still, he’s likely a goner in January.
3. Chip Kelly, Eagles — The Eagles have given him complete autonomy and Kelly has made some go-big-or-go-home moves. If they don’t pay off and they fail to win a playoff game for the third straight year, I’d expect this marriage to end.
4. Bill O’Brien, Texans — He won nine games with the Texans last year but they’re regressing in his second season and still don’t have any viable options under center. The Texans are wasting J.J. Watt’s prime, and O’Brien is an accomplice. He’ll be fired in January.
5. Andy Reid, Chiefs — Also far too talented to be 2-5, but the Jamaal Charles injury could actually help Reid. He’ll probably get a third season to right the ship.
6. Sean Payton, Saints — He won’t likely be fired, but the Saints are a mess so don’t be surprised if the two sides “agree to part ways” or if Payton is traded in January.
7. Gus Bradley, Jaguars — Beating the Bills was huge for Bradley, whom the Jags want to believe in, but that was only his ninth win in two and a half years with this franchise. He’ll have to win three or four more games to survive, but I think that just might happen.
8. Rex Ryan, Bills — He’ll likely be given a two-year run regardless of what happens over the final nine games of the season, but the Bills have under-performed in a major way and Ryan can’t get the penalties under control.
