While it may surprise some that no head coaches have been fired yet in the NFL, the guillotine is waiting just around the corner for some of that hallowed fraternity. Let’s get a quick rundown of who should keep their job and who should be sent packing.
Andy Reid, Philadelphia.
After missing the playoffs last year, the Eagles have been terrible this year. Reid squad turns over the ball far too much, he has fired many of his assistants as scapegoats and has only gotten worse as the season went on.
Verdict: The Reid era in Philly will come to an end.
Norv Turner, San Diego.
He has been a punchline for years and the Chargers should finally be sick of him. Even with good squads, he could never lead the team to playoff glory.
Verdict: He’s in line for an offensive coordinator gig somewhere else.
Dennis Allen, Oakland
It’s pretty hard to justify hiring a defensive-minded head coach and then keep him after allowing the third most points in the league.
Verdict: Perhaps being a positional coach is more suited to Allen.
Rex Ryan, New York Jets
Ryan has been running a circus for years now and it has finally caught up to him. He couldn’t have handled his quarterback situation worse than he did and the Jets are lucky to be at six wins.
Verdict: The NYC tabloids should start preparing some headlines for Ryan’s canning.
Chan Gailey
If the Bills ever want to return to the playoffs, it won’t be with Gailey leading this team.
Verdict: It’s kind of hard to see Gailey stay on.
Mike Munchak, Tennessee
An injury to Jake Locker derailed things as well as Chris Johnson’s early poor performances. The Titans defence was the league’s worst, allowing 451 points through Week 16.
Verdict: It was Munchak’s second year on the job and he didn’t have much to work with on D yet again. Give him one more year.
Mike Mularkey, Jacksonville
Not much went right at all for the Jaguars this season. Their offence couldn’t move the ball, the defence couldn’t stop opponents, but those problems are mainly due to a lack of talent, not necessarily coaching.
Verdict: We’ll get an idea of what kind of owner Shad Khan is – patient or not – after a decision on the coach is made.
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh
The vaunted Steel Curtain defence looked old and slow this season, the offence faltered often and the team continued to be undisciplined overall.
Verdict: Just because the Steelers missed the playoffs, doesn’t mean it’s the end of the world.
Ron Rivera, Carolina
The Panthers were tabbed to make a breakthrough this season, but instead faltered early. It remains questionable that Rivera deserves more than a defensive coordinator gig.
Verdict: It’s 50/50, but I’d say he stays.
The lines are from 5Dimes and the home teams are in CAPS.
BUFFALO -3.5 over New York Jets
Oh, you want to bet on Mark Sanchez after being benched for a third-string QB? Go right ahead.
NEW ENGLAND -11 over Miami
The Pats have a shot at not only a bye, but the No. 1 seed. Nobody would want to go to Foxboro in January.
Baltimore +2.5 over CINCINNATI
Nothing at stake here, so take the points, even if it is under a field goal.
PITTSBURGH (NL) over Cleveland
The Steelers have to take something positive out of this season, even if it is just a Week 17 win over a division rival.
INDIANAPOLIS +7 over Houston
I have a feeling that the Texans will win this one – and cover – but I can’t risk betting against Chuck Pagano in his return from his battle with cancer.
TENNESSEE -4 over Jacksonville
No sense in the Jags ruining their chance to pick first overall, right?
Philadelphia +7.5 over NEW YORK GIANTS
The Eagles aren’t going to let up against their hated rivals and Mike Vick will be playing with something to prove.
Chicago -3 over DETROIT
Look for Calvin Johnson to add to his receiving yards record in yet another Lions loss.
Green Bay -3.5 over MINNESOTA
The Packers are hitting stride at just the right time while the Vikings are just a one-man team.
Tampa Bay (NL) over ATLANTA
The Falcons have clinched home-field throughout the playoffs, so look for their starters to get a lot of rest.
Carolina +5.5 over NEW ORLEANS
A meaningless affair, except for Cam Newton, who is still looking to show haters that he’s back to being a dominant force. Expect a high-scoring shootout.
DENVER -17 over Kansas City
The Broncos are playing for a first-round bye and the Chiefs are playing for the first-overall pick.
SAN DIEGO (NL) over Oakland
Norv Turner’s job is all but certainly lost, but that won’t stop the Chargers from winning a meaningless one here.
Arizona +17.5 over SAN FRANCISCO
All the Niners have to do is win to get the division title. I’d expect them to pull their starters after going up big.
St. Louis +11.5 over SEATTLE
The Rams are remarkably unbeaten in the NFC West and should at least keep it within 12 against even the red-hot Seahawks.
WASHINGTON -3 over Dallas
The Cowboys have a terrible record in Week 17 games – especially ones with a lot on the line.
Last week: 10-6
This season: 121-111-9