More Jobs on Line Tomorrow

There's already a number of NFL head coaching jobs that could be available after Sunday's contests. Dallas, Minnesota, San Francisco, Denver and, now, Carolina. Other head coaches are feeling the hot seat as well.

Cleveland:
I know what you might be thinking. If Mike Holmgren had wanted to fire Eric Mangini, he would have done it before this season began. While I have no qualms with that statement, I can counter with a statement of my own here. Mike Holmgren was willing to give Mangini at least one season to see how the players responded to the number of changes that had taken place. And the Browns have adapted somewhat well.

Issues at the quarterback position seem to have bogged down the team more than anything. Jake Delhomme, Seneca Wallace and Colt McCoy have all started games this year due to a rash of injuries to Browns QBs. But here's the scary truth. NO one QB had been overly impressive. You can see a maturation in McCoy and he should be #1 on the Browns depth chart come 2011, if there is a 2011 season. Oh, and the passing game ranks 30th in the NFL.

The defense has been outstanding ranking 7th overall. There has been a very slight improvement compared to 2009 and the Browns won't finish in last place in the AFC North. That alone could save Mangini's job.



Cincinnati:
This isn't the first time grumblings have surfaced about Marvin Lewis his job performance. A star-studded offense has stumbled weekly. That offense did look good in last week's win over the San Diego Chargers...without T.O. and Ochocinco. QB Carson Palmer actually looked relaxed for a change.

But maybe change is imminent in Cincy. Granted Lewis does hold a winning record during his tenure, but the results on a yearly basis will remind people of a roller coaster. When their schedule is considered difficult, they fall. When it's easy, they're successful. In other words, Cincinnati is no better than a middle of the pack team.

The time for excuses must end now, right? The defense faltered this season after attaining extraordinary heights in 2009. Palmer looks like his better days are behind him. The offensive play calling has been criticized. And overall team management has been called out on more than one occasion.

But Bengals fans know that Mike Brown will save a penny any chance he gets. If Brown were to let Lewis go, this is the time to do it as Lewis is in the final year of his deal. Don't look for a big name either...if Brown actually does make the switch.

Houston:
There's not a person that would deny the fact that Gary Kubiak is a good coach. He earned the right to become the Texans coach after displaying an offensive aptitude that would make most offensive coordinators blush.

That being said, his strength has led to the Texans being weak on the defensive side despite having to excellent young players in Mario Williams and DeMeco Ryans. The unit ranks 30th overall and dead last against the pass. I could understand if the AFC South had some gunslinging QBs, but the division has Peyton Manning, Kerry Collins (for now) and David Garrard. Not exactly six games where you worry about the opposing QB beating you. You have the two when you play Indy.

And let's not forget the high expectations. The Texans were considered playoff contenders before each of the last two seasons. Not one appearance. The play not matching the expectations will most likely lead to Kubiak's dismissal...and may land back in Denver.

Miami:
Bill Parcells will no longer be getting the groceries. He picked Tony SpaNew York Giants:rano as the head guy after they coached together in Dallas. After a bounceback season in 2008 to sport a 11-5 record after being 1-15 the previous season, expectations returned to the once proud franchise. The last two seasons have not been so special.

As is almost always the case, QB issues have stunted the Fins in 2010. Chad Henne, then Chad Pennington, then back to Henne, then Tyler Thigpen? And Henne, although showing signs of growth, has not looked as comfortable as he did last season. Despite all the perceived madness, the Dolphins are 14th in passing the ball

We know the Dolphins are predicated on the run. They average just a tick under 107 yards per game. A far cry from last season as the Fins are...get ready for this...20th in rushing.

Offense is Sparano's strong suit, but the defense hasn't been able to stop anyone. A 30th ranking will usually result in a new coordinator. In this case, it could be the end of the three year for Sparano.

New York Giants:
I know some have mentioned Tom Coughlin in danger for the New York Giants, but I think if they let Coughlin go, it would be a mistake. If they do release him, one of the other teams mentioned here would be more than happy to talk to him. But I;m never surprised what happens with New York and its sports teams.

As far as the team currently with an interim head coach...

Minnesota:
I believe Leslie Frazier deserves a chance to say on with Minnesota. No more drama as Favre could be gone. No more drama as Frazier won't hang his players with the media. Frazier is as solis a person as any coach could be.

Dallas:
Like Frazier in Minny, I see Jason Garrett sticking in Dallas. The guys have showm more fight since Garrett has taken control. He's Jerry's guy anyway.

Denver and San Francisco:
Both will look outside their organizations. As I stated earlier, Kubiak could go back to Denver. Don't be shocked if Brain Billick returns to coaching and takes over the 49ers. His name has already been bantered about.

Carolina:
The Panthers will not go for Bill Cowher unless Cowher lowers the money part. The Panthers took a defensive coordinator and turned John Fox into one of the most respected coaches in all the NFL. Fox will not be unemployed for long either.

Speaking of Cowher, all three of the teams he mentioned (according to a source) may have openings. Houston, Miami and the Giants. A bidding war would ensue. Stay posted on this!

As I see it, at least four coaches could be shown the door on Monday.