2010 NFL Season: 10 Coaches That Should Be Fired

As we approach the end of the NFL season, there is no doubt that it’s the end of the line for many coaches. Sometimes it’s just necessary to part company with a coach. Sometimes they lose their team (Brad Childress), other times they just fall short (Wade Phillips), and other times they weren’t ready for the job (Mike Singletary).

This year, there are a number of coaches who could use the boot for a variety of reasons. It’s not that all these coaches will go, but it’s just evident that for one reason or another, it’s not going to work out. So here are the 10 NFL head coaches that should be fired this offseason. 

10. Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears

Why He Should Get The Boot:

Lovie is going to get a lot of credit for the turnaround the Bears have had this year. The additions of Harris and Peppers to the defense were GM Jerry Angelo’s call. The in-game adjustments the Bears have been making are thanks to Mike Martz. The decision to move Devin Hester back to the KR and PR position was Hester’s. And the Bears record is very much due to a soft schedule.

Smith fired Ron Rivera after great seasons as defensive coordinator, and hired Bob Babich as their defensive coordinator even though he wasn’t qualified. After his refusal to ditch the Cover 2, the last two seasons proved to be the downfall of the defense. Smith has proven himself to be an adequate head coach, but the Bears have limited potential with Smith at the helm. 

Will He?

No. Its likely Smith will get an extension, especially if he wins a playoff game. Expect Smith to have at least one more season. 

9. Jeff Fisher, Tennessee Titans

Why He Should Get The Boot:

Jeff Fisher has had a long and storied career as the Titans head coach, but all good things must come to an end. After two very disappointing season, not to mention countless public battles with your quarterback, Fisher should be looking for a place that needs a strong coach to get over the hump. The Titans should be looking to get a head coach that doesn’t have the baggage that organizational favorite, Vince Young, has had with Fisher.

Will He?

Yes. Expect Fisher to be looking for a new job this offseason. 

8. Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers

Why He Should Get The Boot:

The fear, and probably the reality, is that Norv is always the bridesmaid and never the bride. He can get the Chargers to the post-season, but he can’t get them to the promised land. His career record in the playoffs is 4-4. Let’s also take into account that he continues to lead the Chargers to struggle in the beginning of every season, then forcing them to have to play perfect in the last six weeks. This seems to be the first season it’s not working out for him. With Norv, they will always be able to compete, but they can’t win a ring.

Will He?

Tough call, but let’s say no. This is the first year he hasn’t made the playoffs since 2005. They’ll give him one more year, but if he misses again….

7. Tom Coughlin, New York Giants

Why He Should Get The Boot:

Because it’s time. If you remember, Coughlin was on the hot seat in 2007. He ended up winning a ring and getting himself an extension, but the Super Bowl grace period is over. Coughlin’s teams seem to find a way to shoot themselves in the foot these days.  Two years ago, they were the one seed and they got booted in the first round. Last year, they didn’t make the playoffs, and they are in danger of blowing the playoff chances they had again. Even if they get in, it’s time to make a change.

Will He?

Yes. Unless Coughlin gets into the playoffs and wins a game or two, he’ll be gone. Bill Cowher is looming in the shadows and the Giants know it. 

6. Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars

Why He Should Get The Boot:

He’s reached his peak in Jacksonville. This isn’t a question of Del Rio being a bad coach. He’s not. It’s a question of whether or not Jacksonville can take the next step with Del Rio as the head coach.  It’s not likely. He’s made the playoffs twice in the last 8 years, and they just can’t seem to take a run at the Colts. The Jaguars need a shakeup and it’s got to start with Del Rio.

Will He?

Undecided. Let’s lean towards no. However, if they think someone they like out there would be willing to take the job they’ll give Jack his walking papers. 

5. Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins

Why He Should Get The Boot:

Because it will never work. Look, Shanahan has two Super Bowls, but don’t discount the importance of a Hall of Fame QB like John Elway. Since Elway retired, Shanny has gone 1-4 in the playoffs and his appearances have been sporadic at best. He hasn’t been to the playoffs since 2005, and hasn’t had a winning record since 2006.

He’s stubborn. He refused to fire his defensive coordinator, leading to his dismissal in Denver. He played hardball with Albert Haynesworth and he’s gone, and he’s in danger of losing Donovan McNabb too. There’s something to be said about controlling a team; there’s something else to be said about destroying it.

Will He?

No. He won’t go anywhere. Too much money and too much faith in Shanny to boot him after one year. His rings will be enough to give him a few years, but it’s never going to work unless Shanahan learns to make adjustments, and not get in his own way. 

4. Tony Sparano, Miami Dolphins

Why He Should Get The Boot:

The Wildcat is dead and so is his career. Tony Sparano has had the same kind of tenure that Kubiak has had. He seemed to have the Dolphins on the doorstep of being a true competitor, but all he’s done is flounder. Now that the league has caught on to the Wildcat, they seem to be struggling. If you are a Dolphins fan, you have to ask yourself if he’s the guy who can take you to the next step? He’s not and it’s time for them to look elsewhere.

Will He?

Probably not. He’ll stick around because he’s had a string of QB injuries. It hasn’t been bad enough that they have to fire him. Look for a shakeup in the coaching staff first. 

3.John Fox, Carolina Panthers

Why He Should Get The Boot:

Because it’s time. In his nine seasons as head coach, he’s had a winning record just three times and he’s been to the playoffs three times.  He has been to the playoffs once in the last five years and he’s sporting the league’s worst record. With high profile coaches out on the market like Jon Gruden and Cowher, Fox should be given his walking papers.

Will He?

Yes. He’s a goner. The Panthers know with Andrew Luck as the first pick they will be able to have their pick of coaches. Expect them to land a big fish who they feel can develop the Stanford QB.

2. Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans

Why He Should Get The Boot:

In Kubiak’s tenure with the Texans, he’s an underwhelming 36-42. Every year we hear about how the Texans are ready to take it to the next level. Every year the Texans fall short. Matt Schaub may not be Peyton Manning, but he’s good enough to get to the playoffs. Something has to give because Texas has too much talented personnel to waste it going .500 or worse every season.

Will He?

Yes. You could believe that if they haven’t fired him by now, that they might stick with him another year. However, if they are committed to winning with the cast they have now, something has to change and the coach might be the guy that has to go. 

1. Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati Bengals

Why He Should Get The Boot:

Because he has been terrible for years, and yet somehow keeps his job. Since taking the job in 2003, Lewis has two, yes two, winning seasons. He’s never won a playoff game, and his team gets more headlines for their off the field antics then their on the field play. Lewis gives Cincinnati no reason for hope. He’s worn out his welcome and it’s time for him to go.

Will He?

Yes. This will be the year that the Bengals decide they have to go in a different direction. The only other play they have is to say goodbye to Carson Palmer. It’s likely this is Lewis’ farewell in Cincy.