NFL Predictions: Coaches on the Hot Seat Before the 2012 Season Starts

The 2012 NFL season hasn't started yet, but there will be some coaches who start the new NFL year with a little heat under their seat.

We all saw how things played out in Jacksonville, Kansas City and Miami during the year, and how things finally came to an end in Indianapolis.

Will the same kind of pressures and mixed results lead to a new tenure in major NFL cities? Will there be mid-season firings and surprise endings to careers of long-time NFL coaches?

There is only one way to find out. We will need to see how 2012 plays out, but here are a list of some candidates to either receive a pink slip during the season or immediately after it:

Pat Shurmur, Cleveland Browns

Could Cleveland really be a team on the rise? For Shurmur's sake, the Browns better be great next season.

After a 4-12 season, team president Mike Holmgren said Shurmur, who completed his first season as a head coach, was coming back.

But Holmgren will be watching closely.

The defense played above itself most of the season, but the offense has major question marks, which means Shurmur needs to win.

Rex Ryan, New York Jets

Let me be the first to say next season may be the last for Rex in New York.

He took the Jets to two straight AFC Championship games, but he has nothing to show for it, He lost his offensive coordinator (Brian Schottenheimer) and hired an unpopular replacement (Tony Sparano).

And his quarterback, Mark Sanchez needs to take another step forward, not another step back in progression.

And then there is Santonio Holmes... It must be fun to coach in the Big Apple.

John Fox, Denver Broncos

Here is my take on Fox: He is a good coach, knows a thing or two about defense and had a quarterback save his bacon this year.

And that unconventional quarterback, even with his come-from-behind heroics and his cult-like following, may not be able to save his bacon if this team is not successful next season.

Both quarterback and coach could be headed out of town if the Broncos regress.

Chan Gailey, Buffalo Bills

There are pieces to this team's puzzle that make you think they could be a great team sooner rather than later.

But Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the answer.

They have a pretty good running game with C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson and average receivers. But they still need help, and again, Fitzpatrick is not the answer.

What happens if the team does not improve? Then Gailey's blueprint will be given to someone else.

Lovie Smith, Chicago Bears

In the offseason, the Bears shook up their front office. If Lovie Smith cannot get this team back to the playoffs in 2012, does the team shake up the coaching staff?

Smith was strapped with problems during the season at running back, quarterback and receiver. All three positions will be under the microscope this season.

If all three are improved, then Smith can do what he does best. If not, then maybe Smith feels the heat.

Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Vikings

I think in the next five seasons, this will be one of the better teams in the NFL.

Does Vikings brass have five seasons to wait?

With Christian Ponder, Percy Harvin and Adrian Peterson, the pieces are there to build around. On defense, it starts with Jared Allen.

One more season to improve, or it could be goodbye for Frazier.

Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins

He knows he comes into this season needing the offense to play better and avoid injuries. He needs a big-time passer and some complimentary receivers who can find the end zone.

Shanahan and his son Kyle are both on a short leash, and team owner Daniel Snyder needs to see improvement early and often.

The defense is set and great with young players who give their all. The offense needs to take notice and perform on that same level.

Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys

I thought for sure that when Dallas missed the playoffs, Garrett's head would roll.

Remember, he is a timeout called and a missed field goal away from being in the playoffs, and who knows.

Garrett is a good developer of talent on offense, but is he good enough to maintain an entire team?

Remember also, the team that beat him in the final game of the season, the Giants, won the Super Bowl. This cannot sit well with Jerry Jones.

Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles

He kept his job because his team finished strong. But another season like 2011 for Reid, who had the best talent in the NFL and could not get them to mold into a playoff contender, and it may be out the door.

Even the fans, who have supported Reid while in Philly, were calling for his head.

Reid must get a super season from Michael Vick and tremendous effort from the defense to keep his job again.

Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers

It seems every season, Turner's head is on the chopping block. This past season is no different.

An 8-8 record and the second-highest scoring team in the AFC was not enough to get the Bolts in the playoffs. And there was speculation that not only Turner but general manager AJ Smith was on the chopping block.

Both are back for another season, but this, again, may be the last for both of them in sunny California.