NFL Draft 2012: 6 Coaches and GMs That Need This Draft to Keep Their Jobs

The most successful teams are typically built through the draft, an arena where organizations build depth and find franchise players. However, the draft could also directly result in the dismissal of both a general manager or head coach.

There's a handful of executives and coaches who need a successful draft to remain on solid footing with their employer. The list isn't as large as you would expect thanks to the recent changes within organizations like the Indianapolis Colts, Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, St. Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers.

However, count on at least a couple of them making a change because of the decisions made on draft day.

Miami Dolphins

Coach: Joe Philbin

GM: Jeff Ireland

Joe Philbin's job status is pretty safe at this point, as he was just hired this offseason. This doesn't automatically ensure he keeps his job, but the fact he's seen as an up-and-coming coach might. Philbin's work with the Green Bay Packers showed he knows how to orchestrate an offense. Struggling this season won't change that fact.

However, Jeff Ireland's job status is a completely different story. It's safe to say he's squarely on the hot seat after failing to properly address the quarterback position. The Miami Dolphins' fanbase has turned on their GM, wanting nothing more than to see him lose his job.

Ireland doesn't need to draft a quarterback early to save his job, but does need to add multiple impact players. The last thing he needs is to make a desperation move just to fill the fanbase's quarterback lust. Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill isn't the answer, and moving up or drafting him at No. 8 could cost Ireland his job.

Arizona Cardinals

Coach: Ken Whisenhunt

GM: Rod Graves

Things have not been pretty in Arizona since the retirement of Kurt Warner, as the Cardinals have failed to land an elite quarterback since his departure. 

The two magical years with Kurt Warner were the franchises only winning seasons of the 2000s. Plucking those years out of the middle, I don't see how either Whisenhunt or Graves have a job. The recent draft and roster moves should have both squarely on the hot seat.

Less-than-impressive first-round selections like Matt Leinart, Levi Brown, Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Beanie Wells and Dan Williams put the franchise in a tough position. They still don't have a long-term answer at quarterback, left tackle or nose tackle.

Wells' struggles with injuries forced the Cardinals to select Ryan Williams in the second round last year, who then suffered a major knee injury. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie was dealt to acquire Kevin Kolb in an attempt to solve the quarterback problems, yet another move that hasn't panned out.

Coming out of this draft without a few solid starters could spell the end for both Graves and Whisenhunt.

Philadelphia Eagles

Coach: Andy Reid

GM: Howie Roseman

The Andy Reid debate is a real hot-button topic amongst the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase. They appreciate the winning seasons, but his inability to win a Super Bowl has stirred up ill will. Fans don't determine Reid's job status, but could be one of the factors pushing Reid out the door.

Reid's draft success isn't the problem, it's his lack of Super Bowl victories. He needs to use this upcoming draft to bring in a major difference-maker.

The best strategy might be to evaluate the roster and address the biggest need. Building towards the future with a best-player-available approach won't help keep Reid employed.

Howie Roseman is one of Andy Reid's guys but his future isn't tied to Reid. Actually, it's more likely that Roseman remains if Reid is let go. This keeps someone around with the same eye for talent that Reid used to build this team.

New York Jets

Coach: Rex Ryan

GM: Mike Tannenbaum

An easy way for a coach or GM to lose their job is by generating negative buzz and failing to meet expectations. Rex Ryan does a great job placing high expectations on the New York Jets, but to his point has failed to meet those goals. Issues with Mark Sanchez and a disgruntled Santonio Holmes only increase the temperature of the hot seat.  

GM Mike Tannenbaum also needs to worry about the status of his job. The aggressive move to add Mark Sanchez was spearheaded by Tannenbaum. Sanchez's inability to develop continues to stir up mixed emotions about both that acquisition and his subsequent contract extension. 

Giving Holmes a massive extension is receiving an equal amount of negative attention. Many point to his exit from the Pittsburgh Steelers as a reason why the Jets should have avoided offering such a lucrative deal. Another season filled with distractions by Holmes could really derail the team's Super Bowl hopes.

New York must add a few significant pieces via the draft. The Jets need to bring in someone to compete at right tackle and backup running back. Failing to fill these holes will only contribute to the mounting pressure on both Ryan and Tannenbaum.

Atlanta Falcons

Coach: Mike Smith

GM: Thomas Dimitroff

This might be one of the more controversial additions to this list. The Atlanta Falcons have enjoyed a lot of recent success thanks to the work done by GM Thomas Dimitroff and coach Mike Smith. However, winning tends to raise expectations.

Despite a ton of regular-season success, the Falcons have really struggled in the postseason. No recent loss stung more than the blowout against the Green Bay Packers in the 2010 playoffs. This league is about winning championships, not regular-season success.

The postseason struggles may be the catalyst behind the aggressive move to land Julio Jones. This move received a ton of criticism as it cost Atlanta a total of five picks, including two first-rounders. Jones played well last season, but this team will really miss those five picks.

Adding Ray Edwards and Dunta Robinson via free agency also didn't pan out as expected. Both players are underperforming and carry a large hit against the cap, limiting Atlanta's ability to make upgrades this offseason.

To date, the Falcons have made no free-agent upgrades while watching Curtis Lofton and Eric Weems depart. This combined with the loss of two 2012 draft picks could heat the seat in Atlanta.

Washington Redskins

Coach: Mike Shanahan

GM: Bruce Allen

The Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen era was suppose to bring stability to the Washington Redskins franchise. Instead, it brought more of the same flashy offseason moves and limited wins on the field. The Albert Haynesworth saga gave the franchise a black eye, but let's not forget about the Donovan McNabb debacle.

Washington paid a step price to acquire the washed-up McNabb, allowing the Philadelphia Eagles to make them look like fools. If that wasn't enough, they then decided to move forward with Rex Grossman and John Beck at quarterback. Of course, these were both failed experiments. 

This year's draft is a make-or-break scenario, as they mortgaged the franchise's future to move up and potentially land Baylor's Robert Griffin III. If RG3 fails to make an immediate impact, owner Dan Snyder could send both Shanahan and Allen packing.