Rex Ryan and Polarizing Coaches Who Won't Survive Mediocre 2012 Campaigns

Rex Ryan's job is far from safe. 

The highly-recognizable head coach of the New York Jets experienced a fall from grace last season when his club failed miserably down the stretch and missed the postseason. 

The NFL is a "win-now" league—all coaches are on an extremely short leash. You're a hero one day and the goat the next. 

Let's look at Ryan and three other coaches who won't likely survive another mediocre year in 2012. 

Rex Ryan

Rex Ryan was the darling of the Big Apple when his upstart New York Jets team advanced to consecutive AFC title games with a vaunted defense and a GQ quarterback. 

Ryan's exuberance and fiery demeanor on the sidelines made him the coach every guy wanted to play for. 

After last season's utter disaster with an 8-5 Jets team that lost the last three games amidst locker room arguments and missed the playoffs, the 2012 campaign may be make or break for Ryan. 

The pressure in New York is unceasing, and the media is unrelenting. He needs to get more out of Mark Sanchez. He needs to find a way to carefully implement Tim Tebow into the offense. His defense has to improve. He must get control of the locker room. 

Ryan set the bar so high in his first two seasons that another collapse or discouraging season could potentially lead to a firing that actually wouldn't be surprising at all. 

Pete Carroll

Pete Carroll was the jubilant coach from the ridiculously successful collegiate program at USC that was hired to return the Seattle Seahawks to prominence in 2010.

After two consecutive years of mediocre 7-9 football, Carroll could be on his last leg in the Pacific Northwest.

He's got the quarterback (or quarterbacks) he wants in Matt Flynn and Russell Wilson, and Marshawn Lynch was re-signed this offseason. Not to mention he's had three drafts to fill out his roster with skilled players that will yield victories. 

If the Seahawks flounder in 2012 and fail to make the postseason or show discernible progress, Carroll will be looking for a job next January. 

Ken Whisenhunt

Whisenhunt was dubbed an offensive mastermind when he led Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald and Anquan Boldin to the Super Bowl in 2009. 

The last few years have proven how vital Warner and Boldin really were. 

Since their magical run to the NFL's grandest stage, Arizona's stumbled to stay relevant in its own division, much less the NFC or the rest of the league. 

They made the playoffs the following season but have endured a 5-11 and 8-8 season since. 

He signed off on the decision to sign a relatively unproven Kevin Kolb in the 2011 offseason, a move that bombed last season. 

The team drafted Michael Floyd in the first round of this year's draft, a big-bodied wideout who should serve as a fine complement to Fitzgerald. 

Another poor showing in 2012, and Whisenhunt, who'd be four full years removed from the Super Bowl, could be shown the door by the Arizona front office. 

Andy Reid

As if last year wasn't a big enough disaster, Andy Reid is unequivocally seated squarely on the hot seat this season. 

His team was thoroughly disheartening last season, having to win their last four games to finish 8-8 after being billed by many as Super Bowl favorites. 

His quarterback is signed, so is his All-Pro running back, and his "Dream Team" has a full year of experience under its collective belt. 

The NFC East will be super competitive in 2012, but the Eagles have to get back to the playoffs, or they'll be searching for a new coach.