NFL Hot Seat Update: Gauging Every Head Coach After Week 11

When you consider the average tenure of the NFL's 32 head coaches is only about 3.25 years, it's clear that things change fast in this league. That is why this "Hot Seat" slideshow needs to be updated every week.

Here's a temperature reading—now bottoming out with On Fire and progressing to Hot, Warm, Room Temperature, Cool, Cozy and, finally, Get This Man an Extension.

Every coach will fall somewhere on this spectrum unless, of course, he happens to be terminated.

Nearly one-third of the league's coaches received updates to their hot-seat status this week. Find out if your favorite team's coach is safe after Week 11.

Chan Gailey

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: Hot

The Bills remain one of the league's most underachieving teams, which is never a good description for the head coach. Thursday's win over the Dolphins was huge for Chan Gailey, his job security and the morale of the team heading into the final stretch of the season.

Despite some embarrassing performances, Buffalo is 4-6 and very much alive in the playoff race.

Fans and ownership likely won't tolerate any more blowouts, considering the higher-than-normal expectations heading into the 2012 season.

It doesn’t appear likely that Gailey will escape the hot seat from here on out, but miracles do happen. In this case, that would have to be a significant win streak.

Jason Garrett

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: On Fire

How can a team with so much talent struggle so consistently? Well, a simple answer seems to have eluded head coach Jason Garrett. But some blame must also be attributed to a banged-up offensive line and backfield.

On a positive note, Dallas has managed to achieve back-to-back wins for the first time this season after Sunday's overtime victory over the Cleveland Browns.

Still, Garrett remains On Fire—regardless what Cowboys owner Jerry Jones says in his interviews. Garrett seems to be lacking certain leadership qualities, and he doesn’t appear suited to either manage or control his highly paid and temperamental athletes.

Jones has made it clear what the expectations are for the Cowboys this season. At the moment, Garrett is the skipper of a sinking ship, and Jones will need to find someone to blame. Considering he won't fire himself, that leaves Garrett as the most likely scapegoat.

Garrett does shoulder a great deal of responsibility for the poor play in Big D, and he may not make it to the end of the season. Perhaps it's time to leave the head-coaching duties to a guy who can stand up to Jones.

Joe Philbin

Last Week: Room Temperature

After Week 11: Room Temperature

Even though the Dolphins have now dropped three games in a row, it's hard not to admire the job Philbin has done to revive a doormat franchise long in search of a spark.

Well, Philbin has given that spark, along with new hope for Dolphins fans. Despite this lull in production, the Dolphins appear to be heading in the right direction.

Now 4-6, patience may not be a luxury Philbin can afford when you consider the tension that has been built since Bill Parcells took a less active role as a consultant and general manager Jeff Ireland assumed full command in September 2010.

Tom Coughlin

Last Week: Cool

After Week 11: Cool

We will see after Week 12 whether Tom Coughlin has plugged some holes over the bye week that can help the Giants stop a two-game skid that has some fans and media starting to worry.

The recent losses may not be as alarming as some may think. The Giants have a history of surviving regular-season slumps. This should still be a dangerous group in the postseason. After all, the Giants are the defending Super Bowl champions.

With that said, back-to-back losses do speak to the reasons for Coughlin's relatively humble job status, which I know many of you might be wondering about.

How can Coughlin win two Super Bowls in the last five years and not be Cozy by now? Well, given his age (66) and questionable history with player relations, he will need another deep march into the playoffs for that status to be warranted.

If the losses begin to mount, not having the team's higher-profile players backing you up to the media or the front office can lead to a quick departure.

The recent trend seems to favor younger head coaches. Coughlin also has the added pressure of the New York media spotlight. When that glaring light is shining on a 55.6 winning percentage as the Giants head coach, that could be a cause for concern.

To put things in perspective, Andy Reid has won 60 percent of his games as the head coach of the Eagles, yet he is on the verge of being sent packing.

Bill Belichick

Last Week: Get This Man an Extension

After Week 11: Get This Man an Extension

The Patriots made short work of the impressive Indianapolis Colts on Sunday. But winning or losing in any particular week will have no significant bearing on this man's job security.

No coach in the NFL has more job security than Bill Belichick.

He likely will coach the Patriots for as long as he wishes. The man we often see tucked away in his hoodie on the sidelines has complete control over the football operations in New England, and he sets the bar for all other active coaches in the NFL.

Belichick is one of the most successful and influential football minds in the history of the league and likely is the league's most coveted individual—player or coach.

He could go for it on every single fourth down while wearing a dress and smoking a Cutler-brand cigarette on the sideline, and he still wouldn't get fired.

I think it's safe to say he'll be around for a while.

Andy Reid

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: On Fire

Andy Reid must overcome almost insurmountable odds to save his job. This latest loss to the Redskins all but sealed his fate as the soon-to-be-former head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles.

As ESPN's Adam Schefter stated this week, the question has shifted from whether Reid will be fired to will he survive until the end of the season.

Reid has been the mastermind behind just about all of the key decisions, including a pass-happy offense that puts Michael Vick at risk for both injury and turnovers.

He also made the odd decision to make Juan Castillo, once his offensive line coach, the defensive coordinator, even though he had no previous NFL experience on the defensive side of the ball. That poor decision has since been rectified, but such poor decisions have taken their toll in Philly.

Rex Ryan

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: Hot

Believe it or not, the Jets season is not over just yet. The convincing win against the Rams could inject new life into a team in crisis.

The Jets are 2-3 in their last five games and still very much in the playoff hunt.

Considering the long list of significant injuries and the lack of offensive weapons, the Jets have actually been hanging in there rather respectfully, regardless of the media scrutiny.

But by no means is a 4-6 record acceptable in New York. This squad will have to remain competitive, and Mark Sanchez will have to prove that Rex Ryan's faith in him was justified.

If they make a habit of losing, it's not out of the question that owner Woody Johnson will clean house, from the GM to the quarterback.

Mike Shanahan

Last Week: Room Temperature

After Week 11: Room Temperature

The Redskins looked impressive in their 31-6 victory over the Eagles in their first game after a bye.

Mike Shanahan and the 'Skins may be a few players away from taking over the NFC East. Perhaps a week of rest can help them in their quest to reclaim the NFL dominance once synonymous with Redskin football.

With that said, this isn’t the year for that sort of dominance. But don’t expect owner Dan Snyder to ruin a good thing in Washington by starting over with a new coach.

Given the competitive nature of the team, Shanahan is almost guaranteed to return as head coach next year.

Most of the Redskins' success this season can be directly linked to the chemistry between Shanahan and rookie quarterback Robert Griffin III. The former has done a fantastic job creating an offense tailored specifically to the unique abilities of RG3.

It would take a pretty poor season to get Shanahan on the hot seat. If the Redskins are scraping the bottom of the division with some ugly losses by Week 14, though, expect him to be there.

John Harbaugh

Last Week: Cozy

After Week 11: Cozy

John Harbaugh orchestrated a hard-fought victory Sunday night over the Pittsburgh Steelers, who were without Ben Roethlisberger. But, as usual, injuries were a factor on both sidelines. This time of year is often dominated by the teams who have superior depth.

If Harbaugh can continue to find a way to win games and get into the playoffs, he should at least be considered for Coach of the Year.

He has done a great job winning the games he's supposed to win. The most encouraging thing about the Ravens' early wins was that they came without reigning Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs, who has since returned, only to replace other injured defensive stars.

After winning nearly 70 percent of his regular-season games over four years, Harbaugh’s job status is stable and will be unaffected by the outcome of any one game this season.

Lovie Smith

Last Week: Cool

After Week 11: Cool

The Bears and Lovie Smith will somehow have to put their embarrassing primetime performance behind them and look ahead to Week 12. Clearly Cutler's value to the team has been understated in the past and this game may just be one that they throw in the trash and pretend it never happened.

Chicago's offensive line troubles continued to be an issue on Monday night in a battle of backup quarterbacks. Both teams' starting QBs were out of the game after suffering concussions the week before, but only the 49ers appeared to not miss a beat.

Even the Bears' dominating defense was off balance all night.

But with all that said, Lovie Smith has done a nice job with the Bears. Prior to Monday night's loss to the 49ers, he had won 57 percent of his games (78-58) in eight-plus seasons as head coach.

But considering there's a new general manager in Chicago with a green light to clean house, there's some hesitation to advance Lovie to a Cozy status.

For the time being, Smith has done everything right and put the brakes on the panic talk after some sideline drama involving quarterback Jay Cutler was caught on prime-time television. Smith has managed to field a consistently competitive team and is not in any immediate danger.

However, should signs emerge that his locker room is out of control, that could quickly change.

Marvin Lewis

Last Week: Hot

After Week 11: Warm

Marvin Lewis and the Bengals have bounced back from a four-game losing streak, winning two straight, including a rout of the demoralized Chiefs on Sunday. 

Some speculate that Lewis' job will be in jeopardy if the Bengals take too big of a step backward from last year's playoff run.

When you consider that only Andy Reid and Bill Belichick have coached their teams longer than Lewis has coached his 73-79-1 Bengals, it may be reasonable to think that his time in Cincy is running out.

After all, Lewis has been given a lot of time to create a champion, and owner Mike Brown has given him a lot of control over personnel decisions.

Jim Schwartz

Last Week: Hot

After Week 11: Hot

With their latest loss to an NFC North foe, Green Bay, it now seems the Lions' playoff hopes are all but over. A 4-6 record doesn't eliminate them mathematically, but it does make a postseason appearance a long shot. Detroit has lost two straight and given up 10 more points than its scored.

In 57 regular-season games as the Lions head coach, Jim Schwartz has gone 22-35. Before this season, Schwartz's saving grace had been his team's ability to improve each year.

Despite making the playoffs last year, has he done enough to survive a setback season? I expect him to return in 2013, but he will return in a similar fashion as Norv Turner did in San Diego—Week 1 on the hot seat.

Pat Shurmur

Last Week: Hot

After Week 11: Hot

The Browns have won only twice, but there are positive signs, specifically on defense, indicating these guys are better than their record. The team has shown observable growth throughout the season with a rookie quarterback, running back and wide receiver.

The overtime loss to the Cowboys may sting for a while, but these guys proved to be much tougher than most anticipated.

One thing that must pan out for Pat Shurmur's regime to continue is the development of Brandon Weeden. Rookie quarterbacks who are now 29 years old are not afforded the same patience as the more common 22-year-old variety.

New ownership may not permit much time for this group to mesh if it exercises its right to clean house and bring in its own guys. Shurmur must see this season as an audition.

The main criticism of Shurmur from fans and media has been a pattern for poor play-calling and decision-making. If this continues to be the case, the only thing that can save his job will be victories.

Mike McCarthy

Last Week: Cozy

After Week 11: Cozy

Green Bay is now playing more like the team we all expected to see heading into the season. The Packers increased their win streak to five on Sunday, beating the Lions 24-20 in a back-and-forth battle that went all the way to the last drive.

Most expected the 2012 version of the Packers to be even more dangerous and complete, but the team has had disappointing results for much of the season.

Mike McCarthy is still a fantastic coach, and Aaron Rodgers is still the best quarterback in the NFL, so expect the Packers to be major players once again in the postseason. Don't expect McCarthy's seat to get Hot this year.

Mike Tomlin

Last Week: Cozy

After Week 11: Cozy

Last week, Big Ben Roethlisberger went out with a significant injury and didn't return. That could spell big trouble for the Steelers and Mike Tomlin's job security. It appears he will only miss three weeks, but that may be the difference between the playoffs and an early vacation.

Should Tomlin excel under those conditions, he would bolster the argument that he's on his way to becoming a legendary coach. Otherwise, he might fall as low as Room Temperature before season's end.

Unfortunately, without Roethlisberger, Tomlin failed to rally the offensive troops enough in Sunday night's 13-10 loss to the Ravens. Big Ben's absence was likely the difference between a win and a loss.

The path to the playoffs looks to be much more challenging than in years past for the Steelers. This could be the year they find themselves without a playoff spot, but Tomlin appears to be doing everything right by putting his team in the best position to win.

Either way, Tomlin is almost guaranteed to return as head coach.

Leslie Frazier

Last Week: Cool

After Week 11: Cool

After a week of rest and self-scouting for the Vikings in Week 11, Leslie Frazier's status remains unchanged.

Minnesota continues to prove all the doubters wrong. Frazier has rallied his team consistently this season.

Frazier has improved his hot-seat status more than any other coach this season. After the Week 2 loss to the Colts, I had Frazier on the hot seat. Then he and his team went on a winning streak, and he was moved all the way up to Cool.

The Vikings' 6-4 record is impressive considering expectations heading into the season were not very high.

Frazier may end up proving he can be the Vikings coach for the long haul. The question still remains, though: Is this team for real?

Gary Kubiak

Last Week: Get This Man an Extension

After Week 11: Get This Man an Extension

Sunday's victory over the Jaguars was a true barn-burner. Matt Schaub threw for more than 500 yards and five touchdowns. Kubiak has clearly established an elite offensive scheme and has done a fantastic job building a powerhouse.

Standing atop the AFC at 9-1, Kubiak can take pride in seeing years of hard work finally paying off over the last two seasons. Kubiak has slowly built a Super Bowl-caliber team in Houston.

Kubiak's system and coaching style have been integral to the Texans' success, so don't expect a change on the Houston sidelines in the foreseeable future.

Given the team’s consistent improvement through the years, Kubiak has bought himself a lot of leeway. His seat is extremely safe and should remain that way for quite some time.

Mike Smith

Last Week: Cozy

After Week 11: Cozy

With a bye in Week 11, Mike Smith remains Cozy after falling from the ranks of the unbeaten.

But Cozy is still a very stable status for a guy who has done nothing in the postseason. Smith is helped by the fact that he's never had a losing season in Atlanta.

In four years of calling the shots, he has won 70 percent of his games and brought a new level of consistency to the Falcons organization. Smith's job security is stable and should remain that way for the foreseeable future.

Chuck Pagano

Last Week: Room Temperature

After Week 11: Room Temperature

Chuck Pagano made a postgame locker-room appearance after Week 9's victory over the Miami Dolphins. This video has since gone viral and captures the emotional edge Indy has had throughout this season.

Teams that have something or someone to play for are known to be dangerous in this league. Plus, any head coach who inspires his players the way Pagano has should be afforded some job security.

He has been dealing with life-threatening issues far more serious than the outcome of any football game. He was diagnosed with leukemia and has been forced to take a leave of absence.

Pagano, who was/is just getting started in Indy, should remain in the Room Temperature range for the duration of his first season as head coach.

Ron Rivera

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: On Fire

Another heart-wrenching loss by the Panthers has more or less closed the book on their season. The question now remains whether Ron Rivera will be able to hold on to his job for at least another season.

The Panthers had high expectations, hoping to glide to victory on the wings of their young star quarterback. Unfortunately, the team that won six games last year is 2-8.

Rivera's biggest disappointment has been the team's performance on defense. Considering he's a defensive-minded coach, the confusion on that side of the ball is becoming disturbing.

Mike Mularkey

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: On Fire

The Jaguars are the worst team in the NFL. They've ranged from poor to terrible in every team category worth mentioning. Consequently, the head coach must assume the bulk of the responsibility.

But to be fair, Mike Mularkey is not the only reason this team is dysfunctional. This is a team with many needs both in personnel and the overall direction of the franchise.

To say the least, the Jags don't appear to be fielding a legitimate contender. If Mularkey fails to field a competitive team, he is almost guaranteed to be out of a job before season's end.

The Jaguars showed signs of life in Sunday's 43-37 loss to the Houston Texans. But more outings like the ones against the Lions and Colts the previous two weeks could make ownership's decision to move on an easy one.

Sean Payton

Last Week: Get This Man an Extension (Literally!)

After Week 11: Get This Man an Extension (Literally!)

Sean Payton appears to be keeping his options open as he waits to sign a contract extension with the Saints.

The one job he may covet is the Cowboys head coaching position. Considering his history with the franchise and that his kids go to school in Dallas, there may be enough to lure him away from the Saints.

Payton's job status now seems completely disconnected from the Saints' on-field performance. It now may lie solely in his hands as he weighs his options, taking both financial and personal concerns into consideration.

Mike Munchak

Last Week: Warm

After Week 11: Warm

A Warm seat on a November weekend is desired by most, but not for coach Mike Munchak. Since his Titans had a bye in Week 11, he will have to wait another week before he can improve upon his hot-seat status.

It seems Munchak has some ability as a coach, considering that he has fielded a competitive team almost every week despite minimal talent. However, as the season has progressed, the Titans defense has been exposed.

With a  4-6 record, Tennessee is not out of the playoff race. But, unfortunately, this season could spell the end of the Munchak regime.

Greg Schiano

Last Week: Cool

After Week 11: Cool

Greg Schiano is perhaps the most secure first-year coach, having led his Bucs on a four-game winning streak. And even in losses, the 6-4 Buccaneers have remained highly competitive. 

The Buccaneers may be one of the younger squads in the league, but they also are extremely talented, with three promising rookies in Mark Barron, Doug Martin and Lavonte David.

They also brought in high-profile free-agent wideout Vincent Jackson to be the go-to receiver.

Schiano has made his mark on this once-undisciplined team; it has one of the best turnover margins in the NFL. This improvement is one of the reasons his status has stabilized at Cool for three weeks now.

In order for him to achieve a Cozy status in Year 1, he'll likely have to win at least one playoff game.

John Fox

Last Week: Cool

After Week 11: Cool

Denver has continued to improve. John Fox and the Broncos have won six of their last seven games after a 30-23 victory Sunday over the Chargers.

With the addition of Peyton Manning, the Broncos should be one of the most dangerous AFC teams as we near the postseason. That's why expectations are extremely high in Denver.

Fox’s squad would have to implode for him to be in trouble. As of right now, his Broncos have won three straight to improve to 7-3.

Fox has the team headed in the right direction, and he could end up sitting Cozy if he finds himself in the playoffs for the second straight season.

Ken Whisenhunt

Last Week: Room Temperature

After Week 11: Warm

The Cardinals are in the midst of an abysmal six-game losing streak after dropping yet another game, this time to the Atlanta Falcons.

Ken Whisenhunt will have to find a way to compensate for his offense's glaring weakness on the offensive line. He has done his best with what's available.

However, let's not forget the role he played in creating this lackluster quarterback situation. He now has declared an open competition at quarterback, benching John Skelton in favor of rookie Ryan Lindley.

The Cardinals may have a solid defense, but they have one of the worst offenses in the NFL. Still, they started the season by beating three teams with superior personnel, and that is a sign of solid coaching. But something must be done on offense if Arizona's to have any chance at the playoffs.

I stated last week that if the Cardinals were to lose their sixth straight, Whisenhunt's job status would take a drop. So now he'll have to dig deep if he is to get back on the Cool side of things.

Jeff Fisher

Last Week: Room Temperature

After Week 11: Warm

Jeff Fisher and his Rams followed up a promising performance against the 49ers by taking a couple steps back in their embarrassing loss to the New York Jets.

The Rams are 3-6-1, which puts them near the bottom of the NFC. This was not the growth and improvement Fisher had in mind when he took over this franchise.

Luckily, the Rams have their franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford and can build around him for the next 10 years.

All indicators seem to point toward Fisher being a big part of that process, so he will be given some time to turn things around. It would take a terrible finish for Fisher to fall any lower than a Warm hot-seat status.

Romeo Crennel

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: On Fire

Another week goes by and the Chiefs suffer yet another disappointing loss. The Bengals made quick work of Kansas City on Sunday, allowing only six points.

The Chiefs lack discipline and guidance. We can clearly see the talent (minus quarterback) when they decide to play with heart and passion as they did a week ago Monday night against the Steelers. But that also led to careless penalties, ultimately costing them the game in Pittsburgh.

Things are pretty ugly in Kansas City, and Matt Cassel's absence, or presence, proves the problem is much bigger than the quarterback position.

Scott Pioli and the Chiefs organization expected immediate success this season, given the obvious talent on the roster. Unfortunately, starting the season with a 1-9 record that consists mostly of blowout losses has Crennel under a blazing hot fire.

As of right now, Romeo Crennel's seat is On Fire, and he's in immediate danger of not finishing the season. As for GM Pioli, this is likely the last head coach he will hire in Kansas City.

Jim Harbaugh

Last Week: Get This Man an Extension

After Week 11: Get This Man an Extension

Harbaugh will have to make some difficult decisions in the weeks ahead in light of the unworldly performance by backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick against the Bears on Monday Night Football.

The way he handles this burgeoning QB controversy could define his future for better or worse as the head coach of the the San Francisco 49ers moving forward. This has been a team of togetherness and unwavering trust in their head coach, but should he mishandle his delicate quarterback situation, all that he has built could come crashing down.

Only time will tell which decision will be the correct one, but no matter what Harbaugh decides to do, the 49ers have let the cat out of the bag and there is no going back to the way things used to be.

Ultimately, who will be the starting quarterback and the leader of the San Francisco 49ers moving forward?

Getting the 49ers to the NFC title game in his first year and creating a distinct identity for his team—a tough group with an old-school mentality that also dabbles in trickery and creativity—has him completely safe at the moment.

Harbaugh’s turnaround and general leadership are hard to ignore, and a great showing by the 49ers on Monday night with backup quarterback Colin Kaepernick makes his position even more comfortable, at least for now.

Dennis Allen

Last Week: Warm

After Week 11: Warm

The Raiders are 3-6 after giving up 55 points to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 10 and 38 points to the Saints on Sunday.

Regardless of their record, Dennis Allen will be judged on his ability to make the team competitive while showing improvement as the season progresses. At the moment, he's falling short on both counts.

So far this season, it's been hit or miss for Oakland. Ignoring their performance the last two weeks, it's hard to ignore the level of success the Raiders have had despite glaring holes in personnel and talent.

Allen deserves credit for taking over a team with a recent history of low expectations, and he may be the right guy to change the decaying culture of Raider Nation.

Ultimately, though, the proof will be in their performance, and lately, they've looked rather shameful. If Allen's team continues to get blown out like it did Sunday, expect to see his seat get even warmer.

Pete Carroll

Last Week: Cool

After Week 11: Cool

The Seahawks are 6-4 and in prime position to make a run at the playoffs. This week, however, they have to focus on coming out strong after their bye.

Pete Carroll is trying to prove he's more than willing to do what it takes to get them to the promise land. So far, he has shown a knack for acquiring talent (not to say he is without some misses).

But what's important is that his mistakes are quickly rectified, and his hits in personnel are starting to add up. Third-round steal Russell Wilson now appears to be the long-term solution at quarterback.

Carroll has also built perhaps the league's most feared secondary. But there doesn't seem to be enough weapons offensively to truly compete with the big boys. The Seahawks can, however, stay competitive in any game.

Carroll has had enough success to warrant a Cool status—for now.

Norv Turner

Last Week: On Fire

After Week 11: On Fire 

Norv Turner's job is all but lost, which is why he has the most severe of all available job statuses. He would have had this status in Week 1, but it wasn't available until Week 8.

The only way he can keep his job is if he gets San Diego to the AFC Championship Game. Anything less, and it’s "Adios, Mr. Turner." But if the Chargers can win enough games, there is a good chance his seat could cool down.

As of right now, the seat doesn’t get hotter for a head coach sitting at 4-6. The Chargers failed to turn things around in a pivotal divisional matchup Sunday against Peyton Manning and the Broncos.

Turner has nearly worn out his welcome in San Diego, and he was only retained after last season because of desperate pleas by Philip Rivers, who lobbied heavily to give the coach one last chance.

The organization has completely lost its patience and is all but set for a complete overhaul from the top down. This means that even if the Chargers make the playoffs, Turner's status will likely be On Fire heading into that game.

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