2010 NFL: Five Head Coaches Who Have Something To Prove This Year

Every year, new coaches have to prove that they belong, old coaches have to prove that they deserve to stick around and veterans who have switched teams want to show they've still got the groove.

This year has no shortage of major coaching storylines.

Even more fun is the number of head coaches who must step up and meet expectations of fans and owners alike.

Take a look at the top five head coaches who have something to prove this year.

Josh McDaniels, Denver Broncos

Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

ENGLEWOOD, CO - AUGUST 05: Head coach Josh McDaniels of the Denver Broncos addresses the media prior to practice during training camp at Dove Valley on August 5, 2010 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The byproduct of Bill Belichick, Josh McDaniels is in his second year as the head coach of the Denver Broncos.

The pitchforks and torches were pulled out from day one for McD. This year, the heat will only intensify.

McDaniels must prove that he can control his players and his emotions.

He has to improve on a disappointing 8-8 record.

He has to show that his decisions to get rid of a number of star players will pay off.

And he has to do it all with a ton of injuries to starters and the media clamoring all over Tim Tebow.

The Broncos have to compete in a division that is one of the worst but is trying to get better. Other teams are moving along with plans.

McDaniels had better keep up.

Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

SEATTLE - AUGUST 14: Head coach Pete Carroll of the Seattle Seahawks watches play during the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Qwest Field on August 14, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)

Pete Carroll has a fresh start in Seattle.

He's going to have to earn it.

After having previous stints coaching at the professional level and then moving to college coaching, Carroll is back to prove he belongs with the big dogs again.

The Seahawks are a team searching for an identity, with quarterback Matt Hasselbeck getting older. Charlie Whitehurst is in the stables being groomed. The defense is capable but far from elite.

Carroll has to be the rallying point. He has the advantage of coming in to a weak division. His primary competition will be the stampeding 49ers.

The players seem invested in their new head coach. Let's just see if that faith is rewarded.

Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

J. Meric/Getty Images

TAMPA - JULY 31: Head coach Raheem Morris of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers signs some autographs during training camp at One Buccaneer Place on July 31, 2010 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by J. Meric/Getty Images)

Like McDaniels, Raheem Morris is a young sophomore coach.

However, he has the troublesome task of rebuilding a franchise that had completely collapsed. Bucs fans will have their eyes on Morris and his ability to bring back some of the glory they tasted roughly a decade ago.

This will be his chance to showcase his strong draft picks and a revamped passing attack.

Excitement breeds expectations, which sets up the potential for disappointment.

This year will require wins, not just a general sense of progress, for Morris to show that he is doing the right thing for Tampa.

Bill Belichick, New England Patriots

Jim Rogash/Getty Images

FOXBORO, MA - AUGUST 12: Brandon McGowan # 30 and Coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots talk during the preseason game against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium on August 12, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty I

The mastermind of the Patriots, Bill Belichick's job is certainly safer than most these days.

However, the edge seems to be slipping.

His team is still a force to be reckoned with but it had been getting old. Now Belichick has to show that he has an eye for talent to keep the momentum going.

The youth influx is clearly a step in the right direction and some moves are certainly paying off. However, when you reach perfection, you are expected to keep achieving those results.

Unfortunately, Belichick's choices are now more scrutinized than ever. His wisdom came into question last season when a critical decision to go for it on fourth down against the Indianapolis Colts arguably cost his team the game.

That compiled with all the controversy surrounding previous scandals add up to a coach who has to prove he can still keep his team going in a division that is raising the bar in terms of competition.

Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins

Win McNamee/Getty Images

ASHBURN, VA - JULY 30: Head coach Mike Shanahan of the Washington Redskins arrives for the second day of training camp July 30, 2010 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

The move to bring in Mike Shanahan was one of the few strokes of genius ever had by Redskins owner Daniel Snyder.

Now Shanny has to prove him correct in the decision.

Shanahan has changed the defense to a 3-4 formation, brought in Donovan McNabb while shipping off Jason Campbell and engaged in an ego battle with defensive linesman Albert Haynesworth.

The consistent drama in Washington has all eyes on the veteran coach who once masterminded his way to two consecutive Super Bowl wins with the Denver Broncos.

Washington is expected to improve right away and move up the ladder of their division. A division title may not be necessary, but a sudden movement to second place would be the best way for Shanahan to put his stamp on the organization.