2011 NFL Predictions: 4 Coaches Who Will Cool Their Hot Seats in 2011

Every NFL season, there are a handful of coaches who are on thin ice with their respective organizations. Whether they haven't won enough regular season games or can't get past the obstacles the postseason provides, their jobs are on the line. 

Obviously, these coaches' contracts aren't eliminated just yet. 

In fact, these coaches have a chance to prove they're worthy of retaining their position as head coach of their team. Whether the coach surprises the organization by helping his team to a .500-season for the first time since 2002 or he leads his team deep into the playoffs, their jobs can be saved (except if you're Tom Cable from 2010).

Regardless, there are certain things coaches can do to keep their jobs (unless you're Marvin Lewis and can let the team burn to hell and gain reassurance from your front office).

Here are four coaches who will save their jobs in the 2011 NFL season. 

Carlos Sandoval is founder of NFL blog and podcast, the Pigeon Toe. Please, follow the Toe on Twitter: @ThePigeonToeNFL.

Miami Dolphins: Tony Sparano

Tony Sparano became the head coach of the Miami Dolphins in 2008, and led the team to a surprising 11-5 record while the Dolphins made the playoffs for the first time since 2001. Since then, though, the Dolphins failed to obtain a .500 record or better, finishing 7-9 in both 2009 and 2010 seasons.

Of course, Sparano was the fall guy for both, as the team largely stood the same.

However, it's pretty unfair to put the whole thing on Sparano; Chad Henne was limited offensively by then-offensive coordinator Dan Henning, while his development as a quarterback was hindered by injuries and lack of poise.

So when Dolphins' GM Jeff Ireland and owner Stephen Ross wanted to ditch Sparano in favor of Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh, everyone figured Sparano would be fired regardless if Harbaugh would take Miami as his new home.

Instead, Harbaugh chose the San Francisco 49ers, and the Dolphins stuck with Sparano.

Of course, Sparano's job isn't guaranteed. However, the talent the team currently has in place is primed for a playoff run.

I'm sorry, but the Dolphins did more than just pick up Reggie Bush to solve their issues at running back.

No, because they managed to address every legit offensive need in the draft and sign a few jobbers when the lockout ended. And before that, the team already had a decent offensive line to go along with one of the best defenses in the league. They missed depth and talent at skill positions, and with the acquisition of Bush, rookie Daniel Thomas, speedy wide-out Edmund Gates and beefy center Mike Pouncey, Sparano should see his team do relatively well and keep his job.    

Jacksonville Jaguars: Jack Del Rio

Remarkably, Jack Del Rio has been head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for eight years. 

That's because his teams haven't done much under his tenure as head coach; the Jags have only been to the playoffs twice and have had winning seasons three times, and the last time the team played more than 16 games was way back in 2007.

This year, though, the Jaguars are a bit more promising and there's more leniency for Del Rio—the team is basically rebuilding with Blaine Gabbert as their new quarterback, while Jones-Drew is getting up there in age. They're headed in a new direction, and if Del Rio can get this team to almost .500, he'll keep his job.

That said, it shouldn't be difficult to get there—despite the fact that the Jags have one of the toughest schedules in the league—they play the AFC North. May God have mercy on their souls—they have a team capable of keeping up with their own division rivals in addition to the lower-end teams they get to play from the NFC South and AFC North.

Del Rio's been on the hot seat for two years now, but this season may be the easiest way for him to get off of it. 

Minnesota Vikings: Leslie Frazier

Leslie Frazier became the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings last year, when the season had gone to waste and Brett Favre had one of his worst seasons as a pro. 

Of course, Frazier will be in his first year as the legit lead-dawg in Minnesota; however, the team that was a field goal away from the Super Bowl in 2009 is essentially the same team the Vikes have now, minus Brett Favre, plus Donovan McNabb. If Frazier bombs it this season, he might not be in Minny the next.. 

McNabb is a seasoned veteran who has no problem listening to his coaches; Frazier should appreciate that, and that could lead to a very harmonious relationship between the two. 

Jared Allen and Chad Greenway are still anchoring the Vikings' defense, Adrian Peterson is still the best running back in the entire league, and Percy Harvin, Bernard Berrian and Visanthe Shancoe are all viable options at receiver/tight end. McNabb has never had this much talent around him, and his presence alone could keep Leslie Frazier at ease for most of the season. 

San Diego Chargers: Norv Turner

The San Diego Chargers are a prime example of what underachievers look like in the NFL. Despite having one of the most consistently talented group of players in the NFL, they have managed to bow out early in the playoffs or miss them entirely.

You put that on Norv Turner.

There really is no other legit fall guy for that, but because Turner realizes his tenure as head coach of the Chargers is now in danger, he's going to have to preach discipline more than he ever has in his entire career.

And that's all the Chargers have needed for years; they've had one of the best offenses in the NFL since Philip Rivers took over as starter. But slow starts and don't-worry-we'll-make-the-playoffs-and-win-a-game-or-two attitudes continuously damn the Chargers' season. 

All Turner needs to do is implement more discipline and the Chargers have a legit shot at getting a ticket to the Super Bowl. They can lose it, for all Dean Spanos cares, but Turner's job will be saved.