Jack Del Rio and 7 NFL Coaches on the Hot Seat

The tiny sands in the hourglass are getting thinner and thinner for some NFL head coaches.

There are at least three head coaches who already figure to have their bags packed or plans to have their homes on the market, maybe as early as the midpoint of this NFL season.

For some others, it is a matter of time and an opportunity to attempt to revive a sinking ship. But in all cases, there is some writing on the wall or whispers about their departure that would have NFL fans and the media already guessing who their replacements might be.

In any event, these coaches, for a myriad of reasons, could have a pink slip coming their way this season, or if things do not turn around, in the near future.

8. Andy Reid

All those free agent signings and a team that was already talented have left people in the Keystone State wonder what is going on in Philly.

Andy Reid is as much of the sports culture in this town as anyone, and playing at such a high level as the Eagles have over the last decade, the fans and the team expect to compete for the playoffs and a championship every year.

It doesn't look like it will happen this year.

Reid is on the hot seat because money was spent, the offense moves the ball and the defense cannot keep a lead.

Because the team is losing like it is, Reid could possibly be made the scapegoat.

Oh, it's Philadelphia. And with the playoff collapse of the Phillies, this becomes one more thing for the city to be angry about.

7. Leslie Frazier

The Vikings got their first win of the season last week.

Adrian Peterson is playing well.

The defense, led by Jared Allen, is playing better.

The quarterback situation still needs to be addressed.

Obviously, Donovan McNabb is not the answer, and it is only a matter of time before the team decides to give rookie Christian Ponder a look.

Frazier is a good defensive coordinator, but will he be the coach of this team after this season?

There are issues with the city and the stadium, and there are possible issues with the coach.

Stay tuned.

6. Lovie Smith

His name comes up from time to time on lists of coaches whose jobs are in jeopardy.

Smith took this team to the NFC Title game last year, but the team is not enjoying the same success as last season.

And after Monday night's game against the Lions, it cannot all be placed on the shoulders of Jay Cutler, who played a pretty good game.

The receiving corps needs an infusion, and the offensive line had issues with the Lions' pass rush.

But still, could Smith get some heat if the team does not make the playoffs? The NFC North is a great division with the Packers, Lions and Bears.

One of those teams will be on the outside looking in and right now, guess who that is?

5. Steve Spagnuolo

I have to think that he gets another year to show he can take this team to the playoffs, but what on earth is going on in St. Louis?

This was a team on the rise with a great young quarterback, and there was hope in St. Louis.

If he pulls things around in the second half of the season, then all is forgiven.

This was supposed to be the time of year people talked about the Rams, but the Cardinals are getting better publicity these days.

That speaks volumes.

4. John Fox

He is a good coach. He had a 2-14 team last year in Carolina.

He came to Denver with a team needing a jolt of excitement.

The "Tebow Era" in Denver does that.

But, doesn't Fox's tenure in Denver now hinge on a third-string quarterback?

I'm not saying he gets the boot this season, but Fox knows everything rests on what happens this year and if the team can remain in the Andrew Luck sweepstakes.

3. Jim Caldwell

All of it started when Peyton Manning got hurt.

I know, it is easy to blame the team's issues on that, but it was only part of the problem.

All Manning's injury did was expose the team's weaknesses.

Losing key starters on defense to free agency did not help either.

Caldwell deserves a better fate than this, but he may not be back in 2012.

2. Jack Del Rio

If the Jaguars do not beat the Steelers this weekend, and they lose on Monday Night Football to the Ravens, you could see something happen in Jacksonville.

This team has a good defense, a solid running game and a rookie quarterback.

And a coach who is in peril of losing his job.

The press conference after the team's 30-20 loss to the Bengals said it all.

Del Rio looked like a dejected man when he said he was tired of losing.

1. Tony Sparano

I thought the Miami Dolphins might make a switch at the bye week.

No coach is under as much scrutiny for the job he is doing than Sparano.

The Dolphins are a few years removed from a 1-15 season. This team could be just as bad.

The team begins Sunday with a new quarterback in Matt Moore. Could another passer be brought in to shake things up?

Could happen. But the leash in Miami on Sparano's job is getting shorter by the day.