2011 NFL Predictions: Which Game Will Be Each Hot Seat Coach's Last?

There are many reasons for NFL teams to struggle. Underachieving players. Bad drafting. Ineffective coaching. Lackadaisical fan support.

Regardless of the reasons for struggling, in most cases the blame gets shifted entirely to the coach. Why is this?

1) It's easier to fire a coach than to shuffle an entire defensive secondary

2) It's faster for a team to bring in a new coach with the "right system" than to rework how a team drafts to accommodate the previous coach's style.

3) It's more convenient for general managers looking to buy extra time by finding a new coach and declaring a "rebuilding" phase.

With this in mind, there are several head coaches who now find themselves in the precarious hot seat.

In addition to breaking down what got them to this point, a prediction will be made on when they will officially find themselves out of work. 

Here is the breakdown of the final games for this season's hot-seat coaches.

Tony Sparano

The Miami Dolphins' Tony Sparano is in big trouble. His team is 0-7, and it's tough to see when they'll be able to get their first win.

The team, rocked by injuries, has failed to put in a complete performance all year. While the Dolphins took a 14-3 lead against the New York Giants in the first half, the team crumbled late.

One step forward, one step right back.

The real debate for the Dolphins is deciding who will come in to be his replacement. While Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden are rumored candidates, the coaching rumor mill off the field will most assuredly be much more interesting that any performance the team has done on the field. 

Will make it to: Week 11

Steve Spagnuolo

A major reversal in output for the St.Louis Rams has put head coach Steve Spagnuolo in a bad spot. 

Just missing the playoffs last season (albeit with a 7-9 record), the Rams were the favorites to take the NFC West this season. However, injuries and underwhelming play led the team to a 0-6 start, and talk of Spagnuolo's potential dismissal.

While the Rams' win over the New Orleans Saints should be enough to keep the heat low, team officials have to hope to see continued improvement this season to look forward to next year's campaign.

Will make it to: Next season

Jim Caldwell

It's tough to say how the Indianapolis Colts would perform had quarterback Peyton Manning remained healthy, but there is no doubt that without him, the team under head coach Jim Caldwell has dramatically underachieved.

Unfortunately, the same reserved temperament that worked for Caldwell in his tenure as coach has also doomed him to be the odd man out.

With the Colts most likely take a new direction this coming offseason, including the potential of drafting quarterback Andrew Luck, it's time to for the team to go in a new direction.

Ken Whisenhunt

At 1-6, Ken Whisenhunt's Arizona Cardinals have not gotten off to the start they were hoping for. 

Despite these struggles, it's tough to say that the team's failure falls entirely on Whisenhunt.

The team's front office may shoulder most of the blame here, especially with the trade for quarterback Kevin Kolb not only stalling the offense, but taking away from the defense (The Cardinals parted with cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie in the deal). 

With his contract on until 2013, Whisenhunt is not going anywhere. For now.

Will make it to: Next season

Jack Del Rio

Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Jack Del Rio has not seen things go so well in the first half of the season. The Jags, dumping regular quarterback David Garrard, are finally showing signs of life with rookie Blaine Gabbert. 

With that said, things have appeared pretty stagnant for the lowly Jaguars. While a few new signings have brought some life to the defense, it wouldn't be surprised to see team ownership push for a coach who can inject some excitement in the offense.

Though the Jaguars' win two weeks ago against the Baltimore Ravens was impressive (yet terrible to watch), one can only assume that he may not be long for this organization.

However, knowing the Jaguars, his departure will be at just the right time.

Will make it to: One week before anything important

Leslie Frazier

Rookie quarterback Christian Ponder is doing well in his first few games, and the Minnesota Vikings are somewhat competitive. 

Head coach Leslie Frazier seems to be in good shape.

Will make it to: Next season