6 NFL Coaches Who Could Be Fired If They Don't Make the Playoffs

Few jobs in the world are as high-stressed and demanding as NFL head coach.

Sure, they get paid the big bucks, but ownership and the fans expect far more in return. 

And when head coaches don't get the job done—be it make the postseason, win a playoff game or win the Super Bowl—they quickly find themselves on the hot-seat. 

Now for several of the head coaches in today's NFL, the only thing they can do to avoid being canned is pray: Jim Caldwell, Steve Spagnuolo, Tony Sparano. 

But a handful of others out there can still save their jobs if they deliver a resurgent run in December and on New Year's Day. 

Having said that, each of the six men on this list aren't necessarily destined to be fired, but earning a playoff berth will certain help their cause. 

No. 6: Gary Kubiak, Houston Texans

2011 Record: 9-3

Overall Record: 46-46 (six years)

Playoff Record: 0-0

Remaining Schedule: at CIN, CAR, at IND, TEN

Right now, Gary Kubiak and the Texans are on top of the world: in first place in the AFC South, in line for the AFC's top seed and honing in on their first postseason berth in team history.

But don't forget, heading into 2011, Kubiak was one of those coaches in a do-or-die mode. He's had plenty of talent and high draft picks, yet never reached the playoffs in five year.  

Now, it would take a colossal collapse to miss out on the playoffs, but given the injuries to Matt Schaub, Matt Leinart and Andre Johnson, they do have some issues to overcome. And they only have a two-game lead over the Titans with a rematch on January 1. 

No. 5: Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons

2011 Record: 7-5

Overall Record: 40-20 (four years)

Playoff Record: 0-2

Remaining Schedule: at CAR, JAX, at NOS, TBB

If you look at the raw numbers, it's probably ridiculous to think that the Falcons would even consider firing Smith, especially considering the debacle (Bobby Petrino) that preceded him. 

Furthermore, he's been to the postseason twice, won a division title last year,and is the only head coach in team history to post consecutive winning seasons. 

But the decision to go for it on fourth down in overtime against the Saints was borderline disastrous, and the Falcons haven't won a playoff game yet under Smith. And when the front office goes all-in, by signing Ray Edwards and trading up to get Julio Jones, there's an urgency to do more than just make the playoffs. 

Still, Smith being canned should Atlanta miss out on a wild card is unlikely, though not impossible.

No. 4: Rex Ryan, New York Jets

2011 Record: 7-5

Overall Record: 27-17 (three years)

Playoff Record: 4-2

Remaining Schedule: KCC, at PHI, NYG, at MIA

Much like Mike Smith, Ryan's overall resume in New York is too good to consider a change at this point. But a closer look at the specifics does make it possible.

How much improvement have the Jets made since that 2009 run to the AFC championship? Not that much: they still didn't win the division in 2010, they won't in 2011, and if the season ended today, they wouldn't even qualify for the postseason.

Along that same vein, Mark Sanchez hasn't progressed very much either. That's not what you want considering the big-name additions like LaDainian Tomlinson, Santonio Holmes, Plaxico Burress and the huge contract given Darrelle Revis. 

And when you draw that much attention to yourself and your club, it really is Super Bowl or bust, something Ryan has essentially stated ad nauseum. 

No. 3: Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles

2011 Record: 4-8

Overall Record: 122-81-1 (13 years)

Playoff Record: 10-9

Remaining Schedule: at MIA, NYJ, at DAL, WAS

Despite another crippling loss, the Eagles still aren't totally out of the NFC East race; it's going to take a lot of help from Dallas and the Giants, of course. 

Barring that mini-miracle, the questions will abound in Philly about Reid's future. He's the longest tenured head coach in the NFL, but in this day and age, that's more of a negative than a positive, especially since he hasn't delivered the all-important Lombardi Trophy. 

Still, that's an issue he's been dealing with for years. It's the fact that the front office added so much talent and spent so much money this offseason yet are far worse off; that could lead to his departure...purely for appearances. 

No. 2: Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers

2011 Record: 5-7

Overall Record: 45-30 (six years)

Playoff Record: 3-3

Remaining Schedule: BUF, BAL, at DET, at OAK

The Chargers aren't dead yet; partially, thank the Jaguars for that. 

But with the Raiders and Broncos ahead of San Diego and no shot at a wild card, the playoffs are a real longshot. 

Given all the talent they have right now, and all the talent they had in the previous few years, a third straight season without a playoff victory will most likely force the team to find a new head coach. 

A remarkable recovery, however, will keep him afloat for one more year.

No. 1: Tom Coughlin, New York Giants

2011 Record: 6-6

Overall Record: 68-61 (eight years)

Playoff Record: 4-3

Remaining Schedule: at DAL, WAS, "at" NYJ, DAL

For a long time, I thought head coaches who won Super Bowls (Barry Switzer doesn't count) didn't get fired. Then Brian Billick and Mike Shanahan were cut loose. That adage no longer seems to apply, and it certainly doesn't in the case of Coughlin.

They've completely melted down towards the end of the last three seasons, and after taking control of the NFC East on November 6, by defeating the Patriots, they've tumbled once again. 

Sure, they put up a great fight against the Packers on Sunday, but that's not going to be enough to keep his job. A pair of wins over Dallas and a subsequent NFC East title, however, is.