NFL Head Coaches: Ranking the Top 5 Coaching Changes for the 2012 NFL Season

We are 14 weeks into the 2011 NFL season and three coaches have been given their walking papers. If you have followed the NFL at all in recent years, you know—like I do—that more vacancies are sure to follow. 

Since we are less than three weeks away from what has come to be known as "Black Monday," here's a look at the top 5 potential coaching changes for the 2012 NFL season.

5. Miami Dolphins: Jon Gruden

As great as he's been on Monday Night Football, coaching is in his blood and he's just waiting for the right opportunity to go back to the sidelines.

It is no secret that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross was never a fan of Tony Sparano. Ross wants a big-name coach and a big-name quarterback who can sell tickets. He would be willing to pay Gruden top dollar to come to Miami.

Gruden has an established history in Florida and his offensive acumen would be beneficial to a young rookie quarterback or for mentoring the incumbent, Matt Moore. 

Given Gruden's experiences with former Bucs receiver Keyshawn Johnson, even a prima donna like Brandon Marshall would prove to be a small obstacle towards success.

The one questionable factor would be, after working with such a non-public figure like Tony Sporano, could GM Jeff Ireland co-exist with the high-profile Gruden?

4. Indianapolis Colts: Bill Cowher

The Colts are lost.

They haven't had any true leadership at the head coach position since Tony Dungy left. As great as Dungy was in Indy, the Colts lacked a certain nastiness and swagger which prevented them from being even more successful.

While the Colts defense could make plays, they knew Manning could run up the score. There was no urgency or pressure to beat teams down.

Cowher's fiery persona and defensive prowess could light a fire under this team and give them the tools needed to make the defense as much of a factor as the offense.

Cowher also has experience working with a rookie quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger. This will prove critical, as the Colts are expected to draft Andrew Luck No. 1 overall in the 2012 draft.

Cowher would need the ability to make personnel choices and assemble his staff, which team vice-chairman Bill Polian would most likely submit to. Although if Cowher comes in, Peyton Manning will have to go in order to avoid a power struggle.

3. San Diego Chargers: Brian Billick

The Chargers have talent. The Chargers have playoff experience. What the Chargers lack is consistency.

Billick posted only three losing seasons in his tenure with the Ravens, most of the seasons without a sufficient starting quarterback.

He possesses the skill to evaluate talent and get them to gel almost immediately. In the interest of winning, Billick has no qualms about casting aside his own coaching philosophies and using whatever the team's strongest assets are.

Plus, the Chargers need a more intense coach who can get them fired up BEFORE December.

2. Philadelphia Eagles: Josh McDaniels

Yes, THAT Josh McDaniels.

"Spygate II" scandal aside, McDaniels is a very good offensive mind. He helped guide the Patriots to an 11-5 record without Tom Brady, who suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 1 of the 2008 season. He also started his Broncos tenure with a 6-0 run.

McDaniels' problem is that he received too much power too quickly. His decision making was called into question with his handling of the Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall situations.

His drafting of Tim Tebow in the first round in 2010 and the videotaping scandal later that year sealed his fate.

McDaniels is only 35 years old and he is still learning the ins-and-outs of running a team. I think he would provide intensity and excitement to the Philly offense.

With GM Howie Roseman making player choices and team president Joe Banner handling the cap and contract issues, McDaniels can focus on what he knows best, which is coaching.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: Andy Reid

The Chiefs are faced with a peculiar situation.

They have a quarterback in Matt Cassel who has shown that he possesses the tools to succeed in the NFL. They have talent at the running back and wide receiver positions and a few potential stars on defense.

What they lack is an experienced coach with a high football IQ that can bring the team together.

Reid has long been known as the developer of quarterbacks. The difference in Kansas City is that he will have some decent weapons at the skill positions, unlike his early days in Philadelphia. In addition, he will have the necessary tools to utilize his pass-first/run-second offensive philosophy.

The other advantage is that Scott Pioli has previously worked with an experienced head coach in Bill Belichick.  Andy will want to have a significant contribution in personnel decisions.

Reid has also been successful at surrounding himself with a great supporting cast of coaches, this season notwithstanding. With "Big Red" at the helm, the Chiefs would be a Super Bowl contender in two seasons.

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