It is approximately the mid-point of the 2012 NFL season. For some teams, eyes are on the dreams of playing in the postseason. For others, its looking ahead to 2013.
For the teams who can’t wait for 2013 to get hear, some of them may have new coaches.
This will be broken down into three categories: “start packing and updating the resume,” “start locating some boxes,” and “shocking but still not shocking.”
“Start Packing and Updating the Resume” a.k.a. these coaches are gone.
Rex Ryan, New York Jets
Each year that Ryan has been in charge, expectations have been high for the Jets. But every year ends in disappointment.
The whole Tim Tebow experiment has been a complete disaster, not based on the player, but because the Jets haven’t really tried to use Tebow in situations for him to succeed.
This doesn’t even begin to get into the issues that Ryan brings on himself with some of his ill-timed comments.
With the recent success of the Giants, I highly doubt ownership will continue past this season with Ryan.
Pat Shurmur, Cleveland Browns
If there is ever such a thing as a ‘lame duck coach,’ Shurmur is it.
With the ownership change to Jimmy Haslam and leadership change from Mike Holmgren to Joe Banner, they are certain to want to bring in a coach with the same vision.
It’s kind of a shame, because the Browns have played well this season under Shurmur, even if the record doesn’t quite reflect it.
But for Shurmur to stay, the Browns would probably have to win the Super Bowl, and that’s not happening.
Andy Reid, Philadelphia Eagles
It’s very simple, it’s just not working any longer in Philadelphia with Reid. Sometimes, it just doesn’t work any more. The relationship grows stale and it’s just time for someone new.
The decision to move a great offensive line coach to defensive coordinator (Juan Castillo), might ultimately sink Reid. The Eagles likely won’t make the playoffs unless there is a lot of improvement.
Like Rex Ryan, expectations the last few years have been high for the Eagles, but they keep falling short.
But Reid might not be out of a job very long, because there could be a vacancy in Cleveland.
“Start locating some boxes” a.k.a. Barring a miracle, they’ll be out of a job too.
Romeo Crennel, Kansas City Chiefs
The second time might not be the charm for Crennel, who took over the Chiefs midway through last season.
After pulling off a couple surprise wins at the end of last season, the Chiefs haven’t led in regulation yet this year (they have one win this season, in overtime.)
At the end of the day, some head coaches are great coordinators but not great head coaches. Unfortunately for Crennel, he’s fallen into that category.
Norv Turner, San Diego Chargers
The some head coaches are great coordinators but not great head coaches comment fits here too. Just Turner has gotten a lot more opportunities.
With the talent on the Chargers, Turner should be leading the class of the AFC West. Instead, his teams have had to claw just to get into consideration.
The Chargers still have a legitimate shot to make the playoffs, but even that might be enough for Turner.
Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers
It’s hard to say whether or not the Panthers not taking the next step this season is all Rivera’s fault, but he could end up being the scapegoat.
Owner Jerry Richardson fired long time general manager Marty Hurney during the season, meaning that Rivera’s fate might already be decided.
There is no question the Panthers have the talent, but they remain inconsistent and fail to win close games.
Rivera will pop up again, and deserves another head coaching shot, but his days in Charlotte might be numbered. Don’t be surprised if Carolina’s next coach, has more of an offensive mind.
“Shocking but not shocking” a.k.a. This is a little surprise, but you know why.
Jason Garrett, Dallas Cowboys
Some people reading this might be shocked that Garrett falls all the way to this category.
If anyone other than Jerry Jones was in charge, Garrett is probably safe. However, Jones demands winning, and it’s been a long time since the Cowboys have won anything significant.
Also, since Jones isn’t going to replace himself, the next best option is the head coach. Even if Garrett is gone, like Rivera, he will pop up again.
Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals
After making an initial splash when he took over the Cardinals, Whisenhunt has been unable to find an effective quarterback since Kurt Warner.
Despite Arizona’s struggles, they’ve still been competitive in a weak NFC West. That has probably been what allows Whisenhunt to keep his job.
However, there is only so long that overall ineffectiveness can be acceptable.
Chan Gailey, Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills made a big splash last season, and it looked like they were on the way back. So far in 2012, it seems that the Bills have taken a step back.
Gailey was kind of a surprising choice when he took this job, so it’s natural to wonder if he is what is holding the Bills back from taking that next step forward.
The Bills have tons of young talent, so if it doesn’t work out, Gailey will be the first to blame and to go.
Posted by Adam 
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