NFL Head Coaches on the Hot Seat

We are just hours away from the start of the NFL season, and I thought I'd take a look at coaches who are feeling a little pressure, and likely need good seasons in order to hang onto their jobs.

Gary Kubiak (HOU)- Its year 5 for him, and he has yet to make the playoffs. His team's have shown progress in his four season, but it isn't a lot of progress, and they have made the same mistakes year after year. He definately needs to make the playoffs, and that might not be enough. A bad start and he could be fired.

Jack Del Rio (JAX)- I didn't think he'd make it through 2009, but the Jags were better than expected and were in the playoff race for most of the year. He's been there a long time and had a good run, but I wouldn't be surprised to see them want to go in a different direction, especially if they don't improve on last season's 7 wins.

Eric Mangini (CLE)- Finished strong to keep his job last season, but the guy running the show still didn't hire him, and if things go bad, Mike Holmgrem will look to make him the scapegoat.

Tom Cable (OAK)- Its the Raiders, every coach is on the hot seat every day, although they could've fired him last season, and they smartly held onto him.

Wade Phillips (DAL)- He has an enormous amount of pressure on him, like he always does. Jerry Jones has stuck by him, but you have to think, if the Cowboys don't at least match their one playoff win from last season he doesn't stand a chance to be back in 2011.

Lovie Smith (CHI)- Still living off his Super Bowl run in '06, the Bears haven't made the playoffs since, and it has gotten worse year after year. The fans don't like him, and wanted him fired after last season. They spent some money in the offseason, and have expectations even though the team doesn't look good. If this season is similar to last, they will look to clean house in Chicago.

John Fox (CAR)- He's in the last year of his contract, and he makes a lot of money. Fox is one of the best coaches in the league, but he'll likely be gone regardless of his this season goes. It won't take long for him to find work.

Raheem Morris (TB)- I don't think the Bucs are real committed to him, and he likely needs a big year to show that he belongs as an NFL head coach.