Fired Nfl Coaches 2017
With Black Monday around the corner and rumors of firings pretty rampant I thought I would look pretty quickly at the teams whose coaches potentially deserve to get fired. How am I going to do that? Simply by looking at payroll and estimating what teams should have expected to win based on their spending. If an average team should win 8 games then added dollars should increase minimum expectations and it, in theory, is up to the coach to deliver that much and more.
Who Should be Fired
The 2017 season is a month away from kicking off but the storylines are abound with coaches around the game, including six new faces joining the fold — five for the first time leading an NFL team. NFL coaches have the shelf life of bananas. Since 2000, there have been 167 head coaching changes. That’s an average of about eight per season — 25% of the league. One of those coaches was Andy Reid, who will coach the Chiefs in Sunday’s Super Bowl in Tampa, Florida. According to Miller’s reasoning, most NFL owners don’t do their.
Hue Jackson, Browns– The Browns spent enough to win around 6 games and will likely end up at 0, the worst differential in the NFL. While the Browns ownership already placed a good chunk of the blame on the front office when they fired the GM I cant see how Jackson can survive two years in a row of this. He plays in a division with a bad Bengals team, played the terrible AFC South, the Jets, Bears, and Packers. Even our efficiency ratings say a team like the Browns should win 2.7 games this year. The fact that they are so far below indicates either a run of bad luck or a bad coach. I’d lean towards the latter.
Ben McAdoo, Giants– This one already happened and was well deserved. While they dealt with some injuries the Giants are 6 games under baseline expectations let alone their lofty goals for the year. He also made a gigantic problem with the way he handled Eli Manning. The job was too big for him.
Bill O’Brien, Texans– There are some excuses for the -3.5 wins this year, in particular the devastating injuries suffered by the team, but after years of sideways movement I’m not sure if he can get a pass again. Years ago when sentiment went against Matt Schaub at quarterback eventually ownership made the move just a short time after signing him to a lucrative extension. My feeling is that even if those players were healthy the team likely would have only finished with 7 or 8 wins and I don’t think that would have been considered good enough even if their spending is below average.
Chuck Pagano, Colts– Pagano was pretty much on the hot seat from day one and likely only kept on to be the fall guy if Andrew Luck was out for most of the season. I think it is very fair to say that if he had his QB he would have won an additional 3 games but he has a track record of not exceeding expectations and this year the results were bad.
Dirk Koetter, Buccaneers– Unlike Pagano and O’Brien there is no real excuse here. Winston was banged up a bit and even after their IR splurge at the end of the year the team was basically average in the amount of money on IR. This should have been around an 8 win team at the minimum and expectations were likely 10 or 11 wins with Winston taking a step forward. Considering how low expectations were for the Browns the Bucs ended the year as the third most disappointing team. It’s hard to survive that.
John Fox, Bears– The Bears signed some of the worst contracts of 2017 in an attempt to give Fox something to work with and pretty much all of those players didn’t even meet the low expectation mark let alone their contract value. The Bears are 3 games off the pace and I cant see retaining a veteran head coach for what should be a youth movement and rebuilding effort. Both GM and coach should get significant blame here.
Vance Joseph, Broncos– This was Joseph’s first year on the job but it is hard to see the organization being happy with him. The Broncos spend enough to be slightly above average and instead are staring at a top 5 draft pick. While the QB situation is pretty bad, the team did go into this year thinking it would cripple the team like this and that blame is going to go on the coach. The Broncos window may have closed with this group but given the contracts of some guys its doubtful they accept that its closed and could look for a new coach to spark the team.
Jack Del Rio, Raiders– IIRC the Raiders jumped the gun and signed Del Rio to an extension after last season which is a cardinal sin in the NFL off one year. If they did that I doubt he is going anywhere. That said the Raiders have one of the most expensive rosters in the NFL and are currently a 6 win team. The team was generally healthy and 4 of the 6 wins came against the Broncos, Jets, Giants, and Dolphins, among the worst teams in the NFL. If you want to defend Del Rio then the GM needs to be scrutinized for giving him a very overpriced roster.
Adam Gase, Dolphins– The Dolphins are likely going to miss their minimum threshold by nearly two or three games this year. Had the Dolphins simply gone with Matt Moore rather than Jay Cutler I think this was more defensible, but Cutler was brought in because of his connection to Gase so he gets the blame there. The roster itself is insanely overvalued but the front office had playoff expectations, spent to get there, and are lucky to even have 6 wins.
Marvin Lewis, Bengals– Lewis lasting all these years has been pretty amazing. While the franchise is better off than before he took over Im not sure if there has ever been a head coach to win less meaningful games and stay employed with one team for this long. The Bengals are about 2 games under and I am sure they felt that he has more to work with than an 8 win team. Its probably time for a new voice in the room.
The Rumored List
Jay Gruden, Redskins– While most are disappointed in the Redskins season, the Redskins spending indicated a pretty average team and that is more or less where they are. Gruden is basically a neutral factor in my opinion. The team itself isn’t constructed that well and allowing all their receivers to walk proved to be a mistake. This was really an organizational failure and if Gruden goes he’s just a scapegoat for a bigger problem.
Todd Bowles, Jets– Bowles is a tough one. Based on what he was given to work with he doesn’t deserve to be fired but the Jets were in a large number of games that they lost and that doesn’t reflect well on the coach even if he should get credit for being in some of those games in the first place. There doesn’t seem to be a high ceiling for Bowles which is probably the reason he should be let go, though I expect him back next year.
Bruce Arians, Cardinals– This is a somewhat top heavy roster that gets more press than it deserves. They have far too much money sunk in old players and a few bad contracts. Arians, when you consider the injuries, didn’t far too badly this year and like with Gruden should likely only go if those above him go as well.
Jim Caldwell, Lions– Everyone gets wrapped up in Matt Stafford, the highest paid player in the NFL, but quite frankly it’s a pretty average team around him. Caldwell did exactly what should have happened in Detroit. In a sense he is like Bowles in that there doesn’t seem to be a high ceiling but he has more of a negative track record to fall back on which I think makes him more likely to get fired. The reality is the Lions are still sorting out their contracts and should keep him on only until they are in a position to get a better roster.
Mike Mularkey, Titans– The Titans are cheap. That’s the first thing to remember when looking at anyone coaching this team. It is hard to win in the NFL when the organization is cheap so expectations should never be high. Mularkey will actually finish above the minimum expectations though he has also been bailed out by his field goal kicker more than a few times. His firing should be based more on the development or the QB, but the overall problems within the organization wont change until they open the wallet and with Mariota nearing veteran status it will likely be worse if they feel they already spent too much on the QB. With that in mind maybe they can catch lightning in a bottle with a new coach while he is still on the rookie contract.
Jason Garrett, Cowboys– I get it that this is the Cowboys and the expectation there is excellence, but this is one of the lowest cost rosters in the NFL. They are hamstrung by past bad contracts and still are finding ways to compete. They are going to finish well above expectations and had the QB had a better season they would have probably made the playoffs. They should be able to spend a little in 2018 and will be more open in 2019. There is no reason to think they cant win with Garrett next year. If they did fire him I think he would get a job pretty quickly.
Here is the overall list with the Vikings leading the way in performance over minimum expectations:
| Team | Roster Value | Minimum Wins | Projected Wins | Difference |
| Vikings | $169,089,580 | 8.2 | 12.8 | 4.64 |
| Eagles | $200,068,472 | 9.7 | 13.9 | 4.21 |
| Steelers | $181,271,941 | 8.7 | 12.8 | 4.05 |
| Saints | $161,165,844 | 7.8 | 11.7 | 3.95 |
| Rams | $161,921,103 | 7.8 | 11.7 | 3.92 |
| Patriots | $193,092,533 | 9.3 | 12.8 | 3.48 |
| Panthers | $184,882,417 | 8.9 | 11.7 | 2.81 |
| Bills | $138,222,423 | 6.7 | 8.5 | 1.86 |
| Ravens | $158,963,423 | 7.7 | 9.6 | 1.93 |
| Cowboys | $142,607,682 | 6.9 | 8.5 | 1.65 |
| Jaguars | $194,586,717 | 9.4 | 10.7 | 1.27 |
| Chiefs | $175,980,493 | 8.5 | 9.6 | 1.11 |
| Falcons | $176,259,147 | 8.5 | 9.6 | 1.09 |
| Titans | $156,115,389 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 1.00 |
| Chargers | $160,968,001 | 7.8 | 8.5 | 0.76 |
| Lions | $164,319,821 | 7.9 | 8.5 | 0.60 |
| Seahawks | $199,393,718 | 9.6 | 9.6 | -0.02 |
| Packers | $159,394,102 | 7.7 | 7.5 | -0.23 |
| 49ers | $119,811,986 | 5.8 | 5.3 | -0.45 |
| Cardinals | $169,705,868 | 8.2 | 7.5 | -0.72 |
| Jets | $128,549,381 | 6.2 | 5.3 | -0.87 |
| Redskins | $174,558,527 | 8.4 | 7.5 | -0.96 |
| Bengals | $170,452,136 | 8.2 | 6.4 | -1.83 |
| Dolphins | $183,053,777 | 8.8 | 6.4 | -2.44 |
| Raiders | $187,074,006 | 9.0 | 6.4 | -2.63 |
| Broncos | $167,589,930 | 8.1 | 5.3 | -2.82 |
| Bears | $173,949,386 | 8.4 | 5.3 | -3.06 |
| Buccaneers | $153,357,530 | 7.4 | 4.3 | -3.14 |
| Colts | $138,282,792 | 6.7 | 3.2 | -3.47 |
| Texans | $161,041,713 | 7.8 | 4.3 | -3.51 |
| Giants | $168,564,068 | 8.1 | 2.1 | -6.00 |
| Browns | $129,475,403 | 6.2 | 0 | -6.25 |
[dt_divider style=”thick” /]With coaching staffs complete, we can take a look at those coaches who will be on the outside looking in this year. Their recent increase in free time does not indicate that they are poor coaches, as Wade Phillips can attest, but simply when the dust settled, these guys were left holding a golf bag or fishing pole.
In honor of their careers, we wanted to highlight a few coaches that could be back on a sideline near you, very soon.
*Coaches chosen were on an NFL staff during either the 2015 or 2016 seasons
[dt_divider style=”thick” /]Head Coach – Gary Kubiak*
Watching Kubiak’s emotional retirement press conference is something everyone should experience at least once, and while Gary may never return to the sidelines, his contributions to the game are deserving of this role. Kubiak appeared in seven total Super Bowls as a player and / or coach, winning three as an assistant with the Broncosand 49ers, and Super Bowl 50 as the head coach in Denver. He retired with an 82-75 career record and five postseason victories as a head coach.
[dt_divider style=”thick” /]Offensive Staff
Offensive Coordinator – Chan Gailey
This 40-year veteran of the sidelines may not be a household name, but has been an NFL head coach twice, an offensive coordinator for five teams, built offenses with Kordell Stewart and Ryan Fitzpatrick, and put together six winning seasons at Georgia Tech. Additionally, Gailey won a Division II National Championship as head coach of Troy University in 1984. Gailey’s most recent coaching stint with the Jetsresulted in the 10th ranked overall offense in 2015 and the 24th ranked offense in 2016.
Senior Offensive Assistant – Chris Palmer
A 44-year coaching veteran, Chris Palmer has been a head coach in the NFL, NCAA, and UFL. He has coached 26 years in the NFL, beginning as WR coach for the Houston Oilers, where he led four different receivers (Curtis Duncan, Ernest Givens, Drew Hill, and Haywood Jeffires) to the Pro Bowl in the Oilers’ famous Run-and-Shoot Offense. Also a QB specialist, Palmer has coached Mark Brunell, Drew Bledsoe, Tony Romo, and Eli Manning to Pro Bowl seasons, and won a Super Bowl as the Giants’ QB Coach in 2008. Romeo Crennel, Tony Sparano, and Ken Whisenhunt were former assistants under Palmer during his NFL career.
Offensive Line – Dave Magazu
A 37-year NCAA/NFL coaching veteran, Magazu was John Fox’s longest-tenured assistant, dating back to 2003 with the Panthers. In 2009, Magazu’s offensive line paved the way for Panthers DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to become the NFL’s first tandem to each rush for over 1,100 yards in a season. During his last stop with the Chicago Bears in 2016, rookie RB Jordan Howard rushed for a franchise record 1,313 yards and only six teams allowed fewer sacks.
Tight Ends – Pete Metzelaars
The 1982 third-round pick finished his 16-year playing career with over 380 receptions, 3,600 yards, and 29 TDs. Since his playing days, Metzelaars has coached 11 seasons in the NFL, including eight as the ColtsOL coach, one as the BillsTE coach, and two as the ChargersTE coach. He won Super Bowl XLI with the Colts in 2007 and has coached All-Pro players Jeff Saturday and Antonio Gates.
Running Backs – Wilbert Montgomery
Montgomery led Abilene Christian University to a NAIA Division I Championship in 1973, breaking the league record for touchdowns (76), including a record 37 touchdowns as a freshman running back. A Two-time NFL All-Pro RB, Montgomery is in the Philadelphia Eagles’ Hall of Fame and trails only LeSean McCoy in career rushing yards for an Eagle. He then mentored Ron Dayne in high school before coaching 19 seasons in the NFL, where he coached the likes of Marshall Faulk, Steven Jackson, Kevin Jones, and Ray Rice. His most recent position was RB coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2015.
Wide Receivers – Jerry Sullivan
After 21 years as a collegiate WR Coach, Jerry Sullivan has spent his last 25 seasons in the NFL, 24 as a WR coach and one as Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator (2003). He has coached several Pro Bowl receivers, including the San Diego Chargers’ Anthony Miller (1992-93) and Tony Martin (1996), Detroit Lions’ Herman Moore (1997-98) and Germaine Crowell (1999), Arizona Cardinals’ David Boston (2001) and Anquan Boldin (2003), and Jacksonville Jaguars’ Allen Robinson (2015). Sullivan’s son, Jon-Eric Sullivan, is currently the Green Bay Packers’ Director of College Scouting.
Quarterbacks – Greg Knapp
Knapp has 31 years of coaching experience, including 22 in the NFL. He has coached an incredible five different 4,000-yard NFL passers as either OC or QB coach: Steve Young, Jeff Garcia, Matt Schaub, Carson Palmer, and Peyton Manning. Additionally, Knapp coordinated the Falcons offense from 2004-2006, resulting in a trip to the NFC Championship in 2004 with the league’s #1 ranked rushing offense three years in a row.
Assistant Offensive Line – Paul Dunn
After two seasons as a collegiate graduate assistant, Paul Dunn spent 25 years as an NCAA OL coach before making the jump to the NFL, where he coached OL from 2008-2015. He recently coached All-Pro Offensive Tackles Joe Thomas (Browns) and Duane Brown (Texans).
[dt_divider style=”thick” /]Defensive Staff
Defensive Coordinator – Rex Ryan
Certainly the most well-known name on this list, Rex Ryan has 30 years of coaching experience, including eight as an NFL HC, and is the Jets’ all-time leader in playoff wins (4). Prior to becoming a head coach, Ryan spent 10 seasons in Baltimore, the final four as defensive coordinator, and coached standout players like Ray Lewis, Tony Siragusa, Terrell Suggs, Ed Reed, Bart Scott, and Haloti Ngata, and won Super Bowl XXXV.
Senior Defensive Assistant – Eric Mangini
After impressing Bill Belichick as a Cleveland Browns ball-boy, Eric Mangini earned his first coaching job in 1995, where he was infamously a part of the Browns’ “Slappies” who went on to have very successful NFL coaching and scouting careers. Mangini coached in the NFL for the next 21 years, and won three Super Bowls as the Patriots’ DB coach. Along with coaching under Bill Belichick, Mangini has served under Bill Parcells, Jim Harbaugh, and most recently Jim Tomsula.
Defensive Line – Bryan Cox
A three-time All-Pro Linebacker and Super Bowl XXXVI Champion, Bryan Cox recorded over 50 career sacks in 12 NFL seasons. He has coached DL/pass rush in the NFL for the past nine seasons and is just 49 years old. Notable players he has coached include Jason Taylor (MIA), Cameron Wake (MIA), Michael Bennett (TB), Gerald McCoy (TB), Osi Umenyiora (ATL), and Vic Beasley (ATL). His son, Bryan Cox Jr. will be a rookie DE this season for the Carolina Panthers.
Linebackers – Pepper Johnson
Fired Nfl Coaches 2019
The 1986 second-round LB from Ohio State accumulated nearly 1,000 tackles during his 13-year NFL career and was a two-time Pro Bowler. He won two Super Bowls as a player with the Giants and won 3 Super Bowls as a Patriots’ assistant coach. Johnson spent six seasons coaching linebackers in New England, where he coached Tedy Bruschi, Dont’a Hightower, and Jerod Mayo. He has also coached defensive lines for 11 year in the NFL and has tutored many stars, including Richard Seymour (NE), Vince Wilfork (NE), Mario Williams (BUF), Marcell Dareus (BUF), and Muhammad Wilkerson (NYJ).
Front 7 Assistant – Bobby April III
Son of longtime college and NFL special teams coach and current LSUspecial teams analyst Bobby April, Bobby April III has spent the past six seasons as an NFL defensive assistant after six seasons as a defensive and special teams assistant at the collegiate level. He’s just 35 and has a bright future. His most recent position was linebackers coach for Rex Ryan with the Buffalo Bills.
Defensive Backs – Ray Horton
A 10-year NFL defensive back and former second round pick, Horton won Super Bowl XXVII as a safety with the Cowboys and won Super Bowls XL and XLIII as the Steelers’ DB coach. He began his coaching career with Washingtonin 1994 under Norv Turner and has coached 23 years in the NFL, including 17 in the secondary and the last six as a defensive coordinator. Notable players he has coached include Darrell Green (WAS), Dre’ Bly (DET), Troy Polamalu (PIT), Patrick Peterson (ARZ), and Joe Haden (CLE). His last coaching gig was defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 2016.
Defensive Backs – Donnie Henderson
The 33-year coaching vet has 18 years of collegiate experience as a defensive assistant and 15 years of NFL experience as a DB coach and defensive coordinator. His most recent position was with the Buffalo Bills under Rex Ryan from 2013-2016. Henderson served as a head coach for one of four teams during the six-game Spring League in West Virginia in 2017.
Special Teams Staff
Special Teams Coordinator – Bobby April
A Louisiana native and graduate of Nicholls State University, where he played linebacker, Bobby April enters his 39th season as a college or NFL coach and his first as LSU’s special teams analyst. He was an offensive and defensive position coach early in his coaching career before spending the past 26 years as special teams coordinator on nine different NFL teams. April was named the NFL’s Special Teams Coach of the Year by his peers in 2004 and 2008. He has coached standout returners Deion Sanders (ATL) and Rod Woodson (PIT), along with Pro Bowl kickers David Akers (PHI), Jeff Wilkins (STL), and Norm Johnson (ATL). His son, Bobby April III, is also on this list.
Assistant Special Teams Coordinator – Kevin Spencer
One of Kevin Spencer’s first coaching jobs was at Division III Wesleyan University, where he coached Eric Mangini. Spencer then began his NFL career with the Browns under Bill Belichick in 1991 and has since coached for five other NFL teams, mostly in special teams roles. As a member of the Steelers, he was named Special Teams Coach of the Year in 2003 and won Super Bowl XL in 2006.
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