Storyline: Cincinnati, Detroit, and Buffalo need to win in ’16 and win big. If they don’t, expect to see one, two, or even three new head coaches in ’17.
We may be three months from the first NFL pre-season game–and four months from the first regular season contest–but three coaches are already on the hot seat. Their teams need to improve in 2016.
Courtesy: theshadowleague.com
Marvin Lewis: The Bengals have been a decent team over the last few years, but decent is about the best thing you can say. Yes, Marvin Lewis has changed the culture in Cincinnati since arriving in 2003, but his teams have been 0-7 in the postseason. AFC North titles are nice but, in this win-now league, he’s going to have to turn in postseason wins to keep his job.
Jim Caldwell: Caldwell is the example of a solid football coach who has had injures haunt him. Think about it. We’d probably still be talking about Caldwell as head coach of Colts had Peyton Manning played in 2011. As for his stint in Detroit, Caldwell did have success in first season (2014), taking the Lions to the playoffs. But, in 2015, the team started 0-7, finishing 7-9. The thing that might get Caldwell fired is a new GM. Bob Quinn is giving Caldwell another shot but, if things don’t go well, don’t be surprised to see Quinn hire a coach from his former team, the New England Patriots.
Courtesy: thefootballgirl.com
Rex Ryan: Ryan has only had one season as head coach, but the Bills underperformed in 2015. Even with guys like Mario Willams and Marcell Dareus, the defense ranked near the bottom of the league in sacks. But if Ryan wants to keep his job, he’s going to have to fix the offense. Sammy Watkins didn’t produce like he did as a rookie and LeSean McCoy didn’t put up his usual numbers. Yes, some of this can be explained by injures, but a lot is on them, too. With an established QB in Tyrod Taylor, execution is going to be the key. If the Bills don’t improve, Rex could be down to his final days in Buffalo.
Bottom line: Cincinnati, Detroit, and Buffalo need to win in ’16 and win big. If they don’t, expect to see one, two, or even three new head coaches in ’17.
