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Several coaches already running out of time

by Alex Marvez

Alex Marvez is a Senior NFL Writer and Mixed Martial Arts writer for FOXSports.com. He's covered the NFL for 14 seasons as a beat writer and is president emeritus of the Pro Football Writers of America.

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Updated: September 30, 2008, 5:21 PM EDT
Now that the hammer has finally dropped on Lane Kiffin and Scott Linehan, it's worth noting that the weren't the only ones whose job security was anything but secure. Here's a look at other coaches who have reason to worry about their futures just four games into the 2008 season.

1. Rod Marinelli

Joined Lions: 2006.

Record: 10-25, including 10 losses in the past 11 games.

Why he's on the hot seat: So much for the good vibes generated by a 4-0 preseason. The Lions have allowed at least 31 points in all three of their losses. A 31-13 defeat in Week 3 at San Francisco was especially humiliating, as 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan were discarded by the Lions after the 2007 season.

In his defense: Marinelli inherited what may be an unsalvageable mess created by now-fired team president Matt Millen. The Lions have a 31-84 record since Millen's 2001 hiring.

Reason for optimism: After the 49ers loss, Marinelli blamed his team's woes on not being good at the "simple things." If those mistakes are correctible during this week's bye, the Lions should at least play more competitively. Rudi Johnson, who was signed just before the start of the regular season, will play a bigger role as he learns the offense.

Summary: Lions management has shown incredible patience with Millen and Marinelli but that is clearly ending. Now that Millen is gone, Marinelli could be canned as well.

2. Marvin Lewis

Joined Bengals: 2003.

Record: 42-43, including an 0-4 start in 2008.

Why he's on the hot seat: Even with most of the core players still on the roster, the Bengals are less of a playoff contender now than two seasons ago. Cincinnati desperately needed a home victory last week against previously-winless Cleveland, but fell 20-12 without injured starting quarterback Carson Palmer. Now, the Bengals could stand at 0-7 following upcoming games against Dallas, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh.

In his defense: Lewis often butts heads with Bengals owner Mike Brown regarding personnel decisions, especially when it comes to adding misfits to the roster. Lewis' lack of juice was exposed in August. He was overruled by Brown when the Bengals re-signed troubled wide receiver Chris Henry.

Reason for optimism: The Bengals have showed some fight despite late losses to the Giants and Browns the last two weeks. And it's actually been a decent season for the defense. Brown also is the antithesis of Raiders owner Al Davis when it comes to patience with head coaches. Brown gave Dave Shula, Bruce Coslet and Dick LeBeau far more time than they deserved to right this franchise. Whether he likes it or not, Lewis has a legitimate chance of finishing out a Bengals contract that runs through 2010.

3. Mike Nolan

Joined 49ers: 2005.

Record: 17-34 with no winning seasons.

Why he's on the hot seat: Nolan is feeling less heat after San Francisco's 2-2 start, but the flames could easily shoot up again. We'll learn whether the 49ers are a legitimate NFC West contender after an upcoming stretch that includes four more tough opponents (New England, Philadelphia, the Giants and Seattle).

In his defense: In this case, Nolan bears the bulk of responsibility for San Francisco's woes the past three seasons because he had final say on roster moves. Selecting quarterback Alex Smith with the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft was the first of many bad decisions that led to Nolan being stripped of his personnel power during the offseason.

Reason for optimism: Martz's hiring has paid early dividends. Nolan is able to concentrate more on San Francisco's defense, which is his specialty. The NFC West race also is wide open.

Summary: Nolan's days could be numbered without a postseason appearance. There already is speculation that San Francisco may try to woo Mike Holmgren — a Bay Area native — as coach, general manager or both. Martz also could get strong consideration as head coach if Nolan is ditched.

4. Brad Childress

Joined Vikings: 2006.

Record: 15-21, including a 1-3 start this season.

Why he's on the hot seat: On paper, Minnesota's only major questionable area entering the season was at quarterback. Childress' steadfast support of Tarvaris Jackson blew up in his face. Jackson was recently benched in favor of 37-year-old journeyman Gus Frerotte.

In his defense: Childress got off to a rough start in 2006 when he clashed with personnel director Fran Foley, who was subsequently dismissed. Childress and Foley replacement Rick Spielman form a more cohesive tandem. Minnesota's 8-8 record in 2007 marked a two-game improvement from the previous season.

Reason for optimism: The Vikings have a first-class defense that can win games with even nominal offensive support. Frerotte has done a decent job in going 1-1 the past two weeks, but there are major questions whether he can successfully guide this unit for the long haul.

Summary: Vikings owner Zigi Wilf doled out $60 million in guaranteed salaries for player acquisitions during the off-season. A fourth consecutive year without a playoff berth could prompt Wilf to make a coaching change.

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Brad Childress is the Wayne Fonts of the 21st century. He can't figure out how to finish a game. No matter what QB he has in there, the Vikes will be lucky to even make the playoffs. All the talk about getting rid of TJ is Dejavue of back when Brad Johnson was there. And we all know After Johnson left Minnesota, he wound up winning a SB. Another QB the Vikes threw away. I gaurantee the same thing will happen if they throw away TJ. Vikigs fans need to learn to be a little more patient with the players they have, and realize it takes a whole team to make it to, and win a Superbowl. And a coach who can figure out the right strategies to win games, instead of relying on pure luck to wind up 2 or 3 points ahead when the buzzer goes off at the end of the game.

packaronipackaroni
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I say we need a coach that has some balls and stick with the game plan. You have probably the best 2 backs in the league. Why are they not in there at the same time , zonka-kick, harris-blier,etc. We need someone in there like Cower,come on ,all day had most of that 80 yards in the first half. I'm out.<br />mikevikings

mikevikingmikeviking
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What about Herm Edwards with the KC Chiefs? Since Herm has been coach the Chiefs have gone down hill.


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In Minnesota don't blame the D. Look at the dropped passes and fumbles. Look at the patch work left side of the o line due to a four game suspension. they've been in every game but need that killer instinct ala Pittsburgh. The Vikes amazingly are only one game behind in the division-lol! SKOL!!!!!!!

carpybaconcarpybacon
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Childress must go! When you have the most explosive, possibly best back in the league, how do you only give him 18 carries? The Vikings were not behind big until late. There was no reason to abandon the run and throw over 40 times. Same with the GB game, Peterson only had 19 carries for over 100 hards. There is absolutely no reason why he should not get at least 25 carries a game. Look what happened when he got 31 against the Chargers last year! Fire Childress now!

rpca67rpca67
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I guess us Fan's are never happy unless our team is winning. I love my SeaHawks but please get it together. They seem like they have NO heart after the SuperBowl game against the Stealers. Yes I spelled it Stealers. They need a coach that can bring the heart back into the team and make them proud of themselfs again. But no matter what happens to them, they are my team and the Cheerleaders are HOT too

WyomingCowgirlWyomingCowgirl
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There are good valid reasons to get rid of a head coach Like Childress during the season He has taught the team nothing but how to lose. So why not have and interum coach and if he starts to turn the team around then give him a short term contract with contigencies that he could be picked up or extended if he is doing well with the team.<br />Childress has been at the same losing level since he has been here. There are a few High School Head Coaches that could do a better job than Childress and two of them are in the Twin Cities Metro Area. So get rid of this idiot no one else would do any wourse than Childress has done and is doing.

getreal1getreal1
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dj46 your a moron why should the pack fire McCarthy, because they lost to games. they didnt loose those games because brett wasnt there. they lost them because the offense line couldnt block in those two games. it is hard to be a good quarterback without a running game. defenses have grant figured out. so bring on brandon jackson then him and rodgers will be great

gammamangammaman
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Joshmann.....you did leave one out......the Pack's McCarthy. He will be out after the debacle of a season without Brett Favre because of TT's arrogance and booting him to the curb after 17 years. TT outta be gone also!!!!!!!!!!!

dj46dj46
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Once again good night. Remember life is a sport drink it up! I know the rules change all the time. And some people get bailouts and not others. But as long as you are in the game. You can have a victory. Esreveruoykcuf knows the rulebook.

unfilteredthinkerunfilteredthinker
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I'd hate to see Nolan go. his classy suit is something the league needs.

LegendaryBadassLegendaryBadass
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Have a good one. Signing out for the night.

unfilteredthinkerunfilteredthinker
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Home Depot is one of my favorite places to shop. I am building a wooden goal post to practice my field goals. lol

unfilteredthinkerunfilteredthinker
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I think the owner might keep Lewis for afew more years in the hope that their offense will become dynamic like it was a few years back. Lewis is hoping that Palmer will return to form and Ocho Cinco will play like an allstar that he was a few years back. It was easier for Lombardi to control his players during the Packer era of the 60's than it is now. When you bring players aboard you hope they will buy into the concept of team and worry a little less about individuality. But just a little insight for dealing with Ocho Cinco. Sometimes when you have bad reactions to every thing they do it causes them to rebel even more. I have a feeling that when Romo might hear or see Terrell be a little flashy and individualistic he probably just laughs and doesn't make more out of it than it is. Sometimes not reacting will diffuse a person from acting up. Give talent a chance but if their essential character does not lend themselves to being a good teammate then you have to come down on them.

unfilteredthinkerunfilteredthinker
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The Reds and Bengals know they don't need to win. Get attendance, TV, $8 beers and $6 sandwiches revenue and you can sit comfortably in your Indian Hill mansions. Mike Brown is a disgrace to the Paul Brown legacy.

lbroerlbroer
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I agree with unfiltered but it's getting harder and harder to look past those games like last Sunday where, in my opinion, we lost mainly due to poor play calling and just flat out being unprepared. Overall track record aside, eventually a team needs to make some changes to try to reach the next level and the head coaching position is one that you can't ignore. That being said, I realize ther's not exactly a group of top notch NFL head coaches hanging out in the Home Depot parking lots ready to step right in and get their hands dirty...

esreveruoykcufesreveruoykcuf
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Yes, FINALLY someone besides me says it...... Dr Phil (Childress) and company has to go. From the insanely **** moves off season, paying drop the ball Berrian 60 Million? We had someone BETTER than him already! Williamson, and he was making league minimum!! AND he would probably LEARN to catch the ball, Berrians already set in his ways, catch 1 drop 4!<br />We aren't stacked to win for long! We have pro bowlers that are getting to the point of retirement, Williams, Williams, Birk, Sharper, ???? Who else? T-Jack like Clodpepper, can't read a defense. The games we've lost, have ALL been about the plays that have been called!! 1 blitz against Rodgers 1st game?? WTF?! AP sitting on the bench 1/3 of a game?? WTF?!<br />I foresee Dr Phil taking a hike, Brett coming next year, veterans will resign, Cowher will pick up some WR help, Chester will stay for a ring, and We will all be happy in VikingLand!<br /><br />SKOAL!

DewmantooDewmantoo
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Andy Reid has had stability at Qb relatively speaking. Their aren't that many qb's who can play the position pro style like McNabb. He has also been successful with the blitz packages. Sometimes their offense fizzles when you don't expect it but they put a fair share of points on the board. They had a good run in reaching those NFC title games and breaking through one year to play New England. The NFL has so many teams that you have to beat the odds to win the title. I am one of those people who also look at the division titles and the wildcards in evaluating a coach. Reid has won alot of games and they have done well in the 2000's. He knows the personnel. I think he basically gets out of his players that you would expect for their level of talent. It might not be that easy replacing him.

unfilteredthinkerunfilteredthinker
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Q: Mario, Mario, wherefore art thou Mario? A: On thy way out of Cleveland.<br /><br />PS--My son watched Sunday's game against the Bengirls. He saidat one point, "I think you can buy a Mario at FAO Schwartz."

MovethisloadMovethisload
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Lewis isn't going anywhere. Mike Brown is way to cheap to pay a fired coach. Besides, as long as they are selling out the stadium he is happy no matter what the record is.

chillywilly777chillywilly777
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