NFL Coaching Hot Seat: Rex Not The Only Ryan In Trouble
By Erik Lambert
Oct 5, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan during the third quarter of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dennis Allen, not surprisingly, was the first casualty among head coaches in the NFL. Who is in danger of following him?
Rex Ryan – HC – New York Jets
There is no question that right after Allen the next name on the hit list of head coaches was Rex Ryan of the New York Jets. His promising 8-8 season in 2013 saved his job but expectations were high this year, especially with the AFC East much more wide open than it’s been in years. Instead the Jets have stumbled to four-straight losses. They have predictable quarterback problems and now even their defense is showing signs of cracking. Ryan is a great motivator, but it’s looking like that won’t be enough to halt this tailspin.
Seat: Scorching
Rob Ryan – DC – New Orleans Saints
It would seem the entire Ryan family is having a rough go of it. Rob Ryan, Rex’s brother was being hailed as a hero in 2013 by taking the New Orleans Saints defense from 32nd to 4th overall. Expectations were for that run of success to continue. Instead they’re allowing 28 points per game and rank 26th against the pass. The Saints sit at 2-3 and barely escaped an upset by Tampa Bay 37-31. Ryan’s credibility is eroding fast.
Seat: Hot
Mel Tucker – DC – Chicago Bears
One thing defensive coordinator Mel Tucker can count on is that Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler will take the heat off him from time to time. However, Cutler’s ongoing error-filled play doesn’t excuse the fact that Tucker continues to watch his defense suffer ill-timed breakdowns against NFL opponents that shouldn’t be doing it. They are still not getting off the field enough on 3rd down and have become especially bad at keeping opponents out of the end zone when it matters. Tucker must know that his job security withers with each time the scoreboard reads 30 or more points allowed.
Seat: Sizzling
Gus Bradley – HC – Jacksonville Jaguars
Is it too soon to start getting on Gus Bradley? It’s a fair argument considering he inherited a bad team but the fact is the Jacksonville Jaguars should’ve started to show more progress by now and instead they are winless and looking really bad. They currently rank 31st in total offense and 32nd in total defense. That pitiful play has to fall at the feet of the head coach. Bradley likely still has some good will on his side considering he has a very young team, but he has to start winning some games, and soon.
Seat: Warm