NFL Coaching Hot Seat: Mike Tomlin Joins The Fun
By Erik Lambert
Oct 12, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stands on the sidelines during the second quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
A few new names joined the list of NFL coaches feeling the heat. Which ones have the most cause for concern heading towards midseason?
Rex Ryan – HC – New York Jets
He’s been atop the list for weeks ever since Dennis Allen was fired. Rex Ryan got a spirited initial effort against Denver but in the end he couldn’t will the New York Jets to beating a clearly superior team. Ryan is a motivator but has been undone by problems at quarterback and injuries to his secondary that continue to mount. It’s no longer a matter of “if” but when he will be fired.
Seat: Scorching
Mike Tomlin – HC – Pittsburgh Steelers
He avoided overall scrutiny last year by rallying the Pittsburgh Steelers to just miss the playoffs. Mike Tomlin better hope he has another one in his back pocket because the critics are closing in from all sides after the Steelers were thoroughly humiliated 31-10 by Cleveland. The defense is toothless and still old and the offense isn’t clicking. Add in how murderous the AFC North is and Tomlin is in serious trouble.
Seat: Toasty
Joe Philbin – HC – Miami Dolphins
It’s never a good sign when an NFL player on the team publicly calls out the coaching staff after a loss. That is exactly what Phillip Wheeler did after the Miami Dolphins collapsed against Green Bay in the final minutes. He questioned the play calling throughout the 4th quarter that allowed the Packers to march down for the winning score. At the heart of that is head coach Joe Philbin. Already under scrutiny for his indecisive offensive direction and clock management, it’s becoming clear he may not have full control of the locker room. Add in that Miami is 2-3 and it’s not a good sign.
Seat: Warm
Mike Smith – HC – Atlanta Falcons
Perhaps the smartest thing Mike Smith ever did was draft Matt Ryan because the Pro Bowl quarterback is turning out to be the only reason he still has a job. Smith’s Atlanta Falcons team has gradually gotten worse the past two seasons and it has to do with everything from injuries to an inability to find answers on defense. Smith may or may not have the trust of ownership, but he can’t keep up the growing trend of ineptitude for his team.
Seat: Warm