NFL: Five Head Coaches Needing Big Seasons in 2017
Whether it be bad seasons or rough NFL Draft classes a handful of coaches are on watch entering the 2017 season
Here’s the five names to watch for the 2017 NFL season when it comes to NFL coaches and their jobs.
Doug Pederson
Philadelphia is still a buzz after a great three days hosting the NFL Draft, but soon that buzz will fade and return to disdain towards their second year head coach. Pederson made bonehead mistakes that could have gotten any other coach fired if not for it being their first year. Carson Wentz’ development and a .500 record will determine whether or not Douggie P is back for a third season.
John Fox
Somehow John Fox survived Black Monday and saw another draft as an NFL head coach. While his knowledge of GM Ryan Pace trading up for quarterback Mitchell Trubisky is questioned the 62-year-old Fox needs to win quicker than not. Another subpar year could spell retirement for Fox, who’s still chasing a Super Bowl ring.
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Marvin Lewis
How long is too long for the Cincinnati Bengals and Marvin Lewis? About three years ago. Lewis is 0-7 in the playoffs as the Bengals head coach, a job he’s held for 14 years. Unless the Bengals return to relevance after a draft class with more questions than answers his time in Cincinnati is numbered.
Jay Gruden
It’s been an awkward situation for Jay Gruden since going to Washington between a meddling owner, Robert Griffin III, and Kirk Cousins refusing to come to terms on a new contract. Gruden enters his fourth season as the leader of the Redskins and hasn’t turned a double-digit win season or gotten his coaching record above .500.
Sean Payton
New Orleans may as well have been irrelevant since winning the Super Bowl in 2009, and three consecutive 7-9 seasons isn’t cutting it for Saints fans. Drew Brees may be keeping the Saints payroll hostage but that’s no excuse for Payton’s horrid defense in recent years. It’s win now or bust for the 53-year-old Payton, whose been on edge with ownership and the front office.
Next: 2018 Top Pick Candidates Not Named Josh Allen
Other coaches to watch: Ron Rivera, Mike McCarthey, Chuck Pagano, Bill O’Brien