Niner Noise
FanSided

Which NFL Head Coaches Are on the Hot Seat Down the Stretch?

By Peter Panacy

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly looks on during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
January 07, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Newly hired Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (left) and chairman Clark Hunt pose for photos during the press conference at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
January 07, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Newly hired Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid (left) and chairman Clark Hunt pose for photos during the press conference at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

Andy Reid, Kansas City Chiefs

One might think a 7-3 head coach like Andy Reid is safe, in terms of job security.

The Kansas City Chiefs are in the thick of the race for the hard-fought AFC West. And after a 2-2 start to the season, the Chiefs managed to rip off five wins in a row before falling in a lackluster 19-17 effort to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11.

So why is Reid here?

The use of talent is the primary reason Reid could be on the hot seat. He’s in his fourth year as head coach in Kansas City. And the Chiefs have remained contenders each season.

But as Matt Verderame of FanSided wrote, Reid needs to show the ability to take this team past the level it has seen in recent years:

"He has continuity in the coaching staff and roster. His message should be loud and clear. The Chiefs should be running like a Swiss watch, especially on the offensive side, Reid’s specialty. Instead, they are a broken mess, leaking more oil by the minute. The record might say 7-3, but there are major questions facing this team."

Kansas City faces off against a well-rested Denver Broncos team in Week 12 in what could decide the standings in the division.

Why He Stays

Reid hasn’t exactly done anything wrong to jeopardize his status. He’s taken Kansas City to two playoff appearances in three years, and 2016 seems to mark yet another trip. Yes, the Chiefs have a tough schedule down the stretch. But it isn’t out of reason to see Kansas City finish with a 10-6 record this season.

Does that deserve a firing? No.

Why He Goes

The Chiefs might be maxed out right now with Reid at the helm. They’re good, but not necessarily deep-into-the-playoffs good.

And Kansas City has come away with some lucky wins late in games this season. That luck won’t always last. Will the franchise look to turn the page anytime soon?