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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 /
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Oct 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano looks at the replay during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano looks at the replay during their game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports /

Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts

Head coach Chuck Pagano might not be anywhere close to the danger Bears coach John Fox is experiencing right now.

But NFL tenures are weird things. The days of Pagano’s playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts teams seem like a distant memory. Although that’s what can happen when the front office invests so heavily in quarterback Andrew Luck, financially, at the defense’s expense.

Not surprisingly, the Colts defense stinks this season. And it’s a primary reason the team is 5-5.

The Colts are still in the thick of the AFC South chase though, so a playoff run might be the thing which saves any concerns over a Pagano firing.

Why He Stays

An aging roster is one of the primary reasons why Pagano isn’t to blame here. Linebackers Robert Mathis (33 years old) and Erik Walden (31 years old) are hitting the twilight of their respective careers. And general manager Ryan Grigson needs to start infusing some youth.

That doesn’t fall on Pagano.

Why He Goes

2016 marks the sixth year of Pagano’s tenure, and a youth movement could mandate some changes within the coaching staff.

Consider this more of a changing-direction move rather than simply relieving Pagano of his duties if things don’t go well this season in Indianapolis.