The EastCoaster

By: John Cardillo 

It is this time of the season when we have to begin to wonder which coaches are on the hot seat. Meaning which ones are going to get fired come January 7 or before. Let’s start with who I think will be gone.

1. Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Chargers.

If this guy isn’t on everyone’s list, I don’t know what to tell you. The Chargers have had so much talent on both sides of the ball for three years now and they are 5-9? December 15 might have been the nail in the coffin. 63 points to a Raiders team without Josh Jacobs? That is inexcusable. He will be the first to go…maybe before the last game of the year. 

2. Bill Belichick, New England Patriots.

The reason I think he is on the firing line is simple: Quarterback. He has gotten nothing from Mac Jones in three years. Bill O’Brien couldn’t even get anything out of him. Their defense is still playing okay, but they have some very tough games coming up against the Chiefs, Bills, and Eagles. Personally, I think he should be given one more chance, but let’s face it, he will be 72 years old next year. It might be time to say goodbye to this coaching legend. Probably the best of all time. Will Robert Kraft pull the plug? We will find out.

3. Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders. 

Four seasons without a winning season equals a loss of a job when it comes to this coach. Granted, he has never had a quarterback. Sam Howell is okay, but he gets sacked too many times for my liking. This probably will be the worst of his four years as coach of the Commanders. Their team plays uninspired football and there is a new owner in town. I have to believe that Ron Rivera is a goner. As a matter of fact, he has only had three winning seasons in a 13-year head coaching career. Look for a change there.

4. Matt Eberflus, Chicago Bears. 

I don’t know what to make of this one. By no means have the Bears played well this season. They are 5-8 this year but have just come off a big win over The Lions. I think he gets one more year. Justin Fields hasn’t panned out. I don’t know if he ever will. One thing to keep in mind is this: Jim Harbaugh. With all that is going on in Michigan (even though the sign-stealing fiasco looks like it has cooled off for now), Harbaugh could be mad enough to head back to the NFL. Where else could or would he go than the organization that he played for for years? The Bears should give him whatever he wants if he leaves Michigan. GM, Head Coach. Part of the Stadium, part of Chicago, give it to him. Keep an eye out for this one.

5. Robert Saleh, New York Jets. 

Lastly, is Robert Saleh. His three years as head coach have not gone as planned. Two offensive coordinators, a quarterback who has a million-dollar arm and a two-cent head, and a front office that insisted on bringing in Aaron Rodgers only to see him go out on his fourth play of the year. Is it his fault? Is it his Offensive Coordinator’s fault for not adjusting to Zach Wilson until last week? I don’t know. The defense is outstanding. I give him and Jeff Ulbrich, the Defensive Coordinator, credit for that. Should he be gone? I don’t know. My guess is he gets one more crack at it with a healthy Rodgers, but if they don’t win games next year, he will be gone. 

Next up, I will bring you my playoff predictions. You will not want to miss this. Have a great holiday and a happy and healthy New Year, EastCoasters.