Five coaches on the NFL hot seat

As the NFL season kicks off, most teams have reason for hope that this could be their year, or at least an improvement upon the year before. However, some coaches find themselves not just wanting wins, but needing them to keep their jobs.

Five coaches were fired at the end of the 2015 season, while two (Joe Philbin and Ken Whisenhunt) were fired during the year. This year, coaches that avoided the pink slip last season face more pressure than ever to perform.

It’s hard to consider some of the league’s more veteran head coaches on the hot seat, even despite recent failings. For example, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton is coming two straight 7-9 campaigns but still holds a firm grasp in the Big Easy. Another losing record could put Payton in trouble, but the Saints will want to have a replacement in mind before letting go of their Super Bowl-winning coach.

In Los Angeles, Jeff Fisher has yet to produce a winning record with the Rams in four seasons with the team. However, barring disaster, Fisher will likely get another pass this year as the team develops rookie quarterback Jared Goff and settles into their new L.A. home.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano surprisingly avoided axe in January, and was handed a four-year extension. Despite his new deal, it’s hard to believe friction between Pagano and general manager Ryan Grigson has suddenly disappeared. If the Colts struggle, Pagano should be considered far from safe.

For newer hires, the NFL is not known for its patience with head coaches. Often coaches are granted three years to show results, but being let go after one year is not unheard of.

This season, three head coaches enter on the hot seat after being granted a fourth year at the helm, while two could be let go in year two.

Here are the five coaches opening the year on the TSN.ca hot seat:

Buffalo Bills

Rex Ryan

Cutline (Worst record needed to save job): 9-7

Last season: 8-8

Career record: 54-58 (46-50 with New York Jets)

Ryan has held off on making a playoff promise this season after shouting from the rooftops of the Ralph when he took over last season. The Bills won their final two games to finish at .500 last season, but were well outside the playoff picture by December. Known for his defensive prowess, the Bills actually regressed defensively in Ryan’s first year, dropping to the bottom-half of the league in most categories. Since reaching the AFC Championship in each of his first two seasons with the Jets, Ryan has gone five years without tasting January football. The 54-year-old likely needs reach the postseason this year to save his job, with a tough schedule and their top defender suspended to open the year, it’s going to be an uphill battle.

Detroit Lions

Jim Caldwell

Cutline: 7-9

Last season: 7-9

Career Record: 44-36 (26-22 with Indianapolis Colts)

Caldwell got off to a strong start in the Motor City in 2014, guiding the team to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. However, the Lions finished well outside of the playoffs at 7-9 last season and ranked in the bottom half of the league both on offence and defence. In a tough NFC North, Caldwell may be able to save his job without a playoff berth but will need to at least match season’s record to remain in Detroit.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Gus Bradley

Cutline: 7-9

Last season: 5-11

Career Record: 12-36

It’s a sad statement that last year’s 5-11 record was the Jaguars best result since 2011. It was likely just enough to give Bradley a fourth year in Duval. Bradley takes a talented group into 2016, and one that appears to be ready to blossom on offence. To keep his job, Bradley must continue to show improvement with the Jaguars. With a transitioning defence, 7-9 is a respectable and attainable record.

San Diego Chargers

Mike McCoy

Cutline: 7-9

Last season: 4-12

Career record: 22-26

Depending on who you ask, the San Diego Chargers are either a playoff contender this season, or a team destined to finish at the bottom of the AFC West. The Chargers were derailed by injuries last season, sending them crashing back down to earth after consecutive 9-7 seasons under McCoy. They improved in the offseason, but a drawn out contract dispute with third overall pick Joey Bosa will keep him off the field early in the season. Chargers management believes they have a team strong enough to contend, finishing in the bottom 10 of the league again will likely cost McCoy his job – he needs seven wins or more.

Tennessee Titans

Mike Mularkey

Cutline: 6-10

Last season: 2-7 (Interim)

Career record: 18-39 (2-4 with Jacksonville Jaguars, 14-18 with Buffalo Bills)

Few coaching hires were more uninspiring this offseason than the Titans decision to retain Mularkey. The 55-year-old has had two previous short stays as an NFL head coach and seemed destined to have a third with the Titans. Still in the midst of a rebuild, many view Mularkey as a placeholder until the Titans can land their dream coach. With a losing record expected in Nashville, it’s worth wondering how much of a chance Mularkey really stands.