Fired
Gary Hickman - Green Bay Packers
The writing has been on the wall for a few weeks -- the Green Bay Packers are looking for new management in 2015 and it looks like GM Hickman may be looking for a fresh start. The bad news for both parties? There might not be anyone to take the job and that may force Hickman into one more season with a roster that has recently been decimated.
On the Hot Seat in 2015
Ian Coyle - Cleveland Browns
The Browns has not been an easy job over the years, both due to a lack of starting talent and an extremely tough division historically. Ian Coyle finds himself on the hot seat next year, but only needing 6 wins (which seems achievable) to keep his team.
Kevin Mullendore - New York Jets
It's amazing to believe this team is here, but since being Super Bowl Champions they have been the standard of mediocrity, never getting enough wins to make the playoffs (hello 7th place), but never being low enough to get a top pick and easily "improve." At least this time around the Jets will only need 6 wins next season.
Garth Pearce - Atlanta Falcons
Garth Pearce inherited a mess. He knew it. Everyone knew it. Coming off a Super Bowl victory that felt robotic, the team retired in masse. But Pearce wanted a challenge. The rebuild has been slow and management is beginning to wonder if he is the guy for the job.
Wade Pearce - Houston Texans
The only Pearce brother finds himself in a similar situation, but he's been here before. It seems like Houston is always talking about "moving on," right before Pearce reminds them why they always keep him around. Next season may be just like that as well.
Bill Ryan - Washington Redskins
Word on the street is that Daniel Snyder is hoping for a reunion with someone with less morals and ethics than GM Bill Ryan (i.e. Mellon). It's doubtful he gets that, but he has not been pleased with the Redskins' performance this season and has notified that last year may be Ryan's last chance.
Fighting to Stay Off the Hot Seat
Anthony Cepparulo - Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have been a revolving door. Leonard Jones. Darryl Breckheimer. Brad Barber. Is AC on the outs as well? Another win this year will keep him off the hot seat. The Cowboys will be tough, but with the Falcons not playing for anything, you have to think Philly can get another win and keep AC safe from the hot seat.
Peter Fenger - San Francisco 49ers
Last season it looked like the 49ers had figured it out. The truth is, they have, but unfortunately for them, so has the rest of the NFC West. The path to the playoffs is rough -- they have to win out (Arizona & Denver) and hope that either Minnesota or Chicago loses out, and then that the 49ers win the tiebreaker. It's unlikely. However, if San Francisco wins their last two games Fenger stays off the hot seat. With the Cardinals next week, I'm skeptical, but there's a chance.
Brandon Lindgren - Buffalo Bills
Where did this Bills team come from? Last time Lindgren was on the hot seat they performed like this as well (and made a Super Bowl), so they do their best with their feet to the flames. They do have to make the playoffs to keep their GM off the hot seat again, but right now they are in the driver's seat. The primary concern is tough games against the Titans (read below for more info) and the Ravens.
Phil Mellon - Carolina Panthers
GM Mellon is safe for this season, but he's still hoping for an extension to keep him off the hot seat next season. It all comes down to whether Carolina can win the three-team race for the NFC South title, where he has to beat out two GMs with a combined 4 SFL titles. The good news? They play the Falcons this week and then if they beat the Saints, they
may win the tiebreaker.
Apolo Shapiro - Tennessee Titans
As long as the Titans hold onto the divisional lead (or make the playoffs), they're set. The bad news? They play the Bills, who also have motivation to win, and the Patriots....who do as well. It won't be easy, but you have to think Tennessee will find a way to pull it out.
