Smashmouth Football League Articles

On the Hot Seat

Jason Arnold - Jacksonville Jaguars

The good news for Jacksonville is that while they are placing their GM on the hot seat, for sure, he's got more than enough ammunition to turn this around and get at least six wins next season for this squad. He will own the first overall pick in the 2005 draft and with a QB that is finally playing up to his potential, 6 wins isn't out of the question in 2005, as long as Arnold adds enough firepower to his lineup.

Brad Barber - Detroit Lions

When the Lions selected Byron Leftwich in the 2003 draft, a lot of pundits wondered whether it was the correct decision. So far, we haven't been able to tell as Leftwich has barely seen the field. Detroit will need to pray he can finally play next season, or they'll be looking for a new GM.

Gary Cohen - Tennessee Titans

Tanking in 2003 isn't starting to look that good now, is it? After players revolted and refused to re-up with the team, GM Gary Cohen found himself with a young roster devoid of a lot of natural talent. We have confidence in his abilities to turn it around some for next year, but if the team can't get that elusive 6th win in 2005, fans will run Cohen out of town while driving tanks.

Rock Hewko - Seattle Seahawks

A Seahawks team without Rock Hewko as their GM? Say it isn't so. However, that might be what we're seeing in a couple years if the veteran GM can't get this ship turned around quicker. He'll need to get to 6 wins next year (or 7 if he wins out in 2004). It's not a high order, but in a tough NFC West, every game is a battle.

Brandon Lindgren - Buffalo Bills

It's been a tough couple of seasons for the Buffalo Bills and their fans. First, they drafted the heir apparent to their franchise in Rex Grossman, only to see his first season derailed by injury. Now, in his second season, the team has decided he is not the future and plans to move him in the offseason. That may save GM Brandon Lindgren's job, as it will give him the opportunity to acquire a veteran (and improve his record next year), but without 6 wins, the Bills will be getting a new GM.

Seat is Getting Hot

Paul Criswell - Tampa Bay Buccaneers

At this point, I'd say it's likely that Tampa Bay ends up on the hot seat, but it's not a fore-gone conclusion. If they win out, beating Carolina (that's a tough one) and Arizona (not a tough one), GM Criswell will be considered safe for next season. But with Brad Johnson injured and Tony Romo under center, you have to understand my skepticism. Worst case scenario in Tampa: They go 8-8 and then Brad Johnson retires. That spells doom for Criswell's chance to make the playoffs in 2005, which would likely be his requirement.

Leonard Henry - Philadelphia Eagles

Fans aren't happy with the product on the field in Philadelphia, but this year did bring some improvement. In fact, one more win, and ownership will likely keep Leonard off the hot seat, buying him a couple of extra seasons. Interesting storyline however -- if both Philadelphia and Cincinnati lose in week 16, they'll be playing each other to stay off the hot seat in week 17.

Tyler Richardson - Arizona Cardinals

One of the biggest topics in the SFL is how the Cardinals are building for the future -- but now, for the first time, we are starting to wonder whether that future includes a different GM. Right now, I'd say Arizona likely stays off the hot seat, with games against Seattle and Tampa Bay left (and they only need to win one). Two losses though, and next year is super interesting for the Cards.

Tom Riddell - Denver Broncos

Brass in Denver have made themselves extremely clear at this point -- make the playoffs this season, or find yourself on the hot seat next year. Unfortunately for GM Tom Riddell, the hot seat next year likely would mean a playoff spot, with expectations from ownership in Denver to see team improvement. There is talk of Sorgi being the future, but with his job on the line, I don't think Riddell can risk playing Sorgi over Bledsoe.

Brady Tinnin - Cincinnati Bengals

There is some chatter in Cincinnati that GM Brady Tinnin may be on the outs, but word from ownership is that a .500 record this season will earn Tinnin some much needed good graces. With games against the Giants and Eagles, whom are both eliminated from postseason play as of now, I'd say one more win is quite likely and Tinnin will not find himself on the hot seat.

Safe for Now

Tom Collins - Cleveland Browns

Things were not looking good early in the year in Cleveland and Browns fans, as they often do, were looking for someone to blame. After a strong second half of the season, the Cleveland Browns have made it clear -- Tom Collins is their GM and he isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

William Cook - Dallas Cowboys

It's been an impressive season in Dallas and has definitely saved GM William Cook some time to get things "clicking". A playoff berth this year may even earn him an extension, something that few would have expected at the very beginning of the season.

Wade Pearce - Houston Texans

I don't think anyone, including Texans' GM Wade Pearce, expected the type of season they have had. The good news for him is that it's definitely eliminated him from being on the hot seat next year and very well may earn him a much-deserved extension.

Neal Wintermute - Minnesota Vikings

A 10-4 record? That's one way to make sure you're safe. The Vikings seem to have finally figured out their formula to success and I doubt we'll see GM Neal Wintermute anywhere near this list in future seasons.