May Be Fired at Season's End
Leonard Henry - Philadelphia EaglesPhiladelphia has officially been eliminated from the playoffs and ownership has offered an ultimatum. Beat the Cardinals and/or the Redskins and GM Leonard Jones gets another year on his contract. Lose both games and he's a GM in another town next year.
Brandon Lindgren - Buffalo BillsA few weeks ago this would have seem inconceivable, but after the loss to Denver today, the rest of their schedule is not looking that inviting. They have two games on the road, against Cincinnati and the New York Jets. Those are
not easy games. One win and Lindgren gets another season, but if he doesn't snatch one of those, he'll be employed elsewhere next year.
On the Hot Seat
William Cook - Dallas CowboysIf "shit hit the fan" was a football team, it would be the Dallas Cowboys. They surprisingly regressed in 2005, encountered some bad and even potentially illegal breaks (collusion!?), and saw horrendous injuries. GM Cook is on the hot seat next year and will have to pull out all the stops.
Bill Ryan - Pittsburgh SteelersAfter some very costly offseason this past year, Pittsburgh hasn't been able to recover and their GM is being placed on the hot seat. There are rumors that he may be negotiating with another club however, which would have to be approved by the league, but in this case, would be expected to be accepted unanimously.
Seat is Getting Hot
Brad Barber - Detroit LionsIt's very unlikely that the Lions GM finds himself on the hot seat at the end of this season, but if he were to lose out and somehow miss the playoffs (it's mathematically possible), he'd likely find himself having to make the playoffs in 2006. That likely won't happen though and ownership will be all the way off his back.
Anthony Cepparulo - San Diego ChargersThe Chargers have games left against the re-surging Chiefs and surprisingly chippy Denver Broncos. One win and Anthony Cepparulo has satiated fans, but dropping both of those games would get him sent to the hot list faster than Andy Reid running toward a Philly cheese-steak.
Gary Cohen - Tennessee TitansThe week 15 loss was not a good one for the Tennessee Titans, but they remain in contention for a playoff spot. They get into the playoffs and their GM is off the hot seat. They miss? It'll be playoffs or busy (very likely) for them in 2006.
Tom Collins - Cleveland BrownsOwnership in Cleveland would be extremely happy if the Browns were to win out. It's quite possible, with their remaining opponents being the Steelers and Ravens, both at home. However, if the Browns drop either of those games, Collins likely finds himself on the hot seat next season.
Paul Criswell - Tampa Bay BuccaneersObviously, the league is saddened to hear of the passing of Paul Criswell. He had not officially been dismissed by the Buccaneers and will remain a Buccaneer for life. The team has honored some of his last wishes and has already begun negotiating with the next GM and will announce the switch at the end of the regular season, putting an interest and hopefully unique twist on the coaching carousel.
Rock Hewko - Seattle SeahawksSeattle has been markedly improved in the 2005 campaign, but it may not be enough to keep GM Rock Hewko from trying to cool his seat again next year, with even higher stakes. If Seattle can slip into the playoffs, he gets a lot more breathing room, but it's a tough slope upward to make that happen this year.
Safe for Now
Tyler Richardson - Arizona CardinalsThe Cardinals finally met expectations this season, even if they were a tad muted compared to some expectations. It's enough to keep GM Tyler Richardson off the hot seat next year and will likely earn him a longer contract extension.
Contract Extended 2+ Years
Jason Arnold - Jacksonville JaguarsOne of the biggest surprises of this season was the Jacksonville Jaguars. They have impressed despite GM Jason Arnold's fury at occasional poor performance. He should be with the organization long-term and have a large say with the team.
