Open Rants by mike914

As the 2020-2021 NFL offseason is kicking off and the coaching carousel just about finished for this hiring cycle with only the Texans and Eagles yet to hire, let's take a look at the coaches that are on the hot seat for the 2021 season.

Matt Nagy, Chicago Bears: Although Chicago did make a playoff appearance in 2020, this season was a disappointment. After starting the season off at 5-1, the Bears limped to an 8-8 record down the stretch. Coaching has to be questioned as the quarterback situation and decisions made around it are questionable at best. If Nagy can't lead the Bears to the playoffs in 2021, I predict their will be a new head coach roaming the sidelines of Soldier Field.

Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings: Starting off, I don't necessarily think dismissing Zimmer is a great idea, I believe he is one of the best head coaches in the NFL and has been so since his hiring by Minnesota in 2014. However, 2020 was not a good showing by this Viking team and after awhile great coaches voices sometimes go stale in the locker room after a long tenure (i.e. Andy Reid in Philadelphia, Ron Rivera in Carolina) and a change is made. I feel that if Minnesota fails to make the playoffs yet again in 2021, Zimmer could be shown the door. I feel that he would instantly be picked up by another franchise.

Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys:There were calls for McCarthy to lose his job after the disastrous showing on Thanksgiving vs. Washington as the Cowboys were just completely outplayed and outcoached by Ron Rivera's squad (don't even get me started on that 4th and long in own territory fake punt.) McCarthy's first year in Dallas had many question the direction the Cowboys were being led, however he dealt with difficult injuries that plagued the team. If Dallas struggles in 2021 I could see Jerry Jones admitting he was wrong and looking for his next head coach (maybe an old Dallas Defensive Coordinator, see above. Zimmer, Mike ;D.)

Vic Fangio, Denver Broncos: Fangio has led the Broncos to an overall record of 12-20 since taking over as head coach 2019. That's not going to cut it. Denver will need to see drastic improvement and more consistent play from their team for Fangio to remain head coach in 2022. If not, I could see new General Manager George Paton looking to find a head coach of his choosing.

Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals: Arizona really struggled to finish the season, and missed the playoffs because of it. It seemed that after the "Hail Murray" the team just kind of fell flat after the huge win over Buffalo. The San Francisco loss in December really showed issues as Kyler was hobbled with an injury and the team looked far too one dimensional and struggled on defense mightily against backup quarterbacks. Rumors also irculated that Kyler and Kliff had beef this season and that their relationship was not stellar. If this continues as well as poor play and execution I don't see Kingsbury remaining at the helm in the Desert. It's looking like playoffs or bust for Kliff and season number 3.

Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals: Despite Mike Brown being a rather cheap owner and not wanting to pay a coach to not coach his team, Zac Taylor is on the hot seat. Yes, the Burrow injury was devastating, I know. However, you could blame the coaching for putting Burrow at risk for serious injury by dropping him back to pass between 50-60 times a game behind a make shift offensive line that very likely was the worst in the league. Cincinnati has talent at the playmaking positions, wide receiver and running back groups, and the defense looked much better in a few contests to end the season (except Baltimore week 17, yikes.) The team must address offensive line and playmakers on defense this offseason otherwise the Bengals will be cellar dwellers again and could possibly look for another head coach to pair with their promising quarterback.

????, Houston Texans: I can't think of a less appealing job. Who knows if it will even be accepted by the start of the 2021 season.. So maybe they will be in the hunt for a head coaching candidate again in the 2022 carousel.