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Over the past three years and two-plus seasons, we\u2019ve seen 17 coaches fired, the most in three years since 1970. It appears we\u2019re likely headed for a smaller number this year, even with 15 teams sitting below .500.\u00a0<\/p>\n
So who\u2019s on the hottest of seats? Let\u2019s start in Atlanta, where the Falcons have talent but not the wins to match it.<\/p>\n
Hot seat meter<\/strong>: 3<\/p>\n Previous Meter<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n The Falcons have an elite receiver, an elite running back, another quality back and a solid pass rush. They also play in the NFC South. And yet, Atlanta is 3\u20136 and looking at another long year that ends without a first-round pick, having already dealt it to the Rams.\u00a0<\/p>\n Morris has now been a head coach for four-plus years, first with Tampa Bay and then with Atlanta, and has a career record of 32\u201354 with no playoff appearances. Owner Arthur Blank is typically patient, as evidenced by Arthur Smith going 7\u201310 in three consecutive seasons before being dismissed.\u00a0<\/p>\n The problem for Morris? He\u2019s in the midst of his third season, and none of them are likely to end with a winning mark. It might be time for Blank to make another change, seeking the Falcons\u2019 first postseason appearance since 2017.<\/p>\n Hot seat meter<\/strong>: 4<\/p>\n Previous meter<\/strong>: N\/A<\/p>\n The Bengals were 3\u20134 and coming off a win over the Steelers. They had momentum and a pair of home games against the Jets and Bears coming up. The playoffs were possible.<\/p>\n Then, Cincinnati allowed more than 500 yards to both New York and Chicago, giving up 86 combined points in a pair of losses despite racking up 893 yards and 80 points on offense. While the season-ending toe injury to Joe Burrow is an excuse for why the Bengals are likely to miss the playoffs for the fifth time in seven years under Taylor, at some point, the issues are overwhelming.\u00a0<\/p>\n Taylor\u2019s decision to fire longtime defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo looks more inexcusable by the day. Anarumo now oversees the Colts\u2019 defense, which has helped Indianapolis to first place in the AFC South. Meanwhile, Cincinnati\u2019s defense is dead last in points and yards allowed under Al Golden.\u00a0<\/p>\n Considering Marvin Lewis lasted 16 years without a playoff win, it\u2019s unlikely Taylor will be fired. But it has to be considered.\u00a0<\/p>\n Hot seat meter<\/strong>: 7<\/p>\n Previous meter<\/strong>: 6<\/p>\n Last week, the Jets threw up a white flag the size of New Jersey. They traded Quinnen Williams. They traded Sauce Gardner. They were ready to capitulate.\u00a0<\/p>\n And then the Browns came to MetLife Stadium, and New York won, 27\u201320, on two kickoff-return touchdowns. It\u2019s the kind of defeat that makes one wonder, perhaps even owner Jimmy Haslam, whether keeping Stefanski really has much value.\u00a0<\/p>\n At 2\u20137, the Browns are headed for a very high draft choice. They could be looking to select a quarterback, especially with the way Dillon Gabriel has been playing since being installed as a starter in Week 5, completing 59.9% of his passes while averaging 4.9 yards per attempt.<\/p>\n Cleveland is destined for another last-place finish in the AFC North. It also holds two first-round picks. Are Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry the best people to oversee that operation?\u00a0<\/p>\n Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel took a step toward saving his job with Miami’s upset win over the Bills on Sunday. \/ Sam Navarro-Imagn Images<\/p>\n<\/p>\n