You're Fired!

If there's an offset to the glamour of being a NFL coach, it surely is the lack of job security. This year we've seen a practically unprecedented number of firings in teams around the league. Struggling teams are under constant pressure to find a winning formula, and for many teams that means making a staff move at the end of the season. Let's take stock of who has lost their job so far this season: Head Coaches

• Arizona Cardinals - Ken Whisenhunt
• Buffalo Bills - Chan Gailey, replaced by former Syracuse coach Doug Marrone
• Chicago Bears - Lovie Smith
• Cleveland Browns - Pat Shurmur
• Jacksonville Jaguars - Mike Mularkey
• Kansas City Chiefs - Romeo Crennel, replaced by former Philadelphia Eagles coach Andy Reid
• Philadelphia Eagles - Andy Reid
• San Diego Chargers - Norv Turner

Rumors suggest the fate of Carolina's Ron Rivera could rest with the yet-to-be-hired GM's, when hired. Despite much speculation, Jets head coach Rex Ryan will return next season, as will Jim Schwartz of the Detroit Lions and and Mike Munchak of the Tennessee Titans. General Managers

• Arizona Cardinals - Rod Graves
• Carolina Panthers - Marty Hurney
• Cleveland Browns - Tom Heckert
• Jacksonville Jaguars - Gene Smith
• Kansas City Chiefs - Scott Pioli
• New York Jets - Mike Tannenbaum
• San Diego Chargers - A.J. Smith

The elephant in the room for all these teams is; who will take their place? With so many open positions, teams will be competing for the known commodities and will increasingly reach for the unknown quantities - usually found in college programs or deep in other teams' staff rosters. In one light, its a very exciting time for up and coming coaches with promise and talent who might now get their shot. In any light, it sure will be interesting to see who ends up where!