USA Today predictions would mean 7 coaches likely fired in 2021
Worried about whether or not the Cowboys are going to be able to keep Kellen Moore in 2021? Being a Dallas Cowboys fan in 2020 essentially means rooting to lose their offensive coordinator. In a pass-happy league, offensive coordinator is seen as the thoroughfare to head coaching opportunities, and if the Cowboys are going to be a Super Bowl contender, that likely comes from their explosive offense.
If Dallas repeats as the league’s most productive offense and cuddles team success with it, it stands to reason a team or two will be highly interested in poaching Moore from under the wing of head coach Mike McCarthy. But who? There’s generally a lot of turnover in the coaching ranks of a win-now league. In 2020, there were five new additions, three of them in the NFC East. In 2021, there could be more, especially if USA Today’s season record prediction comes true.
Predicting records is hard, as it’s difficult to know how well depth will hold up when injuries ravage a particular position group. It’s one thing to overcome one loss, but a myriad of losses means players not capable of absorbing the extra share of responsibility are asked to do so. But still, we persist, using the talent floor and ceiling as a guide.
First, a look at all of the predictions, which include the Cowboys winning the NFC East with a 10-6 record.
Looking over the various records, it appears there are several head coaching jobs that could come available were these predictions to come true.
Chicago Bears (5-11)
There’s no way Matt Nagy survives a fall from 12-4 to 8-8 to 5-11. He inherited Mitch Trubisky thanks to GM Ryan Pace who will probably be shown the door as well.
New York Jets (3-13)
Adam Gase was a failure in Miami and somehow landed in the same division. The Jets have done nothing but run off talented player after talented player and a season this bad in Sam Darnold’s third year should be a death sentence for a dysfunctional front office.
Detroit Lions (7-9)
Either the coach goes or the QB goes at this point. Matt Patricia will have to end up at least .500 in his third year or else it will be time for the Lions to start anew.
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-13)
Doug Marrone had a great first season, but has failed to live up to expectations since 2017. A third-straight under-.500 finish would likely do him in and the organization would be out looking for a new head coach-QB combination.
Houston Texans (7-9)
Falling to under .500 with Deshaun Watson under center is unacceptable and Bill O’Brien would have to go. Over the last several years he’s absorbed GM powers and wrecked their future, so missing the playoffs is not an option.
Los Angeles Rams (7-9)
No, not Sean McVay? A second-straight missed playoff season and descending win total with a healthy Jared Goff and Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey on defense? Why wouldn’t the head coach be to blame?
New York Giants (2-14)
There would normally be wiggle room for a new coach who inherited a young QB, but if the team isn’t responding to Joe Judge’s outlandish approach to head coaching, one would think pulling the plug is a possibility on the experiment before Daniel Jones’ rookie contract is wasted completely.
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