30. Jim Caldwell, Detroit Lions
The Lions have made the playoffs in two of Caldwell’s three seasons as head coach, which is a solid accomplishment given the franchise’s history. But he’s in the final year of his contract, no extension seems to be coming anytime soon and general manager Bob Quinn may want to hire his own coach as soon as he can.
Caldwell has continually dismissed concern about his contract situation publicly, which is not shocking as a bit of “coach speak” with preparation for a new season going on now. But it has to be in the back of his mind, from a human perspective, and this is shaping up as a make the playoffs or else season for Caldwell. Winning a playoff game may even be an extra requirement for him to keep the job, which is speculative but not out of the question.
An in-season firing is unlikely, but a bad start to the season will put Caldwell firmly on the hot seat if he isn’t there already. He has a 53-43 record in the regular season as an NFL head coach, over six total seasons with the Colts and Lions. But if Quinn wants a younger, more dynamic coach (Josh McDaniels?) Caldwell will not last beyond the coming season without more success than the Lions have had during his tenure.