5 NFL coaches who could be fired during the 2019 season

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts to the play of his team against the Denver Broncos during the fourth quarter of the Broncos' 24-17 win on Sunday, November 25, 2018. The Denver Broncos hosted the Pittsburgh Steelers. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /

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Minnesota Vikings v Detroit Lions /

3. Mike Zimmer

When the Vikings handed Kirk Cousins his massive contract last summer they believed he was the final piece needed to make them a Super Bowl contender. Instead, Minnesota limped to an uninspiring 8-7-1 last season.

That is certainly enough to get Zimmer on the hot seat. Like Rivera, he’s a coach who prides himself on his defensive acumen. Expect the Vikings to try to get back to their roots of running the football and winning with defense in 2019. The offense isn’t going to suddenly stop throwing the ball, but there will be a renewed emphasis on controlling the clock.

The real challenge for Zimmer is that he needs to transform this team into a legitimate title contender. Simply getting to the playoffs isn’t good enough for a veteran group that’s being paid so much money. If the Vikings don’t start out looking like a threat to dethrone the Patriots, they could try to spark the team by bringing in a new voice at head coach.

Zimmer won’t be out of work for a long time if Minnesota lets him go, but it’s possible that he’s run his course with the Vikings. In the end, Zimmer might need Cousins to play like a superstar to save his job for any considerable length of time.