NFL head coaching hires: 2008-2012

By foxsports
Published

Between 2008 and 2012, 31 head coaches were hired -- 15 offensive-minded and 16 defensive-minded.
Of the 15 offensive-minded coaches hired during the time span, 10 have lost their job -- including all six hired in 2008 and 2009
Of the 16 defensive-minded coaches, only four have been fired. Though to be fair, four were hired last season.


OFFENSIVE-MINDED COACHES




Coach Team Season Hired Record
Tony Sparano Miami 2008 29-32
Took Miami to the playoffs in his first year, but was let go with a 4-9 record in 2011.
Tom Cable Oakland 2008 17-27
Fired in 2010 after going 8-8, including 6-0 in the division for first time in team history.
Jim Zorn Washington 2008 12-20
Elevated to coach weeks after being hired as offensive coordinator. He lasted two seasons. 
Josh McDaniel Denver 2009 11-17
Bill Belichick disciple was fired after less than two seasons. Perhaps best remembered for drafting Tim Tebow.
Jim Caldwell Indianapolis 2009 26-22
Led Colts to Super Bowl XLIV in first year, but fired after 2-14 in 2011.
Todd Haley Kansas City 2009 19-26
Fired after Chiefs lost 5 of last 6 to finish 5-8 in 2011.
Chan Gailey Buffalo 2010 16-32
Fired last month after third straight sub-.500 season.
Jason Garrett Dallas 2010 21-19
Has survived firing after a second straight 8-8 this season.
Mike Shanahan Washington 2010 21-27
Two years of mediocrity before Robert Griffin III sparked a 10-6 season before getting hurt in this year’s playoffs.
Pat Shurmur Cleveland 2011 9-23
Fired when new ownership cleaned house after second consecutive disastrous season.
Hue Jackson Oakland 2011 8-8
Hired by Al Davis, who died during the season; fired by new GM Reggie McKenzie.
Jim Harbaugh San Francisco 2011 24-8
Has Niners in second consecutive NFC Championship game.
Mike Munchak Tennessee 2011 15-17
Has been with franchise 30 years as player and coach; he’ll be on the clock in 2013.
Mike Mularkey Jacksonville 2012 2-14
One-and-done after the worst season in franchise history.
Joe Philbin Miami 2012 7-9
If Ryan Tannehill turns into an elite QB, Philbin might have staying power.


DEFENSIVE-MINDED COACHES

Coach Team Season Hired Record
Mike Smith Atlanta 2008 56-24
Has taken the Falcons to postseason four times, playing in the NFC title game this year.
John Harbaugh Baltimore 2008 54-26
Has led Ravens to playoffs all five years, including two AFC Championship game appearances.
Mike Singletary San Francisco 2008 18-22
Disciplinarian replaced Mike Nolan midway through ’08; done in by 0-5 start in ‘10.
Jim Haslett St. Louis 2008 2-10
Replaced Scott Linehan and got off to 2-0 start, before losing the last 10 and then his job.
Jim Schwartz Detroit 2009 22-42
Lions appeared to be turning the corner before 4-12 season in 2012.
Rex Ryan N.Y. Jets 2009 34-30
Jets 14-18 last two seasons after two AFC title game appearances in first two years.
Steve Spagnuolo St. Louis 2009 10-38
Fired after going 2-14 in his third season; went 1-15 in first year.
Raheem Morris Tampa Bay 2009 17-31
Fired after Bucs lost last 10 games en route to 4-12 finish in 2011.
Pete Carroll Seattle 2010 25-23
Year No. 3 proved big -- found a QB in Russell Wilson, went 11-5 with a playoff berth.
Ron Rivera Carolina 2011 13-19
Will feel pressure in 2013; success tied to former No. 1 pick Cam Netwon.
John Fox Denver 2011 21-11
Former Panthers coach has taken Broncos to playoffs each of his first two seasons in Denver.
Leslie Frazier Minnesota 2011 16-22
Rode 2,000-yard rusher Adrian Peterson to a wild-card playoff berth in 2012.
Chuck Pagano Indianapolis 2012 11-5
Missed much of 2012 season while being treated for leukemia; QB Andrew Luck led amazing turnaround resulting in a playoff spot.
Dennis Allen Oakland 2012 4-12
Raiders first defensive-oriented coach since John Madden retired in ’78.
Jeff Fisher St. Louis 2012 7-8-1
The Titans were middle of the pack in defense, but have solid QB in Sam Bradford.
Greg Schiano Tampa Bay 2012 7-9
Hired from Rutgers, the Buccaneers made strides in his first season.