News

The firings this week of head coaches Scott Linehan (St. Louis Rams) and Lane Kiffin (Oakland Raiders) were surprising only because midseason dismissals in the NFL are extremely rare.

In a league in which so much stems from the head coach, changing masters midseason is drastic. And with only 12 of 32 NFL teams qualifying for the playoffs, once a team's situation is desperate enough to warrant a coaching change, the season is often lost anyway.

Which is why Kiffin and Linehan may be the only two coaches fired this season. Afterward, well, that's a different story.

Here are those most likely to be facing unemployment after the regular season ends, unless things turn around:

Romeo Crennel: Fourth year, Cleveland Browns. No playoff appearances, but Cleveland took a major step forward by finishing 10-6 last season. It has regressed badly this year with a 1-3 start. Overall record: 21-31.

Herm Edwards: Third year, Kansas City Chiefs. K.C. made the playoffs under his leadership in 2006, but fell to 4-12 a year ago. The Chiefs had lost 12 games in a row before last week's win over the Denver Broncos. Overall record: 14-22.

Marvin Lewis: Sixth year, Cincinnati Bengals. At 0-4, the postseason is but a dream this campaign. Off-field incidents involving his players haven't helped. Overall record: 42-42.

Rod Marinelli: Third year, Detroit Lions. After a strong start in 2007, Detroit faded badly, losing seven of its final eight. The departure of general manager Matt Millen could lead to a season-ending housecleaning. Overall record: 10-25.

This week's playbook

Quarterback Vince Young (above) practised for the Tennessee Titans, but will remain the backup. ... The Baltimore Ravens may be without running back Willis McGahee against Tennessee. ... The Cincinnati Bengals have signed former Chicago Bears running back Cedric Benson. ... Cincinnati receiver Chad Ocho Cinco restated his desire to play this week in Dallas against the Cowboys. Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer says he expects to play after missing last week's game against Cleveland. ... Former Bengals running back Rudi Johnson will start for the Detroit Lions ahead of rookie Kevin Smith. ... The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed running back Najeh Davenport to fill in after injuries to Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall. ... Arizona Cardinals receiver Anquan Boldin (head) is unlikely to play against the Buffalo Bills. ... Seattle Seahawks receiver Bobby Engram (shoulder) returns to the lineup for the first time this season. ... New St. Louis head coach Jim Haslett has reinstated Marc Bulger as the Rams' No.1 quarterback. ... The Steelers have lost offensive guard Kendall Simmons (Achilles) for the season. ... The Indianapolis Colts could have starting left tackle Tony Ugoh back. ... The Kansas City Chiefs will start two rookie cornerbacks, Brandon Carr and Brandon Flowers, against the Carolina Panthers.