Best bets for 1st NFL head coach fired
One-quarter of NFL teams will enter the 2019 season with a new head coach. With job security a thing of the past, we expect the deck to be reshuffled even more before the year ends, but who will be the first coach ousted?
Here, we dive into the odds for the first NFL head coach fired, as well as where our money would be.
| Coach | Odds |
|---|---|
| Jay Gruden (Redskins) | 3-1 |
| Pat Shurmur (Giants) | 7-1 |
| Matt Patricia (Lions) | 10-1 |
| Dan Quinn (Falcons) | 12-1 |
| Bill O'Brien (Texans) | 12-1 |
| No coach fired | 15-1 |
| Doug Marrone (Jaguars) | 16-1 |
| Mike Zimmer (Vikings) | 16-1 |
| Adam Gase (Jets) | 20-1 |
| Brian Flores (Dolphins) | 20-1 |
| Jason Garrett (Cowboys) | 20-1 |
| Ron Rivera (Panthers) | 20-1 |
| Mike Tomlin (Steelers) | 25-1 |
| Anthony Lynn (Chargers) | 30-1 |
| Freddie Kitchens (Browns) | 30-1 |
| Mike Vrabel (Titans) | 30-1 |
| Kliff Kingsbury (Cardinals) | 35-1 |
| Matt LaFleur (Packers) | 35-1 |
| Sean McDermott (Bills) | 35-1 |
| Kyle Shanahan (49ers) | 35-1 |
| Vic Fangio (Broncos) | 40-1 |
| Pete Carroll (Seahawks) | 40-1 |
| Zac Taylor (Bengals) | 50-1 |
| Bruce Arians (Buccaneers) | 50-1 |
| John Harbaugh (Ravens) | 50-1 |
| Jon Gruden (Raiders) | 50-1 |
| Frank Reich (Colts) | 75-1 |
| Matt Nagy (Bears) | 75-1 |
| Sean Payton (Saints) | 75-1 |
| Sean McVay (Rams) | 100-1 |
| Doug Pederson (Eagles) | 100-1 |
| Andy Reid (Chiefs) | 100-1 |
| Bill Belichick (Patriots) | 150-1 |
Matt Patricia (10-1)
The Lions' first season under Patricia was an odd one. The first-year head coach and branch of the Bill Belichick tree was reportedly late to meetings on a consistent basis, deployed some questionable coaching tactics like practicing in the snow, and apparently lost a handful of veterans' trust just weeks into the season.
Coaching a franchise that's allergic to the postseason shouldn't typically come with much pressure, but Detroit's activity in free agency feels like a wake-up call. The front office expects to field a competitive team and wants results in Year 2, preferably early. That might be tough - the Lions are short favorites on the road to open the season and then sizable underdogs in their next five games.
Bill O'Brien (12-1)
It's crazy to think about what would have happened if the Texans didn't eke out consecutive overtime wins in Weeks 4 and 5 last season. Before that, Houston was 0-3 and O'Brien looked poised for a pink slip. Instead, the Texans rattled off nine straight and the head coach bought himself some time. However, O'Brien isn't in the clear considering the front office could reportedly be quick to cut bait. The Texans are expected to make a run in the postseason and they play in a division with three other teams expected to finish .500 or better. O'Brien's been on the chopping block for some time; another slow start and Houston will be ready for a change.
Doug Marrone (16-1)
Last season left a bad taste in the mouths of Jaguars fans. Remember, this team had the inside track to a Super Bowl berth in the 2017 AFC Championship Game, then followed up its memorable postseason meltdown by going 5-11.
Jacksonville simply threw in the towel during the middle of last season. Once the losses started piling up, the Jaguars looked uninterested on a weekly basis. How can you trust them to rally if their backs are against the wall again? Here's the scary part: Jacksonville will be the underdog or a pick 'em in six of the team's first seven games. Marrone is already on the hot seat. Just like in Houston, another slow start and the front office will begin the coaching search.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.