We sit eight days away for some major change for several NFL organizations.
Jan. 3 marks not only the day many coaches will be fired, but organizational changes could be made at an even higher level.
If sweeping changes are made on bad teams, the general managers could be the first to get the pink slip. The Detroit Lions already fired their general manager and team president.
Sunday morning on NFL Network's GameDay First, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport ran down three candidates who could be on the hot seat.
Doug Whaley, Buffalo Bills
The Bills were supposed to make the playoffs this year, but fell flat. Aside from a disappointing Rex Ryan defense, there has been some rumbling about Whaley's drafts (he gave up a boatload to get Sammy Watkins only to watch Odell Beckham become the better player) and personnel moves (he cut Fred Jackson, leaving the team leaderless).
Despite an appearance from the outside that things between the GM and coach are discombobulated, Rapoport reported Whaley's job is safer than it appears.
"I am told, contrary to what most people think, he is on solid ground," Rapoport said. "In fact, heading into the final year of his contract, I'm told an extension is far more likely than him getting fired. The Pegulas, the new owners of the Buffalo Bills, think of him very fondly and he is in lockstep with coach Rex Ryan."
Dennis Hickey, Miami Dolphins
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross hired Mike Tannenbaum to run his team, essentially rendering Hickie superfluous. The situation won't remain the same for another season.
"There is some change expected there," Rapoport said. "It is no certainty that Hickey returns for the 2016 season."
The coach is already out and Hickey apparently will follow. After not getting bang for his bucks with Ndamukong Suh, the question could become whether Ross blows up the whole thing and ships Tannenbaum quickly out of town, as well.
Thomas Dimitroff, Atlanta Falcons
After the Falcons crash landed following their 5-0 start to the season, Dimitroff is the one starting to feel the heat. Atlanta is one of the most talent-poor teams in the NFL. Aside from Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Desmond Trufant there isn't much to gloat about.
Atlanta brought in Scott Pioli and shifted Dimitroff's duties around, but would they go the next step and fire him this offseason?
"Arthur Blank is going to sit down after the season and discuss his status, he's not going to do any thinking about during the season," Rapoport said. "I talked to coaches on that staff, they do believe there is a talent deficiency on that team, but don't assume that Dimitroff is out after this year: Dan Quinn and him do have a very good working relationship."
