Raheem Morris among 6 coaches going into lame duck last seasons in 2012

Raheem Morris and Glazers only have 2012 promised together.I’ve been of the opinion that Raheem Morris is untouchable, and no matter what happens this year the Glazers (Bucs owners) are going to stay the ship with him. I’m not as sure anymore, especially if the losing continues. I hope Morris understands this, because the slightest miscalculation that ends up in a 4-12 or 5-11 season, after a 4-2 start, could send a message to ownership that he may not be the man they think he is. Add to that Morris’ contract situation is not ideal for him. 

Steve Spagnulo, Tom Coughlin, Raheem Morris, Todd Haley, Jim Caldwell, Jack Del Rio all have one thing in common, their contracts are up next year in 2012. Seldom do NFL coaches go into their last year or lame duck season in reference to Presidential timing, so what happens in the offseason or even sooner could be a good indicator of the Glazers intentions.

The Glazers could renew Morris contract at any time now, or they could wait and let him coach through his lame duck year in 2012. It will be interesting to see how other owners treat their coaches, some of them having bad seasons in 2011 despite recent success. When Jon Gruden was going into his Lame Duck year in 2008, the Glazers renewed his contract for 3 years, and they ended up paying him that money while he was an ESPN analyst.

Spagnulo’s situation is similar to Morris, in that he had a good season last year competing for the division but falling short of the playoffs in the last week. But this year things have not gone right, yet few are calling for Spagnulo’s job like they are for Morris.

Indianapolis Head Coach Jim Caldwell is having what could be the worst season in NFL history, but may survive because of the circumstances: Peyton Manning’s injury. Jack Del Rio has been given a few years beyond what Jags fans want from their coach. Todd Haley is another one in the Morris/Spagnulo mold. He won the division last year but this season his team is struggling.

Tom Coughlin is a SuperBowl winning head coach whose team is flirting with the playoffs right now. Tonight’s Monday Night game vs New Orleans can go a long way in determining where the coach goes next year, or doesnt go.