AFC SOUTH

Gary Kubiak, Texans
The fans expect a first-ever postseason berth. The media expects a first-ever postseason berth. Most importantly, the owner expects a first-ever postseason berth. Absent that first-ever postseason berth, Kubiak could be done.

Hot seat setting: High.

Jim Caldwell, Colts
It's never easy to follow a legend. And there's a real sense of uncertainty and turmoil in Indianapolis. A disastrous season for a franchise that has long forgotten its losing ways could be enough to make Caldwell the next Ray Handley or Richie Petitbon. Still, with Peyton Manning around, it's unlikely that the Colts will fail.

Hot seat setting: Medium.

Jack Del Rio, Jaguars
That five-year extension Del Rio signed after an unexpectedly strong 2007 season saved him from getting fired after last year's collapse. With the team unable to sell tickets in 2009, he'll likely get another pass if the team stinks it up again.

Hot seat setting: Medium.

Jeff Fisher, Titans

Slideshow   Previewing the 2009 season Ten teams who will rebound from 2008, our All-Pros, players ready to star and more.

Fisher has led the Titans since they were known as the Oilers and played in the Astrodome. But as each year passes without a Super Bowl win, there's a chance that owner Bud Adams will decide it's time for a change. Last year's 13-3 record followed by a one-and-out postseason could make Adams antsy if the team doesn't get closer to that Super Bowl title the team never has won.

Hot seat setting: Medium-low.

AFC WEST

Josh McDaniels, Broncos
A rocky offseason has erased McDaniels' grace period, requiring him to show right away that he can be successful. Still, it would take two wins or fewer to get McDaniels fired after only one season. In a division that features the Chiefs and the Raiders, it shouldn't be difficult for McDaniels to keep his job, even with Kyle Orton at quarterback.

Hot seat setting: Medium-low.

Todd Haley, Chiefs
For a team that has won only six total games over two seasons, expectations are about as low as they can be. And the former Cardinals offensive coordinator will have a couple of years to turn around a franchise with problems that apparently run far deeper than a roster of players that couldn't consistently win games. Still, in a very bad AFC West, winning two games or fewer could turn up the heat come 2010.

Hot seat setting: Low.

Tom Cable, Raiders
He's the head coach of the Raiders. So he'll always be on the hot seat. The swirling allegations that he broke an assistant's jaw don't help matters, either. Though that alone won't get him fired, it'll make it easier for owner Al Davis to pull the trigger if the losses mount.

Hot seat setting: High, with the knob removed.

Norv Turner, Chargers
Things are looking good for the Chargers this year, but the stakes are still high for Turner. Twice fired from other head-coaching jobs, failure to win the weakest division that the NFL has seen in years will surely get him fired for a third time.

Hot seat setting: High.

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