ESPN.com has an article out right now where they rate the job security of every NFL head coach by using a scale from hot seat to cold seat.
Coaches are considered on the hot seat if ESPN thinks they’ll be fired, based on a disappointing season, but coaches are on the cold seat if there is no way they’ll get fired. (They actually put Bill Belichick in his own category because, well, he’s Bill Belichick and has the most security of any coach in maybe all of sports).
The coaches that fall under the category of being on the “hottest seat” are John Fox (Bears), Chuck Pagano (Colts), and Todd Bowles (Jets). Each of them go into the season with a bleak outlook on having success and it's very likely their franchises will go in a different coaching direction next year. They need to have a surprisingly good season to keep their job.
Coaches on a “cool seat” have solid job security because of recent success and the team appears to be heading in the right direction. This includes Ron Rivera (Panthers), Hue Jackson (Browns), Jason Garrett (Cowboys), Mike McCarthy (Packers), Jack Del Rio, (Raiders) and Jay Gruden (Redskins).
Something crazy would have to happen for any of these guys to lose their jobs, so they don’t have to worry too much.
The final category is for coaches who have somewhat of a free pass for the upcoming season because they either have longevity, a long term contract, or they just took over a team.
A few of the names sitting on the “cold seat” feeling pretty good about their job security are Mike Tomlin (Steelers), Kyle Shanahan (49ers), and Andy Reid (Chiefs).
Being an NFL head coach is stressful with the magnitude of pressure to perform well, and to get the most out of the players on their team.
The mantra “what have you done for me lately” especially applies to the coaches sitting on the hot or warm seat. Fighting to keep their jobs, but knowing they’re a few losses away from getting fired, must be very tough for all of them.
Many of us deal with some level of concern over the uncertainties of life. We’re sitting on the “hot seat” in one way or another - likely to be in jeopardy of losing something and wondering when or if it will happen.
Even coaches with the most job security have no idea what’s in store for the future, and something unexpected could quickly shift their certainty...and what they thought was secure could soon fade.
As we battle the temporary challenges of life (thinking we’ll find security in things that don’t last or in our own performance), we need to shift our focus to the truth of eternal security found in Jesus.
While everything else can be snatched from us in life, we can trust and feel 100% sure of God’s love and the salvation He’s given us. We can wake up each day clinging to the peace and hope we have in Him.
Let’s be careful not to put so much effort into things we think provide us security, and truly remember our ultimate security is found in the cross of Christ.
Jesus provides us assurance when He says in John 10:27-29 (NLT), "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them away from Me, for my Father has given them to Me, and He is more powerful than anyone else. No one can snatch them from the Father’s hand."
Paul provides us great confidence in Romans 8:38-39 (ESV): "For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Praise God we can overcome any “hot seat” by knowing we’ll be with Jesus forever!
I’m Bryce Johnson and you can unpack that!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I’m so grateful to know You and find my security in Jesus’ work on the cross. I find my peace and joy in knowing that I’m Yours forever, and it’s not based on my own efforts. Thank you for loving me the way You do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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