4. Ron Rivera, Carolina Panthers

Some coach’s time will just run-up in a city. That’s the case of Ron Rivera as he enters his ninth season as the Carolina Panthers head coach. Carolina looked like they would be making a trip to postseason last year following a hot start to the year. They then lost seven of their last eight and finished with a 7-9 record.

Carolina burned out faster than a convenience store candle probably due to the lingering injury towards Cam Newton. The former MVP had been playing with a bad shoulder and continued to take hits to add more damage. This offseason, Newton underwent surgery to fix his throwing motion and hopefully solve the problem.

The Panthers play in possibly the toughest division in football but are a very sound team. With a quality defense, emerging weapons and perhaps the most versatile player in Christian McCaffery, a sub .500 season just won’t cut it. Rivera has suffered five losing seasons and is running out of lives now, making his seat seem like it’s on fire. If Carolina doesn’t make a postseason push, he’s likely out of a job.

3. Pat Shurmur, New York Giants

Pat Shurmur was the head coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2011-2012. He went 9-23 throughout two seasons. Following his success with the Vikings in 2017, Shurmur received a second chance with the New York Giants.

A new chance, same result.

Part of the blame has to be put on the higher-ups since they’re calling most of the shots. Trading away a top offensive piece was insane, failing to move back to draft a running back was stupid and the franchise refuses to move on from Eli Manning under center. But the on the field action does fall a tad on Shumur’s shoulder, making him a hot seat candidate.

If the Giants are fine with being mediocre, Shurmur likely will have time to build the team. It starts with allowing Daniel Jones to compete for the starting quarterback job following a quality preseason outing. If they are stuck picking in the top 10 again, it’s going to be hard to justify keeping Shurmur around much longer.

2. Doug Maronne, Jacksonville Jaguars

Two years ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars actually could have made it to the Super Bowl heading into halftime at the AFC Championship against the Patriots. Then Blake Bortles became Blake Bortles, Tom Brady became Tom Brady, and the rest was history.

Doug Marrone can’t take all the blame for the woeful 2018 season, but he’s certainly a name high up on the hot seat meter. The team still had Bortles under center but digressed all across the field despite having a top-level defense. Bortles is gone, and players are healthy, making Jacksonville a contender yet in the AFC South.

Nick Foles isn’t an elite quarterback, but he’s an upgrade at the position. That means the team will need to improve back to an above .500 record this season. With the hiring of John DeFilippo, hopefully, Jacksonville’s offense will match their defense and contend for a division title. If not, Maronne will likely take the blame and be looking for work this offseason.

He’s not the main problem, but you have to cut off the top head if you want to see any change in culture.

1. Jay Gruden, Washington Redskins

Was there another pick? After five years of underperforming and only one winning season, Jay Gruden is the top pick to be the first man fired this year on the hot seat o-meter.

Last season, Washington probably should have been better than a 7-9 roster. The team was thriving under Alex Smith and started the year 6-3. Smith broke his leg against the Houston Texans, and everything went downhill. Colt McCoy suffered a season-ending injury, the team looked lost with Josh Johnson, and they only would win one more game.

Washington has to be the most dysfunctional organization in the NFL right now. All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams refuses to return, the offense is consistently missing weapons due to injury and they always seem to blow their lead. Not all of it is Gruden’s fault, but he’s fallen out of grace with the ownership and should be ready to clear out his office.

Dwayne Haskins will need to have an RG3 type year in D.C. if Gruden wants to stick around. That’s likely not going to happen, so let’s just say it was nice knowing you, Jay. See you in Oakland next season with your brother.

Cole Thompson is the Lead NFL writer for Pro Football Network. Follow him on Twitter at @MrColeThompson.