- Submitted by Long Ball, DOF

“Oh, I wish I was in Dixie – Hooray!  Hooray!”  The NFC South has two teams in playoff contention, one team rebuilding and one disappointment – which definitely impacts this division’s “Hot Seat Ranking”.

Can you figure out “who’s who”? Click the link below and compare your selections to mine . . .

A year ago, Carolina won this division, Atlanta was a wild card, Tampa finished just out of the money and New Orleans was a .500 team, but in last place.  As the old song goes, “what a difference a day year makes”:

4)    Sean Payton, New Orleans Saints – When a HC takes money out of his hip pocket to get the DC he wants on board, that is “putting your money where your mouth is”!  Payton’s offense and Williams’ defense has the high-flying Saints undefeated and looking toward bigger things.

3)    Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons – The coach nobody ever heard of has not suffered from the “sophomore jinx”, as the Falcons continue to improve.  After the fiascos this franchise suffered through prior to Smith’s arrival, Arthur Blank must feel like he’s in “Hot-lanta Heaven”!

2)    Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Can you say secondary coach to defensive coordinator to head coach real fast without tripping over your tongue?  That must be how Raheem Morris feels in his fast-track career progression – now patience must be demonstrated as this team continues the rebuilding process.

1)    John Fox, Carolina Panthers – As if it were not bad enough to have a 12-4 team from last year underperforming, Bill Cowher is a resident and ready-made “Head Coach In Waiting”.  Fox will not be unemployed too long, as he is still a quality defensive coordinator candidate.

Agree or disagree?  Our final division is the NFC West, home of last year’s Super Bowl loser, two teams with new coaches and maybe the toughest coach in the league.