Chopping block

NFL’s yearly orgy of firings and hirings has commenced

The Rams and Jaguars got a head start on Black Monday by firing their respective head coaches over the past week, but they are likely to have plenty of company as soon as the season ends.

Here’s a rundown of potential coaching changes to come and a handicapping of their possible replacements: Rams

Jeff Fisher was only hired by Stan Kroenke because he had experience coaching through difficult franchise relocations and was long overdue to get the axe after compiling a 31-45-1 record (.409) in nearly five seasons. Defense isn’t a problem for L.A. but offense is, and this franchise needs some star power to stand out in a crowded entertainment market. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the hottest name among play-caller candidates, although he will likely have his pick of landing spots and — with the way New England is playing now — probably won’t be available until after the Super Bowl. Others likely in the mix: Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and Lions play-caller Jim Bob Cooter. Jaguars

Jacksonville mercifully ended the Gus Bradley era on Sunday after he went 14-48 in less than four full seasons, promoting former Bills coach Doug Marrone in his place. But the Jags confirmed Tom Coughlin will be in the mix, and that seems to be a no-brainer. Not only did Coughlin pretty much create the franchise in 1995 and lead it to two conference title games in its first five seasons, but he also has a home in the Jacksonville area, still wants to (and can) coach at age 70 and would be the taskmaster the comatose Jags locker room desperately needs. Coughlin is still beloved by a big contingent of the fan base and would bring some longoverdue excitement to Shad Khan’s moribund franchise. McDaniels, Steelers offensive coordinator Todd Haley and Marrone also could be in the mix, but Coughlin seems like the natural choice. Bills

Rex Ryan probably isn’t going to make the playoffs, which doesn’t bode well for his job security considering owner Terry Pegula labeled this a playoffs-or-bust season last winter. Reports of Ryan’s impending doom have been circulating for weeks now, in part because Ryan reportedly doesn’t get along with general manager Doug Whaley. Like the Jags and Rams, the Bills also are badly in need of an offensive-minded coach after Ryan’s defensive prowess took them nowhere in two seasons. McDaniels, Shanahan, Cooter and current Buffalo offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn are names to consider here. Jets

Todd Bowles is likely safe for at least another year, but the past two home games — embarrassing prime-time losses to the Colts and Dolphins in front of thousands of empty seats by a combined score of 75-23 — could prompt owner Woody Johnson to change coaches yet again. If that happens, Johnson needs to hire a coach with experience. Bengals

Marvin Lewis is likely to miss the playoffs for the first time in six seasons and — incredibly — still doesn’t have a postseason victory in 13 years on the job. Lewis would seem like a natural to get the boot, but Cincinnati owner Mike Brown doesn’t work that way. Brown is the most patient owner in the sport, so even a 5-10-1 finish probably won’t be enough for him to make a change. The Bengals have also been beset by injury, which takes Lewis off the hook somewhat.

Browns

Hue Jackson is respected around the league and only in his first season as head coach. But that hasn’t stopped Cleveland owner Jimmy Haslam from cleaning house before, and all bets when it comes to Haslam’s patience might be off if — as expected — the Browns finish an embarrassing 0-16.

Colts

Indianapolis is scuffling at 7-7 and seems headed for a second consecutive non-playoff season, which will probably do it for Chuck Pagano and perhaps GM Ryan Grigson. Defense remains the big issue for the Colts, so Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia and Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz (who has head-coaching experience with the Lions) will be names to watch here.

Chargers

San Diego will miss the playoffs for the third year in a row under fourth-year boss Mike McCoy, which would almost certainly mean the axe except that these aren’t normal times for the franchise. Owner Dean Spanos might be reluctant to make a coaching change in the midst of what is looking like a move to Los Angeles to share the new Rams stadium.

Bears

At 3-11, Chicago is guaranteed to go backward this season after a 6-10 finish in John Fox’s first year. In Fox’s defense, the Bears have played much better in recent weeks since Matt Barkley took over for the injured Jay Cutler, and the defense is now ranked in the top 10 in the league. Fox is likely safe for at least one more season.

49ers

Chip Kelly appears headed for a 1-15 finish in his first season and looks thoroughly miserable. Assuming he even wants to return, his job is probably safe for at least one more year.