Coaching Changes
The following teams hired new head coaches prior to the start of the 2007 season:
| Team | 2007 Coach | Former Coach | Reason for leaving | Story/Accomplishments of Former Coach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | Bobby Petrino, former head coach, University of Louisville | Jim Mora | Fired | Hired in 2004 and subsequently led the Falcons to the NFC Championship Game. However, Atlanta went 8–8 in 2005 before going 7–9 in 2006, losing the last final three games. |
| Arizona Cardinals | Ken Whisenhunt, former offensive coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers | Dennis Green | Fired | Hired in 2004. However, the Cardinals suffered three consecutive losing seasons under him, including a loss to the Chicago Bears after blowing a 20-point lead that prompted Green to throw an infamous tirade during the post-game media conference saying, "They are who we thought they were, and we let em' off the hook!" |
| Dallas Cowboys | Wade Phillips, former defensive coordinator, San Diego Chargers | Bill Parcells | Retired | Hired in 2003. Led the Cowboys to the playoffs in two of his four seasons as Dallas head coach, but never won a postseason game. |
| Miami Dolphins | Cam Cameron, former offensive coordinator, San Diego Chargers | Nick Saban | Resigned to coach the University of Alabama | Hired in 2005 and finished the year 9–7, narrowly missing the playoffs. Went 6–10 in 2006, first losing record as a head coach. |
| Oakland Raiders | Lane Kiffin, former offensive coordinator, Southern California | Art Shell | Fired | Re-hired in 2006 after having previously served as Raiders head coach, 1989–94. However in his only season back, the team finished with its worst record, 2–14, since 1963. |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Mike Tomlin, former defensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings | Bill Cowher | Resigned | Hired in 1992 and led the Steelers to an appearance in Super Bowl XXX and a victory in Super Bowl XL. |
| San Diego Chargers | Norv Turner, former offensive coordinator, San Francisco 49ers | Marty Schottenheimer | Fired | Hired in 2002. Led the Chargers to two playoff appearances, but a strained relationship with general manager A.J. Smith led to his ousting. |
The following head coaches were fired or resigned during the 2007 season:
| Team | Coach at start of the season | Interim coach | Reason for leaving | Story/Accomplishments |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atlanta Falcons | Bobby Petrino | Emmitt Thomas | Resigned | Petrino resigned after going 3–10 to take job at University of Arkansas; Thomas took over and went 1–2 as interim coach. |
Read more about this topic: 2007 National Football League Season