Several coaches already running out of time - New York Giants News at Giantsground.com

Technically speaking, Lane Kiffin is still the head coach of the Oakland Raiders.

But given that his firing is more a question of "when" than "if," there's not much sense in pointing out that Kiffin's seat at Raiders headquarters is so hot, he's probably got third-degree burns on his butt.

It is, however, worth noting that Kiffin isn't the only one whose job security is anything but secure. Here's a look at five more coaches who have reason to worry about their futures just three games into the 2008 season.

1. Scott Linehan

Joined Rams: 2006. Record: 11-24, including 16 losses in the past 19 games.

Why he's on the hot seat: After signing Linehan, late Rams owner Georgia Frontiere compared hiring a head coach to selecting a "star for a movie." Frontiere didn't know she was casting for a horror flick. Coming off a 3-13 campaign, the Rams have been outscored by an average of 29 points in their first three games this season. Linehan — hired despite having only four previous seasons as an NFL assistant — is clearly in over his head.

In his defense: A decade of bad personnel decisions by the Rams' front office continued even after Linehan's hiring. The drafts are especially brutal. Three players chosen in the first two rounds in 2006 and 2007 — cornerback Tye Hill, fullback Brian Leonard and Joe Klopfenstein — are backup material at best.

Reason for optimism: Trent Green? Hey, that's the best we've got. Linehan announced Tuesday that Green will start Sunday ahead of Marc Bulger, who was signed to a six-year, $65 million contract extension in 2007. While his past two seasons have ended because of concussions, the 38-year-old Green has excelled before in the offense installed by new coordinator Al Saunders. Bulger has been sacked 11 times in the first three games and failed to post a quarterback rating above 74.6.

Summary: New Rams owner Chip Rosenbloom already has publicly expressed displeasure with his team's play. This doesn't bode well for Linehan's short-term future. Without a home victory over Buffalo, he could be a goner as the Rams head into their bye week. Defensive coordinator Jim Haslett seems the likely replacement even though his unit has surrendered an NFL-high 116 points.

NFL Week 3

Week 3 action

Redskins 24, Cards 17

Bucs 27, Bears 24

Vikings 20, Panthers 10

Falcons 38, Chiefs 14

Bills 24, Raiders 23

Dolphins 38, Patriots 13

Giants 26, Bengals 23

Titans 31, Texans 12

Broncos 34, Saints 32

49ers 31, Lions 13

Seahawks 37, Rams 13

Jaguars 23, Colts 21

Eagles 15, Steelers 6

Ravens 28, Browns 10

Cowboys 27, Packers 16

Chargers 48, Jets 29

Analysis

Kriegel: This Jet is lagging
Five Things We Learned Sunday
Marvez: Colts looking for answers
Czar: Long season ahead for Pats

Video

Online OT: Week 3
Vikes' D stuffs Panthers

Photos

Chargers rout Jets on MNF
NFL Week 3's best
Biggest moments

2. Rod Marinelli

Joined Lions: 2006.

Record: 10-25, including 10 losses in the past 11 games.

Why he's on the hot seat: So much for the good vibes generated by a 4-0 preseason. The Lions have allowed at least 31 points in all three of their losses. A 31-13 defeat Sunday at San Francisco was especially humiliating, as 49ers offensive coordinator Mike Martz and quarterback J.T. O'Sullivan were discarded by the Lions after the 2007 season.

In his defense: Marinelli inherited what may be an unsalvageable mess created by team president Matt Millen. The Lions have a 31-84 record since Millen's 2001 hiring.

Reason for optimism: After the 49ers loss, Marinelli blamed his team's woes on not being good at the "simple things." If those mistakes are correctible during this week's bye, the Lions should at least play more competitively. Rudi Johnson, who was signed just before the start of the regular season, will play a bigger role as he learns the offense.

Summary: Lions management has shown incredible patience with Millen and Marinelli but that is quickly ending. Lions vice chairman Bill Ford Jr. told media Monday that he would fire Millen if given the authority by his father and team owner William Clay Ford. Should Millen go, Marinelli will probably be canned as well.

3. Marvin Lewis

Joined Bengals: 2003.

Record: 42-42, including an 0-3 start in 2008.

Why he's on the hot seat: Even with most of the core players still on the roster, the Bengals are less of a playoff contender now than two seasons ago. Cincinnati desperately needs a home victory Sunday against winless Cleveland (0-3). Otherwise, the Bengals could stand at 0-7 following upcoming games against Dallas, the New York Jets and Pittsburgh.

In his defense: Lewis often butts heads with Bengals owner Mike Brown regarding personnel decisions, especially when it comes to adding misfits to the roster. Lewis' lack of juice was exposed in August. He was overruled by Brown when the Bengals re-signed troubled wide receiver Chris Henry.

Reason for optimism: The Bengals played much better in last Sunday's 26-23 overtime road loss to the New York Giants. Brown also is the antithesis of Raiders owner Al Davis when it comes to patience with head coaches. Brown gave Dave Shula, Bruce Coslet and Dick LeBeau far more time than they deserved to right this franchise. Whether he likes it or not, Lewis has a legitimate chance of finishing out a Bengals contract that runs through 2010.

4. Mike Nolan

Joined 49ers: 2005.

Record: 17-33 with no winning seasons.

Why he's on the hot seat: Nolan is feeling less heat after San Francisco's 2-1 start, but the flames could easily shoot up again. We'll learn whether the 49ers are a legitimate NFC West contender after an upcoming stretch that includes five tough opponents (New Orleans, New England, Philadelphia, the Giants and Seattle).

In his defense: In this case, Nolan bears the bulk of responsibility for San Francisco's woes the past three seasons because he had final say on roster moves. Selecting quarterback Alex Smith with the No. 1 pick in the 2005 draft was the first of many bad decisions that led to Nolan being stripped of his personnel power during the offseason.

Reason for optimism: Martz's hiring has paid early dividends. Nolan is able to concentrate more on San Francisco's defense, which is his specialty. The NFC West race also is wide open.

Summary: Nolan's days could be numbered without a postseason appearance. There already is speculation that San Francisco may try to woo Mike Holmgren — a Bay Area native — as coach, general manager or both. Martz also could get strong consideration as head coach if Nolan is ditched.

5. Brad Childress

Joined Vikings: 2006.

Record: 15-20, including a 1-2 start this season.

Why he's on the hot seat: On paper, Minnesota's only major questionable area entering the season was at quarterback. Childress' steadfast support of Tarvaris Jackson blew up in his face. Jackson was recently benched in favor of 37-year-old journeyman Gus Frerotte.

In his defense: Childress got off to a rough start in 2006 when he clashed with personnel director Fran Foley, who was subsequently dismissed. Childress and Foley replacement Rick Spielman form a more cohesive tandem. Minnesota's 8-8 record in 2007 marked a two-game improvement from the previous season.

Reason for optimism: The Vikings have a first-class defense that can win games with even nominal offensive support. Frerotte did a nice job in Sunday's 20-10 victory over Carolina but there are major questions whether he can successfully guide this unit for the long haul.

Summary: Vikings owner Zigi Wilf doled out $60 million in guaranteed salaries for player acquisitions during the off-season. A fourth consecutive year without a playoff berth could prompt Wilf to make a coaching change.