2007 NFL Season - Coaching Changes

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.

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