2012 NFL coaching carousel

ANALYSIS: The move follows the Bucs' 45-24 loss to Atlanta in Week 17 — their 10th straight defeat of the season that left the team with a 4-12 record. "We want to thank Coach Morris for all his hard work and dedication as head coach of the Buccaneers," said team co-chairman Joel Glazer. "I have a lot of respect and appreciation for the passion Coach Morris gave to our football team, but this change is one we felt was necessary," added general manager Mark Dominik.

ANALYSIS: Spagnuolo had spoken optimistically about his future following his Week 17 defeat. Asked postgame whether he was contemplating his departure during the defeat, he replied, "No, I don't go there. I think you know me well enough. In the middle of that game in the fourth quarter, as exciting as it was? No." But his exit came as little surprise, with it reported recently that Rams owner Stan Kroenke was ready to make sweeping changes to attempt to turn the fortunes of the team around.

• Video: McGinest analyzes Spagnulo firing

ANALYSIS: Del Rio's job security had been tenuous since owner Wayne Weaver said the coach needed to make the playoffs to secure a 10th season in Jacksonville. The Jaguars were essentially eliminated with a Week 11 loss against Houston. Del Rio leaves with a 69-73 record, including 1-2 in two playoffs appearances. The Jaguars didn't win the AFC South in any of his nine seasons.

• Video: Marvez on Del Rio's firing

ANALYSIS: The losses kept mounting, the tension kept growing and ultimately Kansas City Chiefs general manager Scott Pioli decided the status quo was no longer good enough. The Chiefs fired the combustible head coach with the team Haley led to a surprising AFC West title less than a year ago stuck at the bottom of the division following a series of devastating injuries and discouraging blowouts. ''Timing in these situations is always difficult. There never seems to be a right time,'' Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt said. ''We just felt the inconsistent play the team has experienced throughout the season, including yesterday's game, made today the right day to do it.''

ANALYSIS: Sparano, who was hired in January 2008, had immediate success transforming a 1-15 team to 11-5 in one season. The drastic turnaround led to Sparano finishing one vote shy of Atlanta Falcons coach Mike Smith for Coach of the Year honors in '08. Sparano was popular with his players, but a dismal home record and declining attendance accelerated his departure. The Dolphins lost 12 of 13 home games during one stretch. Sparano's teams tended to be dull, too. Last year Miami ranked third-worst in the NFL in scoring, and this year their offense often sputtered.

• Video: Dolphins owner on firing