It's tough to be an NFL assistant coach. They don't get paid nearly as much as the head coach, and can be easy scapegoats if their unit falters. Even if the organization failed to provide the assistant with adequate players, the coach still gets the blame. So it must be real tough for these guys, who were former head coaches or candidates to be head coaches, but have faded into the background.

Mike Mularkey, Miami Dolphins Tight Ends Coach: Mularkey was head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2004 and 2005. He had been the Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator before that. Now, he is coaching the tight ends on potentially one of the worst teams in NFL history.

Tim Lewis Carolina Panthers Secondary Coach: A hot head coaching candidate just two years ago, Lewis was fired as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants after last season. He was the secondary coach in Pittsburgh before becoming New York's defensive coordinator, and now he's back to the same role with Carolina.

Ron Rivera, San Diego Chargers Linebackers Coach: Rivera had been rumored for every coaching opening in the NFL while serving as defensive coordinator of the Chicago Bears. However, he failed to land any of those jobs and was abruptly let go by Chicago after the Bears' Super Bowl run. He is now in San Diego tutoring the likes of roid head Shawne Merriman while the Bears defense has regressed beyond recognition.

Mike Tice, jacksonville jaguars Tight Ends Coach: Tice was the Minnesota Vikings head coach, where he compiled a a 32-33 record from 2001-2005. He wasn't fired, per se, as his contract was simply not renewed at the end of his tenure.

Jim Mora, Jr., Seattle Seahawks Secondary Coach: Mora was fairly successful as Falcons coach, going 26-22 and making it to the NFC championship game in 2004. However, after he spouted off about his desire to one day take the job as University of Washington head coach, and finished the 2006 season 7-9, Mora was fired and Falcons owner Arthur Blank hired Bobby Petrino.

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