If we had a normal schedule just making the playoffs would be a sign of improvement. But we have the most ridiculous easy schedule in history. We are in the weakest division in the league. We play the second weakest division in our conference and the weakest division in the AFC. Our individual games against teams without the rest of their division are the Giants instead of Philly or Dallas, the Rams instead of SF or Seattle, and the Patriots instead of the Dolphins, Bills, or even Jets. The only conceivable way our schedule could be easier would be if we played the Cardinals instead of the Rams. And with the way every team if havings its QB injured before we play them, the Rams may be without Stafford by the time we play them anyway.

At this point I would keep DA is we win our first playoff game and don't get blown out in our second. Would I expect great things in 2024? Probably not. But firing a playoff winning coach who almost won a second playoff game could put too much pressure on the new coach, and who knows, it could be not impossible for a good defensive coordinator to improve as a head coach after like 5 seasons, just very very unlikely. However, I would not allow DA to mortgage the future to win now in 2024. I would restrict him from trading future draft picks and require that our 2025 salary cap picture not be top 3 in the amount we are over the cap. I would ask him to show he can beat other coaches on a level playing field and not just by burning more future resources in the present than otherwise more talented coaches to get a slight edge.