GEORGE ALLEN (Los Angeles Rams, 1978): Fired after two exhibition games by Rams owner Carroll Rosenbloom, who thought Allen was spending too much money. Allen, a Pro Football Hall of Famer because of earlier head-coaching stints with the Rams and Redskins, never coached again in the NFL.

BILL BELICHICK (New York Jets, 2000): Belichick, the hand-picked successor of Bill Parcells, lasted one day before declaring "he couldn't lead the Jets in the year 2000." Belichick eventually landed with the Patriots, but only after his Jets' contractual issues had been resolved.

BILLY DONOVAN (Orlando Magic, 2007): Following the University of Florida's back-to-back NCAA titles, Donovan jumped to the NBA's Magic. After a weekend of reflection, he asked out of his contract and returned to UF.

SID GILLMAN (San Diego Chargers, 1971): Lasted just 10 games (4-6) in his second stint with the team before his firing.

LOU HOLTZ (New York Jets, 1976) Resigned after 13 games (3-10) - before the season finale - to become coach at the University of Arkansas.

GEORGE O'LEARY (Notre Dame, 2002): O'Leary was hired away from Georgia Tech and described as "straight from central casting" by Irish athletic director Kevin White. Five days later, O'Leary was fired for lying on his resume.

BOBBY PETRINO ( Atlanta Falcons , 2007): Petrino, hired from the University of Louisville, coached during his team's 13th game (34-13 loss to the New Orleans Saints on "Monday Night Football"). Less than 24 hours later, he was introduced as coach at the University of Arkansas.

EDDIE STANKY (Texas Rangers, 1977): Stanky joined the Rangers after spending 10 years with the University of South Alabama. After winning his debut game, while having second thoughts after leaving his home state of Alabama, Stanky immediately resigned.

JERRY TARKANIAN (San Antonio Spurs, 1991): The former UNLV coach - after his unbeaten Runnin' Rebels were upset by Duke in the 1991 Final Four - lasted just 20 games (9-11) before his firing.

Joey Johnston

Photo: Billy Donovan never worked his magic for Orlando's NBA team.

Photo: Lou Holtz

Photo: George O'Leary

Photo: George Allen

Photo: Bobby Petrino - on Day 2 as Falcons coach.

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