Heat Wave In Detroit: Top 5 Athletes And Coaches Feeling The Heat From Detroit Sports Fans

May 22, 2013; Allen Park, MI, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz during organized team activities at Lions training facility. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

There is a Heat Wave in Detroit.  Heat Indices for the Detroit Area are above 100 degrees in the Heat Wave that is gripping the Midwest.  But as hot as it is, it doesn’t compare to the heat these Detroit athletes and coaches are feeling.  There is no air conditioning unit built to withstand the heat generated by a hungry fan base desperate to win.  So here are the Top 5 Athletes and Coaches who are feeling the Heat.

Jim Schwartz – The Detroit Lions head coach made a big splash a couple of years ago when he lead the Detroit Lions to the playoffs in 2011 with a 10-6 record.  That was in the past and after a 6-10 finish in 2012, Detroit Lions fans want to see the team win on a consistent level.  With the recent signing of franchise quarterback Matt Stafford, the best receiver in the game Calvin Johnson and high draft picks on the defensive line, fans want a winner and they want it now.

Joe Dumars – Many fans thought Joe Dumars would have gotten the axe after the debacle that was the 2012-13 season.  But Teflon Joe followed the game plan that has helped him survive for 5 season now; blame the coach and fire him.  After a suspect draft and incoherent free agent signings this is the last lap around the track for Joe.  If the Pistons are terrible again this year, owner Tom Gores will have to fire the Pistons Hall of Fame guard.

Brandon Knight – The Pistons Guard has failed to find his niche in a Detroit so far.  Fans and sports jockeys are questioning whether he has the ability to develop into a NBA point guard.  Joe Dumars does too, as evident by the signings of Chancey Billups, Will Bynum and the persistent trade rumors involving point guards. One thing is certain, Joe needs a winner now and if Brandon Knight can’t step it up he will be out-of-town.

Ndamukong Suh – Detroit Lions fans are developing a love/hate relationship with Suh, whos off-field controversies have fans questioning his will to win.  However this offseason Suh put his money where his mouth is by restructuring his deal to make room for more talent on the Lions roster.  That appeased fans for now but Suh is just one speeding ticket away from fans turning on him again.

Jimmy Howard – Howard won some fans over during the Red Wings improbable run at Lord Stanley’s Cup during the 2013 playoffs. But he also signed a big contract and in the salary cap era big contracts mean big responsibility.  Many say that Red Wings goaltender is the toughest job  in Detroit sports.  That will prove true the next time Jimmy Howard has a slump. But life in Detroit sports isn’t fair.

So as the heat wave in Detroit subsides, the heat is getting turned up on these athletes.  It has been a while since we have seen a championship and this heat is making fans cranky.