As we head into January, 12 teams prepare to make a run at the Super Bowl, and 20 others figure out how to get back on track for 2013. Seven of those teams are searching for new head coaches.

Two of the big-name head coaches who were handed the pink slip on "Black Monday," Andy Reid and Norv Turner, could find work quickly.

Reid has been the hot candidate thus far, and reports indicate that he would be signing with the Chiefs. Turner will garner consideration as an offensive coordinator somewhere next season, but not as a head coach.

Ken Whisenhunt and Lovie Smith could join Reid as fired head coaches who return to that role with a new team without having to take a year off, or spend time as a coordinator.

Those who got the pink slip can look at last year’s victims as inspiration that they might not be unemployed long. Here is a look at the head coaches who were fired in or after the 2011 season and how they have fared in new assistant jobs in ’12:

Hue Jackson — After only one year as the Raiders’ head coach, Jackson was fired shortly after new GM Reggie McKenzie took over football operations. It was not a happy exit, but Jackson found work a month later, returning to Cincinnati, where he was a WR coach from 2004-06. In his second stint with the team, he has worked as an assistant coach with the Bengals’ special teams and defensive backs.

Todd Haley — The Chiefs fired Haley 13 games into his second season in charge in early December 2011. The Steelers then hired Haley in early February to help open up the passing game. Much was said prior to the season about Haley working with QB Ben Roethlisberger, and the relationship hasn’t been too cozy, especially when Roethlisberger appeared to call out Haley’s play-calling following Week 15. Despite the offense having its share of struggles, Haley has been rumored as a candidate for other jobs.