Maybe it's the regular sound of the axe falling at sporting institutions such as Liverpool, Real Madrid and Inter Milan soccer clubs. Perhaps it gives those in other sports a taste for blood.
But whatever the reason, the Northern Hemisphere rugby nations set off on their end-of-season tours this week with several of their coaches under searing pressure to deliver.
Ireland, who face the All Blacks in a three test series this month, are the best example. National coach Declan Kidney has been undermined by the brilliance of provincial side Leinster's back-to-back triumphs in the Heineken Cup these past two years. While Leinster have flourished and New Zealand coach Joe Schmidt has given the impression of turning his players into world beaters, Ireland have plodded on to more mediocrity, playing a safe, conservative game. The difference between their rugby and Leinster's has been stark.
Ireland's ultimately tame World Cup exit last year after defeating the Wallabies was chalked up as another minus for Kidney's coaching regime. And with a group of weary players at the end of a long rugby season, Kidney well knows that Ireland needs another trip to New Zealand for the second time in 10 months like a collective hole in the head.
But already the whispers are out back home. If Ireland lose all three tests to the All Blacks Kidney will be on shaky ground back home. The clamour for a change of coach is never far from the minds of officials and supporters alike in modern day sport.