WHO’S UP NEXT?
Pats’ McDaniels highlights rich field of coaching candidates
As the NFL’s regular season winds down and the temperatures of those coaching hot seats intensify, executives for a number of teams have started forming offseason overhaul plans.
The Giants became the first time to make a move after firing both head coach Ben McAdoo and general manager Jerry Reese on Monday. It’s also widely expected that the Bears and Colts will seek new head coaches this offseason, while the Buccaneers, Bengals and Broncos also could be on the hunt.
Many teams will want to find the next Sean McVay, the promising young offensive mind who infused the Rams with life, or the next Mike Zimmer, a longtime defensive guru who brought stability, leadership and discipline to the Vikings.
Teams soon will also receive recommendations from the NFL, which has staffers assigned to scouting coaching candidates throughout the year, and the Fritz Pollard Alliance, which recently finalized its slate of minority coach and general manager candidates.
Here are the names being discussed in those NFL circles, according to multiple people with knowledge of such talks. The people spoke on condition of
Many teams will want to find the next Sean McVay, the promising young offensive mind who infused the Rams with life, or the next Mike Zimmer, a longtime defensive guru who brought stability, leadership and discipline to the Vikings.
anonymity given the sensitive nature of the hiring process.
First, those with prior head coaching experience (although the list could expand depending on what current coaches get fired):
Josh McDaniels (offensive coordinator, Patriots) —
Viewed as one of the top young offensive minds in the game. He endured two tumultuous seasons in 2009-10 as head coach in Denver before getting fired and returning to New England, where he has repaired his image and helped the team to two more Super Bowl victories.
Pat Shurmur (offensive coordinator, Vikings) —
The former Browns coach has done wonders with a Vikings offense that lost both its top rusher in rookie Dalvin Cook and its starting quarterback in Sam Bradford. He has helped Case Keenum exceed expectations while Minnesota has compiled an eight-game winning streak for a 10-2 record, tied for the best mark in the NFC.
Jim Schwartz (Defensive coordinator, Eagles) —
Carson Wentz is an MVP candidate, but Philadelphia wouldn’t rank among the league’s elite without Schwartz’s work on the Eagles’ defense, now third best in the league. The former Lions coach is regarded as the top defensive option among candidates with head coaching experience.
Then comes the crop of would-be first-time head coaches:
George Edwards (defensive coordinator, Vikings) —
In each of the last two seasons, the 50-year-old has led a topfive defense. This year, his unit ranks second in total yards and points while serving as the backbone of the team.
Paul Guenther (defensive coordinator, Bengals) —
He has made a steady climb from a low-level assistant in 2005 to defensive coordinator starting in 2014. It’s believed that if Cincinnati moves on from Marvin Lewis, Guenther is a leading candidate to replace him.
Teryl Austin (defensive coordinator, Lions) —
Detroit ranks just 26th in total defense this season. But Austin is still viewed as a strong leader and coach. He has interviewed for nine NFL head coaching jobs in the last three offseasons but is still waiting for his chance.
Matt Patricia (defensive coordinator, Patriots) —
Another Bill Belichick disciple, the 43-year-old is in his sixth season as defensive coordinator already. His unit gives up some yards (ranking 28th this year), but every season the Patriots have ranked among the top 10 in scoring defense.
Frank Reich (offensive coordinator, Eagles) —
The former Bills quarterback has helped groom Wentz into one of the league’s brightest young passers in just two years. His unit this season ranks among the top 10 in almost every statistical category.
Harold Goodwin (offensive coordinator, Cardinals) —
Injuries have derailed his unit this season. Goodwin has established a reputation as a creative mind.
Steve Wilks (defensive coordinator, Panthers) —
Wilks drew interest when he served as assistant head coach/defensive backs coach. The Panthers promoted him to defensive coordinator, and his group ranks among the league’s best.
Vic Fangio (defensive coordinator, Bears) —
For years, Fangio has been regarded as one of the best defensive minds in the game, but he has yet to land a head coaching job. His reserved style leaves some to overlook him. But there’s no denying his talent. If the Bears fire Fox, it might make sense just to promote Fangio, who has gotten a lot out of a young unit, and then bring in a bright play-caller with a track record of developing young quarterbacks to aid rookie Mitchell Trubisky.
Rick Dennison (offensive coordinator, Bills) —
The 59-year-old is another of the more experienced candidates after spending 10 years as a coordinator in Denver, Houston and now Buffalo.
McDaniels is definitely the biggest name. He already has been linked to the Giants, but he’ll have his pick if he wants to leave New England rather than wait for the possibility of succeeding Bill Belichick. But Patricia is another candidate for that role.
This list features four men of color in Austin, Edwards, Goodwin, Wilks. Edwards is regarded as one of the strongest candidates available.