Names of note in NFL coach, GM hunt

As the NFL regular season enters its homestretch, many teams already find themselves in evaluation mode regarding the new directions they must take.

Two head coaches (Washington’s Jay Gruden, Carolina’s Ron Rivera) have been fired, and more will likely follow. Front offices will experience turnover.

As they conduct their individual searches, teams will do their own research, but they also traditionally consult the NFL office for recommendations stemming from employees charged with scouting the coaching and talent evaluation ranks for qualified candidates.

Late in the year, those findings are shared with ownership groups. From there, teams solidify their lists of ideal candidates and plans of action.

Though it remains to be determined which candidates actually will receive consideration for vacancies, here is a rundown of the most prominent names that have been mentioned in initial conversations among the league and its teams, according to people within the league with knowledge of the situation.

The people spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the topic.

Former NFL head coaches

Ron Rivera – The recently fired Panthers coach might not be out of work for long. He remains well-respected around the league for his work, which included four playoff appearances, three divisional titles and a Super Bowl appearance in nine seasons.

Marvin Lewis – In 16 seasons with the Bengals, Lewis brought stability, posting a 131-122-3 record. The knock against him, however, was always his 0-7 postseason record.

Leslie Frazier – Frazier previously served as head coach of the Vikings for three full seasons, leading the team to the playoffs in 2012. He has 11 seasons as a defensive coordinator and currently guides Buffalo’s third-ranked unit.

Mike McCarthy – The only Super Bowl-winning coach on the list, McCarthy owned a 125-77-2 record through 13 seasons in Green Bay before his dismissal last year. An offensive-minded coach, McCarthy guided the Packers to the playoffs nine times.

Dennis Allen – The Saints’ defensive coordinator for the last five seasons, Allen served as head coach of the Raiders for 36 games (2012-14).

NFL assistant coaches

George Edwards – Boasting nine seasons of experience as a coordinator, Edwards has directed a Vikings defense that has ranked among the league’s best since his arrival in 2013.

Eric Bieniemy – The former NFL running back is in his second season as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator. Andy Reid receives much of the praise for Patrick Mahomes’ development, but Bieniemy plays an integral role in an offensive attack that has ranked among the most potent in the league.

Matt Eberflus – Now in his second season as Indianapolis’ defensive coordinator, the 49-year-old has 15 years of experience in the college ranks and nine seasons as an NFL linebackers coach (Cleveland, Dallas).

Kris Richard – The former defensive back served as Seattle’s defensive coordinator from 2015 to 2017 and has been the Cowboys’ passing game coordinator for the last two seasons.

Robert Saleh – Viewed as a fast-rising star, the 40-year-old has drawn strong praise for his work with San Francisco’s defense, which he has guided since 2017. He served as Jacksonville’s linebackers coach from 2014 to 2016 after spending time with the Seahawks and Texans as a defensive assistant.

Greg Roman – Regarded as one of the best offensive minds on the coordinator ranks, Roman is a big reason for the success of Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense.

David Culley – Baltimore’s passing game coordinator, Culley has 26 years of NFL coaching experience.

College coaches

NFL teams don’t pluck head coaches from the college ranks with great frequency. However, this year could represent a change. Many of the following names have long been linked to NFL teams as potential hires.

Urban Meyer – The longtime college coach, most recently of Ohio State, spent 2019 as an analyst for Fox Sports but could make his first jump to the professional ranks if he wants to return to the field. If so, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones could be among his suitors.

Lincoln Riley – Oklahoma’s overall success, high-flying offense and recent slate of star-studded quarterbacks has NFL teams greatly intrigued. The 36year-old Riley fits the trend of young, bright offensive minds that the league has shifted to in recent hiring cycles, and it’s hard to argue with his results.

David Shaw – NFL teams have long coveted the Stanford head coach, but he has repeatedly rebuffed their advances. That doesn’t stop them from inquiring each offseason, however, because he’s routinely regarded as one of the best candidates out there, though he’s coming off his first losing season (4-8).

James Franklin – Penn State just gave Franklin a six-year extension. But that doesn’t mean that NFL teams will not at least try to lure him away.