Through 12 weeks of play, we have seen three head coaches get fired. Bill O’Brien, Dan Quinn, and most recently Matt Patricia. It is also expected to see a lot more guys get the ax before the season is over or the Monday after the regular season has concluded.
You have the obvious choices like Adam Gase, Doug Marrone, and Anthony Lynn. You could also have some surprise firings. Guys like Mike McCarthy, Vic Fangio, Doug Pederson, Matt Nagy, or Zac Taylor. Coaches who have certainly fallen short of expectations thus far and some of these organizations might just pull the plug.
With any amount of firings, you have to find replacements…obviously. So, I will give my list of top guys who I believe should be head coach candidates for this coming off-season.
Candidates
Raheem Morris- Interim Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Falcons
I for one, have been very impressed with how well Morris has the Falcons playing since he was named Interim Head Coach. They still have had classic Falcons moments, like against the Lions, but overall both the offense and the defense have played a lot better. They’ve even looked more energized despite having nothing to play for other than pride.
Morris was once a Head Coach for the Bucs from 2009-2011 in a tenure that was very up and down. Going 3-13 his first year before turning around the defense in year two where they finished 10-6. Unfortunately, they missed the playoffs due to tiebreakers. Then in his final year, they started 4-2 and lost the last 10 games. The defense wasn’t great, but they weren’t really given a chance to succeed because the offense committed 40 turnovers which lead the NFL. Obviously, that falls on the head coach, but their QB was Josh Freeman, so can you really blame him?
I think with a decade between that disaster he is primed for another shot. At 44, he still has plenty of years left in his coaching career and definitely seems like a good culture guy. The new wave of coaches all seem to be culture coaches, like Brian Flores, Joe Judge, and Matt Rhule.
Eric Bieniemy- Offensive Coordinator, Chiefs
A name that has been considered strongly over the last two years, but has yet to be hired. Although, I think this year is the year he finally gets a job as a head coach.
A lot of people have been skeptical of this potential hire because he may or may not actually call the plays for the Chiefs. I personally don’t care about whether or not he calls plays. The main thing for me is can he lead a group of players and get them to buy into his way of doing things?
When you have Andy Reid vouch for you among many other people, then I think he should get a shot. I don’t know if he will be successful or not, but I think we will find out really soon.
Robert Saleh- Defensive Coordinator, 49ers
Saleh was also a guy that seemed primed to be a head coach last year. He seemed to be in contention for the Browns job before they decided to go with Kevin Stefanski–a hire that was definitely controversial but also the right hire if you ask me.
However, much like Bieniemy, this seems like the year where he gets that coveted head coaching job. What’s the difference? A more timely statement that carries weight from a certain 49ers CB…
Jim Harbaugh– Head Coach, Michigan
I am sure recency bias will have people scoff at this recommendation. However, he was very successful in the NFL. Going 44-19-1 in four years with the 49ers, making three NFC Championship games, one Super Bowl appearance, while putting out some of the most feared defenses of the decade. The only reason this didn’t last longer was that management was essentially forcing him out so they can replace him with…Jim Tomsula?
Nevertheless, he’s had a very disappointing tenure at Michigan, with this year reaching the peak of disappointment. I think it’s time he ditches the college scene and comes back to the NFL, where definitely seems more fit for.
Darren Rizzi- Special Teams Coordinator, Saints
Long time coordinator for the Dolphins, this is my recommendation for a guy who is definitely a leader and I think would make a very good head coach in today’s league where teams are slowly shifting to “culture” guys. When Miami was going through their search for their new head coach, Darren Rizzi was interviewed for the job. Albeit, it was more than likely an interview out of respect rather than a serious consideration. Nevertheless, there were dozens of former Dolphin players, including Hall of Famer Jason Taylor who vouched for Rizzi. I had not seen that much support for any coaching candidate and that speaks volumes to what his former players think of him.
He clearly can get players to want to play for him and if he can assemble the right staff, I think he could be successful as a head coach.
Other Names That Could Be Mentioned:
Steve Spagnuolo- Defensive Coordinator, Chiefs
Arthur Smith- Offensive Coordinator, Titans
Jason Garrett- Offensive Coordinator, Giants
Leslie Frazier- Defensive Coordinator, Bills
Pat Fitzgerald- Head Coach, Northwestern
Greg Roman- Offensive Coordinator, Ravens
Brent Venables- Defensive Coordinator, Clemson
Josh McDaniels- Offensive Coordinator, Patriots
