Guys that might be ready to be head coaches

[painekiller]

What coordinators and position coaches look ready to move up to a higher position?

I am going to write this up in a couple different post.

I am going to break this down into west coast offensive guys, non-west coast guys, and on defense 3-4 vs 4-3 guys.

I will add in some of the recycled HCs later.

Defensive guys 1st.

Defensive guys 4-3
Colts DC Larry Coyer, even though teams run all over them they continue to have one of the best pass rushes in football.
Colts position guys to watch – Dline John Teerlinck,

Titans DC Chuck Cecil, has a bunch of no names near the top of the league in sacks.
Titans position guys to watch – Asst HC/LBs Dave McGinnis, DBs coach Marcus Robertson, Dline coach Jim Washburn.

Vikings asst HC/DC Leslie Frazier, his guys have been bad this season, but is that on him or his players, or his nutty HC.

Saints DC Gregg Williams, has ties to Houston Oilers and has been a HC before. One of the most aggressive DC in football.

Giants DC Perry Fewell, has the Giants defense looking strong again

Defensive guys 3-4
San Diego DC Ron Rivera – defense is ranked #1 with a bunch of no names.
Position guys to look at on San Diego- DB asst Cris Dishman,
Pittsburg DC Dick LeBeau – Hall of Fame player and should be as a coach as well. Been a HC once with little success, maybe it time for another try.

Position guys to look at - LB coach Keith Butler, DB coach Ray Horton, asst HC/Dline John Mitchell,

Baltimore DC Greg Mattison, Only been in Baltimore since 2008, but has kept them near the top.

NY Jets DC Mike Pettine, Rex Ryans anointed one to run the defense.

Washington DC Jim Haslett, former HC in New Orleans. Has not had time in Wahington to get the defense to it final level, but very capable.
Redskin position guys to watch, Passing game Safeties Steve Jackson, LB coach Lou Spanos

49ers DC Greg Manusky, was the guy leading the old Chargers defense when they where one of the best. Does not have the talent yet to have an elite defense in San Fran.

[HPF Bob]

Q: Does Rick Smith avoid any blame here? I mean, there have been some notable whiffs on his part and he seems just as responsible for the suckish defense as the coaches are.

Q: If we do look for a new head coach, why limit ourselves to assistants? Why not go whale hunting and finally land a big name like Cowher or Gruden? If coaching is the problem, not talent, wouldn't that be ideal for a top gun who knows how to turn talent into champions?

Q: Do you change coaches at all right before a strike year where your new coach may just be sitting around for several months? Wouldn't a change make more sense after labor peace has been restored?

[chuck]

Q: Does Rick Smith avoid any blame here? I mean, there have been some notable whiffs on his part and he seems just as responsible for the suckish defense as the coaches are.

Q: If we do look for a new head coach, why limit ourselves to assistants? Why not go whale hunting and finally land a big name like Cowher or Gruden? If coaching is the problem, not talent, wouldn't that be ideal for a top gun who knows how to turn talent into champions?

Q: Do you change coaches at all right before a strike year where your new coach may just be sitting around for several months? Wouldn't a change make more sense after labor peace has been restored?

1. Yes, but he's on the competition committee and he's not going anywhere.

2. Yes.

3. Yes, wait until after the dust clears. If I were an owner, even one as flush as McNair, no way would I hire a dude and pay him $5MM or whatever a year knowing that there is a very good chance he's going to be sitting there scratching his ass for a year cashing my paycheck for doing nothing. Hell, I already have a guy that does that.

[painekiller]

Q: If we do look for a new head coach, why limit ourselves to assistants? Why not go whale hunting and finally land a big name like Cowher or Gruden? If coaching is the problem, not talent, wouldn't that be ideal for a top gun who knows how to turn talent into champions?


I'm sorry if I was not clear in the 1st post, this is only part one of the guys to look at. The ex HCs and the OC are to follow in separate posts.

[HPF Bob]

I don't want an OC. As the Broncos are finding out, you don't replace an offensive HC with another one when defense is your problem.

[WMH]

I don't want an OC. As the Broncos are finding out, you don't replace an offensive HC with another one when defense is your problem.

Uh....didn't we already try the "defensive coach" for the first 5 years? Granted, I will give up the first 3 years, but we digressed the last two under Capers, hence us hiring an "offensive coach".

[HPF Bob]

Despite some dumb habits, offense isn't the problem. We can run. We can pass. We score points. What sucks to high heaven is the defense and bringing in another team's offensive coordinator won't solve any of the problems on defense.

Maybe the offense will backslide under a defensive head coach but it will take a few years before it deteriorates to the level of the defense. Hopefully, by that time, the defensive head coach is smart enough to find an offensive coordinator who can retool the offense.

Besides, this team has lacked a mean streak from the very beginning. I want a head coach who is willing to coach some toughness into these guys and, usually, that's a defensive coach.

[painekiller]

OK let’s look at the out of work Head Coaches. I am going to list most of them from 2002 to the present. Why look at the bottom guys? Well remember at one time Bellichick was a bust in Cleveland then he was a genius when given a second chance.

Dick LeBeau former Bengals HC and current DC of Pittsburgh
Marty Mornhinweg former Lions HC (had a bone headed coin toss decision) current OC of Philly WCO
Bill Callahan Raider Super Bowl Head Coach and current Assistant HC of the Jets/OLine WCO
Jim Fassel former Giants HC and current Head Coach of the Las Vegas Locomotives also former OC of the Ravens
Dave McGinnis former Cardinals HC and current LB coach for the Titans
Gregg Williams former Bills HC (fired due to poor offense) current Saints DC
Jim Bates former Interim Miami HC, out of the league (64 years old)
Butch Davis former Browns HC, and current HC of North Carolina
Dennis Erickson former Seahawk and 49ers HC, current Arizona State HC
Steve Mariucci former 49ers and Lions HC, currently out of the league for 5 years
Mike Mularkey former Bills HC and current Falcons OC
Mike Tice former Vikings HC and current OLine coach for the Bears.
Bill Cowher former Super Bowl winning HC of the Steelers, out of football
Brian Billick former Super Bowl winning HC of the Ravens, out of football
Cam Cameron former Dolphins HC and current Ravens OC
Romeo Crennel former Browns HC and current DC of the Chiefs
Tony Dungy Super Bowl Winning HC of the Colts, out of football
Herman Edwards former Jets and Chiefs HC, out of football
Jon Gruden Super Bowl Winning HC of the Bucs, in the TV booth
Jim Haslett former Saints HC and current DC in Washington
Scout Linehan former HC of the Rams and current Lions OC
Rob Marinelli former HC of the Lions and Current DC of the Bears
Mike Nolan former HC of the 49ers, current Dolphins DC.
Jim Zorn former Redskins HC and current QB coach for the Ravens

Tear into these guys, the list is long.

[painekiller]

As of today: Wade Phillips former HC of the Dallas Cowboys, a 3-4 specialist.

[Warren]

3. Yes, wait until after the dust clears. If I were an owner, even one as flush as McNair, no way would I hire a dude and pay him $5MM or whatever a year knowing that there is a very good chance he's going to be sitting there scratching his ass for a year cashing my paycheck for doing nothing. Hell, I already have a guy that does that.And Kubiak would still be cashing your paycheck, too. He's signed through 2012, so you'd have two head coaches on the payroll and no income.

[Warren]

Some other assistants whose names have been mentioned as possible HC candidates:

Offense
Chargers AHC/TE coach Rob Chudzinski -- #1 offense based on yardage
Cardinals AHC/OL coach Russ Grimm -- not as much as the year the Cards won the NFC
Titans OC Mike Heimerdinger -- #1 offense based on points scored

Defense
Dolphins AHC/DB coach Todd Bowles -- Parcells protege
Browns DC Rob Ryan -- based on his twin brother's success and recent signs of life in Cleveland. The Ryan style would seem to be a "programmatic non-fit" with Bob McNair.
Bengals DC Mike Zimmer -- not as much as last year


For purposes of making the list more complete only, a few more active former HCs:
Dave Campo, former Cowboys HC, current Cowboys DB coach
Dom Capers, former Panthers and Texans HC, current Packers DC (Collinsworth was really pushing him as a candidate on SNF last night :eek:)
Gunther Cunningham, former Chiefs HC, current Lions DC
Kevin Gilbride, former Chargers HC, current Giants OC
Bobby Petrino, former Falcons HC, current Arkansas HC
Mike Sherman, former Packers HC, current Texas A&M HC

And a couple college guys who get mentioned a lot due to their NFL backgrounds:
Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz -- the Texans reportedly wanted to talk to him during their last HC search
Stanford HC Jim Harbaugh

[chuck]

And Kubiak would still be cashing your paycheck, too. He's signed through 2012, so you'd have two head coaches on the payroll and no income.

Right. I guess my point was that Kubiak's not going anywhere until after the situation gets sorted out.

If they hire Kevin Gilbride I am seriously going to hurt somebody.

[WMH]

Guys, this is really a moot point. Unless we go completely in the crapper, Kubes ain't going anywhere. For better, or slighly worse, he will be here next year. We can all have our opinions, but his is the only one that truly matters.

Texans' owner: Kubiak is 'doing a good job'
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7285574.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7285574.html

[chuck]

Guys, this is really a moot point. Unless we go completely in the crapper, Kubes ain't going anywhere. For better, or slighly worse, he will be here next year. We can all have our opinions, but his is the only one that truly matters.

Texans' owner: Kubiak is 'doing a good job'
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7285574.htmlhttp://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/fb/texansfront/7285574.html

That's owner talk for 'I'm not going to fire him during the season.'

He may not fire him after a 6-10 season, either, because of the labor issue and because of his contract and because people keep buying tickets and because he'll keep telling himself and anyone who will listen that the team is close.

[painekiller]

For purposes of making the list more complete only, a few more active former HCs:
Dave Campo, former Cowboys HC, current Cowboys DB coach
Dom Capers, former Panthers and Texans HC, current Packers DC (Collinsworth was really pushing him as a candidate on SNF last night :eek:)
Gunther Cunningham, former Chiefs HC, current Lions DC
Kevin Gilbride, former Chargers HC, current Giants OC
Bobby Petrino, former Falcons HC, current Arkansas HC
Mike Sherman, former Packers HC, current Texas A&M HC



I skipped Campo, Capers, Petrino, and Sherman because I did not think they would/should be entertained for the job.

I missed Gilbride and Cunningham from the list by mistake.

I agree with Bob, I think we should go with a defensive type, or at the very least a coach with a reputation for being tough (ie Gruden).

As for the OCs, have not done that group yet.

And BTW I like Jim Harbaugh, but I also do not want another rookie HC learning on the job, and college HC have not done well in the NFL in the last few years.

As for Ryan and Zimmer, not sure that Ryan is HC material, even Al Davis skipped over him, and he was a disruptive force on the Raiders before he was let go. Zimmer's current defense is not impressing me right now so he was excluded from my list.

Hope this clears up some of the omissions.

[painekiller]

That's owner talk for 'I'm not going to fire him during the season.'

He may not fire him after a 6-10 season, either, because of the labor issue and because of his contract and because people keep buying tickets and because he'll keep telling himself and anyone who will listen that the team is close.

I agree with this statement.

[painekiller]

OK I am going to skip the OCs and college guys. Most of us know the guys we like.

So who is on my short list?

Cowher
Gruden
Gregg Williams
Jim Harbough
Chuck Cecil
Dave McGinnis
Mike Heimerdinger


If I go with a defensive guy as the HC, then I am looking hard at keeping Dennison here. If I go with an offensive guy, then I try to get Wade Phillips in here to run the defense. Or if the rumors are true, Singletary can be my DC.

[Nconroe]

Me, I like Gruden the commentator but not Gruden the coach, fwiw, about 1/2 cent. He lost his job in Tampa didn't he.

[painekiller]

Me, I like Gruden the commentator but not Gruden the coach, fwiw, about 1/2 cent. He lost his job in Tampa didn't he.

As Bum Phillips once said "There's two kinds of coaches, them that's fired and them that's gonna be fired."

[Nconroe]

maybe just worth 1/4 cent then.

[Keith]

Could be interesting to see Bob and Jerrah in a bidding war for their dream head coach ...should Kubiak be a goner, that is.

And with Carolina stinking, doesn Cowher go there? Gruden could come with a pretty high pricetag.

I don't mean to toss dirt on Kubes, but, to play along... 2nd time HCs have some appeal for me, and Gregg Williams seems to be the one I'd want to learn more about.

[painekiller]

Last night I caught a brief clip on the NFLnetwork, they brought up the coaches on the hot seat, and Kubiak was mentioned. They said that if the team missed the playoffs or dropped below .500 that Kubiak was most likely gone. We all have surmised this, so no big deal, but the reporter added this interesting line, he said "and of course Bill Cowher would be very interested in that position" or something close to that.

I know the rumor was out there last season, but could the reporter, Jason LaCanfora iirc, have some inside knowledge?

I know a lot of people believe Cowher will go to the Cowboys, but what if Cowher does not want to work with a meddlesome owner? And Jerry is the ultimate meddlesome owner being that he is the GM.

[chuck]

Cowher would be an absolute dream but I can't see McNair paying a coach the kind of money he's going to command, nor can I see him paying a coach a lot of money to sit around while he and his fellow billionaires lock out guys like Vonta Leach who won't be able to walk upright when they're 45.

Anyway, I really like Gregg Williams, too. His defenses are ferocious and unlike a guy like Fassell he seems to be completely, insanely committed.

But I bet you no matter what happens McNair finds a way to give Kubiak another year.

When Kubiak is let go I'll be fascinated to see if Rick Smith is tethered to him or not.

[Warren]

I'm not as high on Gruden as some seem to be. He'd be on my short list, but I wouldn't put him in the "sure thing" category. Yes, he won a Super Bowl but in his six years after that he had a sub-.500 record overall.

I like Williams too. Not only would he improve the defense, but I think he'd bring an attitude/toughness/sense of urgency/whatever that this team seems to lack.

[HPF Bob]

On another board, they had noted the imminent dismissal of Carolina's HC John Fox and whether he might be right as the next head coach. He has Super Bowl experience and built what was once a top defense. He prefers a run game to a passing game. Not selling anyone on the idea; just throwing it out there for discussion.

[painekiller]

Time to get Cowher as HC, Wade Phillips as DC, and some WCO guy to run the offense.

Blow up the coaching staff and front office.

[Warren]

On another board, they had noted the imminent dismissal of Carolina's HC John Fox and whether he might be right as the next head coach. He has Super Bowl experience and built what was once a top defense. He prefers a run game to a passing game. Not selling anyone on the idea; just throwing it out there for discussion.Fox's contract is up after this season so he'll be a free agent even if Carolina doesn't can him. He's been mentioned for the Cowboys' job, in part because he could coexist with Jerry because he's not a guy who would want total control. He seems to get what he can out of the mostly mediocre rosters he's had, he's made the playoffs three times, and, until this year, he's never had a worse season than 7-9. But a guy who was only posted three winning seasons in 9+ years doesn't excite me.

[painekiller]

What do you guys know about Dick Jauron? He was a head coach for Chicago back before Lovie Smith and he then went to the Bills. He seems to be a solid Defensive guy, he is currently with the Eagles as an AHC and DB coach.

He appears to be a 4-3 type guy from what I can tell and he has coached solid defenses as a coordinator, what do you guys think about bringing him in to be the DC?

[popanot]

Not sure why anyone would factor in which defensive alignment a new HC would bring in. Our D is possibly the worst ever so it's not like going to a 3-4 would set us back any. The only thing missing really is a fat-ass NT.

[Keith]

Not sure why anyone would factor in which defensive alignment a new HC would bring in. Our D is possibly the worst ever so it's not like going to a 3-4 would set us back any. The only thing missing really is a fat-ass NT.

I wonder though how the key components of the front 7 would fair in a 3-4 though. The Texans have much invested in Mario, DeMeco, and Cushing. Good players are probably good in either scheme, but these seem more like 4-3 guys, right? Especially if they have a better 4-3 coordinator calling the shots?

[painekiller]

I wonder though how the key components of the front 7 would fair in a 3-4 though. The Texans have much invested in Mario, DeMeco, and Cushing. Good players are probably good in either scheme, but these seem more like 4-3 guys, right? Especially if they have a better 4-3 coordinator calling the shots?

in another thread I had this to say about converting to a 3-4 next season: (http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showpost.php?p=22963&postcount=56)

Currently based on the current standings, I have the Texans picking #14, and judging from the play I have been seeing that is close to where I think they pick. I am thinking 12th, but could be between 10th and 20th.

So based on the 14th pick, I see a coaching change and a move back to the 3-4. Say goodbye to Okoye, Daniel, Jones, and Turk.

I want us to sign two of the following FA NTs: Paul Soliai, Dolphins, Shaun Rogers, Browns, Alan Branch, Cards, Chris Hoke, Steelers.

The draft is as follows:

12 Brandon Harris CB Miami 5'11 195
44 Sione Fua NT Stanford 6'2" 307
76 Jeron Johnson S Boise State 5' 11" 194
108 Steven Friday OLB Virginia Tech 6'4" 254 .
140 Wayne Daniels OLB TCU 6' 2" 250
172 Kai Forbath K UCLA 6'0" 192
204 Derek Epperson P Baylor 6'3" 235


My 3-4 looks like this;
LDE - Williams,
NT - Soliai,Hoke,Fua
RDE - Smith, Mitchell
LOLB- Cushing, Friday
LILB - Diles
RILB - Ryans, Sharpton
ROLB - Barwin, Daniels
CB - Harris, Jackson, McManis
S - Quinn, Nolan, Pollard, Johnson

Fill the holes with vets that fit the new coaches schemes.

[Warren]

Tuna, anyone? (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/11/18/parcells-says-i-can-do-this-one-more-time/) Parcells is hinting at an interest in getting back in the game, although whether he means coaching or the front office is unclear.

At the very least, if McNair wants to bring in a consultant again, please let it be Parcells or Ron Wolf, not Dan Reeves.

[Roy P]

Ok, I'm going to start the 'get rid of this regime' rant. I really don't like complaining without offering a solution. Taking a look at main issue with the team, we would have to agree it's on the defensive side of the ball. When I look at the best defensive teams in the league, they run a 3-4 defense. My complaint against going this route has been that we don't have a NT, but we could sign a player in F/A and/or draft one. So, what might my coaching changes look like? I'm going to assume that Rob Ryan isn't available and shy away from the names you already know....

Head Coach: Mike Pettine
Coach Pettine installed a completely new defense and fielded a unit that ranked first in points allowed, total defense and pass defense.
http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches/mike-pettine/c62845a5-1004-4a05-ac1a-49f0b7ea15b6

Defensive Coordinator: Winston Moss
Last season Moss was part of a staff that guided the Packers defense to a No. 2 overall ranking in the league, the highest ranking since the ’96 team finished as the No. 1 defense.
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/winston-moss/7ea7d8e1-0388-422b-acf3-59d09345a58d

Secondary Coach: Corwin Brown
Brown coached the defensive backs of the New York Jets for three years (2004-06). During his tenure, the Jets intercepted 56 passes, tied for fifth most in the NFL during that time.
http://www.patriots.com/team/index.cfm?ac=coachbio&bio=34155

Asst Secondary Coach: Otis Smith
http://www.kcchiefs.com/team/coaches/otis-smith/8e0f4109-4aff-4493-a7b9-efcb70640f2a

Linebackers Coach: Jerry Olsavsky
http://www.steelers.com/team/coaches/jerry-olsavsky/710c1d6f-953b-4888-96de-8afc5bafbe3e

Defensive Line Coach:Ted Monachino
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Ted_Monachino.aspx

Now, I don't have a problem keeping Dennison or Knapp around on offense...I think that they have earned their keep. However, if we are cleaning house and starting over....here are some more names:

OC : Tom Clements
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/tom-clements/bb67e02f-a2b1-4543-83af-00f437249c9f

OL : Jerry Fontenot
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/jerry-fontenot/0cbfd32d-bb45-48d4-b2d8-2b3755d6a3aa

QB : Doug Pederson
http://www.philadelphiaeagles.com/eagles_files/html/coach_pederson_1.html

WR : Shawn Jefferson
http://www.detroitlions.com/team/coaches/shawn-jefferson/a6e97c86-6dda-4ffe-947c-49055d8a17dc

OR

Tim Berbenich
http://www.buccaneers.com/team/coaches/tim-berbenich/d6324b19-0e48-4f07-80d6-37f8891f8199

TE : Jeff Davidson
http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches/jeff-davidson/6e7cfaff-c328-4e64-b08c-d3248bea5e13

RB : Aaron Kromer
http://www.neworleanssaints.com/team/coaches/aaron-kromer/e750d982-f3d2-4f38-bd9e-15aa21d518aa

[Nconroe]

This seems to be the topic this week everywhere one looks.

I guess it's a little early and counterproductive right now, but ok, understandable.

I would like team to win now, so that is why I think counterproductive.

[NBT]

Why not? Didn't Mr. McNair say we had to get to the playoffs this year? Playoffs! Playoffs? I can't think of a single game left on the schedule that we should win. Where are the liferafts, this ship is sinking fast.

[Roy P]

First of all, I'm the guy who has been fighting tooth and nail to keep the 4-3 Defense. Our players on the roster have been brought in to play a 4 man front. I've been hopeful to have Okoye finally pan out as he got older and stronger. My thought was that once Frank Bush started calling the plays, he'd be more aggressive about blitzing. While that leaves our inexperienced CBs on an island, if we can get pressure on the QB quickly, then Kareem Jackson and Glover Quinn don't have to cover as long. Maybe we just need to start over on defense. If the Jets score more than 30 points this week against us....I'd suggest Firing Bush after the game and naming Rhodes or Kollar the D.C. Maybe just a different voice or play-caller is what we need. Jason Garrett made the Cowboys look better when Wade couldn't...

Anyway, looking at the upcoming draft...Ryan Kerrigan, Cameron Jordan, Cameron Heyward, Jerrell Powe, Jarvis Jenkins, and Greg Romeus are moving up my draftboard.

I would like to see Troy Nolan playing some more this season to figure out if we need to draft a FS or just let him develop. He's the only player in the Secondary who has 'ball hawk' skills.

[bono]

I'd like to interview Jim Harbaugh

[nunusguy]

I'd like to interview Jim Harbaugh
I like the idea of having Harbaugh as the HC myself. But you gotta know that
Harbaugh would insist on dumping Schaub and drafting his Stanford QB if he could convince him to come out for the 2011 Draft, assuming we'll have a
Draft next year.

[painekiller]

I like the idea of having Harbaugh as the HC myself. But you gotta know that
Harbaugh would insist on dumping Schaub and drafting his Stanford QB if he could convince him to come out for the 2011 Draft, assuming we'll have a
Draft next year.

How do we have anything close to the 1st pick of the draft? Without it Luck is going elsewhere.

[Roy P]

I like some more guys to consider...

http://www.chargers.com/team/coaches/ron-rivera/ab1f3b1c-3459-4114-9c14-30c11f28a635
http://www.miamidolphins.com/content/mike-nolan
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Dean_Pees.aspx
http://www.miamidolphins.com/content/todd-bowles
http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches/bob-sutton/c8dd4a65-88a6-47ff-a9e4-40f229690cfb
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Clarence_Brooks.aspx
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/mike-trgovac/4c934a6c-10e7-4bdb-af7b-4a48894326a8
http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches/dennis-thurman/8eda20e0-6301-4792-b3b5-0436ec22f7eb
http://www.steelers.com/team/coaches/john-mitchell/d005c612-5385-435e-96f3-0b589c780887
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/coaches/bryan-cox/b12c7d3c-3baf-4a76-8dc5-fed9ca2a9648
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/kevin-greene/d3a90aa3-453c-4363-a15b-923ec23eb933
http://www.steelers.com/team/coaches/keith-butler/086430f2-c1eb-446d-b74b-64edfc5bf796
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Roy_Anderson.aspx
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/darren-perry/23c7d6e1-2f60-440a-9cea-bd4a20b0426d

[painekiller]

I like some more guys to consider...

http://www.chargers.com/team/coaches/ron-rivera/ab1f3b1c-3459-4114-9c14-30c11f28a635
http://www.miamidolphins.com/content/mike-nolan
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Dean_Pees.aspx
http://www.miamidolphins.com/content/todd-bowles
http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches/bob-sutton/c8dd4a65-88a6-47ff-a9e4-40f229690cfb
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Clarence_Brooks.aspx
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/mike-trgovac/4c934a6c-10e7-4bdb-af7b-4a48894326a8
http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches/dennis-thurman/8eda20e0-6301-4792-b3b5-0436ec22f7eb
http://www.steelers.com/team/coaches/john-mitchell/d005c612-5385-435e-96f3-0b589c780887
http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/team/coaches/bryan-cox/b12c7d3c-3baf-4a76-8dc5-fed9ca2a9648
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/kevin-greene/d3a90aa3-453c-4363-a15b-923ec23eb933
http://www.steelers.com/team/coaches/keith-butler/086430f2-c1eb-446d-b74b-64edfc5bf796
http://www.baltimoreravens.com/People/Coaches/Roy_Anderson.aspx
http://www.packers.com/team/coaches/darren-perry/23c7d6e1-2f60-440a-9cea-bd4a20b0426d

I have a list in a thread in the Other 31 Teams (http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1173) section

[coloradodude]

Schottenheimer for HC

Wade Phillips for DC....and yes, a modified 3-4 with existing personnel.

[NBT]

Wade may not want to go back into coaching for awhile. He has to be fairly burned out. But he would be a candidate for DC in my book.

[NBT]

How do we have anything close to the 1st pick of the draft? Without it Luck is going elsewhere.

Well, we are now 4-6 and going nowhere fast. By the end of the season we may just be in the first 10, if not the first pick. Now that would make me sick to my stomach if we were to do that, but I'll try to look on the bright side.

When Oh When is this team finally going to get it right? It has already been 8, going on 9 years since our first year in the league.

[chuck]

Childress is out in Minnesota. Singletary is on the way out in SF. I assume Fox will be let go in Carolina.

I bet you guys anything that McNair keeps Kubiak for next year. The labor uncertainty (nothing uncertain about it, actually), Kubiak's contract, the competition for head coaches... I just don't see McNair making a move even if the team loses out as I expect them to.

[nunusguy]

How do we have anything close to the 1st pick of the draft? Without it Luck is going elsewhere.
If we end up with 7 wins they keep Kubiak, but I can easily see us getting fewer than that (maybe none after yesterday), and end up with a top 5 or near top 5pick. Combine that with our #1 in 2012 might bring the #1 overall in 2011 ?
This is of course a very unlikely scenario but stranger things have happened ?

[Warren]

What about Jeff Fisher? He's supposedly at the "him or me" stage as to Vince Young and we know how much Bud loves him some VY.

[Roy P]

I have a list in a thread in the Other 31 Teams (http://www.inthebullseye.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1173) section

Great minds think alike, PK. Great minds....

[painekiller]

What about Jeff Fisher? He's supposedly at the "him or me" stage as to Vince Young and we know how much Bud loves him some VY.

Well it's looking like Fisher and Young will part ways very soon, the question is which one is the one to leave?

If Fisher is let go by Bud, then he goes to the top of my list. Ahead of Cowher and Gruden, and like Cowher, I do not see Fisher being interested in the Cowboys job.

If they hire Fisher here, then he will stay with a 4-3, and the WCO, so that would be a very solid fit. Not sure Fisher would want to come to Houston and stay in the AFC South, but he could then be in Bud's back yard and give Bud the finger every week.

On another note, if the team releases Young as is being talked about, do the Texans have any interest in Young as a backup? The guy just wins when he is happy.

[painekiller]

Other HCs are on the hotseat, Foxx in Carolina, Singletary in San Fran, and two interim HCs, Frazier with the Vikings and Garrett with the Cowboys.

Of that group, I see the two interims keeping their spots, and I have no interest in Foxx.

But I would not be against Singletary being brought in to run the defense.

[WMH]

Its a long shot, but in all honesty, I think Kubiak getting shit canned is a long shot, but keep an eye on the Titan situation. I can see a pissing contest brewing with the VY/Fisher/Adams circus......

I for one sure wouldn't mind seeing Fisher on the sidelines in Houston again.

[Nconroe]

I think Fisher is a good coach, but I've come to think of him as the enemy. Of course it is just for entertainment, so why not.

[Roy P]

I think Fisher ends up the next coach in Dallas. Going from one meddling owner to another. We can still think of him as the enemy. :D

[chuck]

I would take Tuna as GM / head of football operations / furious guy screaming at our idiot players until they quit playing like idiots and Fisher as head coach so fast you'd be dizzy.

Marvin Lewis is on the hot seat, too. His contract is up and the Bengals won't renew it, much to his relief I'm sure.

[painekiller]

I would take Tuna as GM / head of football operations / furious guy screaming at our idiot players until they quit playing like idiots and Fisher as head coach so fast you'd be dizzy.

Marvin Lewis is on the hot seat, too. His contract is up and the Bengals won't renew it, much to his relief I'm sure.

How did I forget Lewis? Oh yea he's with the Bengals, that's why I keep forgetting about him. He would be a solid DC.

[Warren]

Marvin Lewis is on the hot seat, too. His contract is up and the Bengals won't renew it, much to his relief I'm sure.I saw somewhere that they've discussed an extension but Lewis has rejected the team's offers so far because he wants the Bengals to hire some help in the front office and to build an indoor practice facility. The Bengals have the smallest scouting department in the NFL so a lot of that work falls to the coaching staff, and when the team needs to practice inside due to weather they bus everybody 20 miles to an indoor soccer facility.

[barrett]

Its a long shot, but in all honesty, I think Kubiak getting shit canned is a long shot, but keep an eye on the Titan situation. I can see a pissing contest brewing with the VY/Fisher/Adams circus......

I for one sure wouldn't mind seeing Fisher on the sidelines in Houston again.

I'm not interested in trading in perpetual mediocrity for perpetual above-averageness.

The guy has had his job since 1994 and has won 5 playoff games. And his last playoff win was 2003. So that is 6 going on 7 years without a playoff win. That means Wade Phillips and Brad Childress have won more playoff games in the last 7 years then Fisher.

I'll pass.

[chuck]

I saw somewhere that they've discussed an extension but Lewis has rejected the team's offers so far because he wants the Bengals to hire some help in the front office and to build an indoor practice facility. The Bengals have the smallest scouting department in the NFL so a lot of that work falls to the coaching staff, and when the team needs to practice inside due to weather they bus everybody 20 miles to an indoor soccer facility.

Wow. Say what you will about McNair's eye for coaching and front office talent and his patience with them, at least the Texans have the basics covered in terms of facilities. How the hell do the Bengals ever sign a free agent?

[Nconroe]

It is amazing how good Vikings and Bengals , even Cowgirls, were last year and how bad they are doing this year. Good coaches one year, out the next.

Even Indy is not as strong as other years, too bad Texans weren't ready yet to take over our division. Too many young guys on the team for that , but someday they will have be good team I think, just takes a while to mature.

[Roy P]

Just in case you were wondering....these teams have defenses that I'm really enamored with and looking to poach coaches off their rosters...

Pittsburgh
Green Bay
New York Jets
Baltimore
Cleveland
Miami
San Diego
Kansas City

These teams consistently hold offenses to less than their average scoring output. That would be an answered prayer. I have the Texans defense only ahead of the Bills, Broncos, and Cardinals. I'm curious if the Broncos are second guessing allowing Mike Nolan to go to Miami.

[Roy P]

http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/coaches/ben-kotwica/a40e1ab7-e44c-4753-aeb0-dfbe56cdb54f

Brad Smith is a college QB who averages 28 yards per kick return. Ben Kotwica is from West Point, but I'm not going to let that cloud my judgment. Hopefully he has learned a lot from Special Teams guru Mike Westhoff.

Ben Kotwica was promoted to assistant special teams coach after two seasons as a quality control coach on defense and special teams.

◊ Joined the Jets after two seasons as the defensive coordinator at the U.S. Military Academy Preparatory School, in Monmouth, NJ.

[painekiller]

The more I read on this the more it seems that Bud Adams is siding with VY, which could/should mean that Fisher will want out of Tennessee.

If Kubiak is fired also look for Rick Smith to go, if that is the case then we need a real GM.

IMO I would look at Floyd Reese, former GM of the Oilers/Titans and current Senior Football Advisor for the Patriots. He was hired to replace Scott Pioli.

Floyd was a position coach and scout. He is well respected and he built a Super Bowl Team for the miser Bud Adams.

Add the fact that Floyd and Fisher have worked together and their connections to Houston makes this a nice fit.

GM Floyd Reese

HC Jeff Fisher

OC Rick Dennison
Leave the rest of the offensive coaches alone

DC Chuck Cecil
AHC/LBs Mike Singletary
Secondary Marcus Robertson
Ast Secondary CBs Cris Dishman
DL Jason Fisk

[barrett]

I can only guess that fond Oilers memories have clouded your memory on Fisher. The guy has had his job for 17 years without a superbowl win. In fact only 5 playoff wins that entire time. And none since 2003.

Is 6 playoff appearances in 17 years really what we aspire to? I know it would be an improvement on what we have had, but for me it really is superbowl or bust.

If we are going to hire a re-tread coach why not hire one with a superbowl win.

Or go with a guy who is fresh.

To me it is either Cowher, Dungy (if we have a miracle up our sleeves), Harbaugh if we want to roll the dice and try for a guy who may be great, or the top defensive assistant who can compliment our offense the way Dungy/Gruden came into teams who already had one side of the ball figured out.

But if you told me the Texans weren't going to win a superbowl in the next 17 years but they would make the playoffs 5 times, I wouldn't take it.

[HPF Bob]

In defense of Fisher, he has had to do all of that with Bud Adams as the owner. I suspect he could do a lot more with a guy like Bob McNair making it possible.

In addition, Fisher is definitely a defensive coach with defensive coach's mentality. And what exactly do the Texans lack? 1) a defense and 2) toughness. Fisher would insist we had both. Plus we have talent on our front seven but we still aren't able to stop teams. I've never seen a Fisher team who wouldn't sell out to stop an opponent.

I'd move him to the front of my candidate list if he became available.

[Warren]

Add the fact that Floyd and Fisher have worked together and their connections to Houston makes this a nice fit.Reese and Fisher didn't part ways on the best of terms; the story was that Fisher won a power struggle. Reese's wife (http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/sports/wife-former-gm-blasts-titans-local-radio) described the situation as more of a backstabbing than a battle. I'd have interest in both of those guys, but it doesn't look like the combination would work.

Like Bob said, Fisher would bring many of the qualities that the current staff lacks. He's gotten a lot out of the talent he's had (and the organization he's worked for) and he generally hires quality assistants -- Gregg Williams, Jim Schwartz, Norm Chow, Mike Muchak, Jim Washburn (not a big name but consistently makes productive DLs out of the likes of Jason Babin), etc.

I haven't looked closely back at Reese's track record but I remember it being pretty solid with more hits than misses. The fact that he's been working for the Patriots boosts his stock in my eyes.

[painekiller]

Reese and Fisher didn't part ways on the best of terms; the story was that Fisher won a power struggle. Reese's wife (http://nashvillecitypaper.com/content/sports/wife-former-gm-blasts-titans-local-radio) described the situation as more of a backstabbing than a battle. I'd have interest in both of those guys, but it doesn't look like the combination would work.

I was not aware of the falling out between the two men. I thought it had to do with Reese not wanting the VY pick and Bud forcing that on him and the team.

Your version seems to have much better sources.

So then bring in Reese and let him hire the HC, like most great organizations do. They let the GM be the boss.

If you are not going to go with a guy like Reese, then throw money at Bill Parcells.

[Warren]

I thought it had to do with Reese not wanting the VY pick and Bud forcing that on him and the team. The story I heard about that draft was that Reese wanted Cutler, Fisher and Chow wanted Lienart, but Bud wanted VY. Who knows, maybe that did play into Bud's eventual decision to get rid off Reese.

If Bud backs VY over Fisher, and he's given that indication so far, I bet that he just doesn't can Fisher, especially if he thinks Houston is interested. He's going to try to milk compensation out of the situation, like the Raiders got for Gruden and the Jets got for Belichick and later Herman Edwards.

[Roy P]

Some Dolphins AHC/DB coach Todd Bowles -- Parcells protege
Browns DC Rob Ryan -- based on his twin brother's success and recent signs of life in Cleveland. The Ryan style would seem to be a "programmatic non-fit" with Bob McNair.
Iowa HC Kirk Ferentz -- the Texans reportedly wanted to talk to him during their last HC search
Stanford HC Jim Harbaugh

I have loved Rob Ryan for years...perhaps it's because he's a hard-ass biker-looking dude who likes to blitz! I'm concerned he may be like Singletary and Mike Nolan (better coordinator than Head Coach). Todd Bowles is VERY intriguing because I think anyone that Parcells brings into his inner circle has ability. Might want him to just be the Defensive Coordinator though at first and groom him. Jim Harbaugh is a favorite, because I liked him as a player at Michigan and Indy. However, out of your list here - Kirk Ferentz has the most 'Head Coach' Vibe to me. Ferentz also has a lot of 'connections' to other pro-coaches, so it's not like he's just another college football coach who will be overwhelmed by the Pro game. Also, his 'good ole boys' network might be a formidable staff of position coaches. You start connecting Ferentz to guys like Bob Sutton, Dean Pees, Greg Mattison, Brian Ferentz(coming off the Parcells/Belichick coaching tree) and I get excited. Team that up with Floyd Reese and you have a winning combo. Peyton Manning is 6-10 against the Patriots, just to remind you.

The "issue" is getting Capt. Kirk to take the job....
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirk_Ferentz
Many major college and NFL teams have considered Ferentz as a candidate for their head coaching jobs. However, Ferentz has publicly declined any interest in other coaching positions, opting to stay at Iowa. On February 12, 2009, Ferentz and Iowa athletics director Gary Barta agreed to a new contract extension that keeps Ferentz at Iowa until 2015.[2]

On January 2, 2006 the head coaches of five NFL teams, Green Bay, St. Louis, Houston, New Orleans, and Minnesota, were fired. There was renewed speculation that Ferentz would be offered a head coaching job with one of those professional franchises. But such speculation was soon put to rest when Ferentz stated that he was still happy with his job at Iowa, and that he had no plans to leave.[3]

On June 2, 2006, Ferentz became the highest paid coach in the Big Ten and third highest in college football when he was given a restructured contract that boosted his annual salary to $2.7 million.[4]

Following the 2006 NFL season, rumors circulated that Ferentz may have been in consideration for the Pittsburgh Steelers' head coaching job after Bill Cowher stepped down. However, before Cowher's departure, Ferentz was asked about his possible interest in the position, and stated: “I know that staff pretty well and they’ve got some good guys in that building. My guess is that's where they would go. But I’m not interested, and I doubt they are, either. I’ve got a great job right here.”[5] The Steelers job eventually went to Mike Tomlin.

In 2008, Ferentz was again rumored to be a candidate for an NFL head coaching job, particularly as successor to Romeo Crennel for the Cleveland Browns.[6]

In January 2009, rumors surfaced citing Ferentz as a potential candidate to be hired as head coach in place of Herman Edwards soon after the hiring of former New England Patriots VP of Player Personnel Scott Pioli as the new GM of the Kansas City Chiefs. However, the Chiefs eventually hired Todd Haley, and Ferentz received a contract extension to remain at Iowa through 2015.

[Warren]

Here's an article (http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/11/29/hot-assistant-coaches-who-could-move-up) that covers some of the assistants mentioned on this thread.

However, out of your list here - Kirk Ferentz has the most 'Head Coach' Vibe to me. Ferentz also has a lot of 'connections' to other pro-coaches, so it's not like he's just another college football coach who will be overwhelmed by the Pro game. Also, his 'good ole boys' network might be a formidable staff of position coaches. You start connecting Ferentz to guys like Bob Sutton, Dean Pees, Greg Mattison, Brian Ferentz(coming off the Parcells/Belichick coaching tree) and I get excited. Team that up with Floyd Reese and you have a winning combo. Peyton Manning is 6-10 against the Patriots, just to remind you.I liked Ferentz the last time around and would definitely have him on my short list again if he's ready to move. Iowa typically doesn't attract the blue chip recruits in droves so Ferentz must be able to spot and/or develop talent. He has a solid track record of producing guys like Dallas Clark (a former walk-on LB), Bob Sanders (only scholarship offers were from Iowa and Ohio), Chad Greenway (played 9-man football in South Dakota), and a number of OL who were coverted from TE (Eric Steinbach, Robert Gallery, Bruce Nelson).

The rumor back in the day was that Ferentz would want to pick his own personnel guy, and then-Ravens director of player personnel Phil Savage was linked to him because they'd worked together in Cleveland. Since then Savage has been GM of the Browns with mixed, at best, results and is now a consultant with the Eagles. Ferentz has never worked with Reese but they do have a mutual friend in Belichick.

[Roy P]

Here's an article (http://www.profootballweekly.com/2010/11/29/hot-assistant-coaches-who-could-move-up) that covers some of the assistants mentioned on this thread.

The rumor back in the day was that Ferentz would want to pick his own personnel guy, and then-Ravens director of player personnel Phil Savage was linked to him because they'd worked together in Cleveland.

I have been and continue to be a huge fan of Phil Savage. Getting him to run the talent acquisition would be a step up in my opinion.

[painekiller]

I have been and continue to be a huge fan of Phil Savage. Getting him to run the talent acquisition would be a step up in my opinion.

IMO hire both Floyd Reese to be the VP of Pro Personnel and General Manager and Phil Savage to be VP of College Scouting/Draft
Then Let Reese hire the next HC.

[painekiller]

Brian Van Gorder DC for the Falcons should be on the interview list. He has been a college HC on two occasions. And his defense has progressed each year he has been the DC in Atlanta.

Mike Smith has been one of the most progressive HC in the league when it comes to training and I would hope that some of that has rubbed off on Gorder.

[NBT]

The more I read on this the more it seems that Bud Adams is siding with VY, which could/should mean that Fisher will want out of Tennessee.

If Kubiak is fired also look for Rick Smith to go, if that is the case then we need a real GM.

IMO I would look at Floyd Reese, former GM of the Oilers/Titans and current Senior Football Advisor for the Patriots. He was hired to replace Scott Pioli.

Floyd was a position coach and scout. He is well respected and he built a Super Bowl Team for the miser Bud Adams.

Add the fact that Floyd and Fisher have worked together and their connections to Houston makes this a nice fit.

GM Floyd Reese

HC Jeff Fisher

OC Rick Dennison
Leave the rest of the offensive coaches alone

DC Chuck Cecil
AHC/LBs Mike Singletary
Secondary Marcus Robertson
Ast Secondary CBs Cris Dishman
DL Jason Fisk

I respect Floyd Reese, but wasn't a guy named Diamond the true architect of the Tack's SB year? Reese was just his assistant. He is just a frontman for the real guru of the Patriots, Bill Bellicek.

[Warren]

I respect Floyd Reese, but wasn't a guy named Diamond the true architect of the Tack's SB year? Reese was just his assistant. He is just a frontman for the real guru of the Patriots, Bill Bellicek.Jeff Diamond was President and Chief Operating Officer while Reese was Executive VP and GM (with the Director of Football Operations title added the next year). It's hard to say who really did what but based on the titles my guess is that Reese did the hands-on personnel work while Diamond oversaw all aspects of the team, including both football and business matters. FWIW, the Titans' president before and after Diamond was Bud himself.

Belichick is clearly calling the shots for the Patriots but I'd consider having worked in that system to be a big plus for Reese as a GM candidate. Former Patriot front office guys like Scott Pioli and Thomas Dimitroff have had more success than former Patriot assistant coaches.