Ranking the Potential Head Coaching Openings in NFL
By Henry McKenna
Here’s a look at the potentemal head coachemng vacancemes around the NFL. We’ll rank them from worst to femrst.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Why the job might open: Kirk Koetter led the Bucs to a 4-7 start, which wouldn’t be terrible considering their starting quarterback Jameis Winston was suspended the first three games. But they went 2-1 in those games with a win over the NFL’s best, the New Orleans Saints. Then a collapse ensued. Koetter has a losing record on his career (18-25). The Bucs may be ready for a new hire.
Why it’s desirable: Not a lot. Both quarterbacks could be gone next season. That could be a desirable or not-desirable element, depending on the coach’s opinion of Winston and Ryan Fitzpatrick. But the fact that a coach might have a say in the process might be a desirable element. The Bucs are also stocked at the receiver position, with one of the best, young tight ends in the NFL in O.J. Howard to go with Mike Evans.
Why it’s undesirable: The defense is a total mess. The offensive line could stand to improve. The quarterback situation seems like a tenuous process to enter, with important decisions coming that could lead to skepticism and immense pressure. This roster could be an empty canvas in 2019 — which could mean it’s devoid of talent at key positions.
7. New York Jets
Why the job might open: Todd Bowles exudes an air of quiet competence, which might be why he lasted four years with a 23-36 record, which is sure to get worse by the end of this season. Even if Bowles deserves another season due to an untalented roster, the Jets may need to look for an offensive-minded coach. Quarterback Sam Darnold needs to develop — the fastest way to make that happen, when looking at the precedents set by Los Angeles, Kansas City and Chicago, is to find a quarterback whisperer.
Why it’s desirable: Darnold is the first and biggest selling point. It may be the only selling point. The Jets defense has some talent with safety Jamal Adams. The Jets will also have a boatload of cash to spend in free agency and a high draft pick in the first round.
Why it’s undesirable: Free agency can lend itself to a turnaround, but spending doesn’t always produce positive results. Meanwhile, the Jets won’t have their second-round pick in the 2019 draft due to the Darnold trade. And if you’re not sold on Darnold, you’re not sold on this job. They don’t seem to have a good group of skill players, and they have a few key contributors (linebacker Avery Williamson and cornerbacks Morris Claiborne and Buster Skrine) headed for free agency. Also, the Jets are in the same division as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick. Talk about their retirement continues, and yet they keep winning.
6. Arizona Cardinals
Why the job might open: The Cardinals are losing a lot of games, and Josh Rosen, the rookie quarterback who was supposed to be the most pro ready in the 2018 draft, does not look ready for the pros. It doesn’t help that Arizona’s players seem to have quit on Steve Wilks.
Why it’s desirable: Again, Rosen could be appealing to a coach who had him highly rated in the 2018 draft. The skill players around Rosen — which include young receiver Christian Kirk and veterans Larry Fitzgerald and David Johnson — should be enough to help Rosen along in his development. Defensively, they have a handful of stars who aren’t playing to their potential.
Why it’s undesirable: The offensive line is a mess, which makes for issues in developing Rosen. And it’s unclear if Rosen is any good. Fitzgerald, the life-blood of the organization, is set to enter free agency in 2019. He could retire or he could sign elsewhere. The former is far more likely than the latter.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
Why the job might open: The collapse is on in Cincy. Coach Marvin Lewis has held on beyond the point of belief. But after starting the season 4-1, he may have to step aside when he almost inevitably misses the playoffs.
Why it’s desirable: The coach will certainly have job security. Lewis held the job for 16 years despite his 130–122–3 record. They have a good offensive line and good group of skill players. On defense, they’ve got holes to fill at linebacker, but have standouts in defensive linemen Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap.
Why it’s undesirable: Andy Dalton has limitations, particularly in primetime. He remains 0-4 in the postseason. Their defensive talent is also lacking beyond their line. And the Bengals ownership has proven they don’t love spending their money. The offensive line also desperately needs help.
4. Detroit Lions
Why the job might open: Matt Patricia has faced nothing but criticism since he joined the Lions — the Detroit media wondered whether he’d lost his team in training camp. The regular season hasn’t been much better, with Patricia going to war over practices in the snow and a reporter’s posture during a press conference. Most important, Patricia is 4-7 in a year when he was expected to take the Lions to the playoffs. It’s probably the least likely firing on this list. But it’s possible.
Why it’s desirable: The Lions have a lot of talent at just about every position. Really, their roster is staggeringly complete considering how bad their record is.
Why it’s undesirable: There’s a lot to like about this job, but they have a lot of middling talent that needs developing or upgrading, particularly on defense. The coach will also be tied to Matthew Stafford until around 2021, for better or for worse.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars
Why the job might open: Heads have already started rolling in Jacksonville. They were hoping to make a run at the Super Bowl. Instead, they’re getting beat by the Buffalo Bills, led by Josh Allen. The signs of panic are evident. They’ve fired their offensive coordinator and benched their quarterback Blake Bortles. Much like in Detroit, an opening in Jacksonville is unlikely. But if these moves don’t help coach Doug Marrone win games, he could be next.
Why it’s desirable: Their defense is one season removed from being incredible, even if their numbers are down this year. Their offensive line is solid, and their running back Leonard Fournette is a monster. Their biggest problem is quarterback, and perhaps they’ll end up drafting high enough to grab one of the best in this year’s draft class.
Why it’s undesirable: You’ve got to figure out what to do with Bortles, who is under contract for one more year. You’ve got to figure out why the enormously talented roster didn’t win this season. And prior to 2017, the Jaguars’ long-standing stench was second only to the Browns. Ultimately, this is a pretty darn good job.
2. Cleveland Browns
Why the job might open: Former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams has taken over for Hue Jackson, who lost his job earlier this season. The Browns could stick with Williams, who has already revitalized Cleveland’s energy. Still, Williams feels like he’d succeed as the emotional, interim coach but not as a long-term head coach. They should look elsewhere.
Why it’s desirable: The defense is supremely young and supremely talented. Quarterback Baker Mayfield is supremely young and talented. They’ve got leadership with receiver Jarvis Landry and defensive end Myles Garrett. General manger in John Dorsey has done nothing but impress. He’s got plenty of fire power to keep working his magic. The Browns project to have the fourth most cap space. They’re also loaded with draft picks in 2019. Things are looking up in Cleveland.
Why it’s undesirable: Cleveland. It’s football’s Siberia. It’s where talent goes to die.
1. Green Bay Packers
Why the job might open: The Packers, led by Mike McCarthy, will likely miss the playoffs with a healthy Aaron Rodgers. What else is there to say?
Why it’s desirable: Aaron. Rodgers.
Why it’s undesirable: I don’t know… it’s cold up there? To be fair, their defense needs renovation, but they can take solace in the fact that the secondary has a pair of young talents in cornerbacks Josh Jackson and Jaire Alexander. Their offensive line has also struggled mightily. They’re in the middle of the road in cap space. They’ll be in the middle of the draft order. But again: Aaron Rodgers. Imagine pairing Oklahoma’s Lincoln Riley with a physical marvel like Rodgers. With Rodgers comes immense pressure, but there’s a lot to like about the Packers’ job.