NFL Coaching & Front Office Changes for next season (2 Viewers)

[Bri]

Really happy to see wiz likely to get the lions job. Happier still that Grimm could join him.

I saw that article on NFL.com

This one seems to say they were impressed with Caldwell http://www.freep.com/article/20140104/SPORTS01/301040054/detroit-lions-matthew-stafford-interview-head-coach

Interesting also that both are presumed to hire the same DC

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Redskins, Vikings, Lions and Titans have all requested permission to interview Bengals OC Jay Gruden for their head coaching vacancies.

Despite another playoff flameout Sunday, Jon Gruden's younger brother is emerging as one of the hottest names available. CBS' Jason La Canfora previously reported that he's among the favorites for the 'Skins job. Gruden figures to have an edge over defensive minds like fellow Bengal Mike Zimmer because of the Redskins' commitment to developing Robert Griffin III. The Bengals have an in-house replacement at the ready in fantasy-friendly Hue Jackson, who served as the team's running backs coach in 2013.

Related: Redskins, Vikings, Titans, Lions

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

The Redskins have requested permission to interview Bengals coordinators Mike Zimmer and Jay Gruden.

With Cincy getting dumped out of the playoffs Sunday, it's open season on their coaches. Zimmer, who has been seeking his first head-coaching chance for years now, oversaw a defense that finished third in the NFL despite losing All-Pro DT Geno Atkins and top CB Leon Hall to year-ending injuries. If Zimmer is ever going to shed his strict coordinator label, this looks like the offseason to do it. However, the Redskins may want an offensive mind at the helm to mold franchise player Robert Griffin III. Enter Gruden, the younger brother of Spider 2 Y Banana, who is reportedly at or near the top of GM Bruce Allen's wish list.

Related: Redskins

Source: Mark Maske on Twitter

Mike Munchak's refusal to make mass changes to his coaching staff is the reason he was fired by the Titans Saturday.

Munchak was offered a chance to return with a contract extension, but the Titans' brass wanted an entire new set of coaches working with him. He would have had to not only can his best friends in OL coach Bruce Matthews and LBs coach Chet Parlavecchio, but also OC Dowell Loggains and DC Jerry Gray. "I can't fire someone when I don't believe they should be fired. Firing someone is awful. Too many people were going to be affected," Munchak said. Everything will come up roses for Munchak if he can land the Penn State job. He was born in Scranton, PA, played his college ball for Joe Paterno and has been a huge supporter of the program ever since.


Source: Nashville Tennesean

 

[Leroy Hoard]

Really happy to see wiz likely to get the lions job. Happier still that Grimm could join him.

Dalton helped SD out but it was a good sign that they could go on the road against the #3 rated defense and put up some points.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Vikings and Redskins have reportedly reached out to the 49ers regarding OC Greg Roman.

Coordinators that won Wild Card games this weekend are now eligible to be interviewed, but it's unclear if Roman has any formal requests -- or if he'll take them until the Niners are eliminated. He's overseen San Fran's offense since 2011, seamlessly making the change from Alex Smith to Colin Kaepernick and going to the Super Bowl a year ago. Roman has zero head coaching experience.

Related: Redskins, Vikings

Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Dolphins fired offensive coordinator Mike Sherman.

Sherman's 2013 offense finished 27th in yards and 26th in points despite dropping massive gobs of money on Mike Wallace, Brian Hartline, Brandon Gibson, Dustin Keller, Tyson Clabo, and more. Miami also allowed a league-high 58 sacks of second-year franchise quarterback Ryan Tannehill, whom the club will now pray was not shell shocked by a hit-riddled season. For now, at least, it appears GM Jeff Ireland and coach Joe Philbin are safe, with Sherman being the Fall Guy. The Dolphins would do well to find a more imaginative playcaller willing to commit to the run game as a critical element on offense.

Related: Dolphins

NFL Network's Jeff Darlington expects Bengals OC Jay Gruden to be the next Redskins head coach.

Darlington doesn't cite sources, but he's pretty well plugged-in around the league and likely isn't simply guessing. The most notable Washington-Gruden tie is Jay's history with Redskins GM Bruce Allen in Tampa Bay, where Gruden was an assistant coach on his big brother Jon's staff, and Allen ran football operations. Due to his last name, Jay would also fit the bill for owner Dan Snyder, who prefers flashy hires. The Bengals could promote RBs coach Hue Jackson to offensive coordinator, and very arguably upgrade on Gruden.

Related: Redskins

Source: Jeff Darlington on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Miami Herald reports Joe Philbin is "definitely safe" as Dolphins head coach.

Owner Stephen Ross forced Philbin to fire OC Mike Sherman on Monday, but Philbin will return for his third season on the job. Per the Herald's Armando Salguero, GM Jeff Ireland's job security "has yet to be cemented by the team." Philbin's records through two years in Miami are 7-9 and 8-8. There is some feeling the Dolphins will pursue Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo to replace Sherman.


Source: Miami Herald

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Ex-Bucs OC Mike Sullivan will interview for the Giants' offensive coordinator opening this week.

It's believed Sullivan-to-New York became a done deal as soon as Kevin Gilbride retired. Sullivan was fired along with Greg Schiano in Tampa Bay, but runs a very similar offense to Gilbride and worked as Eli Mannning's QBs coach from 2010-2011. We'd expect this hire to be finalized sooner rather than later.

Related: Giants

Source: Conor Orr on Twitter

Coach Lovie Smith anticipates the Bucs fielding a "power running game" with "big-play ability in the passing game" under new OC Jeff Tedford.

Smith specifically mentioned Doug Martin as a building block. Lovie also said he wants to "bring back" the Bucs' old smash-mouth style of play, with the NFL's most physical defense and a run-oriented offense. The hire of defensive-minded Smith bodes well for Martin's 2014 fantasy outlook. He won't hurt for touches.


Source: Pewter Report

The Miami Herald reports Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo is the favorite for the Dolphins' offensive coordinator vacancy.

It's something of a natural fit because McAdoo coached with Fins HC Joe Philbin in Green Bay. The offense wouldn't change in Miami, but the relevancy of the run game could, as McAdoo witnessed what the Packers were able to accomplish with a ground-oriented offense for much of 2013, with Aaron Rodgers out of commission. McAdoo's contract has expired in Green Bay, so he's a free agent.

Related: Dolphins, Packers

Source: Adam Beasley on Twitter

The Titans have requested permission to interview Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt for their head-coaching job.

As have the Redskins, Lions, and Vikings. Tennessee's interest in Whisenhunt is intriguing because the Titans' job was the latest to open when ex-coach Mike Munchak refused to fire his offensive staff, and was axed as a result. If Whisenhunt is smart, he'll take the job in Detroit, where he is considered the heavy front-runner. The Lions have a franchise quarterback in place.

Related: Vikings, Titans, Lions, Redskins

Source: Jason La Canfora on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Browns will interview Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo for their head-coaching vacancy.

McAdoo, 36, is technically a coaching free agent; his contract has expired. He's never been a coordinator or head coach at any level during his coaching career. McAdoo has been with coach Mike McCarthy ever since McCarthy's days with the Saints in the early 2000s. The Browns are casting a wide net in their search for a head coach. McAdoo would seem to be an extreme long shot. He's also been mentioned as an OC candidate for Miami, who fired Mike Sherman Monday.

Related: Browns

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

ESPN's Ed Werder reports the Giants will interview Titans OC Dowell Loggains for the same position Wednesday.

Titans beat writer Jim Wyatt confirms the team has granted the Giants permission to speak with Loggains. Loggains is technically still employed by the Titans, but he's been granted permission to seek out other opportunities after coach Mike Munchak was fired Saturday. Loggains, 33, just wrapped up his first full season as an offensive coordinator. Tennessee fielded the league's No. 22 offense, finishing 14th in rushing and 21st in passing.

Related: Giants

Source: Ed Werder on Twitter

ESPN's Ed Werder reports the Lions will interview Mike Munchak for their head-coaching vacancy Friday.

Munchak was canned by the Titans on Saturday after going 22-26 in three seasons on the job. The Titans wanted to keep Munchak, but only if he was willing to make serious changes to his coaching staff. He refused. Accompanying Munchak to Detroit will be OC Dowell Loggains. Loggains has reportedly also drawn interest from the Giants as an OC candidate. The Lions seem to want a head coach with previous experience. Munchak fits the bill, but Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt remains the favorite.

Related: Lions

Source: Ed Werder on Twitter

 

[lod01]

So recycled losers Muncheck and Kubiak are interviewing with the Lions. Man they suck. Kubiak could destroy Calvins redzone value so easily.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Dolphins fired GM Jeff Ireland.

Officially, the sides "mutually agreed to part ways." It's a long-in-the-making farewell for one of the league's worst general managers. A Bill Parcells disciple, Ireland specialized in mediocrity during his six seasons in South Beach, making the playoffs only once, his first year on the job. The Dolphins are 35-45 since, and gained only one game on their 7-9 2012 this season despite spending gobs of money in free agency and daringly trading up to No. 3 in last April's draft. Ireland's players have had a tendency to perform better once they left South Beach, and worse upon their arrival. Ireland's signature addition, quarterback Ryan Tannehill, crumbled down the stretch this season thanks in large part to the league's worst-constructed offensive line.


Source: Dolphins on Twitter

FOX Detroit reports the Lions interviewed ex-Texans coach Gary Kubiak for their head-coaching vacancy on Tuesday.

The Detroit Free Press reported earlier Tuesday that Kubiak was a "name to watch" for the Lions' opening. Kubiak was a workmanlike coach during his (almost) eight years in Houston, but took six seasons to earn his first playoff berth. He struggled for consistency on defense, and bungled the Texans' 2013 quarterback situation. The Lions are looking for an experienced hand to guide them over the hump, but Kubiak would be a thoroughly uninspiring hire. That being said, Kubiak would certainly instill more discipline than reckless Jim Schwartz did, and would be an able tutor for stubborn franchise quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Related: Lions

Source: Jennifer Hammond on Twitter

Bengals OC Jay Gruden interviewed for the Titans' head-coaching vacancy on Tuesday.

The Titans confirmed the news via their Twitter account. Per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Gruden will interview with the Redskins on Wednesday and the Vikings on Thursday. Gruden's offense tied for third in the AFC in points this season, but was wildly inconsistent. For the second straight year, Gruden's unit had an absolute meltdown in the Wild Card round. Gruden is a perfectly fine play-caller, but it's doubtful he'd be garnering so much interest were it not for his last name.

Related: Redskins, Vikings, Titans

Source: Titans on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Cardinals DC Todd Bowles' interview for the Vikings' head-coaching vacancy went "incredibly well" on Monday.

Rapoport somewhat expects Bowles to be among the final three candidates for the Minnesota job. Browns DC Ray Horton will interview for the gig Tuesday. Bowles, 50, would have a few pieces to build his defense around in Minnesota, including CB Xavier Rhodes, S Harrison Smith, and DT Sharrif Floyd. Rhodes fits Bowles' preference for bigger press corners and played well as a rookie.

Related: Vikings

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

 

[FUBAR]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Browns will interview Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo for their head-coaching vacancy.

McAdoo, 36, is technically a coaching free agent; his contract has expired. He's never been a coordinator or head coach at any level during his coaching career. McAdoo has been with coach Mike McCarthy ever since McCarthy's days with the Saints in the early 2000s. The Browns are casting a wide net in their search for a head coach. McAdoo would seem to be an extreme long shot. He's also been mentioned as an OC candidate for Miami, who fired Mike Sherman Monday.

Related: Browns

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Now I feel old.

 

[Long Ball Larry]

Rotoworld:

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Browns will interview Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo for their head-coaching vacancy.

McAdoo, 36, is technically a coaching free agent; his contract has expired. He's never been a coordinator or head coach at any level during his coaching career. McAdoo has been with coach Mike McCarthy ever since McCarthy's days with the Saints in the early 2000s. The Browns are casting a wide net in their search for a head coach. McAdoo would seem to be an extreme long shot. He's also been mentioned as an OC candidate for Miami, who fired Mike Sherman Monday.

Related: Browns

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Now I feel old.

glad that you missed 33-year-old Dowell Loggains interviewing, then.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Bengals OC Jay Gruden will become the sixth head-coaching candidate to interview with the Vikings when he meets with GM Rick Spielman on Thursday.
The other five interviewees are Seahawks OC Darrell Bevell, Seahawks DC Dan Quinn, Cardinals DC Todd Bowles, ex-Browns DC Ray Horton, and Bengals DC Mike Zimmer. Casting a wide net, the Vikings have also requested interviews with 49ers OC Greg Roman, Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt, Broncos OC Adam Gase, and Broncos DC Jack Del Rio. There is no known favorite for the Vikings job.

Related: Vikings

Source: ESPN.com

In addition to the Bucs, the Dolphins have requested permission to interview Giants executive Marc Ross for their GM vacancy.
Currently the Giants' VP of Player Evaluations, Ross has received numerous interviews the past few offseasons but failed to land a general manager job. The reasons are unknown, but Giants GM Jerry Reese likes Ross enough that he gave him a promotion after last year's interview carousel. Ross has spent the last seven seasons running the Giants' department of college scouting.

Related: Giants

Source: Tom Rock on Twitter

FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports the Bucs have requested to interview Giants vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross for their general-manager vacancy.
The National Football Post's Jason Cole first mentioned Ross as a possibility for the Bucs' GM spot last week, saying Ross could end up in Tampa Bay if Lovie Smith was hired as the head coach. Of course, Lovie got the job. Ross' background is in college scouting, which would make a good pairing with Lovie, since Lovie is expected to have final say over the 53-man roster. Ross interviewed for the Jets' and Bears' GM openings the past two seasons.

Related: Giants

Source: Mike Garafolo on Twitter

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports ex-Texans coach Gary Kubiak is "high on the Dolphins' radar" for their offensive-coordinator vacancy.
Kubiak has worked with John Elway in the past but seems to favor a run-heavy, ball-control offense. He's not the most imaginative playcaller but gets the most out of his players and would be good for Ryan Tannehill and Lamar Miller, among others in Miami. Kubiak interviewed for the Lions' head-coaching job Tuesday. He figures to find a job somewhere for the 2014 season.

Related: Dolphins

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

The Redskins interviewed Bengals OC Jay Gruden for their head-coaching vacancy Wednesday.
The team confirmed the interview took place. Gruden interviewed with the Titans on Tuesday, Redskins on Wednesday, and is headed for Minnesota on Thursday. Next up for the Redskins is Vanderbilt coach James Franklin. That interview will take place Thursday. On Monday, NFL Network's Jeff Darlington said he expects Gruden to be named Washington's next head coach. Owner Daniel Snyder is going to go for a flashy hire, and Gruden has the last name.

Related: Redskins

The Lions are expected to interview Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt for their head-coaching vacancy this weekend.
Whisenhunt has been linked to the Lions for a week now. He'll formally interview for the gig on Friday or Saturday, when the window for coaches still involved in the playoffs opens and allows them to interview for other teams. Whisenhunt has previous head-coaching experience -- something the Lions seem to desire -- and has experience working with elite quarterbacks.

Related: Lions

Source: detroitlions.com

Ex-Titans coach Mike Munchak interviewed for the Lions' head-coaching vacancy Wednesday.
It was originally reported that Munchak would sit down with the Lions on Friday of this week. The Lions have now interviewed Ravens OC Jim Caldwell, Munchak, and ex-Texans coach Gary Kubiak for the opening. Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt is expected to meet with Lions brass before the weekend. Whisenhunt is being coveted by both the Lions and Titans, among others.

Related: Lions

Source: detroitlions.com

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Dolphins are interviewing Eagles QBs coach Bill Lazor for their offensive-coordinator vacancy Wednesday.
Lazor, 41, just wrapped up his first season with the Eagles and was a big part of Nick Foles' sophomore leap. Previously, Lazor was the offensive coordinator and QBs coach for the Virginia Cavaliers from 2010-2012. He began his NFL coaching career in 2003 under Dan Reeves in Atlanta before making stops with the Redskins and Seahawks. ESPN's Chris Mortensen also mentioned ex-Redskins OC Kyle Shanahan as a candidate for the opening in Miami.

Related: Dolphins

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Patriots OC Josh McDaniels has withdrawn his name from consideration to be the Browns' next head coach.
Per Schefter's source, McDaniels had "an awesome" interview with the Browns over the weekend, but it "isn't the right time for him to become a head coach." McDaniels knows he likely only has one more head-coaching shot after his disaster run in Denver, so he needs to make sure it's the right one. Cleveland doesn't have a quarterback or a running back, the Browns brass seems to be a bit dysfunctional, and McDaniels already has a cushy gig coaching Tom Brady. Taking all those things into account, McDaniels is going to keep waiting. He's only 37 years old and could be in line to succeed Bill Belichick.

Related: Browns

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Redskins to name Jay Gruden next head coach

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Bengals DC Mike Zimmer has reportedly emerged as the favorite for the Vikings' head-coaching vacancy.

Marvin Lewis could be losing both his coordinators, as Jay Gruden was hired by the Redskins Thursday. The abrasive and fiery Zimmer's style would be in stark contrast to mild-mannered, player-friendly coach Leslie Frazier. It's a bit surprising the Vikings wouldn't favor an offensive mind, but Zimmer would make a fine choice. He's been the Bengals' defensive coordinator since 2008, consistently getting the most out of UDFA's and leading his unit to a No. 3 ranking this year despite season-ending injuries to Geno Atkins and Leon Hall.

Related: Vikings

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

The Bengals are expected to promote running backs coach Hue Jackson to offensive coordinator.

Bengals fans should be thrilled. Jackson has churned out productive offenses in just about every stop he's been, including in 2011 when he turned the Raiders into a top-9 offense as their head coach. He projects to highlight the running game more than predecessor Jay Gruden, giving Gio Bernard a major up arrow heading into 2014. In two years under Jackson, Darren McFadden rushed 336 times for 1,774 yards (5.27 YPC) and scored 15 touchdowns. In two seasons since then, McFadden has averaged 3.29 YPC and scored eight times.

Related: Giovani Bernard

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Redskins hired Jay Gruden as their head coach on a five-year deal.

In 2011, Gruden left the UFL to take over a Bengals offense that ranked 20th in the league the previous season. He leaves them as a top-10 unit despite the uneven play of quarterback Andy Dalton and somewhat vanilla schemes. Gruden, the 46-year-old younger brother of ESPN's Spider 2 Y Banana, gives Redskins owner Dan Snyder the name value he always seeks and GM Bruce Allen the man he knows from their time together in Tampa. Skins tight ends coach Sean McVay is expected to be promoted to offensive coordinator, while holdovers Jim Haslett and Raheem Morris have both been named as candidates for the defensive coordinator job. The Bengals' three straight first-round playoff exits and Gruden's public hesitancy to run the read-option surprisingly did nothing to extinguish his market. He'll install a pass-heavy scheme, but it's not an upgrade for the prospects of Robert Griffin III.

Related: Bengals, Robert Griffin III

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt is scheduled to interview with the Lions Thursday, Titans Friday and Browns Saturday.

It's a whirlwind week for Whisenhunt, as he'll do three interviews and then guide the Chargers' offense in Denver on Sunday. Or maybe he won't even get out of Detroit without signing on the dotted line. The Lions' job is reportedly his to lose as they appear to be seeking an offensive-minded coach with head-coaching experience and a history of developing talented quarterbacks. Whiz has worked with Ben Roethlisberger, Kurt Warner and Philip Rivers in his last three stops.

Related: Browns, Lions, Titans

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

The Giants will interview Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo for their offensive coordinator vacancy on Saturday.

McAdoo interviewed for the Browns' head job Wednesday, but that was thought to be a token, information-gathering meeting. McAdoo is also in the Dolphins' crosshairs, but will meet with the G-Men first. The Giants' other two OC interviews have been with ex-Bucs OC Mike Sullivan and ex-Titans OC Dowell Loggains.

Related: Giants

Source: New York Daily News

 

[Bob Magaw]

So two of the seven HC vacancies filled.

HOU and WAS.

Whisenhunt seems to be the favorite in DET (and could be available after this weekend if DEN beats SD).

That leaves MIN, TB, TEN and CLE.

Any sense of the favorites (if any) at these places?

 

[TheFly06]

So two of the seven HC vacancies filled.

HOU and WAS.

Whisenhunt seems to be the favorite in DET.

That leaves MIN, TB, TEN and CLE.

Any sense of the favorites (if any) at these places?

Tampa Bay filled their spot with Lovie Smith.

 

[Bob Magaw]

I heard that but an oversight, thanks for the catch.

 

[snogger]

So two of the seven HC vacancies filled.

HOU and WAS.

Whisenhunt seems to be the favorite in DET (and could be available after this weekend if DEN beats SD).

That leaves MIN, TB, TEN and CLE.

Any sense of the favorites (if any) at these places?

Rumor is Zimmer is on the short list here in Minnesota.. But I think they are still interested in what Whisenhunt has to offer..

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports Seahawks DC Dan Quinn is a "top candidate" for the Titans' head-coaching vacancy.

That's a top candidate, and not the top candidate. Quinn has also drawn interest from the Browns and Vikings. It's unclear when/if he'll interview with Tennessee. Ravens OC Jim Caldwell, Bengals DC Mike Zimmer and Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt are also candidates to replace Mike Munchak. Per Rapsheet, the team is also interested in Seahawks OC Darrell Bevell.

Related: Titans

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

Profootballtalk reports Robert Griffin III "wasn't involved" in the Redskins' coaching search.

Per PFT, it's "still not clear" if RGIII and new coach Jay Gruden have even spoken. If Griffin truly wasn't involved in the search in any manner, it's a bit surprising. No one is more important to the Redskins' prospects than their starting quarterback. We're guessing he's a better source of info on the Redskins' offense than owner Daniel Snyder. Gruden is an underwhelming hire, but not necessarily a bad one. He's all but certain to curtail, if not completely scrap, the read-option elements of the Redskins' attack. Griffin will have to become a more refined passer.


Source: Profootballtalk on NBCSports.com

Sources tell FOX Sports that the Dolphins want to meet with Kyle Shanahan regarding their vacant offensive coordinator position.

Mike Shanahan's final days with the Redskins became a laughable farce, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that this family knows how to coach offense. Kyle was the Texans' offensive coordinator from 2008-09, helping build what would become one of the league's most dominant rushing attacks. And in the same position with the Redskins from 2010-13, he continued to make fantasy stars of running backs like Alfred Morris and X receivers like Pierre Garcon. Gary Kubiak is also reportedly a candidate to fill the shoes vacated by Mike Sherman in Miami.

Related: Dolphins

Source: Peter Schrager on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

According to the National Football Post's Jason Cole, the "word" is that Falcons director of player personnel Lionel Vital has the "inside track" on the Bucs' general manager job.

Vital head ups the Falcons' college scouting. Whomever lands the Bucs job will likely have a strong background in college scouting, as coach Lovie Smith has final say over the 53-man roster. Smith isn't going to have the necessary time to devote to college personnel. According to Cole, Redskins director of player personnel Morocco Brown is also candidate to replace Mark Dominik. The same is true of Giants vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross and Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson.

Related: Falcons

Source: Jason Cole on Twitter

"Multiple NFL sources" tell the National Football Post's Jason Cole they would "advise anyone close to them" not to accept the Dolphins' general manager job.

Per Cole, the sources believe the Dolphins' power structure is "set up to fail." That's certainly hard to argue. Owner Stephen Ross has been coy on whom will have final say in his new front office, while pigeonholing a new general manager with an existing head coach almost never works. The Dolphins' owner since 2008, Ross has thus far proven incapable of getting his power structure right.


Source: Jason Cole on Twitter

Browns assistant GM Ray Farmer and Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson are candidates for the Dolphins' general manager opening.

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Packers executive Alonzo Highsmith is also on the Dolphins' "radar." Giants executive Marc Ross was reported as a candidate on Wednesday. The Dolphins are casting a wide net in their search to replace Jeff Ireland. League sources tell the Miami Herald's Adam Beasley that Farmer is the "best of the bunch."

Related: Titans, Browns, Packers, Giants

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

The Nashville Tennessean reports Titans vice president of player personnel Lake Dawson is a candidate for the Dolphins and Bucs' general manager vacancies.

A former player, Dawson has spent the past seven seasons in the Titans' front office. He's GM Ruston Webster's top assistant, and evaluates both pro and college personnel. Dawson was a candidate for the Rams' general manager opening in 2012.

Related: Dolphins, Buccaneers

Source: Nashville Tennessean

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Houston Chronicle reports ex-Titans coach Mike Munchak will interview to be the Texans' offensive line coach on Friday.
Munchak interviewed for the Lions' head-coaching vacancy on Wednesday, but is setting his sights lower. Munchak is regarded as one of the league's very best line coaches, but doesn't have the chops to be an offensive coordinator. That means barring a head-coaching job, he'll be banished back to the ranks of position coach. Unless he has philosophical differences with Texans coach Bill O'Brien, it's hard to believe Munchak couldn't have the offensive line job if he wanted it.

Related: Texans

Source: John McClain on Twitter

Texans hired Ohio State DL coach Mike Vrabel as LBs coach.
We don't typically post position-coach hires, but Vrabel is a notable addition to rookie coach Bill O'Brien's staff. A 14-year veteran, Vrabel retired after the 2010 season. He's coached at Ohio State since, serving under both Luke Fickell and Urban Meyer. If Vrabel continues on an upward path, he could be a defensive coordinator, either in the college or pro ranks, before the decade is through.

The Titans interviewed Bengals DC Mike Zimmer for their head-coaching vacancy on Thursday.
The news was first reported on Monday, and confirmed by the Titans on Thursday. A hot commodity after his defense's latest strong showing in 2013, Zimmer is considered the "favorite" for the Vikings' opening. Zimmer is going to sport a good defense wherever he lands, but may not be the best fit for Tennessee, who has far more questions on the offensive side of the ball.

Source: Titans on Twitter

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Dolphins have requested permission to interview Cardinals vice president of player personnel Jason Licht and Steelers executive Omar Khan for their general-manager vacancy.
Including internal candidate Brian Gaine, the Dolphins' list of potential Jeff Ireland replacements is now up to six names. Licht was an important part of the Cardinals' dramatic turnaround this season, while Khan generates GM interest on an annual basis.

Related: Steelers, Cardinals

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

New Redskins coach Jay Gruden plans to call his own plays, and "loves" the read option.
"I love it," Gruden insisted at Thursday's introductory presser. "I think it's part of football now." Gruden had previously sent mixed signals on Robert Griffin III's signature play, but appears to have gotten the memo. Of course, the play was a much smaller part of the Redskins' offense in 2013, and there's little reason to believe Gruden will increase its use next season. RGIII isn't going to hurt for pass attempts in Gruden's relatively traditional West Coast scheme. Gruden also revealed Thursday that he plans to keep the Redskins' 3-4 scheme on defense.

Source: Mark Maske on Twitter

Bengals hired RBs coach Hue Jackson as offensive coordinator.
It's the right move for the Bengals, who had perhaps the league's most eligible play-caller buried on their own staff behind former OC Jay Gruden. Jackson worked wonders with the Raiders' offense in 2010-11, turning a moribund unit into a top-10 outfit. Jackson calls an aggressive game, and isn't afraid to run the ball. He puts his players in position to succeed. Jackson's brash personality is the only reason he's been stuck as a position coach since getting canned from Oakland. His hiring is good news for all the Bengals' skill players, but especially Giovani Bernard. Darren McFadden had the best two years of his career under Jackson's tutelage.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Dolphins insist their new general manager will have "autonomous responsibility" over the 53-man roster and draft process.
There's been widespread speculation that the team's new general manager would be a puppet hire that reports to one of owner Stephen Ross' lieutenants, but that's apparently not the case. However, the Miami Herald's Armando Salguero reports Jeff Ireland's replacement won't have hiring/firing power over the head coach. That figures to be a deal-breaker for some candidates. Ross seems comfortable with chaos in his power structure.

Source: Dolphins on Twitter

 

[Bri]

I'm curious about Jay. When he was a player coach (which used to be more common decades ago) there were some fascinating articles even if it was the AFL or whatever it was back then. I don't much care for Jon and have always found Jay very interesting.

 

[Bri]

Rotoworld:

Texans hired Ohio State DL coach Mike Vrabel as LBs coach.
We don't typically post position-coach hires, but Vrabel is a notable addition to rookie coach Bill O'Brien's staff. A 14-year veteran, Vrabel retired after the 2010 season. He's coached at Ohio State since, serving under both Luke Fickell and Urban Meyer. If Vrabel continues on an upward path, he could be a defensive coordinator, either in the college or pro ranks, before the decade is through.

Pepper Johnson hasn't been made a DC and he's done very well coaching LBs and DL. There's not usually much written about him so I don't have any idea why not. Pretty sure he coached Vrabel, so I'd be curious if Vrabel was a DC before him.

 

[Jobber]

Faust doing the lord's work in here. Keep it coming!

 

[msommer]

Enough with the interviewing, hire somebody for Pete's sake!

 

[FUBAR]

Really dislike how coordinators in the playoffs interview a day or two before the game.

Can't imagine players who will be free agents meeting with other teams while in the playoffs, but in some ways the coordinator is even more important to have less distractions.

 

[Bri]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000311278/article/jim-tressel-says-he-has-an-interest-in-coaching-in-nfl

Nothing here really but Tressel's "The next few weeks are going to be interesting" comment

 

[Bri]

Really dislike how OCs in the playoffs interview a day or two before the game.

I think they do need a window to interview (which is late BTW) but team brass should be required to go to them. If the NFL is writing a rule about when they can interview, why not add that? A day in a plane and at a facility and back home does seem too much. A couple hour sit down, seems way more doable.

 

[MAC_32]

Really dislike how coordinators in the playoffs interview a day or two before the game.

Can't imagine players who will be free agents meeting with other teams while in the playoffs, but in some ways the coordinator is even more important to have less distractions.

so it goes, if not allowed to interview they wouldn't get head coaching opportunities.

 

[Bri]

Interesting anti-schwartz article/sentiment here http://www.freep.com/article/20140108/SPORTS01/301080142/detroit-lions-mike-munchak

I think it should be said that Bishop is alluding to how on good team's NFL coach's manage staff and players and don't coach as much as most fans think. In this manager line of thinking, I agree with Bishop that Munchak is the best fit for the Lions-out of remaining candidates commonly in the press.

I also agree they should get someone that's "been there" instead. For this big reason, I think they need to get Whisenhunt but will he want the staff that's already there? The staff they decided already is staying.

If it doesn't work out with Whisenhunt, I think they should take what they gleaned from Munchak interview and go get some old veteran coach to be a manager, then fill their staff spots with top coaches. AIm for the top staff rather than the top coach.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Enough with the interviewing, hire somebody for Pete's sake!

everyone is waiting for Whiz, once SD loses then all the other pieces will fall in place, too bad everyone will be waiting until February 3rd

 

[Bri]

Rotoworld:

The Houston Chronicle reports ex-Titans coach Mike Munchak will interview to be the Texans' offensive line coach on Friday.
Munchak interviewed for the Lions' head-coaching vacancy on Wednesday, but is setting his sights lower. Munchak is regarded as one of the league's very best line coaches, but doesn't have the chops to be an offensive coordinator. That means barring a head-coaching job, he'll be banished back to the ranks of position coach. Unless he has philosophical differences with Texans coach Bill O'Brien, it's hard to believe Munchak couldn't have the offensive line job if he wanted it.

Related: Texans

Source: John McClain on Twitter

Didn't the Texans fire Bruce Matthews as OL assistant a few years ago? And cut his son?

If so I'm curious about the conversation between Munchak and Matthews.

Fisher needs to call Munchak if he is interested in OL job again.

 

[FUBAR]

Really dislike how OCs in the playoffs interview a day or two before the game.

I think they do need a window to interview (which is late BTW) but team brass should be required to go to them. If the NFL is writing a rule about when they can interview, why not add that? A day in a plane and at a facility and back home does seem too much. A couple hour sit down, seems way more doable.

I'd be curious to see how much time they put into preparing for these interviews. they know the business, but most interviewees need to understand the company. Of course, many already are familiar with the other teams. Not sure how familiar wiz is with teams not in his conference/division.

 

[FUBAR]

Really dislike how coordinators in the playoffs interview a day or two before the game.

Can't imagine players who will be free agents meeting with other teams while in the playoffs, but in some ways the coordinator is even more important to have less distractions.

so it goes, if not allowed to interview they wouldn't get head coaching opportunities.

Disagree, but it might put a franchise behind a bit when hiring these guys.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Rotoworld:

The Houston Chronicle reports ex-Titans coach Mike Munchak will interview to be the Texans' offensive line coach on Friday.

Munchak interviewed for the Lions' head-coaching vacancy on Wednesday, but is setting his sights lower. Munchak is regarded as one of the league's very best line coaches, but doesn't have the chops to be an offensive coordinator. That means barring a head-coaching job, he'll be banished back to the ranks of position coach. Unless he has philosophical differences with Texans coach Bill O'Brien, it's hard to believe Munchak couldn't have the offensive line job if he wanted it.

Related: Texans

Source: John McClain on Twitter

Didn't the Texans fire Bruce Matthews as OL assistant a few years ago? And cut his son?If so I'm curious about the conversation between Munchak and Matthews.

Fisher needs to call Munchak if he is interested in OL job again.

I think STL is very happy with OL position coach Paul Boudreau.

 

[Bri]

Rotoworld:

The Houston Chronicle reports ex-Titans coach Mike Munchak will interview to be the Texans' offensive line coach on Friday.

Munchak interviewed for the Lions' head-coaching vacancy on Wednesday, but is setting his sights lower. Munchak is regarded as one of the league's very best line coaches, but doesn't have the chops to be an offensive coordinator. That means barring a head-coaching job, he'll be banished back to the ranks of position coach. Unless he has philosophical differences with Texans coach Bill O'Brien, it's hard to believe Munchak couldn't have the offensive line job if he wanted it.

Related: Texans

Source: John McClain on Twitter

Didn't the Texans fire Bruce Matthews as OL assistant a few years ago? And cut his son?If so I'm curious about the conversation between Munchak and Matthews.

Fisher needs to call Munchak if he is interested in OL job again.

I think STL is very happy with OL position coach Paul Boudreau.

So make him an assistant whatever like they do oh so many times nowadays.

 

[Englishteacher]

Dolphins announce that Ray Farmer has been interviewed

Posted by Mike Florio on January 11, 2014, 7:07 PM EST
Farmer
Getty Images
Regarded as the frontrunner to succeed Jeff Ireland as the General Manager of the Dolphins, Ray Farmer officially has completed his interview.

The team has announced that Farmer’s interview has been completed.

Farmer, 39, serves as the assistant General Manager of the Browns. He was hired from the Chiefs last year, and he was a fourth-round pick of the Eagles in 1996.

He’s the fourth candidate whose interview has been announced by the Dolphins. On Friday, Miami announced that Dolphins assistant G.M. Brian Gaine, Steelers director of football and business administration Omar Khan, and Cardinals V.P. of player personnel Jason Licht had been interviewed.

The Dolphins have committed to transparency when it comes to identifying the candidate for the job.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Whisenhunt now available.

I expect him to be announced as the new DET HC in the next few days.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Titans' interest in Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt is reportedly "real" and "viable."

This smells like a leverage leak from Whisenhunt's camp to ensure he gets the best possible offer from Detroit. It's long been reported that the Lions' job is his to lose, and it's certainly more attractive than the Titan's gig as it comes with Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, a dominant defensive line and the No. 10 overall pick in May's draft. Whisenhunt's strange decision to ride an unproductive run game far too long in Sunday's loss at Denver isn't doing anything to cool his market.

Related: Lions, Titans

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

A source tells FOX Sports that Mike Munchak is interviewing with the Browns for their head-coaching vacancy Monday.

As the Browns wait for Broncos OC Adam Gase and Seahawks DC Dan Quinn to finish their playoff runs, they'll talk to the former Titans coach. Munchak would be a good bet to turn around Cleveland's talented yet often underachieving offensive line, but the brass is likely aiming higher than a guy who has already lost out on the Penn State job. Cardinals DC Todd Bowles, Packers QB coach Ben McAdoo, Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt and Panthers DC Sean McDermott have each also been linked to one of the least appetizing jobs available. The Browns hold two first-round picks, but have no franchise quarterback or running back and the front office appears rudderless.

Related: Browns

Source: Alex Marvez on Twitter

With San Diego's season over, Chargers OC Ken Whisenhunt is free to sign a head-coaching contract elsewhere.

It's believed San Diego will replace Whisenhunt in-house with QBs coach Frank Reich. Whisenhunt has long been favored to land in Detroit, but the Nashville Tennessean reports the Titans are "very" interested in the onetime Cardinals head coach. Whisenhunt has all along seemed likeliest to pick the Lions due to the presence of Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson.

Related: Lions, Titans

Source: Jim Wyatt on Twitter

Citing conversations with people around the league, NFL Network's Albert Breer says the feeling is the Browns' head-coaching job is viewed as "radioactive."

"Tough spot for them," added Breer of the Browns, who were quickly spurned by Patriots OC Josh McDaniels. The Browns have an alleged-criminal owner and kicked Rob Chudzinski aside after one year on the job, also letting outstanding coordinators Ray Horton and Norv Turner leave without a fight. There is no franchise quarterback or running back on the roster. It's not surprising coaches around the league aren't lining up to succeed Chudzinski.


Source: Albert Breer on Twitter

The Cincinnati Enquirer mentions ex-Lions coach Jim Schwartz as a potential candidate for the Bengals' defensive-coordinator job should Mike Zimmer land a head-coaching gig.

Zimmer has a second interview set up with the Vikings this week and is also on the Titans' radar. Schwartz and coach Marvin Lewis worked together in Baltimore back in the 1990s and remain friends. The early favorite to take over Cincinnati's DC duties is LBs coach Paul Guenther. Schwartz has also been linked to the Browns' DC job. He could also choose to take the 2014 season off.

Related: Bengals

Source: Cincinnati Enquirer

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Browns appear to have "all eyes on" Broncos OC Adam Gase for their head-coaching vacancy.

Cleveland has been chugging along, interviewing a bevy of candidates, but it may not make a hire until it gets a chance to talk to Gase. That's not going to happen until the Broncos are bounced from the playoffs -- or win the Super Bowl -- as Gase has said he's not going to do interviews until then. The Browns seem to prefer an offensive mind, believing the "rest will take care of itself" on defense. Packers QBs coach Ben McAdoo is also on the Browns' radar.

Related: Browns

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

A source tells the Cleveland Plain Dealer that "several colleagues" are warning Broncos OC Adam Gase against taking the Browns' head-coaching job after Rob Chudzinski went one-and-done in Cleveland.

There are indications CEO Joe Banner, GM Mike Lombardi, and owner Jimmy Haslam are not "on the same page," per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora has reported that Gase is the Browns' new primary head-coaching target, after Patriots OC Josh McDaniels turned them down. Gase is not expected to interview for top-job vacancies until after Denver's playoff run.

Related: Browns

Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer

 

[lod01]

What the hell, Whisenhut? You got no QB.

 

[FUBAR]

Lions not getting wiz might be the final straw for me as a former lions fan.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Titans hired Ken Whisenhunt as head coach.

It comes as a mild surprise. Whisenhunt had been courted by the Lions. Instead, Whisenhunt chooses Tennessee's No. 11 overall pick and its athletic defense over Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Detroit's dominant defensive line. Whisenhunt, 52 next month, has a history with Nashville; he started his coaching career at Vanderbilt University in 1995. In his lone season as the Chargers' offensive coordinator, Whisenhunt helped turn around the career of Philip Rivers, got the most we've seen out of Ryan Mathews in his four seasons, and oversaw Keenan Allen's extremely impressive rookie campaign. The Chargers fielded the league's No. 5 offense in 2013, finishing fourth in passing and 13th in rushing. He's going to need to find a quarterback in Tennessee. Jake Locker isn't the answer. Whisenhunt had a career 45-51 record as the Cardinals head coach from 2007-2012. He could nab Ray Horton to run the defense in Tennessee.

Related: Lions, Chargers

Source: Chris Mortensen on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen report the Lions are focusing on Ravens OC Jim Caldwell for their head-coaching vacancy.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora has a similar report. With Ken Whisenhunt choosing the Titans over the Lions, it's on to Plan B for GM Martin Mayhew and company. Lions owner Bill Ford Jr. spoke with ex-Colts coach Tony Dungy on Monday, and Dungy endorsed Caldwell. Peyton Manning also gave Caldwell a strong recommendation, per the Lions' official website. Ex-Titans coach Mike Munchak is also still in play for the Lions. They'll likely make a decision this week.

Related: Lions

Source: ESPN.com

 

[False Start]

Maybe this is a good thing. Wiz is already showing he is making bad decisions. Trying to spin it, I know.

 

[voiceofunreason]

Rotoworld:

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen report the Lions are focusing on Ravens OC Jim Caldwell for their head-coaching vacancy.

CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora has a similar report. With Ken Whisenhunt choosing the Titans over the Lions, it's on to Plan B for GM Martin Mayhew and company. Lions owner Bill Ford Jr. spoke with ex-Colts coach Tony Dungy on Monday, and Dungy endorsed Caldwell. Peyton Manning also gave Caldwell a strong recommendation, per the Lions' official website. Ex-Titans coach Mike Munchak is also still in play for the Lions. They'll likely make a decision this week.

Related: Lions

Source: ESPN.com

Munchak or Caldwell? Ugh, weren't they 2 of the worst coaches the last couple of years?

I grew up with Detroit TV, thank god those days are over.

 

[Ray Barboni]

Lions not getting wiz might be the final straw for me as a former lions fan.

Well I'm current Lions "fan"...and I feel sick right now. I would rather keep that doosh Schwartz over any if these guys available.

Really wanted the Whiz...

Lets get Mike Zimmer here!! He is a hard ### and that's what this sorry team needs.