Jason Wood
Zoo York
2007 NFL Coaching Carousel
Arizona Cardinals
*** Head Coach -- Ken Whisenhunt
The Cardinals have their new head honcho with the announcement that Ken Whisenhunt has accepted an offer to be the team's new head coach. Whisenhunt has been the Steelers offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, and at 44-years old and a long-time Steelers assistant, was considered among the favorites to replace Bill Cowher. Alas, he's taking his offensive talents across the country where he'll need to bolster a struggling offensive line but otherwise has a cadre of enticing weapons in place.
*** Offensive Coordinator(s) -- Russ Grimm & Todd Haley
Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt were thought to be rivals for the Steelers HC job, but obviously they remain good friends. Grimm has been named the Cardinals offensive line coach and he will also hold the title of Assistant Head Coach - Offense. This is the identical set of titles he held in Pittsburgh (with Whisenhunt the OC), so one can assume he'll have a heavy role in the Cards' offensive game plan. However, the title of Offensive Coordinator goes to Todd Haley, who served as the Cowboys QB coach under Bill Parcells.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Clancy Pendergast
Ken Whisenhunt has decided to retain Clancy Pendergast as the Cardinals' Defensive Coordinator. Pendergast was, himself, up for the head coaching job despite the Cardinals poor defensive ranking last year. Pendergast managed to convince Whisenhunt that the Cardinals defensive failings were related to something other than his coaching.
Atlanta Falcons
*** Head Coach -- Bobby Petrino
After a 7-9 record in his third season at the helm, Jim Mora was fired as owner Arthur Blank looks in another direction to recoup his significant investment. The Falcons brass moved quickly to hire Bobby Petrino, who guided his Louisville Cardinals team to a 12-1 record and BCS Bowl victory. Petrino, an offensive minded coach with an emphasis on quarterbacks, makes his return to the NFL after serving as an offensive assistant for 3 years under Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville (1999-2001).
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Hue Jackson
Bengals WR coach, Hue Jackson, has accepted the position as Bobby Petrino's offensive coordinator. Jackson has a ton of experience as an offensive coordinator (Arizona State, Redskins under Spurrier, California, USC) but has really made his mark developing a Bengals WR corps that includes not only all-world Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh but young playmaker Chris Henry.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer is making a lateral move from Dallas to Atlanta where he'll serve as Bobby Petrino's defensive coordinator. Zimmer was an incumbent in Dallas when Bill Parcells took over, and despite having a different defensive style than Parcells, he managed to hang onto his job because of his solid reputation and credentials. Zimmer coached with Petrino at Weber State, and will maintain the 4-3 defensive front that Atlanta utilized in 2005. Remember that Zimmer was a 4-3 proponent dor most of his coaching career before moving to a 3-4 front to fit with Parcells' wishes.
Baltimore Ravens
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Rick Neuheisel
Jim Fassel was fired toward the end of the season and Rick Neuheisel, the QB coach, was elevated as interim OC. He was named to the position formally this offseason.
Carolina Panthers
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Jeff Davidson
Den Henning has been fired, taking the blame for a disappointing Panthers offense that saw neither a consistent ground attack nor a reliable passing game. Jeff Davidson, the Browns offensive line coach under Romeo Crennel and a Patriots assistant coach prior to that, has been named the Panthers new Offensive Coordinator.
Chicago Bears
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Bob Babich
Bob Babich, a long-time friend and associate of Lovie Smith, has been promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator in Chicago. He will replace Ron Rivera, who entered free agency and was not offered an extension after interviewing for six head coaching vacancies this offseason.
Cleveland Browns
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Rob Chudzinski
It's all about the Chud. After speculation that Jason Garrett or Greg Knapp would assume the Browns offensive playcalling duties, Romeo Crennel surprised a lot of us by instead turning to Rob Chudzinski as the team's new offensive coordinator. Chudzinki's hiring is surprising for several reasons, not the least of which is his association with the former Browns regime that was oustered in favor of Crennel and his staff. In 2004, Chudzinski was the Browns TE coach under Butch Davis, and served as offensive coordinator when Terry Robiskie was named interim HC for the final five weeks of that season. On a more promising note, Chudzinski was the offensive coordinator at the University of Miami from 2001-2003, a period when the U was spewing forth NFL caliber offensive players.
Dallas Cowboys
*** Head Coach -- Wade Phillips
When Bill Parcells first announced his retirement, ESPN noted that Wade Phillips was Jerry Jones' backup plan. A month later and myriad rumors put to rest, it looks like they had the story right all along. Phillips was named the Cowboys newest coach, after a successful run as the Chargers defensive coordinator. Phillips is something of an NFL head coaching retread, having served as an interim head coach in Atlanta and New Orleans, as well as a full-time head coach in Denver [pre-Shanahan] and Buffalo.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Jason Garrett
The Cowboys have hired former backup QB Jason Garrett as the team's new Offensive Coordinator. Although the Cowboys haven't yet found their new head coach, which means Garrett's final title and responsibilities have yet to be determined.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Brian Stewart
The Chargers coaching exodus continues, as Wade Phillips tapped Chargers defensive backs coach Brian Stewart to serve as Cowboys defensive coordinator.
Denver Broncos
*** Defensive Coordinators -- Jim Bates & Bob Slowik
Head coach Mike Shanahan can never have enough coaches on staff it seems. Jim Bates, the long-time NFL defensive coach most recently in Green Bay and Miami, has joined the staff as Assistant Head Coach - Defense. Bob Slowik, already on the Broncos staff, has been promoted to Defensive Coordinator. This is reminiscent of the changes made last year on the offensive side of the ball, when Mike Heimerdinger assumed the role of Assistant Head Coach - Offense while Rick Dennison was promoted to Offensive Coordinator. It will be interesting to see Bob Slowik and Jim Bates working together, as Bates served as Slowik's replacement in Green Bay a few years ago.
Detroit Lions
*** Defensive Coordinators -- Joe Barry
Joe Barry has been named the Lions Defensive Coordinator after six seasons as the linebackers coach in Tampa Bay. Barry was thought to be the Bucs original choice a year ago, but Tampa wouldn't give him permission to interview. Now, he gets a chance to coordinate for the first time under his father-in-law (Barry is married to Rod Marinelli's daughter).
Green Bay Packers
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Joe Philbin
After widespread speculation that HC Mike McCarthy might go outside the organization to replace departed OC Jeff Jagodzinski (who took the HC job at Boston College), he instead promoted Joe Philbin to the role. Philbin served as the Packers offensive line coach in 2006 after coaching the tight ends for two years under Mike Sherman.
Houston Texans
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Mike Sherman
Mike Sherman has effectively removed himself from consideration for any of the remaining head coaching vacancies as he's accepted the title of Offensive Coordinator in Houston. Sherman joined the Texans last year as an assistant head coach, but had no specific title beyond that as Troy Calhoun served as Offensive Coordinator under 1st year HC Gary Kubiak. Sherman replaces Calhoun, who took the head coaching job at Air Force.
Jacksonville Jaguars
*** Offensive Coordinator -- **** Koetter
**** Koetter, who was fired from Arizona State this year, has been named the Jaguars new offensive coordinator, replacing Carl Smith. Koetter will be tasked with improving a passing attack that produced just 3,060 yards (24th in the NFL) and 17 TDs (22nd) while maintaining the team's stellar ground attack in the process (3rd in rush yards, 2nd in rush TDs).
Miami Dolphins
*** Head Coach -- Cam Cameron
After a fairly expansive search to replace Nick Saban, owner Wayne Huizenga decided on Cam Cameron, the architect of the San Diego Chargers powerful offense over the last few seasons. Cameron's offenses have finished among the top 5 in points scored in each of the last three seasons. While he's had all-pro assets like Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson at his disposal, he has also dealt with a QB change and a limited corp of wide receivers. Prior to joining the Chargers, Cameron was head coach at Indiana for five years after serving as Norv Turner's QB coach in Washington for a few seasons.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Mike Mularkey
Cam Cameron will call his own plays in 2007, but plans on retaining Mike Mularkey in some capacity, either as OC or perhaps TE coach/Assistant Head Coach.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Dom Capers
In an important sign of stability, the Dolphins have retained Dom Capers as defensive coordinator. Some wondered why Capers, a former head coach, would be willing to remain as a coordinator when the head coaching position is vacant, but when one considers Capers is being made the highest paid assistant coach in the league; it's understandable.
Minnesota Vikings
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Leslie Frazier
Brad Childress had to replace Mike Tomlin after just one season, but for good reason. Tomlin has been named the Steelers new head coach. Shortly after the Super Bowl, Vikings fans were rewarded for their wait when the Vikings announced Leslie Frazier as the team's new defensive coordinator. Frazier, like Childress, is a former Eagles assistant coach who also spent two seasons as the Bengals defensive coordinator under Marvin Lewis. Most recently, he's served as a Colts assistant. Frazier, like Tomlin, is well versed in the Cover-2 and his teams have shown a penchent for creating turnovers.
New York Giants
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Kevin Gilbride
After three seasons as the Giants QB coach, Kevin Gilbride has been elevated to Offensive Coordinator; a role he reprises under Tom Coughlin having served as his OC in Jacksonville in the 90s. Gilbride has been an NFL coach for 18 years including a stint as head coach in San Diego. Gilbride auditioned for the job over the final weeks of the season, after Tom Coughlin removed play-calling duties from departed OC John Hufnagel in favor of Gilbride. He promises to call a balanced attack but also go down the field more, emphasizing the need for more big plays.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Steve Spagnuolo
Tim Lewis was given the axe after three subpar seasons as the Giants defensive coordinator. The Giants have finished in the bottom 4th of the league in each of the last two seasons, and have been unable to fix a secondary despite repeated moves in free agency. Steve Spagnuolo, late the Eagles LB coach, has been tapped to improve the struggling unit. Spagnuolo is the 2nd LB coach the Eagles have lost in recent years, and Giants fans can only hope Spagnuolo can duplicate the success of the other: Ron Rivera (DC for the Bears).
*** General Manager -- Jerry Reese
The Giants promoted from within to replace retiring GM Ernie Accorsi. Jerry Reese, the Giants director of player personnel the last four years, will succeed Accorsi ending weeks of speculation.
Oakland Raiders
*** Head Coach -- Lane Kiffin
The Raiders thought they were getting Lane Kiffin as offensive coordinator when they offered fellow USC assistant coach Steve Sarkisian the head coaching job. But after Sarkisian turned down the job, the Raiders turned their attention to Kiffin in another capacity; head coach. Kiffin, son of Tampa Bay Bucs' Monte Kiffin, will be one of the youngest coaches in NFL history (31) next season when he takes over in Oakland. Over the last five seasons, Kiffin has steadily moved up the coaching ranks at USC until he finally took over as offensive coordinator.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Greg Knapp
Greg Knapp is returning to California as the Raiders offensive coordinator. Knapp, who ran the Falcons offense under Jim Mora, served as the 49ers coordinator for three seasons prior to leaving the Bay Area. He will be tasked with revitalizing one of the league's most inept offenses under young, first time head coach Lane Kiffin.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Rob Ryan
Rob Ryan might begin feeling like an indentured servant. Last year, despite the Raiders coaching changeover (from Bill Callahan to Art Shell), defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was retained and held to his contract. Just one year later, Ryan is yet again being asked to stay on as defensive coordinator under a new (his third) head coach in as many years. If Ryan can reprise the Raiders stunning defensive aptitude next season, he will likely be on many team's short lists as either a head coach or defensive coordinator for a lot more $$$.
Pittsburgh Steelers
*** Head Coach -- Mike Tomlin
The Pittsburgh Steelers have named Mike Tomlin as the team's 3rd head coach in 38 seasons; succeeding Bill Cowher. Tomlin, a young up-and-coming defensive coach, was considered a dark horse in the race initially, as Steelers assistants Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt seemed better fits to maintain the status quo. But instead the Rooneys nabbed Tomlin, who spent 2006 as the Defensive Coordinator in Minnesota. This is a meteoric rise for the young Tomlin, who had only been an NFL position coach (DBs) for five NFL seasons prior to joining the Vikings under Brad Childress.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Bruce Arians
For the last few years, it was expected that either Ken Whisenhunt or Russ Grimm would success Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh. Once Whisenhunt accepted the HC job in Arizona, most pundits expected Grimm to land the Steelers HC position; but that obviously ended up going to outsider Mike Tomlin. Although the Steelers probably would've wanted Grimm to take over as OC, he asked to be released and was granted his request. That leaves very little in the way of a returning offensive staff; save for one key exception. Bruce Arians, the Steelers WR coach a year ago, has been promoted to OC.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- **** LeBeau
**** LeBeau has been retained as Defensive Coordinator. While LeBeau is certainly an asset (he invented the zone blitz for goodness sake), it will be interesting to see how LeBeau's penchent for a 3-4 defense (a staple under Cowher) will fit with Tomlin's 4-3 preferences.
San Diego Chargers
*** Head Coach -- Norv Turner
Marty Schottenheimer has his critics, but his regular season accomplishments can't be ignored. It will be interested to see whether the Chargers can maintain last year's level of success with Norv "Retread" Turner at the helm. Turner, best known for his work as OC with the early 90s Cowboys, has been a sub-500 head coach with stints in Washington and Oakland. He has also served as offensive coordinator in San Diego, Miami and San Francisco in recent years.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Clarence Shelmon
With Cam Cameron's departure (he's now the HC of the Dolphins), the Chargers decided to promote from within; in hopes of maintaining the league's best offense. RB coach Clarence Shelmon will take over play-calling duties, his first coordinator role after 16 years coaching the RB position.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Ted Cottrell
The Chargers hired Ted Cottrell to run the defense. Cottrell, who served as the DC in Minnesota and Buffalo in recent years, will be asked to maintain the status quo. That is, a 3-4 defense that features many young, dynamic playmakers.
San Francisco 49ers
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Jim Hostler
The 49ers have promoted from within, bumping Jim Hostler up to OC from his position as QB coach. Hostler replaces Norv Turner, who took the San Diego Chargers head coaching job.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Greg Manusky
Mike Nolan opted for San Diego Chargers LB coach Greg Manusky as a replacement for Billy Davis. Manusky won out over more established options like Dave Campo.
Tennessee Titans
*** General Manager -- Mike Reinfeldt
The Titans have named Mike Reinfeldt the team's new general manager, replacing long-time GM Floyd Reese. Reinfeldt is currently the Seahawks VP of Football Operations and was the first person to interview for the Titans vacancy weeks ago.
Arizona Cardinals
*** Head Coach -- Ken Whisenhunt
The Cardinals have their new head honcho with the announcement that Ken Whisenhunt has accepted an offer to be the team's new head coach. Whisenhunt has been the Steelers offensive coordinator for the past three seasons, and at 44-years old and a long-time Steelers assistant, was considered among the favorites to replace Bill Cowher. Alas, he's taking his offensive talents across the country where he'll need to bolster a struggling offensive line but otherwise has a cadre of enticing weapons in place.
*** Offensive Coordinator(s) -- Russ Grimm & Todd Haley
Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt were thought to be rivals for the Steelers HC job, but obviously they remain good friends. Grimm has been named the Cardinals offensive line coach and he will also hold the title of Assistant Head Coach - Offense. This is the identical set of titles he held in Pittsburgh (with Whisenhunt the OC), so one can assume he'll have a heavy role in the Cards' offensive game plan. However, the title of Offensive Coordinator goes to Todd Haley, who served as the Cowboys QB coach under Bill Parcells.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Clancy Pendergast
Ken Whisenhunt has decided to retain Clancy Pendergast as the Cardinals' Defensive Coordinator. Pendergast was, himself, up for the head coaching job despite the Cardinals poor defensive ranking last year. Pendergast managed to convince Whisenhunt that the Cardinals defensive failings were related to something other than his coaching.
Atlanta Falcons
*** Head Coach -- Bobby Petrino
After a 7-9 record in his third season at the helm, Jim Mora was fired as owner Arthur Blank looks in another direction to recoup his significant investment. The Falcons brass moved quickly to hire Bobby Petrino, who guided his Louisville Cardinals team to a 12-1 record and BCS Bowl victory. Petrino, an offensive minded coach with an emphasis on quarterbacks, makes his return to the NFL after serving as an offensive assistant for 3 years under Tom Coughlin in Jacksonville (1999-2001).
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Hue Jackson
Bengals WR coach, Hue Jackson, has accepted the position as Bobby Petrino's offensive coordinator. Jackson has a ton of experience as an offensive coordinator (Arizona State, Redskins under Spurrier, California, USC) but has really made his mark developing a Bengals WR corps that includes not only all-world Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh but young playmaker Chris Henry.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Mike Zimmer
Mike Zimmer is making a lateral move from Dallas to Atlanta where he'll serve as Bobby Petrino's defensive coordinator. Zimmer was an incumbent in Dallas when Bill Parcells took over, and despite having a different defensive style than Parcells, he managed to hang onto his job because of his solid reputation and credentials. Zimmer coached with Petrino at Weber State, and will maintain the 4-3 defensive front that Atlanta utilized in 2005. Remember that Zimmer was a 4-3 proponent dor most of his coaching career before moving to a 3-4 front to fit with Parcells' wishes.
Baltimore Ravens
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Rick Neuheisel
Jim Fassel was fired toward the end of the season and Rick Neuheisel, the QB coach, was elevated as interim OC. He was named to the position formally this offseason.
Carolina Panthers
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Jeff Davidson
Den Henning has been fired, taking the blame for a disappointing Panthers offense that saw neither a consistent ground attack nor a reliable passing game. Jeff Davidson, the Browns offensive line coach under Romeo Crennel and a Patriots assistant coach prior to that, has been named the Panthers new Offensive Coordinator.
Chicago Bears
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Bob Babich
Bob Babich, a long-time friend and associate of Lovie Smith, has been promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator in Chicago. He will replace Ron Rivera, who entered free agency and was not offered an extension after interviewing for six head coaching vacancies this offseason.
Cleveland Browns
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Rob Chudzinski
It's all about the Chud. After speculation that Jason Garrett or Greg Knapp would assume the Browns offensive playcalling duties, Romeo Crennel surprised a lot of us by instead turning to Rob Chudzinski as the team's new offensive coordinator. Chudzinki's hiring is surprising for several reasons, not the least of which is his association with the former Browns regime that was oustered in favor of Crennel and his staff. In 2004, Chudzinski was the Browns TE coach under Butch Davis, and served as offensive coordinator when Terry Robiskie was named interim HC for the final five weeks of that season. On a more promising note, Chudzinski was the offensive coordinator at the University of Miami from 2001-2003, a period when the U was spewing forth NFL caliber offensive players.
Dallas Cowboys
*** Head Coach -- Wade Phillips
When Bill Parcells first announced his retirement, ESPN noted that Wade Phillips was Jerry Jones' backup plan. A month later and myriad rumors put to rest, it looks like they had the story right all along. Phillips was named the Cowboys newest coach, after a successful run as the Chargers defensive coordinator. Phillips is something of an NFL head coaching retread, having served as an interim head coach in Atlanta and New Orleans, as well as a full-time head coach in Denver [pre-Shanahan] and Buffalo.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Jason Garrett
The Cowboys have hired former backup QB Jason Garrett as the team's new Offensive Coordinator. Although the Cowboys haven't yet found their new head coach, which means Garrett's final title and responsibilities have yet to be determined.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Brian Stewart
The Chargers coaching exodus continues, as Wade Phillips tapped Chargers defensive backs coach Brian Stewart to serve as Cowboys defensive coordinator.
Denver Broncos
*** Defensive Coordinators -- Jim Bates & Bob Slowik
Head coach Mike Shanahan can never have enough coaches on staff it seems. Jim Bates, the long-time NFL defensive coach most recently in Green Bay and Miami, has joined the staff as Assistant Head Coach - Defense. Bob Slowik, already on the Broncos staff, has been promoted to Defensive Coordinator. This is reminiscent of the changes made last year on the offensive side of the ball, when Mike Heimerdinger assumed the role of Assistant Head Coach - Offense while Rick Dennison was promoted to Offensive Coordinator. It will be interesting to see Bob Slowik and Jim Bates working together, as Bates served as Slowik's replacement in Green Bay a few years ago.
Detroit Lions
*** Defensive Coordinators -- Joe Barry
Joe Barry has been named the Lions Defensive Coordinator after six seasons as the linebackers coach in Tampa Bay. Barry was thought to be the Bucs original choice a year ago, but Tampa wouldn't give him permission to interview. Now, he gets a chance to coordinate for the first time under his father-in-law (Barry is married to Rod Marinelli's daughter).
Green Bay Packers
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Joe Philbin
After widespread speculation that HC Mike McCarthy might go outside the organization to replace departed OC Jeff Jagodzinski (who took the HC job at Boston College), he instead promoted Joe Philbin to the role. Philbin served as the Packers offensive line coach in 2006 after coaching the tight ends for two years under Mike Sherman.
Houston Texans
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Mike Sherman
Mike Sherman has effectively removed himself from consideration for any of the remaining head coaching vacancies as he's accepted the title of Offensive Coordinator in Houston. Sherman joined the Texans last year as an assistant head coach, but had no specific title beyond that as Troy Calhoun served as Offensive Coordinator under 1st year HC Gary Kubiak. Sherman replaces Calhoun, who took the head coaching job at Air Force.
Jacksonville Jaguars
*** Offensive Coordinator -- **** Koetter
**** Koetter, who was fired from Arizona State this year, has been named the Jaguars new offensive coordinator, replacing Carl Smith. Koetter will be tasked with improving a passing attack that produced just 3,060 yards (24th in the NFL) and 17 TDs (22nd) while maintaining the team's stellar ground attack in the process (3rd in rush yards, 2nd in rush TDs).
Miami Dolphins
*** Head Coach -- Cam Cameron
After a fairly expansive search to replace Nick Saban, owner Wayne Huizenga decided on Cam Cameron, the architect of the San Diego Chargers powerful offense over the last few seasons. Cameron's offenses have finished among the top 5 in points scored in each of the last three seasons. While he's had all-pro assets like Antonio Gates and LaDainian Tomlinson at his disposal, he has also dealt with a QB change and a limited corp of wide receivers. Prior to joining the Chargers, Cameron was head coach at Indiana for five years after serving as Norv Turner's QB coach in Washington for a few seasons.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Mike Mularkey
Cam Cameron will call his own plays in 2007, but plans on retaining Mike Mularkey in some capacity, either as OC or perhaps TE coach/Assistant Head Coach.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Dom Capers
In an important sign of stability, the Dolphins have retained Dom Capers as defensive coordinator. Some wondered why Capers, a former head coach, would be willing to remain as a coordinator when the head coaching position is vacant, but when one considers Capers is being made the highest paid assistant coach in the league; it's understandable.
Minnesota Vikings
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Leslie Frazier
Brad Childress had to replace Mike Tomlin after just one season, but for good reason. Tomlin has been named the Steelers new head coach. Shortly after the Super Bowl, Vikings fans were rewarded for their wait when the Vikings announced Leslie Frazier as the team's new defensive coordinator. Frazier, like Childress, is a former Eagles assistant coach who also spent two seasons as the Bengals defensive coordinator under Marvin Lewis. Most recently, he's served as a Colts assistant. Frazier, like Tomlin, is well versed in the Cover-2 and his teams have shown a penchent for creating turnovers.
New York Giants
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Kevin Gilbride
After three seasons as the Giants QB coach, Kevin Gilbride has been elevated to Offensive Coordinator; a role he reprises under Tom Coughlin having served as his OC in Jacksonville in the 90s. Gilbride has been an NFL coach for 18 years including a stint as head coach in San Diego. Gilbride auditioned for the job over the final weeks of the season, after Tom Coughlin removed play-calling duties from departed OC John Hufnagel in favor of Gilbride. He promises to call a balanced attack but also go down the field more, emphasizing the need for more big plays.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Steve Spagnuolo
Tim Lewis was given the axe after three subpar seasons as the Giants defensive coordinator. The Giants have finished in the bottom 4th of the league in each of the last two seasons, and have been unable to fix a secondary despite repeated moves in free agency. Steve Spagnuolo, late the Eagles LB coach, has been tapped to improve the struggling unit. Spagnuolo is the 2nd LB coach the Eagles have lost in recent years, and Giants fans can only hope Spagnuolo can duplicate the success of the other: Ron Rivera (DC for the Bears).
*** General Manager -- Jerry Reese
The Giants promoted from within to replace retiring GM Ernie Accorsi. Jerry Reese, the Giants director of player personnel the last four years, will succeed Accorsi ending weeks of speculation.
Oakland Raiders
*** Head Coach -- Lane Kiffin
The Raiders thought they were getting Lane Kiffin as offensive coordinator when they offered fellow USC assistant coach Steve Sarkisian the head coaching job. But after Sarkisian turned down the job, the Raiders turned their attention to Kiffin in another capacity; head coach. Kiffin, son of Tampa Bay Bucs' Monte Kiffin, will be one of the youngest coaches in NFL history (31) next season when he takes over in Oakland. Over the last five seasons, Kiffin has steadily moved up the coaching ranks at USC until he finally took over as offensive coordinator.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Greg Knapp
Greg Knapp is returning to California as the Raiders offensive coordinator. Knapp, who ran the Falcons offense under Jim Mora, served as the 49ers coordinator for three seasons prior to leaving the Bay Area. He will be tasked with revitalizing one of the league's most inept offenses under young, first time head coach Lane Kiffin.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Rob Ryan
Rob Ryan might begin feeling like an indentured servant. Last year, despite the Raiders coaching changeover (from Bill Callahan to Art Shell), defensive coordinator Rob Ryan was retained and held to his contract. Just one year later, Ryan is yet again being asked to stay on as defensive coordinator under a new (his third) head coach in as many years. If Ryan can reprise the Raiders stunning defensive aptitude next season, he will likely be on many team's short lists as either a head coach or defensive coordinator for a lot more $$$.
Pittsburgh Steelers
*** Head Coach -- Mike Tomlin
The Pittsburgh Steelers have named Mike Tomlin as the team's 3rd head coach in 38 seasons; succeeding Bill Cowher. Tomlin, a young up-and-coming defensive coach, was considered a dark horse in the race initially, as Steelers assistants Russ Grimm and Ken Whisenhunt seemed better fits to maintain the status quo. But instead the Rooneys nabbed Tomlin, who spent 2006 as the Defensive Coordinator in Minnesota. This is a meteoric rise for the young Tomlin, who had only been an NFL position coach (DBs) for five NFL seasons prior to joining the Vikings under Brad Childress.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Bruce Arians
For the last few years, it was expected that either Ken Whisenhunt or Russ Grimm would success Bill Cowher in Pittsburgh. Once Whisenhunt accepted the HC job in Arizona, most pundits expected Grimm to land the Steelers HC position; but that obviously ended up going to outsider Mike Tomlin. Although the Steelers probably would've wanted Grimm to take over as OC, he asked to be released and was granted his request. That leaves very little in the way of a returning offensive staff; save for one key exception. Bruce Arians, the Steelers WR coach a year ago, has been promoted to OC.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- **** LeBeau
**** LeBeau has been retained as Defensive Coordinator. While LeBeau is certainly an asset (he invented the zone blitz for goodness sake), it will be interesting to see how LeBeau's penchent for a 3-4 defense (a staple under Cowher) will fit with Tomlin's 4-3 preferences.
San Diego Chargers
*** Head Coach -- Norv Turner
Marty Schottenheimer has his critics, but his regular season accomplishments can't be ignored. It will be interested to see whether the Chargers can maintain last year's level of success with Norv "Retread" Turner at the helm. Turner, best known for his work as OC with the early 90s Cowboys, has been a sub-500 head coach with stints in Washington and Oakland. He has also served as offensive coordinator in San Diego, Miami and San Francisco in recent years.
*** Offensive Coordinator -- Clarence Shelmon
With Cam Cameron's departure (he's now the HC of the Dolphins), the Chargers decided to promote from within; in hopes of maintaining the league's best offense. RB coach Clarence Shelmon will take over play-calling duties, his first coordinator role after 16 years coaching the RB position.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Ted Cottrell
The Chargers hired Ted Cottrell to run the defense. Cottrell, who served as the DC in Minnesota and Buffalo in recent years, will be asked to maintain the status quo. That is, a 3-4 defense that features many young, dynamic playmakers.
San Francisco 49ers
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Jim Hostler
The 49ers have promoted from within, bumping Jim Hostler up to OC from his position as QB coach. Hostler replaces Norv Turner, who took the San Diego Chargers head coaching job.
*** Defensive Coordinator -- Greg Manusky
Mike Nolan opted for San Diego Chargers LB coach Greg Manusky as a replacement for Billy Davis. Manusky won out over more established options like Dave Campo.
Tennessee Titans
*** General Manager -- Mike Reinfeldt
The Titans have named Mike Reinfeldt the team's new general manager, replacing long-time GM Floyd Reese. Reinfeldt is currently the Seahawks VP of Football Operations and was the first person to interview for the Titans vacancy weeks ago.
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Oh dear.
Oh dear.
Oh dear.
Oh dear.
