Jason Wood
Zoo York
OK, now that NFL hirings are taking place, interviews are being conducted and rumors are flying, I thought it was a good time to start a new thread that framed where we were in the process to date on each major job opening around the league:
Head Coaching Vacancies
New York Giants -- Tom Coughlin agreed to a 4 year deal valued at $11 million. The hire was probably the least surprising, which is why it was the first one done. Mara wanted the "anti Fassel" and got him in Coughlin, a noted disciplinarian.
Washington Redskins -- WOW. After interviewing retreads in Fassel, Denny Green and Ray Rhodes, the Skins dropped a blockbuster on the world by persuading Joe Gibbs to return as Skins head coach.. It's reported that the deal will be in the $5 million range, with provisions in place for Gibbs to remain with the team after he's finished coaching. It's also believed that Greg Williams, the Bills' deposed HC, is in line to be Gibbs' defensive coordinator.
Atlanta Falcons -- Another wide open search, the Falcons have already interviewed six candidates; including five defensive coordinators (Jim Mora Jr., Lovie Smith, Romeo Crennel, Tim Lewis, and Wade Phillips (the Falcons own DC and interim HC) along with Pittburghs' Mike Mularkey. Mora has been scheduled for a second interview and Tim Lewis's second interview was cancelled.
Arizona Cardinals -- The Cardinals had interviewed four people: Crennel, Fassel, Green and Jim Johnson and have reportedly offered Dennis Green the job. Reports suggest that Green is interested because a) he believes he can turn the franchise around, b) the team is promising him significant personnel control (which implies a demotion for Rod Graves). While the deal isn't done (Green apparently wants more money), this is looking like it could happen, particularly because Green appears a bit scrared off by the Raiders situation.
Buffalo Bills -- John "The Professor" Clayton has suggested that Jim Fassel is the likely choice for the Bills job, but Pats OC Charlie Weis also had a great interview, reportedly. The team has also interviewed Lovie Smith, **** Jauron, Jerry Gray (the Bills DC this year), and Romeo Crennel AND will interview one final candidate, Pittsburgh OC Mike Mularkey, before making a decision.
Chicago Bears -- Still considered a wide open race. The Bears have interviewed three defensive coordinators already: Pats Romeo Crennel, 49ers Jime Mora Jr and St. Louis' Lovie Head Coaching VacanciesSmith, but are far from done. They contacted KC OC Al Saunders, but have yet to complete an interview because Saunders met with the Raiders instead during the bye week. They are also reportedly interested in Ravens DC Mike Nolan (interviewed tomorrow) Nick Saban, who is personal friends with Chicago, would be at the top of the list but the team is treading lightly, waiting to see if Saban's intermediaries make it known he's available. And the latest news involves U of Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen.
Oakland Raiders -- While it was thought Denny Green would take the job because a) Davis would pay him well, b) Green's a west coast guy and c) Bruce Allen's departure meant the HC would have more personnel control than expected...Green now appears to be leaning toward Arizona. To date, Davis has only interviewed Denny Green and Al Saunders, but the list is expected to expand to include any number of coaches. Coordinator Vacancies
New York Jets Defensive Coordinator -- While TB D-line coach Rod Marinelli was thought to be the front runner, the fact that he's an assistant head coach appears to make him untouchable. Gregg Williams interviewed for the job but will instead join Joe Gibbs in Washington. Deposed Giants DC Johnnie Lynn interviewed this week and plan to speak to the Eagles LB coach Ron Rivera and Titans LB coach Gunther Cunningham (a long time Schottenheimer assistant).
Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator -- Ted Cottrell is believed to be the front runner, but ESPN's Chris Mortensen is suggesting that Tice is having difficulty attracting a lot of top guys because of his lame duck status. Dave McGinnis, who has personal ties to Tice, was thought to be a candidate but hasn't interviewed as of yet or been mentioned as a prominent option.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Coordinator -- With Tim Lewis being let go, speculation abounds about who will replace him as Cowher's right hand man. Many believe that Lewis was let go because Cowher already has his replacement in house in the name of Will Robinson, the Steelers current D-backs coach. Apparently Robinson was on the short list for several DC jobs elsewhere; this could insulate Cowher from losing a young guy he values.
Cleveland Browns Offensive Coordinator -- Terry Robiskie is the likely hire (current receivers coach) if Ted Tollner, Butch Davis' first choice, isn't let interview by SF. There is some talk that if Jim Mora Jr. gets a HC job, Greg Knapp may go with him as offensive coordinator, and Dennis Erickson would then elevate Tollner to that post.
Washington Redskins Offensive and Defensive Coordinators -- According to published reports, Gregg Williams (the recently deposed Buffalo Bills head coach) will join Joe Gibbs' staff as defensive coordinator. Apparently Joe Bugel is also going to be the assistant head coach and line coach; whether that's in lieu of a traditional offensive coordinator remains to be seen.
New York Giants Offensive and Defensive Coordinators -- No word yet on who Coughlin is eyeing as his chief lieutenants.Front Office Vacancies
Miami Dolphins GM -- Although it's believe Ron Wolf was approached about the job, he's likely to take on an "advisory" role, according to Chris Mortensenand groom a new hire. Baltimore's director of player personnel, Phil Savage, had a great interview apparently.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM -- Bruce Allen, who just resigned as senior assistant to the Raiders, is expected to be named either VP or GM in Tampa Bay in the next day or two, according to Chris Mortensen. The Jets' assistant GM Mike Tennenbaum, Giants Player Personnel man Jerry Reese and TB Player Personnel man Tim Ruskell were also considered for the job.
Oakland Raiders GM -- Bruce Allen left the team and there is talk that Mike Lombardi, director of player personnel, may join him. But the personnel hire probably won't happen until Davis has a coach in place. Stay tuned.Cheers
Head Coaching Vacancies
New York Giants -- Tom Coughlin agreed to a 4 year deal valued at $11 million. The hire was probably the least surprising, which is why it was the first one done. Mara wanted the "anti Fassel" and got him in Coughlin, a noted disciplinarian.
Washington Redskins -- WOW. After interviewing retreads in Fassel, Denny Green and Ray Rhodes, the Skins dropped a blockbuster on the world by persuading Joe Gibbs to return as Skins head coach.. It's reported that the deal will be in the $5 million range, with provisions in place for Gibbs to remain with the team after he's finished coaching. It's also believed that Greg Williams, the Bills' deposed HC, is in line to be Gibbs' defensive coordinator.
Atlanta Falcons -- Another wide open search, the Falcons have already interviewed six candidates; including five defensive coordinators (Jim Mora Jr., Lovie Smith, Romeo Crennel, Tim Lewis, and Wade Phillips (the Falcons own DC and interim HC) along with Pittburghs' Mike Mularkey. Mora has been scheduled for a second interview and Tim Lewis's second interview was cancelled.
Arizona Cardinals -- The Cardinals had interviewed four people: Crennel, Fassel, Green and Jim Johnson and have reportedly offered Dennis Green the job. Reports suggest that Green is interested because a) he believes he can turn the franchise around, b) the team is promising him significant personnel control (which implies a demotion for Rod Graves). While the deal isn't done (Green apparently wants more money), this is looking like it could happen, particularly because Green appears a bit scrared off by the Raiders situation.
Buffalo Bills -- John "The Professor" Clayton has suggested that Jim Fassel is the likely choice for the Bills job, but Pats OC Charlie Weis also had a great interview, reportedly. The team has also interviewed Lovie Smith, **** Jauron, Jerry Gray (the Bills DC this year), and Romeo Crennel AND will interview one final candidate, Pittsburgh OC Mike Mularkey, before making a decision.
Chicago Bears -- Still considered a wide open race. The Bears have interviewed three defensive coordinators already: Pats Romeo Crennel, 49ers Jime Mora Jr and St. Louis' Lovie Head Coaching VacanciesSmith, but are far from done. They contacted KC OC Al Saunders, but have yet to complete an interview because Saunders met with the Raiders instead during the bye week. They are also reportedly interested in Ravens DC Mike Nolan (interviewed tomorrow) Nick Saban, who is personal friends with Chicago, would be at the top of the list but the team is treading lightly, waiting to see if Saban's intermediaries make it known he's available. And the latest news involves U of Maryland head coach Ralph Friedgen.
Oakland Raiders -- While it was thought Denny Green would take the job because a) Davis would pay him well, b) Green's a west coast guy and c) Bruce Allen's departure meant the HC would have more personnel control than expected...Green now appears to be leaning toward Arizona. To date, Davis has only interviewed Denny Green and Al Saunders, but the list is expected to expand to include any number of coaches. Coordinator Vacancies
New York Jets Defensive Coordinator -- While TB D-line coach Rod Marinelli was thought to be the front runner, the fact that he's an assistant head coach appears to make him untouchable. Gregg Williams interviewed for the job but will instead join Joe Gibbs in Washington. Deposed Giants DC Johnnie Lynn interviewed this week and plan to speak to the Eagles LB coach Ron Rivera and Titans LB coach Gunther Cunningham (a long time Schottenheimer assistant).
Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator -- Ted Cottrell is believed to be the front runner, but ESPN's Chris Mortensen is suggesting that Tice is having difficulty attracting a lot of top guys because of his lame duck status. Dave McGinnis, who has personal ties to Tice, was thought to be a candidate but hasn't interviewed as of yet or been mentioned as a prominent option.
Pittsburgh Steelers Defensive Coordinator -- With Tim Lewis being let go, speculation abounds about who will replace him as Cowher's right hand man. Many believe that Lewis was let go because Cowher already has his replacement in house in the name of Will Robinson, the Steelers current D-backs coach. Apparently Robinson was on the short list for several DC jobs elsewhere; this could insulate Cowher from losing a young guy he values.
Cleveland Browns Offensive Coordinator -- Terry Robiskie is the likely hire (current receivers coach) if Ted Tollner, Butch Davis' first choice, isn't let interview by SF. There is some talk that if Jim Mora Jr. gets a HC job, Greg Knapp may go with him as offensive coordinator, and Dennis Erickson would then elevate Tollner to that post.
Washington Redskins Offensive and Defensive Coordinators -- According to published reports, Gregg Williams (the recently deposed Buffalo Bills head coach) will join Joe Gibbs' staff as defensive coordinator. Apparently Joe Bugel is also going to be the assistant head coach and line coach; whether that's in lieu of a traditional offensive coordinator remains to be seen.
New York Giants Offensive and Defensive Coordinators -- No word yet on who Coughlin is eyeing as his chief lieutenants.Front Office Vacancies
Miami Dolphins GM -- Although it's believe Ron Wolf was approached about the job, he's likely to take on an "advisory" role, according to Chris Mortensenand groom a new hire. Baltimore's director of player personnel, Phil Savage, had a great interview apparently.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM -- Bruce Allen, who just resigned as senior assistant to the Raiders, is expected to be named either VP or GM in Tampa Bay in the next day or two, according to Chris Mortensen. The Jets' assistant GM Mike Tennenbaum, Giants Player Personnel man Jerry Reese and TB Player Personnel man Tim Ruskell were also considered for the job.
Oakland Raiders GM -- Bruce Allen left the team and there is talk that Mike Lombardi, director of player personnel, may join him. But the personnel hire probably won't happen until Davis has a coach in place. Stay tuned.Cheers
Last edited by a moderator:
) out all the good OC's and DC's leaving the dregs again for whomever is the HC.
