Filling Out Potential NFL Coaching Openings

Image Credit: David Butler II/USA Today Sports

Black Monday 2024 is officially upon us.

While this rendition may feel relatively anticlimactic, many teams have already chosen to cut their losses before the season came to an end. The Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Chargers all elected to make coaching changes prior to the end of the season, and it appears that the head coaching landscape will be in for seismic changes.

The fates of many different coaches have varied throughout the last month or so, with names like New England’s Bill Belichick and Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin having their feet held to the proverbial fire at different points. While seeing anyone else donning the headset on either team’s sideline would feel like something ripped from The Twilight Zone, the fact of the matter is that sports is a cutthroat business, and failure to get the necessary results will lead to termination at some point.

This Black Monday will see quite the shakeup in the coaching ranks. The jobs of legends will be put into question. An interim coach could shed the label and take the full-time position. Returns to the professional coaching ranks could once again turn the NFL on its head. Finally, could a coach that loses their position find a new home elsewhere just a few months later?

Will your favorite team be looking for a new coach this offseason, and who will they decide can take them to the next level? Let’s find out.

Update: Due to Tennessee and Seattle opening their head coaching positions since the publishing of this article, the article has been updated to include both positions. Other prospective openings have also been kept in or added, and some entries have been changed to reflect the new candidates available.

Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce, Raiders Interim Head Coach

The Raiders aren’t going to make the same mistake again, are they?

When Rich Bisaccia landed the interim coaching gig in place of Jon Gruden two years ago and guided a drama-laden Raiders team to the postseason, many thought that would be enough to land the full-time gig. Instead, the Raiders chose to invoke the Patriots and land Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler. Two years later, the Raiders realized they made an expensive mistake and moved on from both and offensive coordinator Mick Lombardi.

Interestingly enough, the Raiders now find themselves in a similar situation. While Vegas won’t see the playoffs until Allegiant Stadium hosts this year’s Super Bowl, Pierce did everything in his power to right the ship. Pierce and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham have headlined one of the NFL’s best defenses since Pierce was hired on Halloween. He has overseen some of the Raiders’s best triumphs, from a dominant Thursday Night Football showing against the Chargers to an incredible Christmas Day upset of the Chiefs. He has earned the respect of the locker room that McDaniels never could, with Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby both giving Pierce their stamps of approval going forward.

While their have certainly been teachable moments (the 3-0 loss to Minnesota comes to mind), the fact that Pierce was able to motivate this group has the future looking bright. The Raiders face some questions (particularly on offense), but Pierce can bring in the proper offensive coordinator and let them work while he and Graham keep the defense intact. The Raiders could also be a candidate to trade up for a quarterback in this year’s draft, which could make Las Vegas an appealing destination for top candidates.

The Raiders have been down this road and made the wrong decision once before. Despite the good list of quality candidates, there’s no need to make this any more complicated.

Carolina Panthers: Dave Canales, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator

What kind of candidate are the Panthers truly expecting to get?

Only six years into his tenure as owner of the franchise, David Tepper has already garnered the reputation of being volatile and impatient. He has already gone through three coaches, and has fired them all mid-season; this includes recently deposed Frank Reich, who Tepper chose to unceremoniously fire just eleven games into a four-year deal. The team was shut out in its final two games of the season, including an embarrassing affair against Jacksonville that saw Tepper pour a drink on a Jaguars fan from his suite. The Panthers were the worst team in the NFL, but they won’t even have the first overall pick due to the trade they made last season to acquire Bryce Young. Needless to say, there’s a lot of red flags for this job, which might scare off many top candidates.

While the situation could force the Panthers to hope for the best on a mid-tier candidate (think someone like Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Kellen Moore or New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka), there are some underrated options that could match up nicely here. Carolina would most likely prefer to lean offensive in order to keep heralded defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero around, and Canales stands out as a choice that makes sense. Canales has had a penchant for turning the careers of quarterbacks around, with Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield both enjoying success under his watch. Young’s shorter build also wouldn’t be of concern to Canales, as he has experience with the likes of Mayfield and Russell Wilson who are also shorter than the average quarterback. If GM Scott Fitterer is also gone, Canales could also be packaged with promising candidates from Tampa Bay (John Spytek or Mike Greenberg) or Seattle (Nolan Teasley or Matthew Berry). In a pivotal offseason that sees many of Carolina’s top defensive options set to hit the open market, having a shared vision could be imperative towards deciding the next moves.

Choosing a candidate outside of the top tier or two doesn’t make anyone any less viable. Canales likely won’t be the most exciting candidate that interviews for the Panthers, but he could represent the best fit.

Los Angeles Chargers: Jim Harbaugh, University of Michigan Head Coach

While the Chargers declined to make a coaching change after last year’s shocking Wild Card collapse against the Jaguars, they soon found out what the rest of the football world already knew: Brandon Staley, at least at this stage, was a horrible head coach.

The defense failed in far too many aspects, which was shocking from someone who was hired for their supposed brilliance on that side of the ball. The struggles in clock management and in-game adjustments led to too many heartbreaking defeats. Reports soon came in about how Staley was a divisive figure within the locker room, and it felt like a matter of time. After being humiliated by the Raiders to the point where analysts were calling for Staley’s job during halftime, the Chargers were left with no alternative and made a mid-season firing for the first time since 1998. While having the likes of Justin Herbert on the roster should make this an appealing job, having one of the league’s worst cap situations and the general feeling of apathy from L.A. fans to the Chargers could make this a more difficult job than it appears at first blush.

That said, the Chargers may be ready to shed their notorious reputation for being cheap, as president John Spanos has already said there would be no financial or experience limitations for their next coach. While Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson or Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn would both have their merits, the organizational desperation to make good on Herbert’s window will point them to Harbaugh. While there is controversy surrounding Harbaugh’s tenure at Ann Arbor, that doesn’t take away from his success with the Wolverines. Harbaugh mentored Andrew Luck at Stanford, turned Colin Kaepernick into a Super Bowl quarterback, and has recently lifted J.J. McCarthy to a potential first round selection in this year’s draft. His background for strong running games can also coexist nicely with offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, allowing for a much more cohesive unit than what was shown this season. While hiring Harbaugh could mean the Spanos family has to cede at least a little control over the team’s operations, that should be considered a small price to pay to get an ideal coaching candidate.

It appears that the patience of Chargers ownership has finally worn thin, and they will be more willing to pull out all the stops to make good on their potential. It may take some work, but Harbaugh has the chops to make this operation work.

New England Patriots: Mike Vrabel, Former Tennessee Titans Head Coach

What was once seen as an impossibility even five years ago now feels like a reality: the Patriots may be moving on from the legendary Bill Belichick.

Ever since Tom Brady’s departure from the Patriots, the flaws of the Patriot Way seemed to find their way up to the surface. Mac Jones started promising enough, but Belichick’s decision to bring in former assistants Matt Patricia and Joe Judge to call the offense last year may have irreversibly damaged his development. The offense is devoid of playmakers, largely due to Belichick’s construction of the roster. While the defense wasn’t bad, losing playmakers like Matt Judon and rookie Christian Gonzalez early didn’t help matters. There will be some debate on how New England can handle the situation, but it’s becoming more accepted that there are few solutions that see Belichick on the sideline next season.

That said, just because Belichick would be gone does not necessarily mean his influence will not be felt. Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker who played under Belichick for eight seasons, would be the best candidate to ensure Belichick’s philosophies remain in place. It’s difficult to imagine that Robert Kraft will be wanting to go into a full-scale rebuild, and Vrabel would allow the Patriots to continue building their roster while remaining competitive. Seeing his work with the Titans was exemplary of what the Patriots should want, where Vrabel was able to take a Ryan Tannehill-led squad beyond what was expected of them for most of his tenure. The Patriots should have an upgrade at quarterback by virtue of the number three pick in this year’s draft, and there are at least a few pieces on defense that can be built around. There could even be a chance of the Patriots bringing in Derrick Henry to bolster the offense by virtue of Vrabel coming in.

It’s never easy to replace such a legendary figure as Bill Belichick, but Vrabel would provide the perfect combination of organizational stability and proven success. That said, don’t be too sure Belichick is ready to ride off into the sunset…

Washington Commanders: Mike MacDonald, Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator

A new era in Washington is beginning, and a new coach will likely be tasked with overseeing it all.

Ron Rivera was always going to have an uphill battle to retain his spot under new ownership, and the results of this season have not painted a pretty picture. Sam Howell has done his best under offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, but issues from inconsistencies in the running games and the general horrors of the offensive line kept the offense from really living up to his potential. Rivera’s defense did not fare much better, as trading Chase Young and Montez Sweat while failing to develop the likes of Jamin Davis and Emmanuel Forbes have been the tip of the iceberg. While Rivera earned a strong reputation from his Super Bowl run with the Panthers a decade ago, there has not been nearly enough since to suggest he is still deserving of that same reputation.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the Beltway, MacDonald has turned the Ravens’ defense into a unit capable of guiding them to a Super Bowl. MacDonald has been responsible for the development of many of Baltimore’s top defensive players, from first-rounders Patrick Queen and Kyle Hamilton to less-heralded options like Justin Madubuike, Brandon Stephens, and Geno Stone. Being able to lead a defense that has few elite players should be appealing to the Commanders, and new owner Josh Harris is gearing towards emulating the Ravens. This could also mean pairing MacDonald with top GM candidates like Joe Hortiz or Ian Cunningham, both of whom are either currently with or have connections to Baltimore.

There are very few organizations that are better to copy off of than a beacon of organizational structure and stability like the Ravens. MacDonald could finally give the Commanders that same stability that they have lacked for far too long.

Atlanta Falcons: Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator

While Arthur Blank may not want to fire head coach Arthur Smith, can he really afford not to?

Ever since being given a vote of confidence barring a late-season collapse, Smith has proceeded to undergo said collapse. There was losing to a Minnesota Vikings team that was forced to start Josh Dobbs on short notice. There was losing to lowly squads like the Cardinals and Panthers. Finally, to end the season, the Saints put up nearly fifty points on the Falcons to bring the season to an emphatic end. Blank can stress the importance of progress all he wants, but Smith’s three straight 7-10 finishes exemplify a team that’s stuck in place.

For a team that has all the pieces necessary to be great, staying the course of mediocrity will be nothing short of frustrating. This is where Johnson comes into play, and he could fit seamlessly into what Atlanta wants to do. Johnson has emerged as arguably the best candidate of this cycle, and for good reason. He has transformed a Jared Goff-led offense in Detroit and turned it into an efficient unit that plays up to its strengths. Johnson would pair well with promising defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, and there’s also the possibility that he can bring in a top lieutenant like passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand as his new offensive coordinator. The success of rookies Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta should both be music to the ears of Bijan Robinson and Kyle Pitts, who have endured criminal underuse in Smith’s tenure. Finally, Atlanta drafting eighth overall puts them in shouting distance of some of the draft’s top quarterbacks, and either one of North Carolina’s Drake Maye, USC’s Caleb Williams, or LSU’s Jayden Daniels could push this team far in a new era.

A promising roster deserves a promising coach staff, and Smith has no longer been able to provide a viable answer. Johnson would be a home run hire for a team that needs to find the right man at the helm as they prepare to face pivotal decisions.

UPDATE: In the making of this article, Arthur Smith was fired from his post as Atlanta Falcons head coach.

New Orleans Saints: Bill Belichick, New England Patriots Head Coach

When a candidate like Belichick is potentially on the market, any team leaning towards a move might consider making that push. This year, that team would be New Orleans.

A year after making the trade that sent Sean Payton to the Broncos, Dennis Allen has struggled to fill the void. He has not learned many lessons from his failed stint in Oakland, and the team has stagnated as a result. Even worse, the Saints find themselves with easily the worst cap situation in the NFL, as years of pushing back a rebuild now has the team finding themselves on the brink of being forced to go through with it. If the Saints decide now is the time to make big decisions on the roster, it would make sense to move on from Allen and possibly GM Mickey Loomis and find a coach who would push the Saints back on track.

Belichick would provide a similar defensive-centered approach to Allen, but with major improvements in terms of game management and development. Bringing in Belichick would also give the Saints free reign to cut down on the financial stress, while giving the future Hall of Famer the autonomy necessary to make the proper moves. The question would be if the Saints would have to give any assets in order to acquire Belichick, but they do have Denver’s second-round pick this year due to the Payton trade. This also is dependent on the moves New Orleans makes, as they could choose to sell off assets to recoup any they would have to surrender in a Belichick trade. For a Patriots team that would almost certainly be on a rebuilding path without Belichick, they would be more than happy to gain any premium assets they can.

In a division where one big move can completely shift the balance of power, New Orleans must not be afraid to be the team that makes that move. Bringing in Belichick would prove the Saints are invested in winning, and the aggressiveness would be a nice change of pace.

Tennessee Titans: Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans Offensive Coordinator

Well, this was unexpected.

Even now, it’s hard to pinpoint what exactly was the reason for Vrabel’s exit. Vrabel started out strong with four straight winning seasons, with his highlights being going to the AFC Championship Game in 2019 and getting Tennessee to the number one seed in 2021. That said, the last two seasons have seen the luck take a turn for the worse, but it’s still curious regardless. Perhaps new GM Ran Carthon wanted his own choice for a head coach, and the recent string of bad luck was the catalyst for change? Maybe it was wanting an offensive-minded coach to help Will Levis in his development? Whatever the case may be, Vrabel should bounce back on his feet and have his choice of suitors as one of the top candidates on the coaching market, with a return to New England being a logical option.

While I’ll preface this by saying Slowik might be getting this job a year too early, his connections within the Titans organization and the similarities between them and the Texans are too difficult to ignore. Slowik’s time in San Francisco overlapped with Carthon, and Slowik’s analytical background from his time with Pro Football Focus should get the most out of the roster he’s given. What he’s done with C.J. Stroud has been nothing short of incredible, with the Texans not having a great cast of weapons or offensive line on paper. Instead, Slowik’s offense turned Stroud into the likely Offensive Rookie of the Year, building connections with the likes of Tank Dell and Dalton Schultz en route to the first 4,000-yard rookie campaign since Justin Herbert (2020). With Tennessee having a similar roster construction, it’s not difficult to see Slowik building a system where Levis is allowed to thrive despite the limitations of the cast around him.

Carthon will almost certainly be looking to maximize Levis’s talents with his first coaching hire. Him being a witness to Slowik’s rise can only help the young offensive coordinator prove he’s ready for his first head coaching gig.

Seattle Seahawks: Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator

This felt bound to happen sooner or later.

Being the oldest coach in the NFL at 72, Seattle knew that they were running on borrowed time with Carroll at the helm. He exits as easily the best head coach in franchise history, being responsible for Seattle’s only Super Bowl victory. Now shifting into an advisor role for the franchise, it will be interesting to see whether Carroll will have any input on who his successor will be. With the front office also remaining the same, it’s fair to wonder if that favors candidates with ties to the organization.

In that case, it’s hard to imagine Carroll not vouching for arguably his best-ever assistant coach in Quinn. Quinn has had two prior coaching stints with Seattle, including serving as defensive coordinator in 2013-14. That two-year stint is notable for Seattle making the Super Bowl in both years, splitting the results in both games. That would propel Quinn to the head coaching job in Atlanta, where he would go 43-42 in five and a half seasons and take the Falcons to Super Bowl 51 in 2016. After being fired in 2020, Quinn would go to Dallas and turn a then-underachieving defense into a top-ten unit in all three of his seasons. While the stagnation in Atlanta could be of concern to some teams, it’s also important to note that Seattle was Carroll’s third try as a head coach at the NFL level. He knows the importance of a second chance, and it makes sense that Carroll would be the one to throw that lifeline towards Quinn.

Seattle will be looking to regain some of their dominance in the NFC with their next hire. Carroll and Seattle’s front office can easily convince themselves that Quinn is the coach to help them take the next step.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots Inside Linebackers Coach

This really does feel like the end of an era in coaching, doesn’t it?

With the news of Tomlin potentially taking a break after Pittsburgh’s postseason comes to an end, the Steelers could find themselves in an unfamiliar position. Since 1969, the Steelers have only had three head coaches in Chuck Noll, Bill Cowher, and Tomlin in that span. They have been a model of coaching consistency, so going through a hiring process would be a bit on the stranger side. That said, there is at least some valid reason for why moving on would be for the best. Since 2018, the Steelers have only won double-digit games twice. The playoff success has also dried up, as Tomlin has gone 5-8 since the Steelers won the Super Bowl in 2008, including going winless in the postseason since 2017. Pittsburgh has also been prone to soap opera-esque distractions within the locker room recently, from Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown to Diontae Johnson and George Pickens. With all of these things happening, the need for a new voice becomes at least somewhat clearer; the only question is who could provide said voice and reboot the culture of one of the NFL’s proudest teams?

While a name like Washington’s offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy should draw some attention, Mayo seems to be the closest to Tomlin in terms of on-field philosophy. Working under Bill Belichick for his entire coaching tenure and recently becoming a key part of decision making for the Patriots, Mayo would likely adopt a similar style of serving as a genera overseer of the team instead of a play caller on one side of the ball or the other. He has impressed teams in coaching interviews with his leadership and communication, which bodes well both on the field and in the locker room. The challenge for Mayo would be to develop a proper connection to a new locker room in his first stint outside of New England, as well as finding an offensive coordinator he could jell with (would fellow former Patriot and current Miami Dolphins receivers coach Wes Welker be interested?) That aside, with culture likely playing a role in the Steelers’ potential search, a former player like Mayo would have significant appeal.

There’s no guarantee the Steelers will be looking for a head coach, as Tomlin has certainly earned the job for as long as he wants it. Should he decide to step away, however, Mayo has the tools to be a worthy successor.

NFL Hot Seat Predictions

The NFL is approaching the final month of the regular season, and it culminates with arguably one of the most exciting days of the year: Black Monday.

Black Monday is usually the day after the conclusion of the season where underperforming head coaches and general managers are given the axe. From there, teams will begin the search to fill the job openings, which could take months as most candidates would be in the playoffs. While teams like the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts have already fired their coaches, they will not be the last.

Here, I will discuss some potential openings that either have already opened up or could be up for grabs this offseason. There will be one candidate that I expect each team will hire, and another logical choice that would make sense. There will be some overlap between the two categories, but this is to show that there are multiple approaches to how a team can find their new coaches.

So which jobs are going to open come Black Monday? Who will be taking those positions? Let’s find out.

Arizona Cardinals

Who they will hire: Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

Who they should hire: Shane Waldron, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator

While every team will do their due diligence when it comes to Payton, the Cardinals are one of the very few teams that have a reasonable pitch. The Cardinals are one of the few teams on this list who have a set franchise quarterback in Kyler Murray, as well as have the necessary compensation to give the Saints what they want for the rights to bring Payton into their organization. For a team that’s been struggling to sustain any sort of long-term relevance, landing Payton would give the Cardinals some level of menace again.

If the Cardinals swing and miss on Payton, however, they aren’t completely out of options. Waldron would be an underrated option for many teams this offseason, and this season with Seattle has boosted his stock dramatically. While Waldron does have two great receiver in Tyler Lockett and D.K. Metcalf at his disposal, his scheme has been responsible for resurrecting the career of Geno Smith, as well as allow for strong performances from a rookie running back and two rookie offensive tackles. The running game and offensive line are two problems for Arizona’s offense, so having someone like Waldron would be helpful in helping those areas grow. If the Cardinals also fire GM Steve Keim, they could do a lot worse than going for a candidate from a mode of organizational stability like Seattle. It’s an interesting organizational fit, but it could be just what Arizona’s looking for.

Carolina Panthers

Who they will hire: Leslie Frazier, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator

Who they should hire: Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator

While Steve Wilks has done fine in the interim for new Nebraska coach Matt Rhule, I find it hard to believe David Tepper won’t use any resources he has to find a capable head coach. I don’t think Carolina’s current situation will warrant an elite option, so Tepper will have to do his homework. With the Panthers keeping Brian Burns and other defensive pieces at the trade deadline, that could indicate the Panthers look for a rebuild centered around a strong defense. There wouldn’t be many stronger options than Frazier, who has taken the Bills defense and turned it into the top-5 unit over the past couple of seasons. While his first coaching run in Minnesota was forgettable, Frazier has learned plenty of lessons in the past decade. He’s ready to be back in the mix.

However, an interesting part of the Panthers’ coaching search will be Matt Corral, a third-round rookie who would likely be starting if he hadn’t suffered a season-ending foot injury in the preseason. I think he’s solid enough to warrant the Panthers holding off until 2024 to start a quarterback search, so an offensive-minded head coach would make sense. Why not place Corral’s development in the care of someone who’s watched the best quarterback in the league? Bieniemy has helped Andy Reid steer the ship in Kansas City for the past few seasons, but he’s never been able to land a coaching job for a supposed multitude of reasons. After this season, however, with Bieniemy’s offense leading the league in passing yards despite losing Tyreek Hill, the excuses are starting to wear thin. Bieniemy will get more interviews this time around, and Carolina could do much worse than being the team that finally gives him his chance.

Denver Broncos

Who they will hire: Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator

Who they should hire: Evero

The Broncos have easily been the NFL’s biggest disappointment this season. The Russell Wilson-Nathaniel Hackett duo that was supposed to guide Denver to the postseason has been an objective disaster. There have been multiple games this season that the Broncos have let slip through their fingers as a result of offensive ineptitude, and that result should be completely unacceptable. Hackett will almost certainly be one-and-done, but Wilson’s new extension means the Broncos will be stuck to him for the foreseeable future. If reports are to be believed and Denver’s situation will scare top candidates away, that leaves them in an unenviable position.

The good news for the Broncos is that their best option might already be in the building. While the offense has been putrid, Evero’s defense has been superb, headlined by a passing defense that has allowed the fewest touchdowns in the NFL. The defensive success will see Evero get some calls for interviews and, with Denver likely missing the postseason, other teams can begin the process with him immediately. With that said, it would be smart for the Broncos to promote Evero and give him the chance to rebuild the team. Whether his new coordinators comes from within (Broncos running back coach Tyrone Wheatley and defensive backs coach Christian Parker would be good choices) or outside of the organization (Evero is part of the Sean McVay coaching tree), he deserves the chance to get this team off the ground.

Houston Texans

Who they will hire: Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator

Who they should hire: Gannon

The Texans have been an outright disaster up to this point, and there’s a strong chance they will have the first overall pick in the 2023 Draft. While that pick will be used on a quarterback (most likely Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud), the problems in the organization extend far beyond that. With the Texans firing Jack Easterby earlier this season, they have the chance to free themselves entirely of the Patriots influence and start fresh. That would likely spell the end of GM Nick Caserio and coach Lovie Smith, both of whom have frankly done little to justify keeping their jobs.

Meanwhile, a finalist for the Texans’ job last season is shining in Philadelphia. Gannon’s defense has been lights out for the 11-1 Eagles this season, and they are at or near the top of the league in many different areas. They are second to only San Francisco in yards per game, seventh in points per game, and first in both passing yards per game and QBR. For a team that invested heavily on defense in the draft last season, especially in the secondary with Derek Stingley Jr. and Jalen Pitre, those are numbers worth paying attention to. There may not be much in Houston at the moment, but Gannon and whoever Houston hires at GM will have at least some time to work with to turn things around.

Indianapolis Colts

Who they will hire: DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator

Who they should hire: Ryans

Another opening with a clearly logical candidate! Firing Frank Reich was a fair choice for the Colts, but hiring Jeff Saturday came completely out of left field. The past few weeks have proven the confusion was correct, especially the blowout loss the Colts suffered against the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. The experiment seemed destined to struggle from the start, and Saturday will likely be headed back to the ESPN booth in the offseason. While GM Chris Ballard’s job is certainly in danger, he has to know that he needs a clear plan to stick around. That not only includes at quarterback, which has been a revolving door since the retirement of Andrew Luck, but he needs a home run hire at coach.

While some Colts fans would clamor for a bright offensive coordinator to help their new quarterback, the defense has shown that they miss linebacker Shaquille Leonard and former defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Ryans would instantly bring back the fire on the defensive side of the ball, and the success of former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh in New York should only help his successor’s case. Ryans’s defense is leading the league in yards per game, rushing yards per game, and points per game. With the Niners now on third-string quarterback Brock Purdy, the impetus for a deep playoff run rests on the defense. If they can succeed, Ryans will vault to the top of many teams’ lists, which is exactly why Ballard (or whoever replaces him as GM) should target him.

Los Angeles Chargers

Who they will hire: Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator

Who they should hire: Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach

Brandon Staley’s defense has once again completely struggled to stop opposing offenses, and the Chargers have once again completely fallen below expectations. With far and away the most apathetic fanbase in the league and needing to make good on the window of Justin Herbert’s rookie deal, the Chargers have no choice but to be aggressive if they start a coaching search. Payton stands out as the obvious choice, between his Southern California roots, desire to work with a franchise quarterback, and his long track record of success. It’s been widely reported that Payton and the Chargers would be a perfect marriage, and continued struggles will only give the team even more reason to pursue it.

Still, there’s a chance that the Chargers don’t want to pay the asking price the Saints will be asking, but multiple failures with first-time head coaches should have them looking for experience. Look no further than Quinn in that case, as the former Atlanta Falcons coach has turned the Cowboys defense from a turnstile to one of the league’s most fearsome units. Quinn’s watch has turned Micah Parsons and Trevon Diggs into household names, while also getting the best out other players. While Quinn will have to show an offensive plan to maximize Herbert’s abilities, the idea of a quick turnaround on defense should be more than appealing to the Chargers.

New Orleans Saints

Who they will hire: Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

Who they should hire: Steichen

When Sean Payton moved on from the Saints, Dennis Allen justified taking his place with a strong season. Unfortunately, that result has not taken place this season, as the Saints have struggled to gain any sort of traction. A large part of this problem has been at the quarterback position, where neither Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton has done anything of note. It hasn’t been helped by Michael Thomas’s foot injury and movement on the offensive line, but first-round pick Chris Olave has been enjoying a quality rookie season. If the Saints do have a new franchise receiver on their hands, they need to make good on this, and neither Winston or Dalton have proven they can accomplish that.

What the Saints need is a proven quarterback whisperer who can work with younger players. Steichen should immediately jump to the top of the list in that regard. He worked wonders with Justin Herbert during his rookie season in 2020, and he’s now enjoying similar success with a potential MVP candidate in Jalen Hurts this season. The Saints don’t have their first-round pick this season, so they will have to work with somebody like a Hendon Hooker or Anthony Richardson who will be a project. The good news is that Herbert and Hurts were both projected similarly, and both are amongst the top young quarterbacks in the league. That’s good news for a potential pairing between the Saints and Steichen.

The NFL’s Coaching Carousel: Who’s On, Who’s Off?

Black Monday is coming. When the regular season comes to a close, most teams will be clearing out the locker rooms as they look forward to next year. However, for some of these teams, next year will come with a new face at the helm.

The end of the season is a time of speculation in itself. What’s the playoff field going to look like? What will teams need for next season? Who will claim the number 1 pick? For coaches, however, there is another question that floats over for them: are these last games of the season my last ones here?

Two teams have put an early end to the mystery, as the Washington Redskins and Carolina Panthers have already pulled the trigger and will be looking for a new coach next season. For other teams across the league, however, there are varying levels of intrigue. Some seats have gotten so hot that the firing feels more like a formality at this point. Others come as more theoretical options and require a decent amount of thought before coming to a decision. Regardless, for the next few weeks, while some teams are battling for playoff positioning, other coaches are fighting for their jobs.

Who are the lucky candidates on the carousel this year?

Atlanta Falcons: Dan Quinn

The skinny: 28-3 somehow feels like ages ago, but that should tell you how quick time goes by in the sports world. Ever since then, Quinn and the Falcons have trended in the wrong direction, despite all of the talent the team boasts on offense. While the Falcons are making a mad dash towards respectability in order to save Quinn’s job, it’s fair to wonder if the coach is a day late and a dollar short.

Who’s in charge: Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy was on the short list of coaching candidates from last season after Patrick Mahomes’s MVP campaign in 2018. He didn’t get a job last time, something that’s sure to change this year. After years of going after defensive-minded coaches, Bieniemy would represent a change of pace that the Falcons could use. Getting to play with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and others should also be a nice incentive.

Carolina Panthers: Vacant

The skinny: It felt like Ron Rivera was on shaky footing for quite a while now. Despite the success Riverboat Ron has had in his tenure in Charlotte, recent history had not been too kind to him. With the search already on, the Panthers will likely search for a candidate who can build an offense around Christian McCaffrey and whichever quarterback is under center in 2020.

Who’s in charge: Kevin Stefanski, offensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings. There are plenty of options the Panthers can circle for their next coach. Bieniemy, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and even two college coaches in Lincoln Riley (Oklahoma) and David Shaw (Stanford) deserve at least a look. With Bieniemy out of the running, though, Stefanski takes his spot as the next “rising star” coordinator hire. What he’s done with this Vikings offense this year, and Case Keenum before that, has been nothing short of incredible.

Cleveland Browns: Freddie Kitchens

The skinny: The Browns have been, quite frankly, this season’s biggest disappointment. What was expected to be a playoff contender has looked like largely the same team that slogged through last season. Kitchens has not been the only factor in this failure, but he’s played a significant role in it. Let’s just say that the whole “Pittsburgh Started It” shirt debacle has been the least of his concerns.

Who’s in charge: Kitchens. Regardless of Cleveland’s troubles, they still have a chance to make the playoffs, and they have won four of their last five as of this writing. A strong finish to 2019, even if it does not result in a playoff berth, should be enough to give Kitchens a second year. Pencil him in as a hot seat option for 2020.

Dallas Cowboys: Jason Garrett

The skinny: How many times has Garrett been in this position now? Sure, they’re tied for the division lead, but that’s been more on how bad the NFC East as a whole is rather than how good the Cowboys are. With how the Cowboys have been content to throw the division away, Garrett is one successful sabotage away from being shown the door. The nine lives may finally be up.

Who’s in charge: Lincoln Riley, head coach, Oklahoma Sooners: Let the record show that I vehemently disagree with this move. I think the Cowboys would be wiser to look at internal options like Kris Richard or even Kellen Moore. There are coordinators like Josh McDaniels from New England who pose less risk. Even college coaches like Jim Harbaugh (Michigan) and Urban Meyer (formerly Ohio State) are more sure things than the hotshot offensive wizard Riley. That said, the Cowboys instantly become the highest-profile job opening in the league if Garrett goes, and Jerry Jones will likely waste no expense in trying to land Riley. This may be the only opportunity Riley has to get into the NFL this season, but does he take it?

Detroit Lions: Matt Patricia

The skinny: Patricia is dangerously close to adding his name to the list of former New England coordinators who turned out to be bad NFL head coaches. With the Lions in freefall, last place in the NFC North for the second straight year feels like a given. With GM and fellow New England transplant Bob Quinn also on the hot seat, it makes sense that moving on from one will mean the other is out as well. It feels like being the NFC Patriots has failed to work out.

Who’s in charge: Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator, San Francisco 49ers: There’s a real chance Patricia does survive for another season, but it appears doubtful at the moment. While an offensive coordinator might make sense, Saleh has come up as a hot coaching name for the last couple of months now. A native of Dearborn, Saleh has overseen the rebuild of the San Francisco defense over the last few years. Some of that probably has to do with the influx of talent, but Saleh has some merit. While Atlanta could be in play, the Lions seem to have the best chance to land Saleh.

Jacksonville Jaguars: Doug Marrone

The skinny: You would be forgiven for thinking the Jaguars’ 2017 season was a fluke. Marrone’s goodwill from that year looks to have run out, and with the embarrassing blowouts that have become routine this year, the fire looks to be strong to put out. Of all the coaches yet to be fired, Marrone is one of the safer bets to be out on Black Monday. The only real controversy is if Tom Coughlin ends up joining him.

Who’s in charge: Ron Rivera, former head coach, Carolina Panthers. There’s little doubt in my mind that Rivera will bounce back on his feet somewhere. Another head coaching job this early might be a bit odd, but Jacksonville probably doesn’t have the pull to land an attractive coordinator hire. With Rivera working to restore Jacksonville’s greatness on defense and getting Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew going, he’s probably one of the safer hires in the cycle. Jaguars offensive coordinator John DeFilippo is also an option, and if Coughlin does stick around, Baylor head coach Matt Rhule is a name to watch.

Los Angeles Chargers: Anthony Lynn

The skinny: Lynn’s had an overall alright tenure as the Chargers head coach, leaps and bounds ahead of his predecessor Mike McCoy. However, this season has been one of trials and tribulations for the Chargers, and the seat is starting to heat up. Ken Whisenhunt’s firing might have smoothed things over, and the Chargers look like they’re trying to make up for lost time. If things take a turn for the worst, however, there’s reason to think that Lynn and quarterback Philip Rivers could be in for a power struggle, with the loser leaving town.

Who’s in charge: Lynn. Sure, Rivers has some clout, but the Chargers will probably end up staying the course and keep both around next year, although there’s a real chance the Chargers are in for another draft shock and have Joe Burrow fall in their laps. If Lynn does leave, though, the Chargers have options. Ron Rivera would fit in well here, as would former quarterbacks coach and current Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni.

New York Giants: Pat Shurmur

The skinny: As sure a firing as it gets. With the Giants needing to see progress and failing to get it, Shurmur will need a miracle to stay with Big Blue. Daniel Jones has shown signs of life in the NFL, but even that looks like it won’t be enough. Expect the next coach to be more willing to develop young players, as well as getting the added bonus to work with a hopefully healthier Saquon Barkley.

Who’s in charge: Matt Rhule, head coach, Baylor Bears. Basically take the main candidates mentioned for Jacksonville, add Jason Garrett (for some reason), and there’s the shortlist. After two straight offensive-minded blunders in Shurmur and Ben McAdoo, a more well-rounded option looks like it should be the play. Enter Rhule, a former Giants assistant who has done exemplary work at Baylor and previously Temple. With coaching experience on both sides of the ball, he’d fit the bill for what the Giants should be looking for. College coaches are always gambles, but Rhule looks like one of the better chances to stick.

New York Jets: Adam Gase

The skinny: One-and-dones usually signify serious internal turmoil, but Gase hasn’t exactly done himself any favors. Giving the Dolphins and Bengals their first wins of the season has turned the fanbase against him. The trade rumors of Le’Veon Bell and Jamal Adams haven’t helped matters either. CEO Christopher Johnson has publicly stated Gase is sticking around for 2020, but a string of losses to end the year could put that plan in jeopardy.

Who’s in charge: Gase. While fans may question what the Jets are doing by keeping Gase, there are more questions about what happens if they fire him. Showing Gase the door just a year after hiring him gives off a damning statement about the Jets: they have absolutely zero plan. It just feels less controversial to give Gase another year to right any wrongs he’s made. If he fails, at least an attempt was made?

Washington Redskins: Vacant

The skinny: At this point, it would just be better for Dan Snyder to sell the team, Bruce Allen to get kicked to the curb, and start directly from the ground up. While Snyder won’t happen anytime soon, Allen leaving would at least be a step in the right direction. Needless to say, the next coach of the Redskins will have to be willing to put up with at least a fair amount of controversy in their tenure. The idea of molding Dwayne Haskins into a franchise quarterback can help ease that red flag a bit.

Who’s in charge: Kris Richard, passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, Dallas Cowboys. Richard’s been closely attached to head coaching jobs for a while now, and this feels like the year he finally breaks through. Richard has been responsible for the development of the likes of Byron Jones, Chidobe Awuzie, and Xavier Woods. He has also become the passing game coordinator just this past season, where he has enjoyed moderate success. That kind of experience is something the Redskins should not pass up on, especially given the fact that it would hurt a division rival in the process.