Evil Hurney

Tampa is tackling really well this game.

Package deal with the GM of your choosing (GM still retains roster control, I don't see Tepper giving up Matt Rhule-type control again for a first-time HC) Contractual guarantees that incentivize multiple seasons; I'm thinking of some type of poison pill in the contract that would make being fired after one year for anything performance-related really expensive. A low-cost QB that is good enough to manage a game and is under team control for a while; enabling you and your GM to build up the rest of the roster. Obviously, money and resources beyond the scope of most other teams in the league. A (very) low bar to clear for deemed "success". Winning say 9 games in a season would make you a savior.

Watched the XFL last year (I have a local team) and plan to watch and probably attend at least one game this year. Excited it came back.

I've seen it reported that DeMeco has essentially told Slowik he should come back for another year. Here's him telling the media something to that effect.

McCarthy might not be too bad as it would put him on the market for the Panthers.

I like the little game being played there. Humans by nature are loss-averse, so suggesting to the Raiders that they might lose Kelly might force their hand.

Bo Nix makes a good deal of sense regionally and for where they are picking in the draft.

I feel like Evero is the floor as far as how far down the list the team will have to go. I don't think he will be option A, B, or even C. I would be interested to know who he'd propose bringing in as OC.

Burns for AJ straight up. Does Howie say no? We could even throw in TMJ if they want a big-bodied WR.

He wasn't. I had him going to the Chargers (the team he's been most linked to). IF Harbaugh stays at Michigan, I could see Vrabel being the consolation prize for the Chargers.

That'd be a pretty boring poll. It'd be mostly people voting for Ben Johnson.

I find it surprising that Callahan doesn't have a single vote. He is one of the more popular candidates trailing only Ben Johnson at the moment in terms of interview requests.

I am also intrigued by Macdonald, but then I wonder if that was the path why not just promote Ejiro. Are they really that different of candidates?

In an effort to get a realistic field of head coaching candidates I did a bit of research and projecting. 1) First, I listed all the reported candidates as well as a few of the bigger names (Belichick, Harbaugh, Vrabel) and organized them by type of hire. 2) Next, I went through and projected the HC for the teams in need based upon current rumors and other connecting-of-the-dots. 3) Finally, I eliminated candidates that seemed to be getting courtesy interviews (Internal and Rooney Rule candidates). Here is the initial list: Former Head Coaches former Patriots HC, Bill Belichick -> Predicting as Falcons HC current Michigan HC, Jim Harbaugh -> Predicting as Chargers HC Cowboys DC, Dan Quinn -> Predicting as Seahawks HC former Titans HC, Mike Vrabel Offensive Minds Bengals OC, Brian Callahan Buccaneers OC, Dave Canales Lions OC, Ben Johnson -> Predicting as Washington HC Eagles OC, Brian Johnson (satisfies Rooney Rule) Ravens OC, Todd Monken Texans OC, Bobby Slowik -> Predicting as Titans HC Dolphins OC, Frank Smith Defensive Minds Panthers DC, Ejiro Evero Ravens DC, Mike Macdonald Rams DC, Raheem Morris (satisfies Rooney Rule) Internal Candidates Panthers Interim HC, Chris Tabor The remaining candidates are shown in the poll. Which would you most want as the next Panthers Head Coach?

I'd say they are the favorites for Ben Johnson now. They are one of the few teams that would probably be willing to give him similar $$$ as Tepper. Also, DC is still pretty close to Chapel Hill.

Figured as much when he didn't interview for the Washington job; they reportedly requested one.

They interviewed him last cycle. Probably knew it was a non-starter and saved themselves the negative press of having him decline an interview.

I don't know that Peters took any other interviews this cycle.

Mimicking Miami has some appeal. There are several similarities between Bryce and Tua. It would be a multi-season build though. There aren't a lot of guys that can run like Tyreek or Waddle and consistently catch the ball (see Chiefs). If Evero stays for year 2 I think the defense will be even better. I was happy to see Horn finish out the year. He probably earned himself a 5th year option.

I hope they go that route. Panthers wouldn't lose a GM candidate and would save themselves from possibly hiring a HC candidate that likely is a year away from being ready.

Commanders are a wildcard. I don't really know what they want. I know guys like Quinn are out since they would be a hard sell coming off a similar type in Rivera. They have the most attractive opening IMO. Pats getting Vrabel seems like a no-brainer. Chargers probably want someone with experience or an offensive minded HC. Harbaugh makes sense there. I can't see Titans going for a defensive minded HC like MacDonald since they just fired one and commented about wanting to do things differently. I think they are looking at an offensive minded HC. Falcons are reported to want a big fish and will likely steer clear of the hot shot OC class since they just fired Arthur who has a similar background. Belichick makes sense. Raiders are either getting a big name or AP. Signing an up-and-coming coordinator over AP would not go over well. Seahawks are a wildcard. Quinn makes sense at the moment. Panthers are obviously looking for an innovative offensive mind for HC. I would be happy with Ben Johnson, Frank Smith, or Brian Callahan. I think Slowik and Canales need another year of seasoning.

I think the Chargers will have a hard time landing a top guy unless they are willing to open their wallets. Staley was reportedly getting $4M/year, which is near the bottom of the league. Basically, a coaching candidate like Ben Johnson would have to be willing to leave a LOT of money on the table to work for the Chargers instead of the Panthers.

What's this X everyone is talking about?

Not surprised. It'd be a lateral move and I suspect they want to pair Evero with an offensive-minded HC.

Here's the other Rooney Rule candidate.