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Offseason could see several head coaches fired

Mr. Scot

By Mr. Scot,
in Carolina Panthers

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Mr. Scot Grand Master

Mr. Scot

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From the Boston Globe (link)

 

The NFL averages 7-8 new coaching hires almost every season, and league insiders expect a similar number this year.

 

The names being speculated upon...

 

The divorce between Jim Harbaugh and the 49ers is viewed as a “lock,” according to one industry source — the only issue is whether the 49ers try to trade Harbaugh (likely for mid-round draft picks) or if the sides just part ways (Harbaugh has offsets in his contract).

 

Rex Ryan and Tom Coughlin are also locks to be fired, and the Jets and Giants are expected to be hot on Harbaugh’s trail, as well.

 

If the Dolphins fade down the stretch and miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season, owner Stephen Ross is expected to fire Joe Philbin after three seasons (Ross loves Harbaugh, too).

 

And Doug Marrone might not survive if the Bills don’t make the playoffs — new ownership, in this case Terry and Kim Pegula, often likes to hire its own people.

 

Ken Whisenhunt is likely safe in Tennessee despite a 2-10 season, and Jay Gruden’s five-year contract with Washington will likely buy him some time.

 

But there have been several one-and-done head coaches in recent years (Rob Chudzinski, Mike Mularkey, Hue Jackson, Jim Mora), and one real possibility is Lovie Smith in Tampa Bay, with the Buccaneers at 2-10 and looking disorganized on Sundays. “It’s one thing to lose games,” an insider said, “but to give up 35 points in a quarter?”

 

Patience is running thin in Jacksonville, where Gus Bradley is 6-22 in two years and his defense has been ranked 28th in points allowed both years. Marc Trestman is squarely on the hot seat with the Bears at 5-8 and Jay Cutler showing no improvement. “I think it’s over for him,” one source said.

 

Carolina’s Ron Rivera, who signed an extension through 2017 in January, is the prime “surprise” firing candidate with the Panthers set to turn in their third losing season in four years under Rivera.

 

And Atlanta’s Mike Smith can start packing his bags — the only question is if team owner Arthur Blank does a complete housecleaning or keeps GM Thomas Dimitroff for one more make-or-break season.  “Blank is a real trigger-finger guy, and he’s been sitting in the press conferences, which is never a good sign,” a league source said.

 

If the Panthers do decide to fire Rivera, high demand means they might have to move fast to get the candidate they want. 

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Mr. Scot Grand Master

Mr. Scot

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Possible replacement candidates...

 

One of the candidates who will be in highest demand is Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, 36, who turned down all interviews last year as he helped the Broncos prepare for the Super Bowl. But Gase is better prepared this year and is all but certain to land a head coaching job this time around.

 

Another top candidate is Eagles offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur, the Browns’ head coach in 2011-12. Many league insiders believe Shurmur wasn’t given a fair shake by Browns owner Jimmy Haslam, and his stock has been boosted by his association with Chip Kelly and the performance of Mark Sanchez in Philly.

 

One interesting name to watch is Chargers offensive coordinator Frank Reich, who has done impressive work with Philip Rivers and can command a room. Reich, a former Bills quarterback, could be the perfect fit in Buffalo to continue the feel-good vibes generated with the Pegulas taking over and keeping the team in town. “Frank Reich in Buffalo is a can’t-miss,” a league source said.

 

The 49ers will look for a mellower coach, and will consider promoting defensive coordinator Vic Fangio.“They just want someone with less noise,” a league source said. 

 

Josh McDaniels will get interviews if he wants them — he certainly made a lot of mistakes in Denver, but he is still only 38 — although a Patriots Super Bowl run could complicate matters. 

 

Browns OC Kyle Shanahan is a name that will pop up, given the work he has done with a backup quarterback (Brian Hoyer), a shoddy offensive line, and no Josh Gordon for the first 10 games this year, but at 34 might still be a couple years away from a head job.

 

Three defensive coordinators to watch are Seattle’s Dan Quinn, Denver’s Jack Del Rio, who went 68-71 in nine seasons as head coach in Jacksonville, and Arizona’s Todd Bowles, who could finally land a head coaching job if he has improved his interview skills.

 

Bears defensive coordinator Mel Tucker and Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell will also be considered for interviews.

 

Not buying Fewell as a serious option at this point.

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Bj-Monster23 Newbie

Bj-Monster23

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Don't see Rivera getting the can after this season. I did before the game today, but not now. Shula will be gone though, hopefully.

One win is still a disappointment after 6 games. I think this month will be critical for him to save his job. I really think he has to win out to save it but I'm not sure if we have turned the corner.
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t96 Grand Master

t96

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I really don't see Rivera getting fired. I think last year may have earned him another chance, especially with how many players he lost on both sides of the ball. And also especially if we end the year strong with performances like today's in each of the last 3 games.

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top dawg Grand Master

top dawg

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I really don't see Rivera getting fired. I think last year may have earned him another chance, especially with how many players he lost on both sides of the ball. And also especially if we end the year strong with performances like today's in each of the last 3 games.

 

I have the suspicion that he is going to be here regardless for those very reasons---even if we bomb a game out of these last three.  I certainly don't believe that they are must-wins at this point.

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