The NFL Head Coach Carousel

Starting from mid-season on, head coaches have been dropping like flies.  As the season ended, a few more were let go or simply retired.  As of this writing, most of the spots are filled, but some remain open.  We will dive into who has taken over and what they will do for their new teams.  For teams still waiting to announce, we will look at how some of the top prospects might fit in.

Denver Broncos

 Outgoing Coach – Gary Kubiak                              Incoming Coach – Joseph Vance

Gary Kubiak retired after only 2 seasons with the Broncos.  He started his career with Denver as a backup QB in 1983 and ended it one year removed from winning a super bowl.  He reportedly stepped down for health reasons.  Vance was the frontrunner last time Denver was looking for a head coach, so it wasn’t surprising that they targeted him again.  Many did want Kyle Shanahan to take over.  Vance worked under Gary and is familiar with a lot of the coaching staff already.  He comes from being the DC at Miami.  He will look to build a young core of coaches to help him get the best out of everyone, including both QB Lynch and Siemen.  Vance has been best described as a “leader of men.”

Buffalo Bills

Outgoing Coach – Rex Ryan                 Incoming Coach – Sean McDermott

Rex Ryan took hooked his wagon with both QB Tyrod Taylor and his brother.  After failing to capitalize on both sides of the ball, Ryan and brother were both let go.  Sean McDermott comes from the Panthers where he was the DC.  A coach in the NFL since 2004, this is his first crack at being a head coach.  He has questions at QB to figure out but will be lucky to have a strong run game.

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

 Outgoing Coach – Gus Bradley            Incoming Coach – Doug Marrone

Bradley didn’t manage to get to the end of the season before being released.  The Jaguars were thought of as a potential contender heading into this season but managed to fall backward.  Marrone took over as interim coach and went 1-1 to end the season.  He has a decent team he has to manage but has questions on to solve about QB Blake Bortles.  This will be Marrone’s second time as a head coach in the NFL, previously having coached for the Bills from 2013-2014.

Los Angles Rams

Outgoing Coach – Jeff Fisher               Incoming Coach – Sean McVay

Fisher will be remembered as the coach who brought the Rams home to Los Angles.  With 22 years of experience, the last 4 were with the Rams.  He posted a career record of 173-165-1.  It is pretty doubtful that he will get another chance to coach in the NFL again.  McVay made history by becoming the youngest head coach in the Superbowl Era at age 30.  McVay was the OC in Washington.  He will hopefully bring in a new culture.  He will also be charged to coax the best out of QB Jared Goff and RB Todd Gurley.

Los Angles Chargers

Outgoing Coach – Mike McCoy             Incoming Coach – Anthony Lynn

McCoy posted a 27-37 record while head coach.  He is regarded as a talented OC, but just couldn’t quite make it as a head coach.  He is on the fast track to resume his old duties as OC for the Denver Broncos.  Lynn was the interim head coach to end last season for the Bills, as well as the OC.  Lynn will have his hands full as the Chargers just announced they are moving to Los Angles.  This is widely viewed with dismay from fans.  He does have the benefit of an elite QB and should get some players healthy to start next year.

San Francisco 49ers

Outgoing Coach – Chip Kelly

Kelly only had one year to try to turn things around in San Francisco and didn’t really get a fair shake.  Switching QB’s mid-season didn’t quite help, as the 49ers were seemingly playing to get the top draft pick.  The 49ers have yet to announce who will replace Kelly as of yet, but some of the front runners are Kyle Shanahan (OC Falcons) and Josh McDaniels (OC Patriots).  Both of them are viewed as hot commodities this offseason, but only one head coach spot remains.  McDaniels has been a head coach before so that experience might help him.  Neither one can sign with the 49ers as long as their teams are still in the postseason.

[wysija_form id=”10″]

ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.

The GoingFor2 Live Podcast

Related Articles

Back to top button