2015 January - Pro Football Rumors

Coach Notes: Browns, Ravens, Rams, Austin

January 21st, 2015 at 8:58am CST by Luke Adams

Six of the seven teams changing head coaches this offseason have officially hired replacements, and the Falcons appear fully prepared to wait for Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. However, while there may not be much drama left among the league’s head coaching searches, there’s still plenty of intrigue in the coordinator searches, as a number of noteworthy coaches continue to look for jobs. Here’s a round-up of the latest updates:

The Browns have canceled their offensive coordinator interview with Raiders senior offensive assistant Al Saunders, a league source tells Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer (on Twitter). The meeting hasn’t been rescheduled, and no reason was given for the cancellation, so it’s not clear why it will no longer happen.
In addition to not interviewing Saunders, the Browns also won’t speak to former Jets offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal (Twitter link). A Tuesday report had suggested Mornhinweg was expected to talk to the club about the job.
While Mornhinweg apparently won’t interview with the Browns, he has drawn interest from the Ravens, according to Aaron Wilson of the Baltimore Sun (via Twitter). Baltimore hired Marc Trestman as its new offensive coordinator yesterday, so Mornhinweg would be a candidate for the team’s quarterbacks coach job.
The Rams have been denied permission to speak to two of their offensive coordinator candidates, according to Jim Thomas of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, who reports that the Colts blocked the Rams from talking to Rob Chudzinski, while the Packers thwarted St. Louis’ efforts to talk to Alex Van Pelt. The Rams still hope to interview Adam Gase, who is in Chicago today to speak to the Bears.
While Teryl Austin could still technically end up becoming the Falcons‘ new head coach, it sure looks like the Lions defensive coordinator will be returning to Detroit, as Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press details.
The Broncos will hope for a change of heart from the Bengals on secondary coach Vance Joseph, whom Denver targeted as its top defensive coordinator target, but with Cincinnati refusing to release Joseph from his contract, the Broncos are moving forward on other candidates, tweets Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com.
Mike Smith has been the Raiders‘ top target for defensive coordinator since Jack Del Rio was named head coach, tweets Jerry McDonald of the Oakland Tribune. If an established coach like Smith lands Oakland’s DC job, he’ll have more autonomy than a younger coach would — Del Rio would be more involved on D in that case, says McDonald.

Coach Notes: Weis, Gase, Bears, Mornhinweg

January 20th, 2015 at 10:57pm CST by Zachary Links

The Bears are considering a handful of offensive coordinator candidates, including Charlie Weis, Geep Chryst (49ers), Jim Bob Cooter (Lions), and Adam Gase (Broncos), according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Weis, the former head coach of Notre Dame and Kansas, has been linked to the Browns’ offensive coordinator vacancy in the past. More coaching news..

Falcons wide receivers coach Terry Robiskie will be back with Atlanta after getting strong overtures from multiple teams in recent weeks, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
The Cardinals are looking to finalize a deal that would make former Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau the team’s new linebackers coach, a source tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (on Twitter).
The Browns interviewed Rams quarterbacks coach Frank Cignetti for their offensive coordinator vacancy, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter).
Gase is flying to Chicago to meet with the Bears about their offensive coordinator opening, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The meeting is scheduled for Wednesday and things could move very quickly.
The 49ers are considering Eric Mangini for their defensive coordinator opening, according to Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee. Mangini served as the team’s tight ends coach last season and was an offensive consultant with the 49ers the year before that.
The Browns are expected to interview former Jets and Eagles offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg this week at the Senior Bowl, a source tells Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (on Twitter).
A source tells Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (on Twitter) that the Bengals will not allow defensive backs coach Vance Joseph to leave his contract. Joseph was previously linked to the Broncos’ defensive coordinator vacancy.
Washington was interested in Vic Fangio, who ultimately landed in Chicago as the Bears’ defensive coordinator, but never made a formal offer to him. As head coach Jay Gruden explained today, that was because the club felt like Fangio’s mind was already made up on choosing the Bears (Twitter link via Mike Jones of the Washington Post).
Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com (on Twitter) speculated earlier today that – if Chan Gailey‘s deal fell through – former Packers coach Mike Sherman would have been interested in the Jets‘ offensive coordinator job, though the interest might not have been mutual. Sherman has a relationship with GM Mike Maccagnan dating back to his time in Houston. Hours later, the Jets finalized their deal with Gailey.

East Notes: Hughes, Mariota, Murray

January 20th, 2015 at 10:02pm CST by Zachary Links

Bills coach Rex Ryan says that he “absolutely” envisions impending free agent Jerry Hughes returning to the team next season, writes Ross Jones of FOX Sports. However, the defensive end has said that he’s not interested in taking a hometown discount to stay. While we wait to see how that plays out, here’s more from the East divisions..

A person familiar with the Eagles‘ offseason plans says the team “is going to try” to move up in the NFL Draft to select Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, Mark Eckel of The Times Of Trenton writes. It won’t be easy, of course, but the Eagles will at least explore going from No. 20 to No. 1 to get the Ducks star.
Les Bowen of the Philadelphia Daily News (on Twitter) is skeptical that anyone is privy to Chip Kelly‘s draft plans. He also feels it’s a no-brainer that the Eagles will at least look into Mariota, but it’s far too early for them to start making calls.
One team contract negotiator who spoke to Joel Corry of CBSSports.com today indicated that he expects Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to “open his checkbook” and put a 2012 running back market price on DeMarco Murray (Twitter link). The running back position, of course, was valued more highly three years ago than it is now.
Michigan State safety Kurtis Drummond has already met with the Eagles and made plans to chat more on Tuesday night, according to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com (on Twitter).
Utah defensive back Eric Rowe apparently has the interest of the Eagles as he has a meeting scheduled with Kelly and Bill Davis, according to Jimmy Kempski of PhillyVoice.com (on Twitter).
Ryan told reporters, including John Kryk of the Toronto Sun (on Twitter) that he expects to have the Bills‘ coaching staff complete by the end of the week.
The Jets spent a significant amount of time with Miami wide receiver Phillip Dorsett after his weigh ins, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (on Twitter).
University of Miami linebacker Denzel Perryman told James Walker of ESPN.com (on Twitter) that he met with the Dolphins at the Senior Bowl.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

West Notes: 49ers, Chargers, Broncos

January 20th, 2015 at 8:08pm CST by Zachary Links

Broncos GM John Elway has high expectations for new head coach Gary Kubiak, but that’s alright with him, as Mike Klis of The Denver Post writes. “He is the boss,” Kubiak said. “Believe me, he’s the boss. That’s all right. I want to coach. He’s the boss.” More out of the AFC and NFC West..

Former 49ers personnel executive Tom Gamble, who was recently let go by the Eagles, had a “long talk” with Niners GM Trent Baalke today, tweets Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com. While that doesn’t necessarily mean a return to San Francisco for Gamble is imminent, Tim Kawakami of the San Jose Mercury News notes (via Twitter) that the club’s director of player personnel position is open at the moment.
Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego spoke with The Mighty 1090 Sports Radio (audio link) about the Chargers replacing Joe Barry and their biggest priorities in free agency.
Tom Krasovic of U-T San Diego graded the Raiders‘ hire of new head coach Jack Del Rio.
Former Bears special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis has been hired by the Broncos, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter).
The Raiders announced that they have hired Brad Seely (formerly with the 49ers) to be their special teams coordinator.
Jets special teams coach Thomas McGaughey will likely take Seely’s old job with the 49ers, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (on Twitter).

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Broncos Likely To Franchise D. Thomas

January 20th, 2015 at 7:44pm CST by Zachary Links

The Broncos have some big decisions to make in the near future and Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) has an idea of which way they’re leaning. Denver, he says, plans to use the franchise tag on Demaryius Thomas while letting Julius Thomas and Terrance Knighton hit the open market.

The Broncos, according to Cole, will not make much of an attempt to sign the tight end or Pot Roast during their exclusivity period. Once free agency gets underway, they’ll have a better idea of what it will take to keep both players, at which point GM John Elway & Co. will assess matters.

In Julius Thomas’ case, the big concern is that he only had five catches over the final seven games of the season and some in the organization believe that he did not play very hard while he was hampered by a sprained ankle. In total, the tight end brought in 43 catches for 489 receiving yards with 12 touchdowns. Those aren’t bad numbers, but the 26-year-old (27 in June) set the bar higher in 2013 when he hauled in 65 catches for 788 yards and 12 scores on his way to his first career Pro Bowl.

When it comes to Knighton, the Broncos are worried about his weight. The defensive tackle was tipping the scales by about 40 pounds over his usual weight for much of the 2014 season. With a few extra pounds on him, Knighton managed to record 30 tackles and 2.0 sacks on the year. For his part, Knighton has made no secret of his desire to remain in orange.

Last season, Thomas recorded 1,619 receiving yards off of 111 catches with 11 touchdowns.

NFC South Notes: Colston, Bucs, Falcons

January 20th, 2015 at 7:30pm CST by Zachary Links

A source close to Saints wide receiver Marques Colston tells Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) that the veteran expects the team to ask him to take a pay cut. Colston is set to make $6.9MM in base salary, but he would be open to a modest cut in order to stay in New Orleans. Meanwhile, Mike Triplett of ESPN.com (on Twitter) hears that Colston hasn’t been approached by anyone from the Saints with a request to take a pay cut, nor has he expressed a willingness to do that. Last year, Colston hauled in 59 catches for 902 yards and five scores. More out of the NFC South..

The Buccaneers will face a $7MM decision on defensive end Michael Johnson this winter, as Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk explains. Per Florio, the Bucs are already on the hook for $7MM in guaranteed money for Johnson whether or not they cut him, but another $7MM will become guaranteed if he’s on the roster past the third day of the 2015 league year.
The Falcons like Missouri defensive end Shane Ray, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net. However, Pauline cautions that if the team does in fact hire Dan Quinn, Ray’s hand and arm measurements could become crucial, since Quinn is “a stickler for arm length.”
Longtime Saints college scouting director Rick Reiprish says he has been let go, as Triplett tweets. Reiprish says he was surprised by the news, which was delivered to him by GM Mickey Loomis.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

Jets Hire Chan Gailey As OC

January 20th, 2015 at 7:09pm CST by Zachary Links

At long last, it’s a done deal. The Jets announced tonight that they have hired former Bills head coach Chan Gailey as their new offensive coordinator.

Gailey has been linked to the Jets’ offensive coordinator opening ever since the hiring of Todd Bowles as head coach. However, there have been some bumps in the road in recent weeks. The two sides have ostensibly been haggling over details while other clubs reportedly got in the mix for the veteran coach. Gailey, according to a report from Brian Costello of the New York Post over the weekend, had interest from three other clubs. Ultimately, however, the Jets got Gailey, who was Bowles’ top choice for the gig.

Gailey, who was the head coach for both the Bills and Cowboys, has previously served as an offensive coordinator for the Broncos (1989-’90), Steelers (1997), Dolphins (2000-’01) and Chiefs (2008).

Meanwhile, the Jets are expected to finalize their deal with Kacy Rodgers, despite the starts and stops in recent weeks, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (on Twitter). Rodgers, 45, has worked as an NFL assistant since 2003, and his time in Miami overlapped with Bowles’ from 2008-11. He’ll replace Dennis Thurman, who followed ex-Jets coach Rex Ryan to Buffalo.

Cowboys Plan To Exercise Claiborne’s Option

January 20th, 2015 at 6:25pm CST by Zachary Links

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said that cornerback Morris Claiborne has done enough to justify the team picking up his fifth-year option, according to Brandon George of The Dallas Morning News (on Twitter). The option, of course, would be for the 2016 campaign.

Jones’ endorsement comes as something of a surprise since Claiborne hasn’t lived up to expectations since being selected with the No. 6 pick in the 2012 draft. As a top ten pick, the option for 2016 would be equal to the transition tag for cornerbacks in their fourth year, which should be somewhere around $11MM.

The Cowboys have some time before they have to decide on Claiborne’s fifth-year option and the option is guaranteed against injury only until the start of the 2016 league year, so they could pull the plug in the event of a lackluster 2015. By the same token, it’d be a gamble to trigger his option year given his injury history. Claiborne missed the bulk of the 2014 season with a torn patellar tendon.

All in all, it was a rough year for the once-heralded rookie. Claiborne was torched in Week 3 victory and was subsequently bumped down on the depth chart in favor of veteran Orlando Scandrick. On the following Tuesday, Claiborne lashed back at the Cowboys by skipping practice and leaving the team facility. The following week, Claiborne suffered his season-ending injury.

Bears Fire Mel Tucker

January 20th, 2015 at 6:07pm CST by Zachary Links

The Bears announced that several coaches will not be returning for the 2015 season, including defensive coordinator Mel Tucker, as Michael C. Wright of ESPN.com tweets. Tucker was not expected to remain with the team but he was under contract prior to tonight’s announcement. Of course, the Bears hired Vic Fangio to fill Tucker’s previous role earlier today.

Back in December, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that the Bears planned to fire Tucker. It took some time for that to come to fruition, but Tucker has been shown the door just like head coach Marc Trestman was before him. Tucker, for his part, drew interest from LSU for their defensive coordinator opening earlier this month. Since then, however, the vacancy has been filled by Kevin Steele.

In addition to Tucker, the Bears will bid farewell to tight end coach Andy Bischoff, linebackers coach Reggie Herring, and assistant special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes.

Bears Hire Vic Fangio As DC

January 20th, 2015 at 4:30pm CST by Luke Adams

4:30pm: The Bears (on Twitter) announced the hiring of Fangio.

10:01am: After mulling over his decision for several days, Vic Fangio has decided to join John Fox‘s staff with the Bears, reports Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter links). According to La Canfora, the former 49ers defensive coordinator drew significant interest from both Chicago and Washington, and finally made his decision this morning.

Fangio had been considered a candidate for the 49ers’ head coaching opening, but was passed over in favor of fellow Niners assistant Jim Tomsula. At that point, the team agreed to release the defensive coordinator from his contract to pursue other opportunities. Fangio interviewed for the DC jobs in Chicago and Washington, and according to La Canfora, both teams “wanted him badly.”

After ranking 13th in DVOA in 2013, Fangio’s defense in San Francisco improved in Football Outsiders’ rankings in 2014, placing fifth overall. The Niners became a top-five defense despite being without suspended linebacker Aldon Smith for much of the season, and injured linebacker NaVorro Bowman for the entire season. Patrick Willis and first-round rookie Jimmie Ward also finished the year on injured reserve.

Having landed Fangio, the Bears figure to turn their attention to locking up an offensive coordinator. The team has reportedly been denied permission to speak to Mike Mularkey of the Titans and Jim Bob Cooter of the Lions, and has also been linked to Colts assistant Rob Chudzinski.

La Canfora adds (via Twitter) that former 49ers defensive backs coach Ed Donatell will also likely be joining Fangio in Chicago in the same role. Donatell was released from his Niners contract at the same time as Fangio, and the duo was viewed as a potential package deal.

As for Washington, the team appeared set to hire Chargers assistant Joe Barry as its defensive coordinator before Fangio became available, so it would make sense to revisit that possibility. John Keim of ESPN.com tweets as much, suggesting that – based on conversations he has had – Barry “has to be at the top of the list now” for Washington.