HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

AFC North Notes: Harbaugh, Browns, Maualuga

January 9th, 2015 at 1:06pm CST by Ben Levine

When John Harbaugh was originally interviewing for the Ravens head coaching position, he received a bit of help from one of his colleagues. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick gave owner Steve Bisciotti a call, endorsing the former Eagles special teams coach for the opening. Harbaugh eventually got the job, and as Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun writes, the coach still appreciates the recommendation from his upcoming playoff opponent:

“It meant everything. As far as probably getting the job, it didn’t hurt. You have to ask Steve and Ozzie [Newsome] if it made the difference or not. But the fact that he was willing to do that at the time, I was stunned when I heard the story much later.

“I would describe the relationship as very good, great admiration for coach. I’ve never worked with him, specifically, but for whatever reason he has been always willing to kind of take me under his wing in a way and give me time and insight and things like that.”

Let’s take a look at some more notes from the AFC North…

  • Former Bears quarterback coach Matt Cavanaugh is on the Browns “radar” for the offensive coordinator opening, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. Cavanaugh previously worked with coach Mike Pettine at the University of Pittsburgh, and they reunited again in the NFL with the Ravens and Jets.
  • Nate Ulrich of Ohio.com takes a look at some other potential candidates for the Browns offensive coordinator opening. His list includes Raiders quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo, former college coach/NFL coordinator Charlie Weis, former Bears coach Marc Trestman and Cowboys offensive coordinator Bill Callahan.
  • Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther believes upcoming free agent linebacker Rey Maualuga will ultimately return to the Bengals. “I believe he does,” Guenther said (via ESPN.com’s Coley Harvey). “You saw when he came back the effect he had on us.”
  • Harvey also focuses on five major questions surrounding the Bengals entering the offseason, including the future of tight end Jermaine Gresham.

Jets Links: Ryan, Shanahan, Maccagnan

January 9th, 2015 at 11:43am CST by Ben Levine

One of Rex Ryan‘s former players believes the coach can succeed elsewhere. Linebacker Bart Scott played under the head coach for four seasons, and the current CBS analyst believes Ryan could flourish in Atlanta.

“I think the Falcons are the best situation for Rex to go into,” Scott said (via ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure). “Come on, you’re talking about fixing the defense. I’m sure people see how Matt Ryan has played. He hasn’t had the defense to get him the ball back.

“Rex Ryan is a head coach/defensive coordinator. Let Rex run the show and start dialing up plays to knock Drew Brees out. Look at his history playing against Cam Newton. Rex knows how to keep Cam in the box. And Tampa Bay? Please. That would be like Homecoming.”

Scott also suggested that Ryan could hypothetically lure some of his former players to the organization.

“I think a quick fix for that Atlanta defense is David Harris is up for free agency, and Rex has the ability to bring a guy like that over. He has the ability to bring a guy like Calvin Pace over who knows the system and lives in Atlanta.

“…But then Rex probably has the ability as well to bring a guy like Antonio Cromartie to come over opposite Desmond Trufant and slide right in and get instant experience within the defense overnight.”

Let’s check out some more notes from the Jets organization, including their hunt for a new coach and general manager…

  • Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News believes the Jets need an “innovative and creative offensive mind” who can develop young quarterbacks (via Twitter). The writer suggests Kyle Shanahan as an ideal playcaller for the team.
  • Following news that the organization would be bringing back Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan for a second GM interview, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweets that it wouldn’t be surprising if Maccagnan is hired this weekend.
  • ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini examines the candidacy of Maccagnan, stating that the Texans executive is “most comfortable in a background role.” This has led some to wonder whether he’d be able to handle the pressure in New York, but Cimini counters that Maccagnan “has the ability to work well with people and isn’t afraid to admit when he’s wrong,” an attribute that was lacking from the team’s previous general manager.
  • Brian Costello of the New York Post cites a source who says it would be a “travesty” if Maccagnan is not offered the position.
  • Many members of the Seahawks are under the mindset that defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will accept a head coaching position this offseason. His players aren’t bitter, however, and they believe their coach will succeed in any situation, including with the Jets. “I think he’d be fantastic,” Richard Sherman told Ebenezer Samuel of the New York Daily News. “Obviously, you’re not always getting a great team, so it takes some time to develop…But he’ll be fantastic.”

Coaching Notes: Fisch, Texans, Bears, Haslett

January 9th, 2015 at 10:59am CST by Ben Levine

Some within the Lions organizations could be working elsewhere next season, but general manager Martin Mayhew has no issues with that. In fact, he spoke fondly about two members of his staff, endorsing both vice president of pro personnel Sheldon White and defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. Mayhew first touched on White, who is being considered for the GM job with the Eagles. Via ESPN.com’s Michael Rothstein:

“He’s been phenomenal. He’s exceptional at what he does. Outstanding evaluator. There are a lot of guys on this roster that he brought to the table. Rashean Mathis, for example, is a guy that he saw on tape and he brought up his desire to work Rashean out. I was against it. I was saying this is an older guy — how is this guy going to help us.

“He talked me into working him out and he had a phenomenal workout. He was exceptional in every way, shape and form, so we ended up signing him. Obviously he’s worked out great for us the last two years, having Rashean here.

“George Johnson is a guy who he brought to me who I had never seen, we signed him. I had never seen him on tape at the time that we signed him and, as you know, George made our team this year and was a big-time contributor for us. He’s always looking; he’s always in his office evaluating tape and trying to find players that can help us win. I think he’d be a great general manager.”

Mayhew also spoke about his defensive coordinator, who has multiple interviews for head coaching positions:

“He did a phenomenal job with the group and I think he has a lot of ability. I think he’s certainly capable of being a head coach in the NFL. I think I said that when he got here that at some point he’d have an opportunity to do that.

“He’s certainly worthy of the opportunity.”

Let’s take a look at some more coaching notes from around the league…

  • Former Jaguars offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch will be joining Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, as Peter Schrager of Fox Sports tweets that he’ll be offered the pass game coordinator job with the Wolverines. Bruce Feldman adds that Fisch will also be the quarterbacks and receivers coach. Fisch was let go by Jacksonville in late December.
  • We learned yesterday that the Texans wouldn’t be bringing back offensive line coach Paul Dunn, and the team has already found a replacement. Fox Sports’ Alex Marvez tweets that Houston will add Jets assistant coach Mike Devlin to their staff to replace Dunn.
  • The Bears announced (on Twitter) that they interviewed Todd Bowles for their head-coaching position yesterday. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune tweets that the interview went well, adding that the Cardinals defensive coordinator is set to meet with the 49ers today.
  • Following up on a report that the Giants requested permission to interview Washington defensive backs coach Raheem Morris for their defensive coordinator opening, Mike Jones of the Washington Post tweets that Washington granted gave the division-rival Giants the green light, while Albert Breer of the NFL Network says (via Twitter) that the interview will happen this morning.
  • Since leaving his role as Washington‘s defensive coordinator, Jim Haslett has received inquiries from a number of teams, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter link), who adds that it’s not clear yet whether he’ll interview for jobs.

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Patriots Extend Brandon Bolden Through 2016

January 9th, 2015 at 9:16am CST by Ben Levine

Following news that the Patriots extended safety Patrick Chung, the team has locked up another complimentary member of the squad. ESPN’s Field Yates reports (via Twitter) that the Patriots have signed running back Brandon Bolden to a two-year, $2.32MM deal. Ben Volin of The Boston Globe tweets the specific details: Bolden will receive a $660K salary (first season) and $760K salary (second season), roster bonuses of $200K and $350K, a $300K signing bonus and a $25K annual workout bonus.

Bolden was set to hit restricted free agency this offseason, but the 24-year-old will now compete with at least four other running backs for a spot on next season’s roster. Via Volin (on Twitter), the team currently has Bolden, LeGarrette Blount, Jonas Gray, James White and Tyler Gaffney signed for next year, and he notes that Blount will be the highest paid among the group with a $750K salary. Meanwhile, both Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen are set to become free agents, and it’s uncertain whether the Patriots will bring back both of their young, talented backs.

Bolden joined the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2012, and the former Mississippi standout quickly made a name for himself. In only his third career game, the running back rushed for 137 yards and a touchdown against the Bills. Since then, he hasn’t produced much on the ground, and he only compiled 28 carries for 98 yards and a score in 2014.

Bolden makes most of his impact on special teams, where he forced a pair of fumbles and blocked a kick this past season. The running back ranked among the team’s ten-best special teamers, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and he joined Logan Ryan and Danny Amendola as the only players to receive positive rankings on both the kicking and punting units.

Pats, Patrick Chung Agree To Extension

January 9th, 2015 at 8:50am CST by Ben Levine

The Patriots recently extended offensive lineman Marcus Cannon and special teams ace Matt Slater, and they continued to take care of their depth players this morning. ESPN’s Field Yates tweets that the team has signed safety Patrick Chung to a three-year extension worth up to $8.2MM, with $3.4MM guaranteed.

The Boston Globe’s Ben Volin clarifies (via Twitter) that Chung will make $1MM, $1.4MM and $1.8MM as the contract progresses. Volin adds that the veteran will receive a $2.4MM signing bonus, as well as $200K in annual roster bonuses and $500K for incentives in 2016 and 2017. Due to the relatively low cap hit, Volin states his belief that Chung should at least stick around for two more seasons (Twitter link).

The Patriots inked Chung to a one-year deal this offseason with the mindset that he’d compete for a starting safety role. The 27-year-old has rewarded the organization with one of the best seasons of his career, as he’s compiled 85 tackles and an interception while playing in 16 games for the first time since his rookie season. The advanced statistics suggest that Chung was one of the best safeties in the league in 2014, as Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked him as the 12th-best at his position.

Chung will now be sticking with the organization that selected him in the second round of the 2009 draft. Chung signed a one-year deal with the Eagles two years ago, but a mediocre 2013 season prompted his release.

Earlier this season, coach Bill Belichick spoke about Chung’s tenure in Philadelphia and his reunion with the Patriots (via ESPNBoston.com’s Mike Reiss):

“I think some of the circumstance of the ’12 season didn’t work out as well as we all hoped, for a combination of reasons. Pat and I talked about that last year after he was released from Philadelphia. Pat and I talked about that. We had a long conversation about a lot of things. I don’t think it was anybody’s fault. It was just one of those things that didn’t work out.

“We both felt that we would want to try to give it another shot and we were able to come to an agreement on that contractually, and I think he has done a real good job for us. He’s filled a lot of different roles. He’s played well, helped us in the kicking game, helped us defensively in a number of areas. He’s been around the ball, productive.”

AFC Notes: Jets, Hali, Allen, Chiefs

January 8th, 2015 at 8:46pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets are bringing back Texans director of college scouting Mike Maccagnan for a second interview, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com, who notes (via Twitter) that Maccagnan is the team’s first GM candidate to get a second interview. That second interview will take place on Friday, tweets Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com, adding that the Jets are impressed with Maccagnan. Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News throws some cold water on Maccagnan’s candidacy though, tweeting that the overwhelming feeling he gets from front office executives around the league is that the Texans exec isn’t ready to be an NFL GM. More out of the AFC..

  • Sam Mellinger of The Kansas City Star has a radical plan for the Chiefs‘ offseason. Step one: cutting Tamba Hali. Hali is a model teammate and employee and still productive, but he had just six sacks in 2014, his lowest total since 2008. The Chiefs, he argues, would be better off with the $9MM in cap space they’d get by cutting Hali.
  • Cornerback Cortez Allen inked a $26MM contract extension with the Steelers at the start of the 2014 season, then had a disappointing year in which he was demoted multiple times. As Mark Kaboly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review details, Allen is “highly confident” that he can fix his issues and bounce back in 2015.
  • Free agent linebacker Erin Henderson is working out for the Chiefs, tweets Randy Covitz of the Kansas City Star. Henderson played well for the Vikings in 2013, but was released by the team and didn’t find a new team in 2014 due to off-field concerns.
  • The Browns are looking for their sixth offensive coordinator in six seasons and the 13th in 17 seasons. Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal looks at the potential candidates for the job.

Luke Adams contributed to this post.

South Notes: Koetter, Bucs, Jaguars

January 8th, 2015 at 8:40pm CST by Zachary Links

Albert Breer of the NFL Network (on Twitter) wonders if the hiring of Dirk Koetter as offensive coordinator will affect the Buccaneers‘ draft plans. With Greg Roman at the helm, he might have envisioned them selecting Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. With Koetter there instead, Jameis Winston makes more sense for Tampa Bay, in Breer’s opinion. More from the South divisions..

  • Koetter’s experience in helping to develop Matt Ryan will be a plus as the Buccaneers prepare to draft a QB, tweets Rick Stroud of WDAE 620.
  • In a radio appearance earlier tonight, Jaguars GM Dave Caldwell said that coach Gus Bradley is “heading the search” for the team’s next offensive coordinator, according to Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union (on Twitter). Caldwell went on to say that he plans on interviewing candidates from teams that are still in the playoffs and he’s in no hurry to make a hire, as Alex Marvez of FOX Sports tweets.
  • The Texans are not retaining offensive line coach Paul Dunn for a second season on Bill O’Brien‘s staff, per Mark Berman of FOX 26 Houston (Twitter link).

Packers GM On Wolf, Romo, Rodgers

January 8th, 2015 at 7:40pm CST by Zachary Links

Packers GM Ted Thompson was just a teenager the last time the Cowboys traveled to Lambeau Field for a playoff game. Fast forward a couple of years, Thompson is 61 and getting set for the next Lambeau postseason clash between the two teams. Just a few years ago, Thompson was dreaming of becoming an area scout and spending his off days on the beach. This is a far cry from that, but he tells Tom Pelissero of USA Today that he’s still extremely motivated by the hunt and happy to live a structured life, even if its a bit stressful. Here are some of the highlights from their chat..

On the GM candidacy of staffers like Eliot Wolf, Alonzo Highsmith, and Brian Gutekunst:

Oh, I would think so. There’s several guys, and some of the young guys — it’ll be a longer time before they reach that point. But yeah, I think they will. It’s the same way Ron taught us all, and what I mean is in the draft meetings — because you go through 17, 18 days before the combine, and it’s just a grind all the time — but it’s a remarkable learning tool for everybody. Then you have to be put in a position where you have to make a decision like ‘boom, boom,’ right now. And that’s a different thing. That’s something that needs more work.

On losing scouts to higher-ranked jobs elsewhere and replacing them:

Yeah, it’s the next man up thing. It works the same way as players. Obviously, it’s a different set of circumstances. But we go about our personnel department and college scouting, pro scouting exactly the same way that (former Packers GM) Ron Wolf taught us all to do it. You’ve got your 20 guys, counting your college scouts and pro scouts and whatever, and then you give them particular assignments. And if one leaves, then somebody else takes that chair and you go on. And normally, you’re adding young guys to train as you go along there, so you’ve got that cycle of guys coming through. We have had quite a number of them go through and become very successful.

With all the resources that teams put into scouting, how does someone like Tony Romo (undrafted in 2013) fall through the cracks?

It’s remarkable. Tom Brady going in the sixth round. Go figure. There are free agents, and we spend a lot of time on college free agents. But people also remember that there used to be 17 rounds in the draft, and there were guys that were getting drafted in the 17th round that wound up making it.

On his expectations for Aaron Rodgers after drafting him No. 24 in 2005:

I don’t know if you could ever predict that. I think you have high hopes for all the young men that you bring in. Aaron’s was going to be a different road than most in this day and age. Most people are not taken with the idea that, ‘OK, you’re going to not play for a couple of years,’ or something. Usually, they have to go play. We were fortunate to have a team with a quarterback that was established, and we didn’t have to throw him to the wolves. Who knows how it would’ve turned out? I think he would’ve still been a good player either way. There are other people that think if we’d have thrown him to the dogs, it might’ve ruined him. Who knows? But as it turned out, the way we did it, I guess I’m glad we did it, because it worked.

NFC West Rumors: Fitzgerald, Rams, Warner

January 8th, 2015 at 6:44pm CST by Zachary Links

Larry Fitzgerald‘s agent, Eugene Parker, has had positive preliminary contract talks with the Cardinals, sources tell Kent Somers of The Arizona Republic. Fitzgerald, who just completed his eleventh season, is due an $8MM bonus if he’s on the roster on March 17. Fitzgerald has to decide if wants to continue his career in Arizona, and if so, how big a pay cut he would be willing accept. Cards GM Steve Keim has said that he won’t cut the former Pro Bowler, but he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of trading him. A look at the NFC West..

  • Vic Fangio would target Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator and Ed Donatell as defensive coordinator if he is promoted to head coach of the 49ers, a source tells Matt Maiocco of CSNBayArea.com. Shanahan would appear to have two horses in the race when it comes to the 49ers’ offensive coordinator gig as father Mike Shanahan has also interviewed for the head coaching position.
  • Rams owner Stan Kroenke isn’t taking calls from St. Louis officials, so they’re now working directly with the NFL to try and keep their team, as Arash Markazi of ESPN.com writes (with help from The Associated Press). “After a while, you sort of get the hint,” said Jeff Rainford, the mayor’s chief of staff. City and state officials firmly believe that the Rams can succeed in St. Louis, but if they won’t stay, the city is prepared to try and lure another team.
  • If the Cardinals had wanted to replace Ryan Lindley with Kurt Warner for their playoff run, he would have been open to it. “There was a scenario where I would have considered it,” Warner said on the Dan Patrick Show, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. “I don’t know what I would have done.” The 43-year-old Warner said he talked to Arians and GM Steve Keim “in passing” but that he doesn’t think they were ever seriously interested in bringing him back. But the veteran QB was interested enough that he talked to his family about it, and they were supportive.

Buccaneers Hire Dirk Koetter As OC

January 8th, 2015 at 5:52pm CST by Zachary Links

The Buccaneers announced that they have hired Dirk Koetter to be their next offensive coordinator, as Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets. Koetter, the former Falcons’ OC, got a two-year contract with an option year.

Koetter was Tampa Bay’s top choice for the job and the Bucs moved on him quickly to keep him from getting scooped up by another team, according to Alex Marvez of FOX Sports (via Twitter). Jim Tomsula and Dan Quinn, two head coaching candidates, also have an affinity for Koetter and he could have been an OC for either guy.

It’s not clear if the 55-year-old was still under contract with the Falcons but the team was allowing him to interview elsewhere in the wake of Mike Smith‘s firing. Prior to his three-year stint with the Falcons, Koetter served as the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator from 2007 through 2011.

The Bucs are happy to have their man, but Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan probably isn’t too happy to see him go, as Jason Cole of Bleacher Report tweets.

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