2016 January - Pro Football Rumors

Browns Hire Ray Horton, Other Coaches

January 22nd, 2016 at 8:49am CST by Connor J. Byrne

FRIDAY, 8:49am: The Browns have officially confirmed the hiring of Horton as the team’s defensive coordinator, along with the other moves noted below and a few more. Here’s the full list of coaches and titles announced today by the team:

Ray Horton, defensive coordinator
Pep Hamilton, associate head coach/offense
Al Saunders, offensive assistant/wide receivers
Kirby Wilson, running backs/run game coordinator
Hal Hunter, offensive line
Mark Hudson, assistant offensive line
Greg Seamon, tight ends
Bob Saunders, offensive quality control
Shawn Mennenga, special teams assistant
Stan Watson, special teams quality control

WEDNESDAY, 7:32pm: In addition to naming Saunders, Hamilton and Wilson to his offensive staff, Jackson has hired Hal Hunter as his O-line coach, Breer tweets. Hunter had been the Colts’ assistant O-line coach since 2013. He was at the helm of the Chargers’ line from 2006-12.

5:08pm: The Browns’ Hue Jackson-led coaching staff is rounding into form. Jackson has hired Ray Horton as his defensive coordinator, reports Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com (Twitter link).

Additionally, the Browns have addressed their offensive staff by hiring Al Saunders as a senior assistant, according to Cabot (Twitter link), Pep Hamilton as assistant head coach/offense and Kirby Wilson as their running game coordinator (Twitter links via ESPN’s Josina Anderson).

The last few days have been a whirlwind for Horton, who appeared likely to join the Browns before a report came out that he was negotiating a contract extension with the Titans – whose defensive he coordinated over the last two seasons. However, the extension didn’t come to fruition and Horton interviewed with the Browns to become their new D-coordinator on Tuesday. Horton is familiar with Cleveland, having coordinated its defense to a top 10 ranking in 2013. Before that, he worked in the same capacity in Arizona from 2011-12. Horton’s defense in Tennessee finished 12th overall in 2015-16, but the team seemingly marginalized his role in the offseason when it hired Dick LeBeau as an assistant head coach. LeBeau was given “complete control” of the defense, and Horton had to report to him during the season as a result. Horton has already put in requests to bring some of the Titans’ defensive coaches to Cleveland, according to Cabot (Twitter link), as he tries to improve a Browns ‘D’ that finished 27th in the league in 2015-16.

Jackson and Saunders have a working relationship that dates back to the 2009 season, when both were with the Ravens. Saunders was also on Jackson’s staff when Jackson was the Raiders’ head coach in 2011. This is the fourth decade in which Saunders has worked as an offensive assistant at the NFL level. The 68-year-old spent this season on the Dolphins’ staff and has been an offensive coordinator with four different teams. While the Browns will value Saunders’ input, Jackson will call the plays.

Hamilton was the Colts’ O-coordinator from 2013 until this past November, when they fired him after their third-ranked attack in 2014 regressed significantly. Part of his duties in Cleveland will entail working with quarterbacks, tweets Albert Breer of NFL.com. Cabot reports (via Twitter) that he’ll be the Browns’ passing game coordinator. The 41-year-old has plenty of experience in that realm, having coached QBs with the Jets (2004), 49ers (2006) and Bears (2007-09) at the pro level.

Prior to joining the Browns, Wilson worked with running backs for six different NFL organizations since 1997, having spent the last three years in Minnesota. The Vikings attempted to keep Wilson, according to ESPN’s Ben Goessling, but the expiration of his contract enabled him to land a promotion with the Browns.

Dallas Robinson contributed to this report. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Colts’ Sio Moore Arrested

January 21st, 2016 at 10:09pm CST by Ben Levine

Colts linebacker Sio Moore was arrested in Indianapolis on Thursday evening for reckless driving, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department (via TheIndyChannel.com). An officer said the 25-year-old was weaving in and out of traffic while driving at least 100 miles per hour.

Moore, a third-round pick in 2013, spent his first two season with the Raiders, where he started 22 of 26 games. The linebacker was traded to the Colts in September for a sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft, and he ended up playing in 12 games for Indy. The former UConn standout finished 2015 with 13 tackles, and he’s compiled 153 tackles, 7.5 sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles in his three-year career.

Moore will be entering the final season of his four-year, $3MM rookie contract. The linebacker is set to make just over $700K next season, but if the Colts want to move on from him, they can easily cut bait, as the contract won’t leave any dead money — that dead money remains on Oakland’s cap.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Extra Points: Hickey, Jaguars, Winslow, Flacco

January 21st, 2016 at 9:48pm CST by Ben Levine

Former Dolphins general manager Dennis Hickey interviewed to be the Browns Vice President of Player Personnel, reports Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer (via Twitter). Miami had parted ways with Hickey earlier this month.

Earlier today, we learned Sashi Brown and Paul DePodesta were seeking a personnel executive for their front office, although they weren’t going to label the position “general manager.” Hickey would presumably be up for that role, as the 44-year-old has spent more than two decades in NFL front offices.

Cabot tweets that former Eagles Director of Pro Personnel Rick Mueller is also on the Browns’ radar for the same position, and former Lions general manager Martin Mayhew is also reportedly a candidate for the job.

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

The Jaguars will be promoting Mark Ellenz to their director of college scouting, reports Ryan O’Halloran of The Florida Times-Union (via Twitter). Ellenz will be replacing Kyle O’Brien, who became the Lions Director of Player Personnel last week.
After having caught 469 passes for 5,236 yards and 25 touchdowns, Kellen Winslow II hasn’t played in an NFL game since 2013. However, a recent tweet by the 32-year-old suggests that the tight end is looking to make a comeback. “I’m putting my life’s work into this comeback. #LoveDaGame #NFL,” Winslow tweeted. Furthermore, a representative for the player told TMZ.com that the former first-rounder is attempting a comeback (via Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com).
Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco is signed through 2018, and his cap number won’t dip below $24MM over the next few seasons. The veteran recognizes how this number could restrict his team’s ability to make moves, and he indicated that he may be willing to rework his contract. “We haven’t talked about it yet,” Flacco said on WBAL (via Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun on Twitter). “I know it’s a huge number. I’m open to doing something. I want to be here for a while.”

Mike Vrabel Turns Down 49ers, Will Stay With Texans

January 21st, 2016 at 9:23pm CST by Ben Levine

Texans linebackers coach Mike Vrabel is staying put. According to John Middlekauff of 95.7 The Game (via Twitter), Vrabel has turned down the 49ers offer to become the team’s next defensive coordinator, and he’ll be returning to Houston for the 2016 season.

Vrabel emerged as a contender for the job earlier this week, even after reports emerged that coach Chip Kelly was considering sticking with incumbent coordinator Eric Mangini. Middlekauff’s tweet indicates that the job was offered to Vrabel, so it will be interesting to see if the team now switches focus to Mangini or another candidate. As our own Luke Adams noted earlier this week, Vrabel was the first outside candidate to be connected to the gig.

The long-time Patriots linebacker joined the Texans coaching staff in 2014, and he’s seen success in his two years on the job. The Texans finished the regular season third in the league in total yards allowed, and their 19.6 points allowed per game ranked seventh. Furthermore, some players absolutely flourished under Vrabel’s watch, including Whitney Mercilus, who finished with 15 sacks. Prior to his tenure in Houston, Vrabel spent several seasons on the Ohio State coaching staff.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com wonders if Vrabel may have received a “wink-nod commitment” from Texans coach Bill O’Brien to become the team’s future defensive coordinator. Romeo Crennel currently holds the position, but the 68-year-old is presumably nearing the end of his coaching career.

Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle notes that Kelly’s Eagles never ranked higher than 28th in total defense during his three season in Philly. However, the 49ers new head coach was quick to dismiss the assumption that his fast-paced offense impacts his defensive unit.

“We get into the time of possession question and we’ve been in games where it was identical play snaps for us and our opponent,” Kelly said. “It was identical yardage for us and our opponent. It was identical first downs for us and our opponent. We won the game by seven, but they had the ball for 10 more minutes than we did.

“So all I learned is that they stand around better than we stand around. It’s still plays run. I’ve also never met a defense player that says, ‘Coach, I want you to possess the ball for the entire game so I don’t have to play.’”

Workout Updates: 1/21/16

January 21st, 2016 at 8:15pm CST by Ben Levine

Thursday’s workout news from around the NFL:

A pair of Montreal Alouettes cornerbacks auditioned for the Cowboys this week (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Facebook): Mitchell White (brother of Giants wideout Myles White) and Mycal Swaim (brother of Cowboys tight end Geoff Swaim). White had previously worked out for the Cardinals, while Swaim spent time in Buccaneers training camp.
The Seahawks auditioned four players today (via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle on Twitter): linebackers Curtis Grant and Zach Thompson and offensive linemen Ian Joseph and Julian Vandervelde.
The Browns tried out kicker Kyle Brindza, tweets ESPN’s Field Yates. The 23-year-old has spent time with the Buccaneers and Lions.
Yates also notes that running back Isaiah Pead visited the Vikings. The former second-round pick has compiled 78 rushing yards on 19 career attempts.

Coaching Notes: Bills, Browns, Titans, Cowboys

January 21st, 2016 at 7:06pm CST by Ben Levine

Kathryn Smith made history earlier this week, being named the Bills quality control-special teams coach. Today, she released a statement regarding the new gig (via Buffalo Bills PR on Twitter):

“I would like to thank Rex Ryan, Kim and Terry Pegula and the Buffalo Bills franchise for this opportunity.

“I am excited to continue to work with out special teams coordinator Danny Crossman, special teams assistant Eric Smith and our entire coaching staff and players as we prepare for the 2016 NFL season.

“The amount of attention generated from this announcement in the past 24 hours has been extraordinary, however, my focus remains on my job responsibilities and helping the team win.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for all their support. It’s a tremendous honor to become the first full-time female assistant coach in the National Football League and I appreciate Rex Ryan giving me this opportunity based on the merit of my work and commitment to this organization.”

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

Rob Ryan turned down “coordinating jobs” to join his brother, Rex, and the Bills, tweets Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News.
The Browns have hired former Titans defensive backs coach Louie Cioffi for the same coaching position, reports Alex Marvez of Fox Sports (via Twitter). Cioffi was on the Browns coaching staff in 2013.
There are some differing reports regarding the future of Titans assistant defensive line coach Nick Eason. Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports (via Twitter) that Eason will join the Browns in an unspecified role. However, Marvez tweets that Eason will instead by promoted by the Titans and become their defensive-line coach.
ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure hears that Cowboys secondary coach Jerome Henderson may be joining the Falcons coaching staff (Twitter link). Henderson will reportedly be in Atlanta tomorrow for an interview. McClure notes that while Atlanta’s current defensive backs coach, Marquand Manuel, interviewed to be the Jaguars defensive coordinator, it would appear he’s staying put.

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/21/16

January 21st, 2016 at 5:17pm CST by Ben Levine

Here are today’s reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL:

Cleveland Browns

Terrell Watson, RB (Twitter link via Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle)

Detroit Lions

Austin Willis, WR (via Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com on Twitter)

New England Patriots

James Vaughters, LB (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss on Twitter)

Philadelphia Eagles

Ross Scheuerman, RB (Twitter link via Eagles)

Panthers GM Talks Strategy, Offseason, Hardy

January 21st, 2016 at 4:33pm CST by Ben Levine

The Panthers are one victory away from their first Super Bowl appearance since 2003. A lot of this season’s success can be attributed to general manager Dave Gettleman. The team has made the playoffs in each of his first three seasons with the organization, and the executive’s shrewd offseason moves (including cutting bait with embattled star Greg Hardy) helped the team to a 15-1 regular season record.

Gettleman recently sat down with Alex Marvez of Fox Sports to discuss his team-building strategy, the logic behind his offseason moves, and the team’s reaction to the Hardy fiasco. The whole interview is worth reading, but we’ve pulled out some of the notable quotes below…

On what the front office looks for in draftees/potential free agent targets:

“I’ve never been on a team that’s had bad chemistry and gone to a Super Bowl.

“So we really look hard at character. We really do. It’s a big part of our draft, a big part of bringing in free agents. The other thing we do is tell them, “This is who we are. If you don’t want to be a part of this, it’s OK. It doesn’t make you a bad guy. It makes you a bad fit.” The cards are on the table, and everybody knows what’s expected. Everyone is held responsible.”

On the team’s main priorities last offseason:

“One of the things was more speed on special teams. Our cover units hurt us last year. There were a whole bunch of things going on. We had a ton of injuries so Colin Jones, who’s our ace on special teams, becomes our nickel (cornerback). Now he’s playing 40 snaps a game, so you’ve got to pull him off a couple of teams (units). We lost (fullback) Mike Tolbert, who’s a solid special teams guy, for eight games. There was a domino effect. So we went out and got (cornerback) Teddy Williams, who’s a really core teams guy, we drafted (linebacker) David Mayo and incorporated Joe Webb more. That’s one of the checked boxes.

“Another thing was the left tackle spot. It was an issue. Anybody who watched film could see that. We really investigated Michael (Oher). Believe me – he has not disappointed. That was big.

“I also wanted to get a young developmental tackle. We got him in Daryl (Williams). We wanted to get a young running back in here, and we got Cameron Artis-Payne. And on (special) teams, we got David Mayo and he’s done a great job for us. We didn’t reach for any of those guys.

I felt like we answered a lot of the questions we had. I answered the question before the season began that I thought this was the best roster we’ve had since I’ve been here.”

On how the front office and team dealt with last season’s Greg Hardy situation:

“It was an incredibly difficult time. We had reporters saying we didn’t handle it well and we should have to go to (domestic violence) training and whatever. I made the statement (to the media) after the season was over that there is no one in this room who is qualified to deal with that issue.

“It was tough on us; it was tough on the players. They didn’t understand what was going on. It wasn’t until his court case got pushed back from November to after the year that everybody said, “OK, he’s not coming back (from the commissioner exempt list).” Guys started to say, ‘If everybody does their job, we’ll be OK.”

Coach Notes: Giants, Texans, Bills, Titans

January 21st, 2016 at 4:01pm CST by Luke Adams

There aren’t many offensive or defensive coordinator jobs still available, as our tracker shows, but teams continue to tweak their coaching staffs in preparation for the 2016 season, interviewing and hiring position coaches and other assistants. Here are a few of Thursday’s updates on that front:

First-time head coach Ben McAdoo appears to be considering an assistant with head coaching experience for his staff. Per Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (via Twitter), the Giants interviewed former Niners head coach Mike Singletary today for their linebackers coach job.
On the other side of the ball, the Giants interviewed Packers assistant Mike Solari on Wednesday for their offensive line coach position, tweets Alex Marvez of FOX Sports. According to Marvez, Solari is a “strong candidate” to be added to McAdoo’s staff.
As expected, the Texans have hired former Ravens and Texans defensive lineman Anthony Weaver as their defensive line coach, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle. Weaver, who last played for Houston in 2008, will replace Paul Pasqualoni.
According to Marvez (via Twitter), the Bills are making Pat Meyer their assistant offensive line coach.
Marvez also reports (via Twitter) that the Titans have promoted Nick Eason from defensive line assistant to defensive line coach.
The Bengals announced three coaching moves today (via Twitter), re-assigning Robert Livingston as assistant defensive backs coach and adding Robert Couch and Dan Pitcher to their offensive staff.

Jaguars Promote Todd Wash To DC

January 21st, 2016 at 3:15pm CST by Luke Adams

The Jaguars conducted an extensive search for their new defensive coordinator, interviewing multiple outside candidates, but ultimately the team decided to stay in-house to fill the position. According to Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union (Twitter links), Jacksonville has promoted defensive line coach Todd Wash to DC, and will hold a press conference on Friday to announce the decision.

Wash, who came to the Jaguars in 2013 from the Seahawks, along with head coach Gus Bradley, has served as the defensive line coach for the team since then, and also had run game coordinator added to his title for the 2015 season.

Before making the decision to hire Wash to replace former defensive coordinator Bob Babich, the Jaguars looked into several outside options, bringing in Falcons secondary coach Marquand Manuel, Dolphins interim defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and Cowboys secondary coach Jerome Henderson for interviews.

The Jaguars also reportedly interviewed Jim Schwartz, and were one of at least three teams that had interest in him, along with the Browns and the Eagles. Schwartz landed in Philadelphia, and it’s not clear if he might have been Jacksonville’s pick if he hadn’t been hired by another team first.

In any case, Wash will take over a unit that finished 25th in the NFL in 2015 in yards allowed per game (375.0), and ranked 26th in terms of DVOA, per Football Outsiders. The new defensive coordinator will have the benefit of getting back Dante Fowler, the club’s 2015 first-round pick, whose rookie season was lost due to a torn ACL.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.