2017 January - Pro Football Rumors

Baalke Blocked 49ers From Drafting Dak Prescott

January 2nd, 2017 at 10:43am CST by Zachary Links

This probably didn’t help Trent Baalke‘s case in San Francisco. Apparently, Chip Kelly and others within the organization wanted to draft Dak Prescott last spring but Baalke didn’t pull the trigger, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). Ultimately, that was one of the final straws for Baalke and he was fired after a dreadful 2-14 season.

Of course, it was the Cowboys who drafted Prescott in the fourth round and he has put together a jaw-dropping rookie campaign. Through 17 weeks of regular season action, Prescott appears to be the best QB in his class, ahead of No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff, No. 2 overall pick Carson Wentz, and first round pick Paxton Lynch. Pro Football Focus has Prescott ranked as the 12th best QB in the NFL for the 2016 season, ahead of notables like Ryan Tannehill, Alex Smith, Andy Dalton, Ben Roethlisberger, Cam Newton, and Philip Rivers. Colin Kaepernick, meanwhile, earned a poor overall grade of 61.9, placing him 27th amongst qualified QBs. After watching Prescott throw for 3,667 yards and 23 touchdowns against just four interceptions, 49ers ownership couldn’t help but wonder how different things would have been if Baalke was on board with the Mississippi St. product.

The 49ers had multiple opportunities to grab Prescott, but instead they are entering the offseason with no clear answer at the position. Blaine Gabbert and Kaepernick fizzled this year and the No. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft might not help their quarterback dilemma considering the dearth of quality QBs. UNC’s Mitch Trubisky is widely considered to be the best signal caller in this year’s unimpressive crop.

49ers Targeting Tom Cable, Others For HC Job

January 2nd, 2017 at 9:56am CST by Zachary Links

Josh McDaniels isn’t the only candidate on the 49ers’ list. The team is also looking to bring in Seahawks offensive line coach Tom Cable, Bills interim head coach Anthony Lynn, Jaguars interim coach Doug Marrone, and Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, according to CSNBayArea.com’s Matt Maiocco.

The Jets interviewed Cable for their head coaching vacancy before the 2015 season, but he did not receive any interviews last offseason. Cable, of course, offers head coaching experience after nearly three years at the helm in Oakland. From 2008-2010, the Raiders went 17-27 under Cable and never finished higher than third in the AFC West.

Meanwhile, the top GM candidates right now are Patriots director of player personnel Nick Caserio, Chiefs director of player personnel Chris Ballard, ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, Vikings assistant GM George Paton, and Seahawks co-player personnel directors Trent Kirchner and Scott Fitterer.

CEO Jed York and executive vice president of football operations Paraag Marathe are leading the search to fill both vacancies. After witnessing years of discord between former coach Jim Harbaugh and former GM Trent Baalke (and perhaps some disagreement between Baalke and recent ex-coach Chip Kelly), the 49ers may opt for a ready-made GM/coach combo like McDaniels and Caserio. McDaniels appears to be one of the hottest coaching candidates on the market this offseason and Caserio has been viewed as a rising front office star for the last couple of years.

Gary Kubiak Steps Down As Broncos Coach

January 2nd, 2017 at 9:30am CST by Dallas Robinson

Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak has informed his players that he is retiring, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Kubiak confirmed the news via press release today.

“As I told our team last night, this is an extremely difficult decision to step down as head coach,” Kubiak said in the release. “I love to work and I love football, but ultimately the demands of the job are no longer a good fit for me. I gave everything I had to this team the last two seasons, but this year, in particular, has been tough on me. As hard as it is to leave this position, I know that it’s the best thing for myself, my family and the Denver Broncos.”

Although the 2016 season didn’t go as expected, Kubiak’s run in Denver can’t be considered anything other than a success. After joining the Broncos prior to the 2015 season, Kubiak led Denver to a Super Bowl victory in the first season a four-year deal. Quarterback Peyton Manning retired following the season, forcing the Broncos to turn to Trevor Siemian, and Denver wasn’t able to reach the postseason again, finishing third in the AFC West with a 9-7 record.

Health concerns are reportedly playing a major factor in Kubiak’s decision to step away. As the Texans head coach in 2013, Kubiak suffered a mini-stroke during a game, and earlier this season, Kubiak missed a contest while dealing with migraine issues. Kubiak’s family would prefer if Kubiak steps away from the game altogether, although there’s no indication if he intends to do so. The press release does not mention the word “retirement.”

If this is the end of Kubiak’s career as a head coach, Kubiak finishes with an 82-75 regular season record, a 5-2 postseason mark, and one Super Bowl win.

Rams Ask To Interview Doug Marrone

January 2nd, 2017 at 9:21am CST by Zachary Links

The Rams are requesting permission to interview Jaguars’ interim head coach Doug Marrone for their own head coaching job, a source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

It’s not an automatic that the Jaguars will grant L.A.’s request since Marrone is a candidate to take over as head coach. Marrone had dinner with owner Shad Khan recently to discuss the job and a second meeting is likely on the horizon, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Khan has consulted with a number of people about the matter and one Super Bowl-winning coach advised him to promote Marrone (Twitter link).

The Rams are said to be looking to make a splashy hire, and Marrone may be a longshot in a search that will include 8-10 candidates in total. At minimum, however, the request could ratchet up the pressure on Khan and help Marrone’s case for taking over as head coach in Jacksonville.

Reportedly, if Sean Payton and the Saints part ways, Marrone will be in the mix for that job as well.

RELATED:

Rams To Interview Sean McVay

January 2nd, 2017 at 9:10am CST by Zachary Links

In a league that is continually going younger on the field, the Rams might take that trend to the sidelines and hire a babyfaced coach. Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay, who is still just 30 years old, will interview with the Rams this week, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. That meeting will likely go down on Thursday, according to Albert Breer of NFL.com (on Twitter).

McVay is widely credited with developing Kirk Cousins into a top quarterback and the Rams are eyeing him as someone who could help groom Jared Goff into a franchise guy. Cousins himself has praised McVay for his leadership skills and offensive knowledge.

“I could be here a long time talking about Sean’s help in my development and his ability to call plays for our offense and lead our offense,” Cousins said in August. “In the 2015 offseason I was coming off a year when I had been benched halfway through and was going into the next year with the chance to really only compete as a backup. I was a little disappointed with that and Sean was a great encourager through that process, challenging me to stay the course. I think his belief in me and his support and his encouragement was what enabled me to eventually have the opportunities that I had.”

Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is also a likely interview candidate for Los Angeles, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. All in all, the Rams are expected to interview 8-10 candidates.

RELATED:

McDaniels To Interview With Rams, Jags, 49ers

January 2nd, 2017 at 8:39am CST by Zachary Links

Josh McDaniels is a popular man. As the Patriots offensive coordinator gears up for the playoffs, he’ll interview for three vacancies towards the end of this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The Rams, Jaguars, and 49ers will all speak with the highly sought after coaching candidate.

Over the weekend, we learned that all three teams reached out McDaniels and we now have confirmation that he will meet with all three. McDaniels is reportedly likely to take a head coaching job this offseason and each of these openings have their perks. The Rams job could be particularly appealing for the Pats’ OC, provided that he has a high opinion of quarterback Jared Goff. McDaniels could instead prefer the idea of resurrecting Blake Bortles‘ career or starting fresh with a quarterback of his choosing in San Francisco.

Last week, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen wrote that McDaniels is not a likely fit for the Jaguars. Regardless, Jacksonville will meet with him this week since this could be the last chance for all interested teams to meet with McDaniels if the Patriots reach the Super Bowl.

2017 NFL Draft Order

January 2nd, 2017 at 8:04am CST by Zachary Links

The Browns almost blew it yesterday. In the regular season finale, the Browns took the Steelers to overtime before ultimately losing 27-24. Had they won, the Browns would have been picking at No. 2 instead of the top position. Meanwhile, the Jaguars nearly slipped to No. 5, but they held their ground in the draft order when they lost 24-20 to the Colts. Phew.

The playoffs will help determine the bottom 12 picks, but the draft order has now been set for most of the NFL. Here is the list, with ties being broken by strength of schedule:

1. Browns (1-15)

2. 49ers (2-14)

3. Bears (3-13)

4. Jaguars (3-13)

5. Titans (via the 4-12 Rams)

6. Jets (5-11)

7. Chargers (5-11)

8. Panthers (6-10)

9. Bengals (6-9-1)

10. Bills (7-9)

11. Saints (7-9)

12. Browns (via the 7-9 Eagles)

13. Cardinals (7-8-1)

T-14. Eagles (via the 8-8 Minnesota Vikings)

T-14. Colts (8-8) (Note: The Vikings and Colts have identical records and the same strength of schedule. The tie will be broke by coin flip with the winner getting pick No. 14 and the other team getting the No. 15 pick.)

16. Ravens (8-8)

17. Redskins (8-7-1)

18. Titans (9-7)

19. Buccaneers (9-7)

20. Broncos (9-7)

Rams To Pursue Sean Payton Trade

January 1st, 2017 at 10:31pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

Saints head coach Sean Payton reportedly has “sincere interest” in the Rams’ vacancy, and it appears the feeling is mutual. Los Angeles is likely to ask the Saints for their permission to speak with Payton during the upcoming week, reports Larry Holder of NOLA.com. Now, having just completed their third straight 7-9 season, the Saints would be open to trading Payton, a source told Holder.

If Saints general manager Mickey Loomis does deal Payton, it’s doubtful he’d seek a significant return. The Tom Benson-owned franchise would instead be content with freeing up the $40MM remaining on Payton’s contract. New Orleans hasn’t gotten bang for its buck from Payton lately, as it has missed the playoffs in four of the past five seasons.

Despite the Saints’ recent struggles, Payton’s tenure in the Big Easy has been a resounding success. The 53-year-old has led the team to a 94-65 record and five playoff berths in 10 seasons, and the crowning achievement during his run with the Saints is their Super Bowl victory to cap off the 2009 campaign. Of course, Payton also missed the 2012 season – in which New Orleans went 7-9 – after NFL commissioner Roger Goodell suspended him for his role in the Bountygate scandal.

Going forward, Payton’s commitment to the Saints is clearly up in the air. The offensive guru refused to provide any useful answers Sunday to reporters who asked him about status, instead replying, “Next question.” He also met with Loomis after the Saints’ season-ending loss to the Falcons to discuss his future, according to Holder. It now seems that future could be in Los Angeles, which would represent a homecoming for the California native.

RELATED:

Three Teams Reach Out To Josh McDaniels

January 1st, 2017 at 10:02pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

As the AFC’s top seed, the 14-2 Patriots will be on a bye during the first week of the playoffs, but offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be busy. Three teams with head coaching vacancies – the Rams, 49ers and Jaguars – have reached out to the 40-year-old, reports Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com (Twitter link). It’s unclear if McDaniels will interview with any of those teams, but the upcoming week will be his last chance for a while if the Patriots advance to the Super Bowl.

McDaniels is reportedly likely to take a head coaching job this offseason, which would mean doing so for the second time in his career. He was previously atop the Broncos from 2009-10, but they went just 11-17 on his watch despite starting 6-0. McDaniels has rebuilt his stock in his second stint as the Patriots’ O-coordinator, though, and could be on his way to securing a fifth Super Bowl ring as an assistant.

Of the clubs showing interest in the quarterback guru, San Francisco is the only one without a recent first-round pick under center. The 49ers might not have an answer at quarterback on their roster at all, depending on what happens with Colin Kaepernick, though they are armed with the second pick in the 2017 draft and a boatload of cap space.

The Rams, meanwhile, have last year’s No. 1 overall selection, Jared Goff, who struggled in six games as a rookie. Jacksonille’s Blake Bortles hasn’t lived up to his draft status (third overall, 2014), but it’s possible he’d realize his potential under McDaniels. In the event McDaniels is bearish on him, the Jags wouldn’t force him to stick with Bortles.

49ers Dismiss Trent Baalke, Chip Kelly

January 1st, 2017 at 8:39pm CST by Connor J. Byrne

The 49ers have fired general manager Trent Baalke and head coach Chip Kelly, per a team announcement.

“Despite my feelings for Trent and Chip, I felt the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary,” said CEO Jed York.

Baalke confirmed earlier Sunday that the team had let him go after a six-year run as its GM, while ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Kelly would also exit as part of “widespread changes” for the franchise.

Kelly, unlike Baalke, had neither a long nor remotely successful tenure with the 49ers. The offensive mind took over for the fired Jim Tomsula last winter and ultimately fared even worse than his predecessor, who guided San Francisco to a 5-11 finish in his lone year on the job. Under Kelly, the Niners amassed a paltry two wins – both of which came against the NFC West rival Rams. Kelly’s fast-paced offense was a major part of the problem, as the unit entered Sunday ranked 24th in DVOA, 27th in scoring and 29th in yardage.

Given his struggles in Philadelphia, where taking control over the roster led to his downfall, and San Francisco, it’s possible the 53-year-old Kelly’s days as an NFL coach are over. Kelly parlayed a 46-7 stretch at Oregon from 2009-12 into the Eagles’ head coaching job, which began in promising fashion. However, after back-to-back 10-win campaigns in 2013 and ’14, the Eagles sputtered to 6-9 in 2015 and let Kelly go with one week remaining in the season. He quickly landed in San Francisco, but his disastrous reign in the Bay Area leaves him with a 28-35 mark in nearly four full seasons in the pros. While Kelly denied interest in a potential return to the college ranks in October, that will likely be his next stop.

As for the 49ers, with Baalke and Kelly in the rear-view mirror, they’ll embark on an “exhaustive” search for a new GM and head coach, per FOX Sports’ Peter Schrager (Twitter link). The next regime will take over a club that’s set to pick second in this year’s draft. Further adding to the allure of both positions is that the 49ers should have upward of $85MM in cap room, as Joel Corry of CBS Sports notes (Twitter link).