HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

Coaching Rumors: Cowboys, Falcons, Jets

January 16th, 2018 at 7:56pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Former Cowboys linebackers coach Matt Eberflus will reportedly become the Colts’ next defensive coordinator under presumptive head coach Josh McDaniels, but Dallas was willing to promote Eberflus to DC in order to retain him, according to Todd Archer of ESPN.com. The Cowboys would have named current defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli assistant head coach, paving the way for Ebeflus to become the club’s new defensive play-caller. But Eberflus “did not want to step on the toes” of Marinelli, per Archer, and therefore decided to head to Indianapolis.

Here’s more from the 2018 coaching carousel:

  • The Falcons are interviewing former UCLA offensive coordinator/interim head coach Jedd Fisch and longtime NFL coach Greg Knapp for their quarterback coach position, per Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link) and Alex Marvez of the Sporting News (Twitter link). Fisch, 41, has served in both the collegiate and pro ranks over the past 20 years. In the NFL, Fisch was the Jaguars’ offensive coordinator from 2013-14, and has also worked for the Texans, Ravens, Broncos, and Seahawks, mostly as a quarterbacks or wide receivers coach. Knapp, meanwhile, has coordinated offenses for the 49ers, Falcons, Raiders (two stints), and Seahawks, but was most recently the Broncos’ QBs coach from 2013-16.
  • Now that he’s been passed over for a promotion to Packers defensive coordinator, cornerbacks coach Darren Perry is interviewing to become the Texans‘ secondary coach, according to Marvez (Twitter link). Perry, who’s worked in Green Bay since 2009, would replace John Butler, who was fired by Houston earlier this month. One of three internal candidates to replace former Packers DC Dom Capers, Perry could now leave Green Bay given that Mike Pettine is leading the club’s defense. However, Perry isn’t a lock to defect from the Packers, per Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, while Texans assistant defensive backs coach Anthony Midget is also in the running for Houston’s secondary coach job, tweets John McClain of the Houston Chronicle.
  • The Buccaneers have exercised their 2018 club options for each of their assistant coaches, reports Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times (Twitter link). That should come as no surprise, given that Tampa Bay made the relatively surprising decision to retain head coach Dirk Koetter. However, there could be several “tweaks” to the Buccaneers’ coaching staff, per Stroud, although it’s unclear what those changes might entail. Koetter is signed through the 2020 campaign, while general manager Jason Licht recently had his 2018 option picked up.
  • Assistant defensive backs coach Daylon McCutcheon will not return to the Jets in 2018, sources tell Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News. McCutcheon, who worked in New York for the past two seasons, will leave the club in order to move closer to his family on the West Coast, per Mehta.

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/16/18

January 16th, 2018 at 7:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

Here are the latest reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2018 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters:

Atlanta Falcons

New Orleans Saints

Pittsburgh Steelers

Titans Interested In Eagles OC Frank Reich?

January 16th, 2018 at 6:44pm CST by Dallas Robinson

One additional name could potentially be added to the Titans’ head coaching search, as Eagles offensive coordinator Frank Reich is a “possibility” for the position, according to Terry McCormick of TitansInsider.com (Twitter link).Frank Reich (Vertical)

To be clear, there is no report as of yet that Tennessee has requested a meeting with Reich. But as general manager Jon Robinson & Co. expand their search to replace Mike Mularkey, they could place Reich on a list of interviewees that already includes Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, Rams offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, and Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

After helping lead a Philadelphia offense which ranked third in scoring, seventh in yards, and eighth in DVOA, Reich was expected to garner head coaching interest this offseason, but he’s yet to receive a single interview request. It was a similar story last year, when Reich was thought to have a meeting lined up regarding the Bills open HC job, but never formally spoke with the club. Reich last interviewed for head coaching vacancies in 2015 when he met with both Buffalo and New York.

The 56-year-old Reich, who is perhaps best known for leading the Bills offense back from a 32-point deficit in a 1993 playoff game, has worked as an NFL coach since 2008. After spending time with the Colts and Cardinals, Reich was the Chargers’ offensive coordinator from 2014-15 before joining the Eagles the following year.

Colts Expected To Hire Jake Peetz As OC

January 16th, 2018 at 5:44pm CST by Dallas Robinson

When Josh McDaniels officially accepts the Colts’ head coaching job (something he’s fully expected to do once the Patriots’ postseason run concludes), he intends to hire Raiders quarterbacks coach Jake Peetz as Indianapolis’ next offensive coordinator, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com (Twitter link).Jake Peetz (Vertical)

[RELATED: 2018 NFL Coordinator Tracker]

While McDaniels is still in coaching limbo for the time being, his numerous years in the NFL have allowed him to quickly formulate a coaching staff. Peetz isn’t the only presumptive hire that McDaniels has made with an eye towards the Colts job, as Tom Pelissero of NFL.com reported Monday that Indianapolis is also expected to bring in Cowboys linebackers coach Matt Eberflus as the club’s new defensive play-caller.

Peetz, 34, doesn’t figure to run the Colts’ offense, as McDaniels has made his name in the NFL by calling offensive plays. Still, Peetz — who spent only one season as the QBs coach in Oakland — figures to work closely with Indianapolis quarterback Andrew Luck, prepare a weekly gameplan, and help install the Colts’ new offensive scheme.

Peetz has worked his way through the collegiate and NFL ranks in fairly short order, as he was working as a safeties/strength coach as recently as 2006. He was subsequently employed by the Jaguars as both as a scout and an offensive assistant before spending time with the University of Alabama, the Redskins, and — most recently — the Raiders.

Seahawks Fire DC Kris Richard

January 16th, 2018 at 5:17pm CST by Dallas Robinson

In a move that should come as no surprise given that the Seahawks hired a new defensive coordinator in Ken Norton Jr. on Monday, Seattle has fired ex-DC Kris Richard, the club announced today. The Seahawks also parted ways with assistant head coach/linebackers Michael Barrow.Kris Richard (vertical)

Reports last week indicated that Seattle was prepared to move on from Richard, with head coach Pete Carroll reportedly suggesting Richard should develop further as a coach elsewhere. Richard is clearly held in high regard throughout the NFL, as he garnered a head coaching interview with the Colts earlier this month. Indianapolis is closing in on Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels as its next head coach, so Richard won’t have a viable opportunity with the Colts going forward.

Richard could conceivably receive further interest as a head coach from other clubs, but it seems unlikely that teams will add a new candidate to their respective searches at this late stage. More likely, Richard will have the chance to resurface as a defensive coordinator with another team. As PFR’s 2018 Coordinator Tracker shows, there are currently no DC vacancies around the league, but a few more spots should open as new head coaches are hired.

Richard, 38, was named Seattle’s defensive coordinator in 2015 after spending five years as a defensive assistant with the club. While directing the Legion of Boom, Richard helped the Seahawks finish fourth, fifth, and 13th in DVOA in his three years as play-caller. That dip in 2017 coincided with a number of injuries on the defensive side of the ball, but may have also convinced Carroll & Co. to bring in a fresh voice.

Seattle has committed to a fresh start from a coaching standpoint, as the club has now fired its top four assistants, including two from each unit: Richard and Barrow on defense, plus offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and assistant head coach/offensive line Tom Cable.

Steelers, Mike Hilton Agree To Extension

January 16th, 2018 at 4:33pm CST by Zachary Links

The Steelers announced that cornerback Mike Hilton has agreed to a one-year extension. Hilton was scheduled to be an exclusive rights free agent in March, meaning that he was likely to be back on a one-year deal anyway. The move is something of a formality, though it does speak to his increased importance to the team. Mike Hilton (vertical)

[RELATED: Todd Haley’s Contract With Steelers Expires]

Hilton served as Pittsburgh’s primary nickel cornerback in 2018 and played in more than 58% of the team’s snaps. He was productive in that role, amassing 64 tackles, four sacks (three of which came in the Steelers’ late season win over the Texans), two picks, and one forced fumble. Hilton ranked as the 27th best corner in the NFL last year, per Pro Football Focus’ metrics, and placed higher than teammates Artie Burns (44th) and Joe Haden (52nd).

Fellow would-be ERFAs Xavier Grimble and Kameron Canaday also inked one-year extensions with the Steelers this week.

Falcons To Retain OC Steve Sarkisian

January 16th, 2018 at 3:57pm CST by Zachary Links

Despite some iffy play-calling decisions in 2017, Steve Sarkisian is expected to return as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator in 2018, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link). Steve Sarkisian (Vertical)

This news doesn’t come as a huge shock, particularly after head coach Dan Quinn shot down the notion of Sarkisian being a candidate for the Seahawks’ OC vacancy back when it was still open. Still, the Falcons offense appeared to take a step back under his watch. In 2016, Matt Ryan won the MVP trophy under Kyle Shanahan‘s guidance and the Falcons put up 415.8 yards and 33.8 poins per contest. This past season, Ryan regressed and the team averaged less than 365 yards per game with 22.1 points each week. The Falcons went 0-7 in games in which they failed to score 20 points, making Sarkisian a target for criticism.

Despite the wishes of some Atlanta fans, Sarkisian will don the headset for a second season. From the sound of Rapoport’s report, that could be made official in a year-end press conference this week.

Drew Brees Not Planning To Test Market

January 16th, 2018 at 3:36pm CST by Zachary Links

Drew Brees is scheduled to reach free agency in March and could potentially cash in on the open market. However, Brees sounds inclined to sign a new deal with the Saints before the new league year begins on March 14. Drew Brees (vertical)

“I’m not in the mood to make anything secretive,” Brees said. “It’s the same way I felt two days ago. It’s the same way I felt 12 years ago. That is that I’ll be here as long as they’ll have me, hopefully.”

Few expected Brees to leave the Saints this offseason, but it’s surprising to hear Brees dismiss the idea of at least testing free agency. If Brees signs an extension without collecting offers from suitors, he could be leaving significant money on the table. Then again, Brees already has nearly $200MM in NFL earnings to his credit, so getting top dollar is not a priority for him. Instead, it sounds like Brees – who turned 39 on Monday – would prefer to return to the Saints for a shot at another Super Bowl ring without uprooting his family.

The Super Bowl XLIV MVP could have been in line for another championship appearance if not for last week’s Minneapolis Miracle. Brees had another spectacular season in 2017, finishing out with a league-high 72.0% completion rate and 7.53 yards per passing attempt. After earning his eleventh career Pro Bowl nod, the veteran is showing no signs of slowing down.

Todd Haley’s Contract With Steelers Expires

January 16th, 2018 at 12:35pm CST by Zachary Links

Todd Haley‘s contract with the Steelers has expired, according to Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. As Bouchette explains, the team does not typically allow a coach’s contract to lapse if they intend to keep him, so this could indeed be the end of his time as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. 

Haley is reportedly at odds with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and his off-the-field behavior probably doesn’t help matters. This season, Roethlisberger requested that QBs coach Randy Fichtner coach from the sidelines instead of the press box so that he can provide a buffer between him and Haley. Although the Steelers have enjoyed great success with Haley as the OC, this could be the offseason that they go in a different direction.

Fichtner has been with the team since 2007 and has served as the QBs coach for the last eight seasons, so he could be a candidate for the position if Haley is pushed out the door. His relationship with Big Ben could also help his case.

The Steelers have not allowed a coordinator’s contract to lapse without an extension since after the 2011 season. In that instance, Bruce Arians was nudged out the door in what was referred to as a “retirement.”

 

Cardinals To Interview Munchak, DeFilippo Again

January 16th, 2018 at 12:05pm CST by Zachary Links

The Cardinals are bringing Mike Munchak back in for a second interview, according to Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (Twitter link). The team is also expected to speak with Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo for a second time once Philly’s season is over, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Mike Munchak (vertical)

Munchak, the Steelers offensive line coach, first interviewed with Arizona on January 7. He went just 22-26 in three seasons as the Titans’ head coach, but he impressed in his initial meeting with the Cardinals and also made a strong impression on the Giants before they landed on Pat Shurmur as their likely hire.

DeFilippo helped mold Carson Wentz into one of the league’s top young quarterbacks and, under his guidance, the team has stayed afloat with Nick Foles under center. With uncertainty at QB, the Cardinals are intrigued by DeFilippo’s ability to groom an up-and-coming star – and his ability to work with secondary options. Although defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz holds a higher title and is also interviewing for HC jobs, it appears that DeFilippo is a stronger candidate around the league.

As shown on PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, nine candidates have interviewed for the Cardinals job. With Shurmur and Patricia likely spoken for, there are seven coaches still in play, but Munchak and DeFilippo appear to be the frontrunners.

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