Two years ago, Josh McDaniels had assistants ready to follow him to the Colts. Multiple staffers did so, even though the Patriots assistant backed out of the agreement. This time around, McDaniels looks to have a staff lined up again. McDaniels is now “very much ready” to leave New England, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, adding that the longtime Patriots play-caller has Redskins OC Kevin O’Connell and Colts defensive backs coach Jonathan Gannon set to be key players on his staff (should McDaniels accept a job if offered). The Redskins are interested in retaining O’Connell, their offensive coordinator this season, but his NFL years began as a quarterback under McDaniels during the latter’s first stint as Patriots OC. Gannon joined the Colts’ staff in 2018. Like McDaniels, Gannon is a Cleveland-area native. He was a scout with the Rams during McDaniels’ one season in St. Louis.
McDaniels is the frontrunner for the Browns job. He will interview with the Panthers on Tuesday, the Giants on Wednesday and the Browns on Friday, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
Here is the latest from the coaching carousel:
- Matt Rhule had issues with the Jets attempting to overrule him on staff decisions, but Ralph Vacchiano of SNY notes the Giants would not do the same. The Giants would let Rhule select his assistants, and the Baylor HC is believed to have candidates in place to follow him to New York if hired. Former Giants assistant and current Lions QBs coach Sean Ryan and Baylor defensive coordinator Phil Snow are believed to be Rhule’s coordinator choices should he land either the Giants’ or Panthers’ HC jobs, Vacchiano reports. Ryan, 47, held a key role with the Texans from 2017-18 but was with the Giants for nine years, including in 2012, when Rhule was on staff. Snow, 64, has been Rhule’s DC at Temple and Baylor. He coached with the Lions from 2005-08.
- Had the Jets hired Rhule last year, Jets management would have insisted Gregg Williams be attached as defensive coordinator, per Vacchiano. Previous GM Mike Maccagnan also had an issue with Ryan bringing brought aboard as OC. Ryan ended up in Detroit instead.
- As for Giants incumbent defensive coordinator James Bettcher, the front office was not exactly pleased with his game management nor were Giants brass happy with the entire defensive staff, Vacchiano adds. Lacking in talent and depth at linebacker and cornerback, the Giants ranked 31st in pass-defense DVOA. Bettcher’s better-stocked defensive front, however, produced the No. 7 run-defense DVOA figure.
- Not only is Mike McCarthy a fan of 30-year-old Cowboys OC Kellen Moore, Jerry Jones spoke of his desire to keep the young coordinator on staff in each of the Cowboys’ interviews, Breer notes. The Cowboys promoted Moore to OC last year, and Dak Prescott had by far his best season as a passer under the former Dallas quarterback’s guidance.
- The Falcons will not retain passing-game coordinator/defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson, according to The Athletic’s Jason Butt (on Twitter). Henderson has been with the Falcons since 2016. Additionally, the Falcons interviewed Joe Whitt for their secondary coach position, Butt notes. Whitt spent the 2007 season as Atlanta’s assistant DBs coach before being on Green Bay’s staff for the next 10 seasons. He coached the Browns’ DBs under Freddie Kitchens.
I believe is Mike McCarthy keeping Kellen Moore is a smart move. Moore wasn’t much of a quarterback in the league but he might just be the next big thing when it comes to coaching.
I heard that before with Jason Garrett.
Kellen Moore was in way over his head as OC. Experienced DCs dominated him this year.
Agreed
Kellen Moore lost the cowboys multiple games this year by either refusing to run the ball or running it in the worst spots possible. Dak padded his stats against the bottom of the NFL…..I dont know what everyone sees in him.
Looking/feeling more and more like McDaniels is coming to Cleveland.
I really don’t have an opinion on this. First time in several coaching changes that I don’t. Maybe that’s a good sign?
So Browns had Belichick and fired him before he started his greatness.
But McDaniels wouldn’t be first time they went to the well. Anyone remember Mangini?
Romeo Crennel says hi
I like McDaniels in NY maybe Carolina but he shouldn’t touch the kryptonite that is the CLE job
If McDaniels has to leave there’s a part of me that hopes he goes to the Browns. That would be his best chance at failure, which would likely mean him ending up back in NE where he belongs
You want him to fail? that’s sad
I generally hope for other teams to fail. That’s kind of part of the whole competitive nature of sports. Someone’s got to and I hope it’s everyone else. Outside of sports I wish him and everyone well. But this is a competition and only one can be the best
You’re trash
That’s pathetic
No that’s you man. I’m glad your the moral police
Jkurk so sad for you
You cry all you want buddy
If it’s Cleveland for Josh, I can’t wait to see him install ‘Do your job!’ with those egomaniacs!
Panthers would like be the best for job security. Think the new owner would bond with McDaniels well. Cleveland Browns would be nice given their talent + being his home state, but I don’t trust management there.