2021 January - Pro Football Rumors

Seahawks Extend GM John Schneider Through 2027

January 12th, 2021 at 1:05pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Seahawks locked up Pete Carroll with a long-term contract back in November, and now they’re doing the same with their front office head. The team has extended GM John Schneider, they announced Tuesday.

Schneider’s new deal will run all the way through the 2027 season, while Carroll’s is up after 2025. We had heard back on January 3rd that the Lions were planning on making a run at luring Schneider away to be their GM, as he only had one year left on his contract at the time. Needless to say, that won’t be happening. Schneider just wrapped up his 11th season as GM of the Seahawks, and he’s obviously had a very successful run.

He helped deliver Super Bowl XLVIII to the team, and of course hit the lottery by drafting Russell Wilson in the third-round. He also helped assemble the legendary ‘Legion of Boom’ defenses led by stars like Richard Sherman, Bobby Wagner, and Earl Thomas.

Carroll was hired before Schneider back in 2010, and has a great deal of influence in the personnel makeup of the team as well. Carroll is believed to have final say over the roster, which has led to some speculation that another team could try to poach Schneider away with the offer of more power. Clearly that isn’t in the cards anytime soon.

Texans Request Interview With Eric Bieniemy

January 12th, 2021 at 12:51pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

Well, they finally did it. The Texans have requested an interview with Eric Bieniemy for their vacant head coaching job, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link).

Houston’s interest in Bieniemy, or lack thereof, had become a point of major controversy over the past week, as it was reported that Deshaun Watson was very unhappy with the team over their handling of their coaching and GM searches. Watson had been assured by owner Cal McNair that he’d be involved in the process and kept in the loop, but then the team didn’t even interview any of the GM candidates he suggested and didn’t tell him they were hiring Nick Caserio.

The team had also to this point refused to even interview Bieniemy, unlike virtually every other team with an opening, who is reportedly a favorite of Watson. That had culminated in reports that Watson could eventually demand a trade. Clearly Caserio, and to some extent McNair, want to keep Watson happy, and this is a good step in the right direction toward mending the relationship.

It was reported that Watson had no problem with Caserio, only that he was left in the dark, so it’s entirely possible those two will have a good relationship moving forward. Bieniemy, of course, is currently the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator serving under Andy Reid.

He’s been a hot candidate this cycle, and Rapsheet also tweeted that the Texans are only now truly ramping up their search now that Caserio is in place. We heard yesterday they were going to speak with Ravens assistant head coach David Culley, and with Bills DC and former Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier.

They had already interviewed several candidates before Caserio’s hiring though, so their attempt to now cast this as the beginning of the search doesn’t ring entirely true. Either way they won’t be able to interview Bieniemy right away, as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network tweets that since the initial anti-tampering interview window has closed, the team will have to wait until either the Chiefs lose or after the Super Bowl, whichever comes first.

Eagles Request Todd Bowles, Arthur Smith Interviews

January 12th, 2021 at 11:59am CST by Zachary Links

The Eagles have requested interviews with Todd Bowles and Arthur Smith for their head coaching vacancy (Twitter links via ESPN.com’s Sal Paolantonio and Dan Graziano). They’ll also chat with Robert Saleh, though his dance card is filling up fast.

After much deliberation, the Eagles fired one-time Philadelphia hero Doug Pederson. Now, they’re hitting the ground running in their search, starting with some of this cycle’s hottest names. They’ll also look at some of their current coaches, including assistant head coach/running backs coach Duce Staley. Earlier this week, owner Jeffrey Lurie pegged him as a likely candidate.

Every team without a head coach has asked to chat with Smith. At this point, it would be a shock if the Titans’ offensive coordinator didn’t land one of those jobs. Bowles is also drawing interest, even though his Jets tenure ended with a 24-40 record.

University of Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley might also be in the mix, but it’s not immediately clear if he’s willing to interview.

Raiders Hire Gus Bradley As DC

January 12th, 2021 at 11:48am CST by Zachary Links

The Raiders have hired Gus Bradley as their new defensive coordinator, per a club announcement. The former Bolts DC will take over for Paul Guenther, who was fired after a trying season in Las Vegas.

Bradley comes with 15 years of experience, including four years as the Jaguars’ head coach and another four as the leader of the Seahawks’ Legion of Boom. His history with Jon Gruden helped him land the job — his first pro gig was under Gruden as a defensive quality control coach in Tampa Bay.

Bradley’s defenses have ranked in the top 10 in each of the last two seasons. But, after Anthony Lynn got the heave-ho, a return to the Bolts was unlikely. With his guidance, four Chargers defenders earned Pro Bowl nods. That includes defensive ends Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram III, who combined for 61.5 sacks under his watch.

There’s a lot of pressure on Gruden and GM Mike Mayock, who have yet to produce a playoff berth for the Raiders. Gruden is the only coach in the league who still has a job after failing to qualify in each of the last three seasons. Bradley, they hope, can help right the ship.

In addition to Bradley, the Raiders’ candidate pool also included Cowboys defensive passing game coordinator/secondary coach Kris Richard, Rams assistant head coach/linebackers coach Joe Barry, and Falcons interim head coach Raheem Morris.

Colts’ Anthony Castonzo Retires From NFL

January 12th, 2021 at 10:08am CST by Zachary Links

Colts left tackle Anthony Castonzo is retiring from the NFL. His decision leaves the Colts with another major hole to fill in the offseason.

“I was fortunate to have been drafted by the Colts ten years ago,” Castonzo wrote. “I was even more fortunate to spend my entire career here in Indianapolis. The Indianapolis Colts is a special organization with special ownership who fill the organization with special people at every level. I truly believe this is the best organization in all of sports. I am lucky to have been able to call myself a Colt for the past ten years and will consider myself a Colt for the rest of my life.”

“I have given much to the game of football, but it has given me so much more. I close the book on the football chapter of my life gifted with memories and moments I wouldn’t trade for anything. So thank you, last but far from least, to football.”

The 10-year veteran first came into the league as the No. 22 overall pick in the 2011 draft. Since then, he’s started in all of his 144 career regular season games, plus eight playoff games. This year, he wasn’t able to join the Colts for their postseason. Just before the team’s regular season finale, Castonzo went under the knife for ankle surgery. The Colts would then lose to the Bills in the Wild Card round.

“The Colts have been blessed with many talented offensive linemen throughout our rich history and Anthony Castonzo is among the best to represent the Horseshoe,” Colts owner Jim Irsay said. “For 10 seasons, Anthony consistently handled premier pass rushers at one of the toughest positions to play. He quickly developed into the leader of our offensive line and set a standard for preparation, strength and conditioning, and play. Anthony deserves a tremendous amount of credit for helping our offensive line mature into one of the best units in the NFL. He will sorely be missed, but we are so appreciative of AC’s contribution to our organization and we congratulate him on a fantastic career.”

Though Castonzo has never made the Pro Bowl, he’s been a pillar of the Colts’ front five. We here at PFR wish Castonzo the best in retirement.

Pat Fitzgerald To Pass On NFL Interviews?

January 12th, 2021 at 9:52am CST by Zachary Links

Multiple NFL teams have inquired about Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald. But, as of this writing, he has not agreed to interview with any of them (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter).

The Falcons, Lions, and Texans have all been connected to Fitzgerald, though it’s hard to see him landing in Houston. Reportedly, the Texans aren’t interested in pulling a coach from the college ranks. Instead, they’re chatting with experienced NFL coaches like Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Titans offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Colts defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus was also on that list, but he declined.

Fitzgerald has coached the Wildcats to three 10-win seasons since taking over in 2006. That was no small feat, considering the program’s underwhelming track record. Fitzgerald, 46, has come up in NFL conversations before, but he didn’t generate much buzz last year. If Fitzgerald turns pro, he’ll be the third college coach to do so in the past three years, following Kliff Kingsbury and Matt Rhule.

It’s worth noting that Northwestern is Fitzgerald’s alma mater and he’s referred to his current position as his “dream job.” Some coaches play hard to get, but Fitzgerald’s trepidation might be sincere.

Ryan Kerrigan Wants To Start In 2021

January 12th, 2021 at 9:43am CST by Zachary Links

After ten years with WFT, Ryan Kerrigan is likely to play elsewhere. Where ever he lands, the veteran wants to be a first-stringer, as Sam Fortier of the Washington Post writes.

“I definitely want to be a starter,” Kerrigan said. “I mean, I think any player would say that. I don’t think anybody just wants to settle for being a role player or a reserve player…I’ve got to really be open-minded to several factors and open-minded to all teams, and that’s kind of what I plan to do. I definitely feel like I’ve still got a lot of ball in me, a lot of good productive years ahead.”

Kerrigan’s playing time went gone down considerably in 2020, ending the year with just 5.5 sacks in 38% of the team’s snaps. He’ll turn 33 in August, but he believes he has a year or two of good football left. It’s hard to see Kerrigan anointed as a starter for an otherwise healthy contender, but there are plenty of teams that could use his veteran guidance.

Kerrigan is Washington’s all-time leader in sacks, but he’ll be happy to get a fresh start. WFT couldn’t find a trade for him before the deadline — now, he’ll get to pick his own club.

George Paton, Terry Fontenot Get Second Broncos Interviews

January 12th, 2021 at 9:30am CST by Zachary Links

Vikings’ Assistant GM/VP of Player Personnel George Paton will have a second meeting with the Broncos on Tuesday, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). Ditto for Saints assistant GM Terry Fontenot, per Mike Klis of KUSA (Twitter link).

Bears exec Champ Kelly and Patriots assistant director of player personnel Dave Ziegler are among the other external candidates for the position. Ziegler has since backed out, opting to stay in New England. The Broncos also interviewed their own college scouting director, Brian Stark, though it’s not clear if he’s still in the running.

Fontenot has also been considered by the Lions, Jaguars, and Panthers in this cycle. The 40-year-old has been with New Orleans for 16 years. Paton, meanwhile, has been a hot GM candidate for some time. But, in years past, he rebuffed a number of opportunities.

Bills Sign Devonta Freeman To Practice Squad

January 12th, 2021 at 9:21am CST by Zachary Links

The Bills have agreed to sign running back Devonta Freeman to the practice squad, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Freeman will provide insurance for Buffalo in the wake of Zack Moss‘ season-ending injury.

The Giants released the Drew Rosenhaus client after the season in what was effectively a formality. It was also a courtesy move — Freeman was set to reach free agency anyway, so the Giants agreed to cut him so that he could potentially hook on with a playoff team.

The Giants didn’t have much interest in keeping Freeman around for 2021. Injuries and the COVID-19 list cost him much of the year and he played in just five games. All in all, he registered 171 yards off of 54 carries — good for just 3.2 yards per carry — and one rushing touchdown. He didn’t do much in the passing game either, finishing with seven catches for 58 yards.

With the Falcons, Freeman posted two separate 1,000-yard seasons with 1,500+ scrimmage yards each time. No one’s expecting a reprise at this point, but he could help out the Bills in a pinch.

Eagles Interested In Lincoln Riley

January 12th, 2021 at 9:15am CST by Zachary Links

The Eagles contacted University of Oklahoma head coach Lincoln Riley hours after firing Doug Pederson, according to Geoff Mosher of Inside The Birds. We’ve heard Riley’s name come up in recent years, but the Eagles are the first team in this cycle to reach out to him directly.

Riley has amassed a 45-8 record since taking over for Bob Stoops in 2017. Though the Sooners came up short in the postseason, Riley’s work with No. 1 overall picks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray has put him squarely on the pro radar. Riley also coached Eagles starting QB Jalen Hurts, making him a logical candidate for Philly.

“In terms of the characteristics, I’d rather not specify, but I can tell you no matter who we have, it needs to be a leader of coaches, a leader of players and someone who represents the organization in a great leadership way,” owner Jeffrey Lurie said on Monday. “I think there’s a couple ways to skin that cat. You can hire somebody really steeped in offense or you’ve seen great offenses coached by head coaches coming from the defensive side.

“I don’t think there’s any predilection for one over the other, but I do think somebody that is constantly curious of where the league is headed and what you need to do to have really good units and again, without a really good elite offense, I tend to err on that side. But not that side of the ball for head coach. Doesn’t matter.”

The Eagles may also consider Chiefs quarterbacks coach Mike Kafka for the vacancy. Kafka, like Pederson, comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree. The Eagles even wanted to hire him as their offensive coordinator a year ago, but Reid blocked the move.