HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Chargers Interview Dawn Aponte For GM Job

January 22nd, 2024 at 8:12pm CST by Ben Levine

While teams generally look at rival front offices for their GM candidates, the Chargers are currently considering someone from the league office. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Chargers interviewed NFL chief football administrative officer Dawn Aponte for their general manager job.

Of course, Aponte does have plenty of experience in team front offices. She had a long stint with the Jets organization to begin her executive career, working her way up to senior director of football administration. After a subsequent three-year stint in the league office, she became the Browns vice president of football administration in 2009.

Following two years in Cleveland, Aponte was named the Dolphins senior vice president of football operations in 2010. She spent seven years in Miami, eventually earning a promotion to executive vice president of football administration. She was hired into her current role with the NFL in 2017, making her the highest-ranking woman in NFL football operations.

While this is Aponte’s first known interview for a GM job, this isn’t the first time she’s been connected to this type of gig. Earlier this offseason, she was mentioned as a potential candidate for the Commanders job, and she was also connected to the Giants job in 2022.

With Aponte earning an interview, the Chargers have now interviewed nine candidates for the job previously held by Tom Telesco:

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/22/24

January 22nd, 2024 at 7:33pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s reserve/futures contracts:

Buffalo Bills

Denver Broncos

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tom Telesco Taking Part In Second Raiders GM Interview; Mike Caldwell In Play For Defensive Role

January 22nd, 2024 at 4:50pm CST by Adam La Rose

4:50pm: The Raiders’ final decision between Telesco, Dodds and Kelly could be made as early as tomorrow, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. As a result, the team’s ongoing search will certainly be worth following closely in the immediate future.

2:20pm: The list of finalists for the Raiders’ general manager vacancy continues to grow. Former Chargers GM Tom Telesco is in Las Vegas for a second interview for the position today, per Vic Tafur of The Athletic. As his colleague Tashan Reed notes, Colts exec Ed Dodds has also met with the Raiders twice.

Telesco’s long run with the Chargers came to an end midway through the 2023 season after he and head coach Brandon Staley were fired. As a result, the franchise is looking for a new GM for the first time since 2013. While that search is ongoing, Telesco has received interest from the division-rival Raiders. Dodds has generated greater interest, and he is seen as a top challenger to interim GM Champ Kelly for the full-time gig.

Telesco and the Raiders met earlier this month, and that interview obviously went well given today’s update. The Raiders recently sorted out their coaching situation by removing the interim tag from head coach Antonio Pierce. That move has been celebrated by many, but it leaves the team short on experience on the sidelines. Pairing Pierce with a rookie GM would thus carry risk, something which could be avoided by hiring Telesco.

The latter helped lead the Chargers to a winning record six times during his tenure, and he was responsible for a number of high-profile player acquisitions. One of his most important moves was authorizing the massive extension Justin Herbert signed last offseason, though the Raiders face a much more uncertain situation under center at the moment. Finding stability at the QB spot will be a top priority for whomever gets the nod from owner Mark Davis.

Meanwhile, former Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell is on the Raiders’ radar. Caldwell will interview with the team for a defensive staff position, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. In the event Patrick Graham – who is currently in place as defensive coordinator – departs for a head coaching position, Caldwell could be in play to take over in that role with Vegas, Fowler adds.

With plenty yet to be determined on the sidelines and in the front office, here is how the Raiders’ GM search is taking shape:

Panthers To Hold Second HC Interviews With Dave Canales, Raheem Morris

January 22nd, 2024 at 4:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

Carolina’s search for a new head coach continues, and the list of finalists is growing. In addition to an incumbent option in defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, numerous outside candidates are now on the team’s radar.

Carolina is set to interview Buccaneers OC Dave Canales for a second time, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network. Likewise, the team remains interested in Raheem Morris. The Rams DC is lining up several second interviews, including one with the Panthers, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes.

Canales’ only interview to date has come with the Panthers, a team in need of a coach capable of developing quarterback Bryce Young. The 2022 first overall pick struggled as a rookie, though the same was true as a whole for Carolina’s offense. Canales showed an ability to work well with Geno Smith during his time as Seattle’s QBs coach, and that landed him Tampa Bay’s OC position last offseason.

The Buccaneers’ offensive expectations were muted heading into the campaign with Baker Mayfield at quarterback. Indeed, Tampa finished only 20th in scoring and 23rd in total offense in Mayfield’s debut season with the team. However, he performed better down the stretch and delivered signficant statistical showings in both of the team’s playoff games. That could land Canales an extended look for his first career head coaching gig.

The Panthers are believed to prefer a coach with a background on the offensive side of the ball, but that does not apply to Morris. The veteran staffer does, however, have head coaching experience dating back to his time with the Buccaneers and (on an interim basis) Falcons. The 47-year-old has received a number of looks during the 2024 hiring cycle, including an interview with Atlanta.

Morris is believed to have departed the Falcons on good terms, meaning he could be a candidate to watch for Atlanta’s vacancy. He could have other options as well, though, including interest from the division-rival Panthers pending the outcome of their second meeting with one another. Staffers not still in the postseason are allowed to interview in person beginning today, so Carolina is one of many teams which could move toward a hire in the near future.

Here is an updated look at the Panthers’ search:

Eagles Likely To Retain Nick Sirianni; Team Arranges DC Interviews With Ron Rivera, Mike Caldwell

January 22nd, 2024 at 1:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

Since the Eagles’ last-season collapse was punctuated by a lopsided wild-card loss, questions have emerged regarding the job security of the team’s coaching staff. Head coach Nick Sirianni has been the subject of speculation, but he appears to be safe.

Sirianni will take part in a press conference with general manager Howie Roseman on Wednesday, as noted by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The former’s participation in that media availability seems to put to rest any remaining questions about his status in the organization. Sirianni recently met with owner Jeffrey Lurie to discuss his future and his plans for a new set of coordinators.

As expected, Sean Desai is out after an underwhelming tenure as defensive coordinator, one which did not last the entire season. His replacement in that capacity, Matt Patricia, is likewise not in line to return. OC Brian Johnson also faces an uncertain future, though his departure could come about as a result of a head coaching opportunity. In any case, changes were needed after the manner in which a 10-1 start to Philadelphia’s season ended with the team losing six of its last seven games.

A report from earlier this month suggested Sirianni would be safe, although more recent signs pointed to some members of the organization at least preparing for the third-year coach to be let go. Instead, Sirianni is now in line to carry on with a re-vamped staff as he looks to lead the team to the postseason for a fourth straight campaign.

The Eagles are moving quickly in their bid to find a new defensive coordinator, and their first interviewee is a high-profile target. Philadelphia is set to interview Ron Rivera for the position, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. Rivera’s tenure in charge of the Commanders came to an expected end on Black Monday, leaving him free to pursue other openings. The 62-year-old recently made it clear he intends to continue his coaching career, even though doing so would require taking a coordinator posting.

Rivera added that he has spoken with multiple teams, and the Eagles are clearly one of them. Philadelphia would be highly familiar with Rivera given his time in the NFC East with Washington, and he is still regarded as one of the league’s top defensive minds. His last DC posting came with the Chargers from 2008-10, and in the final year of that stretch the team ranked first in total defense and 10th in points allowed.

In addition to Rivera, the Eagles have an interview lined up with ex-Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell, Fowler adds. Caldwell was one of several defensive staffers fired at the end of the season after Jacksonville underwhelmed in a number of capacities. He played for the Eagles from 1998-2001, so a deal allowing him to join Sirianni’s staff would represent a reunion.

Plenty of questions – particularly at the coordinator spots – have yet to be answered in Philadelphia. More clarity will likely emerge in the coming days, though, and at a minimum the matter of Sirianni’s future is no longer in doubt.

Jaguars Hire Ryan Nielsen As DC

January 22nd, 2024 at 11:48am CST by Adam La Rose

The Jaguars have found their Mike Caldwell replacement. Jacksonville is set to hire Ryan Nielsen as defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The move is now official.

This will mark the first trip outside the NFC South since 2016 for Nielsen. He had been with the Saints from 2017-22, and in his final year with the team he served as co-defensive coordinator. That tenure was followed by an intra-divisional move to Atlanta. Nielsen guided the Falcons’ defense in 2023, but with a new head coach on the way, his future remained uncertain until now.

The Falcons initially blocked Jacksonville’s efforts to speak with Nielsen. However, Atlanta ultimately changed course and permitted an interview to take place. As was the case in his previous gig, Nielsen will have play-calling duties with the Jaguars, making this a lateral move. Given the issues Jacksonville experienced on defense this season, and the widespread staff changes which came about as a result, Nielsen will have plenty of work to do in Duval County.

Caldwell was one of many defensive coaches let go by Doug Pederson after the campaign, one in which Jacksonville appeared to be on track to win the AFC South. A late-season collapse left the team out of the playoffs and in need of a fourth DC in the past five seasons, however. Questions have been raised about the offensive personnel who are still in place, but for now attention will turn to Nielsen and his ability to provide stability over an extended period.

The 44-year-old has only two seasons of coordinator experience at the NFL level, but he has shown promise both in New Orleans and Atlanta. Nielsen helped oversee a defensive turnaround with the Falcons in 2023, and the team ranked 11th in yards allowed. They excelled in the passing game in particular, ranking eighth in yards surrendered through the air. That marks a stark contrast to Jacksonville’s performance.

The Jags finished in the top 10 against the run in 2023, but they ranked only 26th against the pass. Nielsen will aim to achieve better balance in 2024 and beyond and, in turn, help Jacksonville return to the postseason. Atlanta’s staff will remain worth monitoring, meanwhile, with signs continuing to point them to an agreement with Bill Belichick. His arrival would no doubt be followed by a number of personnel changes.

Here is a final look at the Jaguars’ DC search:

  • Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): To interview
  • Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
  • Chris Harris, cornerbacks coach (Titans): To interview
  • Chris Hewitt, secondary coach (Ravens): To interview 1/21
  • Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): To interview
  • Don Martindale, former defensive coordinator (Giants): To interview
  • Ryan Nielsen, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Hired

Titans To Conduct Second HC Interviews With Thomas Brown, Dan Quinn

January 22nd, 2024 at 11:36am CST by Adam La Rose

The list of finalists for the Titans’ head coaching position continues to grow. Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is slated to conduct a second interview with Tennessee, and the same is true of two other staffers.

Tennessee has lined up a second interview with Panthers OC Thomas Brown, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports. The in-person meeting will take place today, he adds, noting Brown’s virtual interview went well. Meanwhile, the Titans plan to speak for a second time with Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, per Wolfe’s colleague Tom Pelissero.

The latter will meet with Tennessee in person on Wednesday, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A few days from now, therefore, the Titans will have a firm picture of their finalists for the position. By interviewing Brown, along with former Stanford head coach David Shaw, the team will have satisfied the Rooney Rule once the former’s meeting is complete. As a result, Tennessee will be free to hire its next coach in the very near future.

Brown has not been connected to a HC opening other than the one in Nashville. He has nevertheless emerged as one of the top up-and-coming offensive minds in the league in large part for his work with the Rams. The 37-year-old came to Carolina as part of Frank Reich‘s highly-acclaimed staff this offseason, but the team’s offense struggled both before and after Reich’s midseason dismissal. Brown is in place for now, but he is not expected to remain in Carolina once the team hires its next coach.

Quinn, by contrast, has once again been one of the hottest candidates in the hiring cycle. The former Falcons HC has been linked to the Seahawks in particular as they search for a Pete Carroll replacement. Quinn – who spent two seasons as Seattle’s DC – has a second interview lined up with his old team. He is also an outlier amongst Tennessee’s finalists (at least so far) because his background is on the defensive side of the ball.

In looking for a Mike Vrabel successor, the Titans could look to focus more on the offensive candidates available to them. That approach would lend itself to Callahan and/or Brown, but more clarity will no doubt emerge in the coming days as the team goes through its second round of interviews.

Here is an updated look at the Titans’ search:

 

Chargers To Conduct Second HC Interview With Jim Harbaugh

January 22nd, 2024 at 10:54am CST by Adam La Rose

Jim Harbaugh has been linked to the Chargers on a number of occasions, and signs continue to point him to Los Angeles. The parties will meet for a second interview this week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.

The longtime Michigan coach has appeared to be on the verge of an NFL return in each of the past three years. 2024 has seen him linked to a number of openings, but with the Raiders having promoted Antonio Pierce to their full-time gig, the Chargers remain a logical destination. A report from the weekend confirmed Los Angeles is in pole position to acquire Harbaugh.

The 60-year-old led the Wolverines to an undefeated season and a national championship this season. 2024 would thus mark a reasonable time for Harbaugh to return to the pro game, and he is believed to have serious interest in the Chargers’ posting. The outcome of the impending interview will thus be worth watching closely.

Harbaugh’s first 2024 interview took place with the Chargers, and meeting took place in person. It also spanned two days, a sign of the mutual interest which appears to exist between the parties. Harbaugh has been a top target for other teams as well, however, and he has spoken with the Falcons. Los Angeles may need to move quickly if the team is committed to Harbaugh as the top target.

Michigan is seeking to keep him in the fold, and talks on another contract extension are ongoing. Notably, though, Harbaugh is seeking (among other things) a delay in the time at which his latest extension kicks in. That would lengthen the window during which NFL suitors would be required to pay a smaller buyout fee to hire him, another sign that a pro contract could be forthcoming. Armed with signficant leverage on talks with any interested team, Harbaugh recently hired an agent to assist with negotiations.

With Harbaugh still firmly in the running to land the Chargers’ gig, here is an updated look at Los Angeles’ ongoing search:

Lions To Sign TE Zach Ertz

January 22nd, 2024 at 10:16am CST by Adam La Rose

Zach Ertz‘s free agent period is set to come to an end. The Pro Bowl tight end has agreed to a deal with the Lions, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Ertz was let go by the Cardinals November 30, a move which placed him on the waiver wire. No team claimed him, but a number of potential suitors emerged shortly after he became a free agent. The Lions were not named amongst the contending teams believed to have shown interest, but they have now secured veteran insurance at the TE spot in advance of the NFC title game.

A reunion with the Eagles seemed to be on the table for Ertz, but no deal materialized. Other playoff-bound teams like the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens and 49ers were also floated as possible landing spots. In all, Ertz is believed to have spoken with six teams seriously interested in adding him. Detroit appears to have been a member of that group given today’s move.

Pelissero notes Ertz will join Detroit’s practice squad, something which has become commonplace in the NFL with respect to in-season additions. The Lions lost backup tight end Brock Wright to a forearm injury on Sunday, but Ertz will be able to step in if needed next week against the 49ers. The latter worked with Detroit’s tight ends coach (Steve Heiden) in Arizona, so familiarizing himself in the Lions’ offense should not be difficult even on short notice.

Of course, standout rookie Sam LaPorta will be counted on to lead the way at the TE position as Detroit’s playoff run continues. The second-rounder entered the postseason with injury concerns, but he has combined for 12 receptions, 79 yards and a touchdown across the Lions’ wins against the Rams and Buccaneers. LaPorta will be a critical member of the team’s passing game against San Francisco, but Ertz could provide a complementary option if needed.

The latter showed an ability to remain productive after his midseason trade from the Eagles to the Cardinals in 2021. His first full season with Arizona was cut short by an ACL tear, and upon returning to health this season, the 33-year-old received five or fewer targets on four occasions. With Trey McBride in place as the Cardinals’ top option now and in the future, Ertz asked to be let go in an effort to find a new home. He has finally secured an opportunity for at least one game as he looks to rebuild his free agent stock.

Panthers Likely To Retain AGM Dan Morgan; Team No Longer Interested In Eagles OC Brian Johnson

January 22nd, 2024 at 9:53am CST by Adam La Rose

As the 2024 hiring cycle continues, the Panthers remain a team to watch closely with a vacancy at both the head coach and general manager positions. Updates on both fronts have emerged.

Carolina has included assistant general manager Dan Morgan in the team’s head coaching interviews, as detailed by Joe Person of The Athletic (subscription required). Morgan is one of three front office candidates who have a second interview lined up for the Panthers’ GM position. Regardless of he is ultimately hired in that capacity, Person notes Morgan is on track to remain in the organization in some fashion.

Morgan was a key member of Carolina’s front office during Scott Fitterer‘s three-year tenure in charge of the team. As a result, it would have come as little surprise if the latter’s firing had prompted owner David Tepper to clean house during the 2024 offseason. Instead, Morgan appears poised to either take over as general manager himself (a scenario in which, Person adds, an outside staffer with a salary cap background would be targeted to pair with him) or in some other role.

Carolina has cast a wide net in terms of potential GM candidates, but the same is true of the team’s HC vacancy. 11 candidates have been interviewed, and a 12th – Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson – received a request last week. Person reports, however, that Carolina is no longer interested in interviewing Johnson, who has met with other HC-needy teams during this year’s cycle.

Johnson was promoted from QBs coach to OC last offseason following Shane Steichen‘s departure. The Eagles started the campaign well, but the team’s late-season collapse culminated in a wild-card defeat in which they were limited to nine points. Philadelphia has, as expected, moved on from defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Johnson being replaced as OC is also firmly on the table, although he has interviewed with both the Falcons and Titans for their head coaching positions.

With coaches (other than the ones whose teams are set to play in the conference championship games) now free to interview in person, movement in the coaching carousel is expected to pick up in the coming days. The Panthers have a number of key decisions to make in the near future, and clarity will likely emerge soon in both of their ongoing searches.

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