As training camps around the nation are in full swing and the first preseason game is only hours away my mind fast forwards to the first week of January and the changes that are imminent. I don't know why, but the start of something always makes me ponder about the finale. How will this season play out? There are a bunch of aging franchise QB's that will be sent off to pasture soon. So changes are going to happen, and thats a fact. But the first week of August is full of hope and optimism in 32 locker rooms.
The teams that I think will be looking for new head coaches this winter are:
- Panthers: Their very brief window is closed. Rivera will be out.
- Jets: Bowles is now the poster child for coordinators who can't make the jump to the big chair.
- Saints: Another season where Brees puts up 35+ points a week and can't win 9 games will be the last.
- Patriots: See the post immediately before this one.
- Bears: Fox peaked like 8 years and 2 teams ago.
- Cardinals: Arians health will make 2017 his last.
- Ravens: Harbaugh has done everything possible to try and help this team transition from a veteran roster that won a SB 5 years ago to a competitive rebuild. He's a very talented culture builder who needs a change of scenery.
- Colts: This Luck experiment isn't working out. He's proving to be a bit fragile for the NFL. They need a coach that can bring a nasty attitude to this team. They get destroyed in the trenches and a big reason is a lack of toughness.
So who should replace these doomed HC's?
Here are my top 10 available candidates...
#10- Dom Capers, defensive coordinator Packers. He could excel if given a 2nd chance to be the head man.
#9- Kris Richard, defensive coordinator Seahawks. He's part of the new breed. He beat out Ken Norton as DC and he understands how to motivate modern day players.
#8- Perry Fewell, defensive backs coach Jaguars. I feel he is a Coughlin disciple who is a true diamond in the rough in todays NFL. I hope he gets his shot.
#7- Wade Wilson, QB coach Cowboys. He developed Romo and helped him have his best seasons as a pro, which was no easy task. And what he did with Dak in his rookie year was turning any heads that had not already noticed him. Being a QB whisper in todays league can be a real fast track to the top.
#6- Mike Tice, O-line coach Raiders. He is the real deal. It's been a long time since he was a head coach but he brings an attitude and swagger that many of the teams I mentioned above are missing.
#5- Mike Singletary, unemployed. I know his first swing at being the top dog wasn't a homerun, but he has been doing nothing but preparing himself to not waste his next at bat. I think he could be great.
#4- Matt Patricia, Defensive coordinator Patriots. If and when Bill Belichick hangs em up and he is not hired as the Pats HC he will hit the market and be in demand. He has been very smart by not getting ants in his pants and taking the first offer that came his way.
#3- Frank Reich, offensive coordinator Eagles. If Went takes the big jump in year 2 that every Eagles fan is hoping for Reich gets the call to be the man. Period. He's been close, one good year from that offense and it's a done deal.
#2- Todd Haley, offensive coordinator Steelers. Another guy who got his shot way too early in KC. He's proven he is a one of the true guru's when it comes to coaching offenses that can light up the scoreboard. Obviously thats what this league is all about.
#1- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator Eagles. I have felt he is the best available since 2015. He had some success in Detroit and some team will get to benifit from his learning experience in MoTown.
And to wrap up, I'll match up some of these names and the teams I think would be the perfect fit.
- Colts: Mike Tice
- Jets: Todd Haley
- Patriots: Patricia
- Saints: Jim Scwartz
- Ravens: Kris Richard
- Bears: Mike Singletary
- Cardinals: Frank Reich
-J.Wagner
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