Five possible head coaching candidates for next year

When the 2014 National Football League season comes to a close, a handful of head coaches are going to be given their walking papers. Looking around the NFL, it appears the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders, New York Giants, Chicago Bears and Atlanta Falcons will all be looking for coaches, with a few others on the fence.

When openings arise, there will be a couple of coordinators with hot names who shoot to the top of everybody’s hiring list. Some will work out and some will bomb, but here are five men to watch come January.

1. Adam Gase

Gase might have the easiest job in the world as the Denver Broncos offensive coordinator. With Peyton Manning at the controls and a bevy of talent around him, Gase can sit back and read defenses all afternoon. All that said, Manning has praised Gase multiple times as a brilliant offensive mind, making him a top candidate.

Only 36 years old, Gase could provide a franchise with long-term stability. Oakland might be a great fit for Gase, as it tries to develop a young quarterback in Derek Carr. Add in that Gase already knows the AFC West inside and out, and the fit seems terrific.

2. Joe Lombardi

Right or wrong, Lombardi will always draw attention because of his last name. Lombardi is the grandson of the great Vince Lombardi, the Green Bay Packers coach who won five championships including Super Bowls I and II. Joe Lombardi can certainly stand on his own merits though, compiling an impressive resume with the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions.

After serving as the quarterbacks coach in New Orleans from 2009-13, Lombardi accepted the offensive coordinator position with Detroit this season. The 43-year-old has a military past, having played at Air Force from 1991-93. With his background in mind, Lombardi would be a nice coach in a place desperately seeking offense and structure. The New York Jets come to mind.

3. Frank Reich

Reich has risen quickly through the coaching ranks, a testament to his ability. After being one of the better backup quarterbacks in NFL history for four teams, Reich retired following the 1998 season. Reich did not return to the NFL until 2008 as an assistant with the Indianapolis Colts, where he stayed until 2012 when he became the Arizona Cardinals receivers coach.

In 2013, Reich joined the San Diego Chargers as the quarterbacks coach before replacing Ken Whisenhunt as the offensive coordinator this year. Reich has enjoyed a fine campaign calling plays for the first time, although the team has fallen to Earth in recent weeks. Still, Reich is 52 years old and could be a darkhorse candidate for a team looking to bolster its passing attack.

4. Josh McDaniels

McDaniels would be the first man on this list to get a second head-coaching gig. The former Bill Belichick-prodigy was supposed to turn the NFL on its ear when he took over the Denver Broncos in 2009. After starting 6-0 that season, McDaniels watched his team miss the playoffs. The following year, McDaniels drafted Tim Tebow, traded Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall, and was fired halfway through the season.

McDaniels has since returned to the New England Patriots, working as the offensive coordinator since 2012. Only 38 years old, McDaniels will get another shot at a head coaching job. The question is which team is willing to bet the farm on him?

5. Hue Jackson

Jackson got absolutely screwed with the Oakland Raiders when he first became a head coach. Despite a complete lack of talent, Jackson propelled the Raiders to a 8-8 record in 2011. Oakland decided to fire him anyway, sending Jackson back to the Cincinnati Bengals to wear many hats, most recently the team’s offensive coordinator spot.

Jackson has a long-standing reputation in the league as a good coach who can motivate players. He’s still young at 49 years old and provides a guiding hand for a young team.

 

About Matt Verderame

Matt Verderame, 26, is a New Yorker who went to school at the frozen tundra of SUNY Oswego. After graduating, Verderame has worked for Gannett and SB Nation among other ventures.

Quantcast