Miami Dolphins would have competition for a new head coach
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins have made no decision on the future of head coach Adam Gase but may be leaning towards keeping him. At least five teams will be looking for a new head coach.
Rumors, articles from mainstream and local media, and even some on social media who claim to be in the “know” are saying that the Miami Dolphins will move on from Mike Tannenbaum after this weekends game and some believe that Adam Gase may follow. Unless of course he doesn’t.
The coaching options around the NFL don’t come with big names like some years. There is no high-profile candidate that everyone is talking about landing. In 2016 that big fishes name was Adam Gase, or one of the names, but this year?
Most notably is Josh McDaniels but he spurned the Colts last year after initially saying he would take the job. Will he get another shot? Mike McCarthy is probably the biggest already been there and done that head coach but he couldn’t win in Green Bay with Aaron Rodgers. Does he really have that kind of draw that many make him out to have?
There are always college coaching names, like JIm Harbaugh, and coordinators around the league so there will be candidates it just doesn’t have the same vibes as previous years and that could be because of the number of vacancies that could be available. If there are a handful of “names” with solid resumes, there could be a big bidding war. Here is a list of teams that could be looking for a new head coach.
Teams in bold below are teams that will likely be or a very good chance will be looking for a head coach. To view a list of the top candidates for head coaching jobs this year, go to this NFL.com page.
AFC East
New York Jets – It would be an utter shock if Todd Bowles remained because everything points to him being out without actually being told he is out. The job would be a big draw for a coaching candidate given the quarterback situation and defense that could develop well.
Miami Dolphins – No one really knows what will happen with Adam Gase. As of now it appears that he is safe but we all know that can change and this weekends game against the Bills could be the deciding factor for Stephen Ross.
New England Patriots – Bill Belichick has how many seasons left? Another, “no one knows” situation but there is a lot of speculation that his time with New England could be coming to the final years. Josh McDaniels turned down the Colts job last year to stay with the Patriots. It is hard to imagine that he wasn’t promised the HC job when Belichick retires. Some speculate that could be sooner rather than later.
AFC North
Cleveland Browns – One of two teams who have already fired their head coach (Green Bay). Many think that interim HC Gregg Williams should keep the job but the Browns want to make a big move and hopefully finally get it right. They have a good up and coming quarterback on the rise and have looked good the last month of the season.
Pittsburgh Steelers – A lot of people continue to laugh at the prospect of the Steelers firing Mike Tomlin if they don’t make the post-season. They should continue to laugh because despite the rumors and speculation it won’t happen and if it does, he would be the most sought after candidate and the Steelers job would be the top for coaching candidates.
Cincinnati Bengals – Marvin Lewis doesn’t appear to be in jeopardy of losing his job but the Bengals tend to do whatever they want at times. Lewis may also decide that he is done. There has been talk the last few years that he may be heading out of the league into retirement.
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars – Doug Marrone was hired in 2017 and took the Jaguars to the verge of a Super Bowl last year but this year they completely fell apart. His name has been mentioned as a potential firing but I don’t believe that to be true. Not this year.
AFC West
Denver Broncos – The Broncos are very likely to move on from Vance Joseph when the season is over. He will be sought after by a few teams for a defensive coordinators job. If he is indeed fired, he and Todd Bowles would be to previous Dolphins coaches that get fired this year. If Gase does it’s three.
NFC North
Green Bay Packers – The Packers already fired Mike McCarthy and are starting to line up candidates that include former Colts coach Chuck Pagano.
NFC South
Carolina Panthers – There is some speculation that Ron Rivera could be replaced as the head coach but it seems to be more water cooler talk at this point than anything concrete.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Dirk Koetter is a hot name when coaches on the hot seat are mentioned. Many believe that he will be a part of the Black Monday firing following week 17. It is likely that he will be looking for work.