“NFL Coaching Searches”———-

The NFL road map-Connecting the dots to the hirings and the job openings:

RAIDERS…The new GM came from New England, so Dave Ziegler brought in someone he really trusted, longtime Patriots Off Coord-Josh McDaniels, the guy who did not last even two years in Denver.  He was (11-17) there, and was fired not just for failure but his abrasive personality with his players.  No doubt he did a good job creating and working with packages for Tom Brady.  He sabilized an offense around Cam Newton for a year, and had a big impact with Pats rookie QB-Mac Jones.  Working with Derek Carr should lead to very good numbers in the air game.

BEARS..They raid the Colts for a defensive specialist and now that new GM-Ryan Poles has the coach he wanted in Matt Eberfluss, the real question will be whom he can hire as the Off Coord to grow 1st round draft pick QB-Justin Fields.  They need so much offensive help, but they have since 1985 and the Super Bowl shuffle team.

GIANTS…The New York Thruway runs from Buffalo to New York City.  Thus the new GM Joe Schoen and his new coach Brian Daboll could have driven in together.  When they pull up they will see an abused 1st round draft pick in QB-Daniel Jones, a battered star running back Saquon Barkley, and a grossly overpaid-under producing receiver in Ken Golladay.  This may take 5-years to solve.

BRONCOS..Many surprised at the hiring of Packers coordinator Nathaniel Hacket, who never called plays for Aaron Rodgers. They have to figure out if Drew Lock is the quarterback, and then how long it will take to make him a mistake-free and non-erratic thrower.

MINNESOTA…Fascinating weekend story about Jim Harbaugh’s interest to leave the Big 10 to jump back in the NFL.  There is a track record of winning of records, USD to Stanford to Michigan.  But Harbaugh’s tenacity wears people out, but maybe that’s what they need from the 33M a year QB-Kirk Cousins.  But the Vikings are looking too at hot young coordinator Kevin O’Connell to Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.

HOUSTON…It looks more and more like Brian Flores might wind up with the Texans, bringing with him a fire and ice approach to motivating players.  But scary is the report at his power freak control issues with upper level management.  Kevin O’Connell is in the mix there too, but the Texans have a threadbare roster, so this job will really be hard.  Yes an NFL job is an NFL job, but this is a bad NFL job that is open.

MIAMI…All of a sudden owner Steven Ross wants to look at Harbaugh too, after initially saying he would not raid his Alma Mater-Michigan.  Harbaugh and Tua Tagovailoa might be an interesting  chemistry experiment.

NEW ORLEANS…Staggered by the defection of Sean Payton, they have gotten a late start on outside interviews.  The quarterback issue and the salary cap problems are just some of the issues an incoming coach has to face.

JACKSONVILLE..This looks like a real mess.  It seemed Byron Leftwich was a lock entering the weekend, but conflicting reports that GM-Trent Baalke is still on the job, and that may chase candidates away.  Doug Pederson, the veteran Eagles coach is out there.  Might he, or even Harbaugh, be the life preserver Trevor Lawrence needs.

WHO’S OUT THERE…Everyone is connecting the dots that would say Sean Payton to Dallas if Mike McCarthy falters next year.  No playoff wins under his leadership with the Cowboys in two years.   The (18-16) record at the Star isn’t enough for the owner and the fans.  Stay tuned to this linkage.

Eric Bienemy’s season is over in Kansas City with the playoff loss, but he had just one interview and Denver went elsewhere. Three years in a row without an offer.

Kellen Moore is getting interviews too but does not seem ready for this or for college football

The wildest rumor was journeyman quarterback Josh McCown going to Houston with no coaching experience.  Very strange.

Surprised more people have not taken notice of the creative genius of Joe Lombardi of the Chargers.  He talked to Houston, but no one else.

You csn be a hot coordinator, but you won’t have Aaron Rodgers or Patrick Mahomes on your team.

You can be a hot coordinator, but that doesn’t mean success, as witnessed by Mike McCoy-Anthony Lynn’s failures in San Diego and LA.

Four jobs filled.  Five left to be filled quickly.

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