Five NFL Head Coaching Contenders in 2014
By Erik Lambert
Dec 1, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Denver Broncos interim coach Jack Del Rio reacts during the game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
While several NFL head coaches are facing the hot seat in 2014, others at poised to replace them. Who are some favorites?
Darrell Bevell – OC – Seattle Seahawks
He was in the mix when he turned Russell Wilson into a Pro Bowl quarterback. Now Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell is a Super Bowl champion. His stock doesn’t get much higher. He has loads of experience developing quarterbacks, young and old, and has winning experience from wherever he has coached. He’s 44-years old and ready for the next step.
Greg Roman – OC – San Francisco 49ers
Three-straight years of playing in at least the NFC championship have both looked great for San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Greg Roman and also really torpedoed his chances to get a head coaching job. After resurrecting the career of Alex Smith, he has gone on to develop young Colin Kaepernick into a star in his own right. That’s not even counting the job Roman has done turning the 49ers into one of the best running teams in the NFL. His magic touch with quarterbacks will be much coveted, and his experience learning under Jim Harbaugh won’t hurt either.
Mel Tucker – DC – Chicago Bears
This might sound crazy now, but Mel Tucker was actually a hot commodity in head coaching discussions prior to joining the Chicago Bears as their defensive coordinator. Unfortunately his defense took a nose dive in 2013 which has cooled the talk of late. However, Tucker has a chance to get right back on the horse. Chicago spent the entire off-season retooling the unit with fresh talent. If Tucker can get it turned around quickly, he should be back in the conversation fairly quickly.
Jack Del Rio – DC – Denver Broncos
Given his success of late as defensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos, it’s easy to forget that veteran coach Jack Del Rio actually had success at the head position before in the NFL. He spent eight seasons in Jacksonville, getting them to the playoffs twice and posting at least an 8-8 record five times. Another successful season in Denver might just be the ticket he needs to toss his hat back in the ring.
Dave Toub – ST – Kansas City Chiefs
Just like the players they coach, special teams coordinators just don’t seem to get the respect they deserve in NFL circles. A perfect example is Dave Toub. Despite fielding the some of the best special teams units in the league for years in Chicago and now with the Kansas City Chiefs, he is continuously passed up by teams for the head position. Never mind the fact he’s learned under successful names like Lovie Smith and Andy Reid. Sooner or later somebody is going to have to notice.