NFL Head Coach Watch: Bill Lazor Rising Fast

May 20, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor talks with quarterback Michael Vick (7) during organized team activities at the NovaCare Complex. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

One constant about the NFL is that a handful of team will want a new head coach every year.  So which names are garnering more and more attention?

Miami Dolphins the next step for Lazor

Having spent time at both the pro and college levels as a quarterback coach and offensive coordinator, experience is no longer a problem for Bill Lazor.  At age 42 he is seasoned and comfortable in his own skin as a coach.  As a result his impact on his players has begun to really tell.  Last year he was quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles, a season in which primary starter Nick Foles threw 27 touchdowns to just two interceptions.

This Lazor parlayed into a promotion as offensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins.  Thus far his impact is hard to miss as Ryan Tannehill posted 62 yards and a touchdown on 6-of-6 passing in the preseason opener.  If that kind of progress continues, it won’t be long before Lazor gets calls about head coaching jobs.  Teams are always on the lookout for a quarterback specialist after all.

Todd Bowles effect on Arizona Cardinals continues to show

That being said, defensive guys aren’t being ignore either and there is one making a big time name for himself down in Arizona.  After turning the Cardinals defense in the 9th ranked unit in the NFL last season, coordinator Todd Bowles and his players are on a mission to not only top themselves but the other powerhouses in the NFC West.  Their shutout of the Houston Texans in the preseason opener was a clear message that they mean business.  Bowles also comes from a very strong coaching tree that includes Andy Reid, Bill Parcells and Mike Holmgren.  He deserves consideration.

Dave Toub mastery for Kansas City Chiefs special teams unrivaled

Just like their players, special teams coaches seem to get overlooked in the league because of what they coach.  Never mind the fact John Harbaugh, one of the most successful head coaches to date, was a special teams guy.  Dave Toub has been the undisputed master of the third phase for at least a decade.  His time with the Kansas City Chiefs continues to prove that.  Having already had a couple shots at head jobs the past couple years, another successful will only strengthen the case for him to get that long overdue promotion.