2015 NFL Head Coach Carousel: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Finding out which NFL head coaches are likeliest to go is just one part of the process.  What about potential replacements as well?

Out:  Rex Ryan – New York Jets

Things didn’t end the way they should’ve for Rex Ryan, who got the New York Jets closer to the Super Bowl than any coach since Bill Parcells.  That’s a heck of an accomplishment but the fact is his team has regressed and he doesn’t seem able to elevate them enough to save his job.  He may have a shot elsewhere someday, but this opportunity has passed.

In:  Greg Roman (49ers OC)

Based on the team they’ve built, the Jets need a coach who would embrace a team built with strong defense and a good ground game but badly needs somebody who can fix the quarterback spot.  Greg Roman is a great option there given his success in San Francisco with their ground attack and the learning under Jim Harbaugh.

Out:  Marc Trestman – Chicago Bears

No one is saying he’s a bad guy, but Marc Trestman seems unequal to the monumental task of coaching the Chicago Bears.  His calm and reserved demeanor combined with the ugly games his roster has put up lately is not sitting well with a lot of people.  There are still arguments that he will survive another year, but it won’t be because fans want it to be that way.

In:  Pep Hamilton (Colts OC)

The Trestman experiment should not scare the Bears away from continuing to pursue somebody who can elevate the quarterback position.  What they need is someone who has been around the league and this franchise before.  Pep Hamilton should be that choice.  He’s a hot name in coaching circles.  Young at age 40 but already widely experienced, he is respected for his intelligence and ability to develop quarterbacks as he’s done with Andrew Luck.  The fact he coached in Chicago for three years sweetens the deal.

Out:  Tom Coughlin – New York Giants

So many years of success in the past doesn’t speak much to Big Apple fans, who are back to calling for the head of Tom Coughlin despite two Super Bowl titles to his name.  At age 68 it’s fair to ask how much longer he can do this but given how the New York Giants have performed the past couple seasons, his exit may be sooner than later.

In:  Dan Quinn (Seahawks DC)

The Giants have had their greatest success in the coaching world when they pinpoint defensive-minded men who have near obsessive work ethics.  Bill Parcells was that way.  Coughlin was that way.  So they may be gravitated to Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator, who is championed by his players for his flexibility and mastery of the film room.

Out:  Tony Sparano – Oakland Raiders

He did the job he was assigned, which was make sure the Oakland Raiders don’t go winless in 2014.  Beyond that, Tony Sparano has no future as an NFL head coach, at least not with that team.  It’s a virtual certainty the organization will clean house and look to give their young roster a fresh start.

In:  Jim Harbaugh (49ers HC)

There is no doubt their biggest target will be Jim Harbaugh.  Why not?  The guy coaches right across the bay, so it’s an easy transition and he is known for his motivational skill and ability to coach up quarterbacks.  The Raiders have young Derek Carr waiting and ready for that tutelage.

Out:  Joe Philbin – Miami Dolphins

There is no question a playoff berth would save Joe Philbin from any worry about his job security, but if he finishes the 2014 NFL season out of January, it will mark the third-straight time that has happened.  Any coach knows that leads to an almost automatic firing.

In:  Darrell Bevell (Seahawks OC)

At which point the Miami Dolphins will want to seek out somebody who can continue the development of Ryan Tannehill but also install a winning mindset that Philbin hasn’t grasped, at least not yet.  Darrell Bevell is a perfect choice.  He’s a creative offensive mind who has overseen the likes of Brett Favre and Russell Wilson, has learned under Pete Carroll and won a Super Bowl.