Updated NFL Coach Mock Draft: Buffalo Joins The Fray
By Erik Lambert
As the field begins to clarify, the NFL teams in search of new head coaches seem to have preference lined up. Who will go where?
Oakland Raiders
Pick: Jack Del Rio
Experience sounds like a big prerequisite for the Oakland Raiders head coaching job and few names have been mentioned more than Jack Del Rio. Why not? The guy spent a long time down in Jacksonville, taking that franchise to the playoffs twice despite never having a real quarterback. Oakland knows he’s good with defense having seen him twice a year when playing Denver and they have the ace up their sleeve in Derek Carr at quarterback.
New York Jets
Pick: Doug Marrone
The fit is just too perfect to ignore. Doug Marrone is from New York, was with the New York Jets for three seasons as their offensive line coach and is now available after opting out of his current contract in Buffalo. He’s the hometown hero who can return to rescue the fledgling franchise. The best part is he has a proven track record of success, something the Jets are very keen about and they have stability, something he’s very keen about.
San Francisco 49ers
Pick: Dan Quinn
At this point it’s quite apparent the San Francisco 49ers are willing to do anything to derail the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC West. Even if that means stealing their coaches. Dan Quinn has overseen their defense the past two years and it’s been perhaps the best the NFL has seen for the past two decades. Quinn with his motivational skill and film study habits are a huge part of that. The 49ers would love to add that to their team while naturally robbing it from their greatest rival.
Atlanta Falcons
Pick: Todd Bowles
The same problem has plagued the Atlanta Falcons for the past five years. They have a championship-ready offense and a bad defense. That is why they have one playoff victory since 2008. What they need is somebody who can come in and fix that problem immediately while understanding he doesn’t have to change much regarding the offense. Todd Bowles is that man for the job. He instills a sense of toughness in his players, has proven quite adaptable in his scheme based on personnel and is popular in the locker room.
Buffalo Bills
Pick: Adam Gase
There is no getting around it. Despite a 9-7 record and signs they were ready to reach the playoffs, the Buffalo Bills may be starting over. They lost their quarterback to retirement and now their head coach is gone too. If they plan to begin anew with a young signal caller, it would be best if he had a young, offensive-minded head coach right there with him. Adam Gase has gone through a meteoric rise the past few seasons, overseeing perhaps the best offense in league history. He’s 36-years old, known for his determination and creativity. If there is a “start fresh” coach out there, it’s him.
Chicago Bears
Pick: Teryl Austin
It’s not about offense or defense for the Chicago Bears anymore. It has become a question of leadership. They need somebody in charge who can instill a sense of discipline in their dispirited roster. One name that has quietly circulated league sources is Teryl Austin. His impact as coordinator of the Detroit Lions is enough by itself to interest the Bears but several close to him, including coaches and players believe he has the mentality of a head coach. It also helps that he has championship pedigree, having assisted Seattle (2005), Arizona (2008) and Baltimore (2012) to the Super Bowl. Winning has followed him everywhere, something the Bears are desperate to regain.