NFL Head Coach Carousel: Who Makes The Playoffs?
By Erik Lambert
Jan 14, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan speaks during a press conference at ADPRO Sports Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
At last with the arrival of Dan Quinn in Atlanta every head coach position has been filled for the 2015 NFL season. Though there are still many things to do, here is an early projection of which coach and his team is likeliest to make the postseason in his first year on the head set.
Dan Quinn (Atlanta Falcons)
That Super Bowl loss is going to stick with Quinn for awhile, but he’s a veteran coach who knows how to look to next year and his situation is favorable. He has a Pro Bowl quarterback in Matt Ryan on his offense along with plenty of weapons to go with him. If Quinn can fix their ongoing defensive issues, this team can compete, especially in that awful division.
2015 Record: 9-7
Rex Ryan (Buffalo Bills)
It’s like the Jets 2.0 for Rex Ryan. He inherits a team brimming with defensive talent and a good offensive line but really lacking at the quarterback position. For what it’s worth, Ryan took those teams to back-to-back AFC championship game with Mark Sanchez under center. If they can get somebody on par with that in Buffalo, they should be in good shape.
2015 Record: 10-6
John Fox (Chicago Bears)
It’s fair to point out that the Chicago Bears won five games in 2014. This despite what was painfully obvious shortcomings on the coaching staff and little effort from a lot of players. So perhaps this team isn’t as talentless as many believe. Now insert a veteran, motivational presence like John Fox and they could surprise a lot of people next season.
2015 Record: 8-8
Gary Kubiak (Denver Broncos)
This determination will be based entirely on whether or not Peyton Manning returns for another season. If he doesn’t, the Denver Broncos would be heading into 2015 with Brock Osweiler at quarterback. Gary Kubiak is experienced and will have a good staff with him, but it’s doubtful he can keep the train on the tracks without Manning.
2015 Record: 6-10
Todd Bowles (New York Jets)
It’s a long overdue opportunity for Todd Bowles to become a head coach and the New York Jets were right to hire him. He should keep the defensive expectations high after Rex Ryan but his Bill Parcells connection may help him deal with their offensive issues. That won’t be easy as in all likelihood they’re faced with either starting Geno Smith or an NFL rookie under center.
2015 Record: 7-9
Jack Del Rio (Oakland Raiders)
It may not have been a sexy hire, but the Oakland Raiders got somebody in Jack Del Rio who is experienced and has a deeper connection to the organization. He’s committed to them, and that’s good. He has a young, talented quarterback in place. Give him a running game and a strong defense and things can happen real soon for the Silver and Black.
2015 Record: 9-7
Jim Tomsula (San Francisco 49ers)
It’s hard to find any real positive in the situation facing Jim Tomsula. On paper he still has a talented team with the San Francisco 49ers but most of the staff that made them successful the past few years is gone. Add in the fact they have a lot of free agents they could lose and it just feels like things will get worse before he can make them better.
2015 Record: 5-11