Possible Mike McCoy Landing Spots After San Diego Chargers
By Erik Lambert
For a time it looked like things could be great for Mike McCoy as head coach of the San Diego Chargers. He made the playoffs his first season in charge and just barely missed them his second. However, that in turn lead to a severe drop in 2015. The Chargers are 4-11, last in the division and challenging for a possible top 5 pick in the 2016 draft. Changes are expected, from a possible move to Los Angeles to a messy breakup with star safety Eric Weddle. Seems firing the head coach is just another log in the fire.
Speaking with multiple folks around NFL, sounds like Mike McCoy is coaching his final game for @Chargers. We'll see. @NFLonFOX
— Alex Marvez (@alexmarvez) January 2, 2016
There is still a slim hope that he might yet save it by defeating the Denver Broncos on Sunday. Still, not many are holding their breath. McCoy was brought in to maximize a veteran roster, particularly quarterback Philip Rivers. They made a nice run in 2013 but could get it done. Now it looks like the Chargers are in need of some repair work.
So what does fate hold for the head coach? Here are a few possibilities.
Chicago Bears
The chances that McCoy finds another head coaching job are minimal, though not impossible of course. Still, chances are he’ll go back to being an offensive coordinator for a time, something he was quite good at. One team that could call him are the Chicago Bears. Experts believe they’re about to lose their OC Adam Gase to a head coaching job. McCoy has a prior relationship with head coach John Fox dating back to their days in Carolina and Denver together.
New England Patriots
This team too is about to lose their offensive coordinator. Josh McDaniels was a prime candidate for head coaching jobs last season but failed to get one due to the New England Patriots going to the Super Bowl. Chances are he could have his pick of a job whenever he becomes available. Bill Belichick likes coaches who are flexible and creative, two things McCoy proved himself to be as a coordinator. Besides, if he wants another crack at getting his own team, New England is usually a platform to use.
Cincinnati Bengals
Success has already cost the Cincinnati Bengals two good coordinators and now they could be set to lose another as Hue Jackson is garnering heavy interest from teams around the league. That will put them on the market for a replacement and McCoy will be a top option. Not only that, but the Bengals will have a healthy respect for him since it was his Chargers team that beat them in the playoffs back in 2013.