2018 NFL Head Coach Stock Watch: Philly Flying High
By Erik Lambert
The 2018 NFL head coach stock watch is seeing a lot of a major shifts over this past week as certain candidates prepare for a run.
In truth several of the playoff-bound teams are heating up at just the right time. Their respective assistant coaches stand to reap the rewards. Not only could it end up being an entertaining NFL playoffs, but also a fascinating look into whether teams looking for a new head coach might be willing to wait for the top candidates to become available. So which names are on the rise and which are currently sinking?
STOCK UP
Frank Reich and John DeFilippo (OC and QBC, Philadelphia Eagles)
Everybody thought the Eagles offense would never survive once Carson Wentz went down with his knee injury. It seems they forgot Philadelphia is a good team with a top-notch offensive staff. Against the destitute New York Giants, they reminded people why. Reich and DeFilippo made sure to have Nick Foles ready. He threw four touchdown passes in a critical divisional win.
Todd Wash (DC, Jacksonville Jaguars)
People have sent most of the credit for the Jaguars defensive turnaround to their infusion of good talents like A.J. Bouye and Calais Campbell this year. In truth the ascension had already begun the year earlier and that was when Todd Wash took over as defensive coordinator. His unit was in top form again, absolutely suffocating the Houston Texans to the tune of just seven points allowed.
Matt Lafleur (OC, Los Angeles Rams)
Sean McVay is getting all the love for what’s happening in L.A. with the Rams, but is that fair? Matt Lafleur is a proven quarterback specialist who has worked magic across the NFL and college. The rapid turnaround of Jared Goff is just as much his success as McVay’s. His offense hanging 42 points on the Seattle Seahawks defense in Seattle? That’s a feather in the cap.
STOCK DOWN
Matt Patricia (DC, New England Patriots)
Even as the Patriots remain on course towards another deep playoff run, the luster of their defensive coordinator has worn off recently. New England’s defense was run over for the past two weeks, allowing 27 and 24 points in the past two games. It would’ve been more if not for a controversial replay against Pittsburgh. Matt Patricia has work to do to regain his respect.
Darrell Bevell (OC, Seattle Seahawks)
Barely two years ago there wasn’t a hotter name in head coaching circles than Darrell Bevell. His development of Russell Wilson to a franchise quarterback and dominant rushing attack led by Marshawn Lynch had people talking. Since then his stock has taken a plunge. It may have bottomed out this week, mustering just seven points against the Rams at home.
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: A Mad AFC Scramble for the Quarterbacks
Mike Vrabel (DC, Houston Texans)
Prior to the start of this season, Vrabel was a hot name for a possible head coach push. He was known for his motivational skill, discipline and attention to detail. Another discipline of the Belichick tree. Unfortunately his chances this year have taken a series of tough blows. The defense is banged up with a lot of key guys missing and it showed with 45 points allowed to Jacksonville.