2021 NFL Draft: 5 first time head coaches that will be hired before the draft
By Kyle Edmond
Brian Daboll, Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
After being the offensive coordinator for three different teams over a three-year span from 2010-2012, it seemed like Brian Daboll was set for a career as a position coach. Now, he’s entered the conversation of becoming an NFL head coach, and that’s what working under Bill Belichick and Nick Saban can do.
Daboll struggled as the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins, and Kansas City Chiefs, never having an offense that ranked higher than 22nd while his passing offensive was never higher than 23rd. However, he then took a job on Belichick’s staff as an offensive assistant and then was promoted to tight ends coach.
From there, Daboll was given another chance as an offensive coordinator, moving down to Alabama under Saban for the 2017 season that resulted in a National Championship and Daboll’s return to the NFL sidelines, accepting the offensive coordinator spot with the Bills.
Since arriving in Buffalo, Daboll has been able to transform the Bills’ offense, improving from the 30th ranked offense to now the fifth-ranked. Like Bieniemy, the quarterback has been a big part of that, but Daboll has played a role there as well, helping groom Josh Allen along the way.
At 45-years old, Daboll is a bit younger than Bieniemy which could give him an advantage in some teams’ minds. Regardless, both are top candidates to take over head coaching vacancies this coming offseason heading into the 2021 NFL Draft.