DraftKings Network - Tracking the latest news for Houston Texans head coaching vacancyAnother great SB Nation bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52893/DKN_Favicon_32x32..png2023-02-14T11:28:06-08:00http://dknetwork.draftkings.com/rss/stream/233111712023-02-14T11:28:06-08:002023-02-14T11:28:06-08:00Will Jonathan Gannon be an NFL head coach in 2023?
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<img alt="Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon speaks with the media at training camp at NovaCare Complex" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/otmOghsxpfCEzolRb7nE93tn1gI=/0x0:4541x3027/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71848906/usa_today_18769468.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We discuss whether an NFL team will hire Eagles’ defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and which opening fits him best. </p> <p id="yzDCsO"><strong>February 14 update: </strong>Jonathan Gannon has been hired by the Arizona Cardinals as their next head coach. The Eagles ended up losing both their defensive coordinator and offensive coordinator after their Super Bowl run this season. </p>
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<p id="5Vf2CC">Jonathan Gannon has had the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>' defense looking stellar at points this season. However, they have had their up and downs. There is a great chance that Gannon lands multiple interviews through the process, but will he get hired? </p>
<h2 id="INxlrg">Who is Eagles’ defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon?</h2>
<p id="5GMwxZ">Gannon has earned a ton of experience on different staffs through his coaching career. In the NFL, he spent three years as a defensive quality control coach for the <a href="https://www.musiccitymiracles.com/">Tennessee Titans</a> and <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a>. After that, he spent four years as the assistant defensive backs coach for the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>. </p>
<p id="ChSUL0">After his time in Minnesota, he was hired by the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a> as the defensive backs coach where he was on staff with current Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni. While Sirianni was the offensive coordinator, the Colts’ offense improved. When he landed the head coaching job in Philadelphia, Sirianni brought Gannon on as his defensive coordinator. </p>
<h2 id="iIwRnL">Why would he make a good head coach?</h2>
<p id="gLDUuv">Gannon has turned this defense into a powerhouse for the Eagles. They struggle with consistency at times, but as a whole, they were one of the best in the NFC this season. If he can take over in a situation with some playmakers on the defense, like the <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a>, he could turn that team around. The biggest thing will be who he brings o staff with him. He will need great minds on the offensive side of the ball that he can trust to run the offense. </p>
<p id="XcKPjd">While this might not be the year Gannon gets hired, he did interview multiple times with the <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> before they hired Lovie Smith last year. The Texans have also put in a request to interview him this year, too. </p>
<p id="ArIrAY">It will be interesting to see how many interviews he takes once the Eagles’ playoff run comes to an end. Gannon might need one more year to prove that he can sustain a great defense through the full campaign.</p>
<h2 id="KuIn79">Which teams are interviewing him?</h2>
<h2 id="ZSU0NX">Houston Texans</h2>
<p id="RulPHt"><strong>Jan 12 update</strong>: Albert Breer is <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1613717132604325893">reporting</a> the interview will happen on Saturday the 14th.</p>
<p id="1VwgSr">The Houston Texans requested an interview with Gannon, but it’s yet to be announced whether he’s agreed to it. Houston has a few young pieces who are building blocks for the franchise, such as Derek Stingley Jr. Gannon has done big things with the Eagles defense and could help turn around a 22nd-ranked Texans defense.</p>
<h2 id="mppE1F">Arizona Cardinals</h2>
<p id="boztNK">The Arizona Cardinals will interview Gannon after the Eagles lost to the Chiefs in the Super Bowl. He would bring a strong defensive mentality to the team, which is likely needed, but his offensive coordinator would also need to have an ability to utilize Kyler Murray better than Kliff Kingsbury was able. </p>
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https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/nfl/2023/1/10/23537576/jonathan-gannon-nfl-head-coaching-search-rumors-interviews-experience-resume-meeting-2023Ben Hall2023-01-17T11:38:43-08:002023-01-17T11:38:43-08:00Will Thomas Brown be an NFL head coach in 2023?
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<img alt="Los Angeles Rams coach Thomas Brown talks with Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers #23 during the Los Angeles Rams training camp on August 26, 2020, at Cal Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks, CA." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/vpMaweabfhvW1CoA173dLPrqvwI=/0x0:2994x1996/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71857630/1228242214.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We discuss whether an NFL team will hire Rams assistant head coach/TE coach Thomas Brown and which opening fits him best. </p> <p id="yzDCsO">The NFL offseason has begun for the majority of teams. While the playoffs are getting started, there are also multiple coaching searches already underway. There is always a wide range of coaches and assistants that get requested for interviews. One name being floated around is current <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a> tight end coach Thomas Brown. </p>
<h2 id="INxlrg">Who is Rams assistant head coach/TE coach Thomas Brown?</h2>
<p id="5GMwxZ">Brown played his college football at Georgia and was drafted in the sixth round of the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> by the <a href="https://www.thefalcoholic.com/">Atlanta Falcons</a>. His NFL career never got off the ground as he suffered an injury in the preseason that sidelined him for his entire rookie year. He was waived before his second season and then spent his final two seasons with the <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>. </p>
<p id="N78vl2">He bounced around college as a new coach, mainly focusing on running backs from 2011 to 2019. He joined the Rams in 2020 as their running backs coach. In 2021 he held the same position and added assistant head coach to his resume. Brown switched things up in 2022, taking over as the tight ends coach while still retaining his assistant head coach role. </p>
<h2 id="iIwRnL">Why would he make a good head coach?</h2>
<p id="gLDUuv">Brown would be the lastest product from the Sean McVay coaching tree. He has only been in the NFL for three seasons and hasn’t yet held a coordinator position. The one constant from his many stops in his career has been an ability to connect with his players and see results. Brown would likely be a fine head coach, but I expect him to achieve the position in a few years and not in 2023. </p>
<p id="fnLqDb">While making the rounds in college, he coached Melvin Gordon, Nick Chubb, Sony Michel, Travis Homer, DeeJay Dallas, Kevin Harris and Gus Edwards, who have all since played in the NFL. </p>
<h2 id="KuIn79">Which teams are interviewing him?</h2>
<h3 id="ZSU0NX"><a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a></h3>
<p id="0LS91w">The Texans are reportedly seeking a young head coach that can grow with a young team, per <a href="https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1613572651066314752">Tom Pelissero</a>. Brown could bring a breath of fresh air to a stagnant Houston team that is needing a spark in 2023 and beyond. </p>
<p id="s2GgOM">Brown <a href="https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1615431851694297088">interviewed</a> with the Texans on Jan. 17, according to Adam Schefter. </p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/nfl/2023/1/12/23552014/thomas-brown-nfl-head-coaching-search-rumors-interviews-experience-resume-meeting-2023Teddy Ricketson2023-01-16T09:04:23-08:002023-01-16T09:04:23-08:00Will Demeco Ryans be an NFL head coach in 2023?
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<img alt="Los Angeles Chargers v San Francisco 49ers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DAo2p-2EddyOMqbAeqvOpjnzWlE=/0x896:3456x3200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71839543/1442134156.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>We discuss whether an NFL team will hire 49ers defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans and which opening fits him best. </p> <p id="yzDCsO">The <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> have had a great season and are one of the favorites for the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/super-bowl">Super Bowl</a>. Defensive coordinator Demeco Ryans has played a major role in that as they have the best defense in the NFL. It has been that way since he took over in 2021. Below we’ll take a look at whether or not he will get a chance as a head coach next season. </p>
<h2 id="AXaigg">Who is 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans</h2>
<p id="vv8Xk4">Ryans was a second round pick from Alabama in the 2006 <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a>. He played in the NFL for 10 seasons and had a great career. He won Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006, was a First Team All-Pro in 2007, and made the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-pro-bowl">Pro Bowl</a> in 2007 and 2009. A little over a year after retiring, Ryans was hired by the 49ers as the defensive quality control coach. The next year after that, they promoted him to inside linebackers coach.</p>
<p id="eL6TUa">The following season, after Robert Sales took the head coaching job with the Jets, Ryans was promoted to defensive coordinator for the 49ers. After 2021, he landed a head coaching interview with the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, but declined a second interview choosing to stay with the 49ers. His defense has been stellar once again this season and their success could play a big role in him getting a head coaching job this offseason. </p>
<h2 id="iIwRnL">Why would he make a good head coach?</h2>
<p id="gLDUuv">Everything Ryans has shown as a defensive coordinator looks like he will be a successful NFL head coach. While his defense has had talent, he has gotten everything out of his players. He’s had great schemes and hasn’t struggled with adjustments. His players seem to enjoy being around him and he’s always energized on the sideline. He’d be great taking over in a situation where they want to change the culture. </p>
<p id="kumZUC">I would expect him to be the top option this offseason and many teams looking for a coach to do whatever they can to add him as their head coach. Many weren't expecting him to have as much success as Saleh did, but he did a great job filling his shoes. Saleh has had success in New York, and I would expect Ryans to have a bit of the same. </p>
<h2 id="KuIn79">Which teams are interviewing him?</h2>
<h3 id="ZSU0NX"><a href="https://www.milehighreport.com">Denver Broncos</a></h3>
<p id="HOvhlh"><strong>Update 1/12- </strong>Ryans will officially interview with the Broncos in Los Angeles next Tuesday. This will come two days after the 49ers’ Wild Card round matchup against the <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> and his ability to potentially hit the ground running with the job obviously hinges on how far the Niners make it un the postseason.</p>
<p id="I6eLcs">Ryans’ ability to maintain one of the best defenses in the league despite a slew of injuries makes him a great candidate for the Broncos. With the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, and Davante Adams in the AFC West, going with a defensive guy would be a wise move. The only question is the offensive coordinator and how they would help mitigate the decline of quarterback Russell Wilson.</p>
<p id="a7eowy">The Broncos have requested permission to interview Ryans as one of their top candidates. Considering how successful the 49ers pass rush has been under Ryans’ leadership, pairing him with an elite defender like Bradley Chubb would be a wise move.</p>
<h3 id="VIy0XE"><a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a></h3>
<p id="OqQNak">The Texans have also requested permission to interview Ryans and it would be a homecoming for Ryans as earned All-Pro status with the franchise in 2007. However, it has been reported that <a href="https://www.click2houston.com/sports/2023/01/08/nfl-sources-texans-coach-lovie-smiths-job-in-danger-will-team-fire-its-head-coach-third-year-in-a-row/">Ryans will not pursue the job</a> given the dysfunction of the franchise and the fact that he once filed a lawsuit against them.</p>
<h3 id="SUfF99"><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a></h3>
<p id="B6Pgza">The Panthers finished the season strong, but need to build talent on both sides of the ball. They have the ninth overall pick in the draft and nobody would be surprised if they drafted a quarterback. Ryans would want to bring in a strong OC option if he was hired, but the Panthers’ issues on both sides of the ball mean going for a defensive- vs. offensive-minded head coach shouldn’t make a huge difference.</p>
<h3 id="TGhXgl"><a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a></h3>
<p id="Y6XWzr">The 49ers <a href="https://twitter.com/Eric_Branch/status/1613602790374526979">confirmed</a> Ryans received an interview request from the Cardinals. Arizona had a disaster of a season and a massive regression on offense. Ryans would help upgrade their defense and one of Arizona’s most important questions would likely be who Ryans would look to bring in as offensive coordinator and QB coach for working with Kyler Murray.</p>
<h3 id="GPxRRT"><a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a></h3>
<p id="qTtnUm">The Colts submitted a request to interview Ryans on Monday, January 16. Ryans continues to employ a stout defensive front as the 49ers make their way through the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-playoffs">NFC playoffs</a>. He has been a popular choice for interviews, and the Colts' defense and the overall team could benefit from his creativity and play calling. He would likely be paired with a new quarterback to enter into a new era in Indy. </p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/nfl/2023/1/8/23533631/demeco-ryans-nfl-head-coaching-search-rumors-interviews-experience-resume-meeting-2023Ben Hall2023-01-10T14:42:07-08:002023-01-10T14:42:07-08:00Will Mike Kafka be an NFL head coach in 2023?
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<p>We discuss whether an NFL team will hire Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and which opening fits him best. </p> <p id="yzDCsO">The <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a> got back to the playoffs for the first time since 2016 behind a stout defense and strong running game. The ground game was largely powered by running back Saquon Barkley, but quarterback Daniel Jones also showed off his mobility and rushed for 708 yards and seven touchdowns. Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka was instrumental in the evolution and development of Jones and should draw interest as a head-coach candidate this offseason.</p>
<h2 id="INxlrg">Who is New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka?</h2>
<p id="5GMwxZ">Kafka, a college quarterback at Northwestern, struggled to make much noise for three seasons before delivering a solid senior season with 3,430 yards and 16 touchdowns. He also rushed for eight scores. After his college career, Kafka bounced around the league for a bit as a backup quarterback and practice squad player. He joined Northwestern’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant and eventually worked his way up in the NFL ranks with the <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com">Kansas City Chiefs</a>. This was his lone season as the Giants' offensive coordinator.</p>
<h2 id="iIwRnL">Why would he make a good head coach?</h2>
<p id="gLDUuv">Any experience around the Chiefs seems to be good, especially when it is on the offensive side of the ball. Kafka has seen Andy Reid operate with the best quarterback in the game, and he’s definitely been able to elevate Jones without some of the weapons quarterbacks usually need to do well. Whether he has the overall vision for a football team and organization remains to be seen, but he’s got the offensive IQ to successfully groom quarterbacks. That’s the most important position in the game, and sometimes anyone who can get the most out of the quarterback can get past other shortcomings.</p>
<h2 id="KuIn79">Which teams are interviewing him?</h2>
<h3 id="ZSU0NX"><a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a></h3>
<p id="QUICQl">This is not an ideal situation for a first-time head coach, with the Texans looking for their third head coach in as many years. The upside here is Kafka could get an opportunity to help hand-pick his quarterback given the Texans problems at the position. The interview could be as much him interviewing the organization given their numerous problems.</p>
<h3 id="VMYRL6"><a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a></h3>
<p id="kL8vV4">Similar to the Texans, the Panthers will be looking for a quarterback this offseason and have a high draft pick with which to do so. Panthers owner David Tepper backed up the Brink’s Truck for Matt Rhule and it will be interesting to see how he looks to approach his second run through the hiring process. Carolina has more talent than Houston, providing a chance at a quicker turnaround.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/nfl/2023/1/10/23548530/mike-kafka-nfl-head-coaching-search-rumors-interviews-experience-resume-meeting-2023DKNetworkStaff2023-01-09T07:54:23-08:002023-01-09T07:54:23-08:00Tracking news, rumors, more as NFL general managers are fired approaching Black Monday
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<img alt="Head coach Kliff Kingsbury and general manager Steve Keim of the Arizona Cardinals look on during warmups before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on September 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/b6JrI0nUcuNys_lWv5E1jIKzRmM=/0x0:4879x3253/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71843999/1426436537.0.jpg" />
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<p>Head coaches aren’t the only NFL personnel on the hot seat following the 2022 season. We break it all down.</p> <p id="sTTObu">In the NFL, a general manager gets a fairly long leash due to their job usually is centered around making longterm decisions to help guide a team toward their goals. You can’t hire a GM to rebuild your team and then fire him the next year. Well, you can, but that’s not enough time to turn a team around. </p>
<p id="cQ6UZE">We saw one GM, the Titans Todd Downing, get fired after getting a DUI in the middle of the season. After trading away A.J. Brown last offseason, many fans were glad to see him go and head coach Mike Vrabel apparently wasn’t a fan of the trade either. What happens moving forward is still up in the air in Tennessee. </p>
<p id="5c6qNL">The <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Texans</a> have canned two head coaches in a row, but Nick Caserio has kept his job as GM. They did let Jack Easterby go, who likely had too much influence, but after two one season and done hirings, the Texans aren’t likely to get many great head coaching applicants. It would probably be better to start completely new, but Caserio could get another shot. </p>
<p id="j4gbnU">The Cardinals were a bit of a dumpster fire this season and Kliff Kingsbury looks like the most-likely head coach to get fired this week. If he does, will GM Steve Keim go too? they both signed contract extensions until 2027 recently. Keim is currently on a leave of absence, which may complicate matters, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see both let go at the same time. </p>
<p id="RppPP8">We’ll keep you updated on the latest GM moves here.</p>
<h2 id="4XazlE">Tracking general manager moves</h2>
<p id="WWJPqq"><strong>Black Monday update </strong>— Steve Keim has been let go as the GM, but hasn’t been completely let go, <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz_Report/status/1612473099479576576">per Jordan Schultz</a>. They could keep Keim on in a lesser capacity according to Schultz.</p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/nfl/2023/1/9/23546425/nfl-general-manager-firing-rumors-hot-seat-black-monday-steve-keim-nick-caserioChet Gresham2023-01-08T20:17:23-08:002023-01-08T20:17:23-08:00Lovie Smith fired by Houston Texans
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<img alt="Head Coach Lovie Smith of the Houston Texans looks on during the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Indianapolis, Indiana." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fAcOQ9tFqVyc1NAwpoX6pLvnfIk=/0x1:3511x2342/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71842376/1455088093.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The Texans will start yet another coaching search in 2023. </p> <p id="1dp2kd"><strong>Update:</strong> The Texans have released a statement. It isn’t unlike most statements after a coach is fired:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">A statement from Chair and CEO Cal McNair: <a href="https://t.co/EXfIbUYOBc">pic.twitter.com/EXfIbUYOBc</a></p>— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) <a href="https://twitter.com/HoustonTexans/status/1612300008618868737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a>
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<p id="L1kYA5">The <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a> have let head coach Lovie Smith go after one season. Under Smith the Texans went 3-13-1, but they played well to end the season, including a Week 18 win over the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>. That win took the Texans from the No. 1 pick in the <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl-draft">NFL Draft</a> to the No. 2 pick.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Texans?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Texans</a> have fired coach Lovie Smith, per me and <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeGarafolo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MikeGarafolo</a>. Another one-and-done in Houston. <a href="https://t.co/1Ld7PxCGUq">pic.twitter.com/1Ld7PxCGUq</a></p>— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapSheet/status/1612298059169366017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 9, 2023</a>
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<p id="Vcu1VG">Smith was brought in to help bring some stability to an organization that has gone through plenty of turmoil and for his effort, he’s been canned. </p>
https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/nfl/2023/1/8/23545957/lovie-smith-fired-houston-texans-head-coach-2022-recordChet Gresham