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NFL Notebook, Week 13: Miami madness, Ron Rivera firing, Coach of the Year and more

By Zach Cohen

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Jason Sanders #7 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a touchdown pass from a fake field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 01: Jason Sanders #7 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a touchdown pass from a fake field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles in the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium on December 01, 2019 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /
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SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Kliff Kingsbury of the Arizona Cardinals and head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after the game at Levi’s Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 36-26. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Kliff Kingsbury of the Arizona Cardinals and head coach Kyle Shanahan of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after the game at Levi’s Stadium on November 17, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. The 49ers won the game 36-26. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

One Last Thing

I was really tempted to write an earlier section on the coaches on the hot seat, but I’ve done that a few times already. Instead, here’s a couple of lists about best, worst and future head coaches.

Coach of the Year Candidates

Kyle Shanahan, 49ers – Helped turn a mediocre team into a 4-12 team, only to turn them around again into one of the league’s best. Might not be better than Baltimore, but San Francisco might be more well-rounded.

John Harbaugh, Ravens – Arguably the NFL’s best team now, some might say it’s been all Lamar Jackson. I’d say Harbaugh’s definitely helped.

Sean McDermott, Bills – Who had the Bills having the third-best record in the AFC?

Matt LaFleur, Packers – The only first-year coach to post a winning record.

Mike Tomlin, Steelers – He’s taken a team in shambles into playoff contention.

Honorable Mentions: Pete Carroll, Seahawks; Mike Vrabel, Titans; Brian Flores, Dolphins

Coaches That Should Be Relieved

Doug Marrone, Jaguars – The Jaguars aren’t fooling anyone, and Marrone’s inability to handle his locker room should be the final straw.

Adam Gase, Jets – I know Jets’ Owner Christopher Johnson said Gase is safe, but Gase has brought nothing but mediocrity and drama to the Jets.

Freddie Kitchens, Browns – Kitchens has done worse than fail to live up to the monstrous hype, so maybe Cleveland should replace its former interim head coach.

Jason Garrett, Cowboys – The loss to Buffalo heavily favors one argument I made last week about firing Garrett.

Dan Quinn, Falcons – It’s just not going well in Atlanta. A new direction is best for everyone.

Honorable Mentions: Pat Shurmur, Giants; Matt Patricia, Lions

Top Head Coaching Candidates

Greg Roman, Ravens Offensive Coordinator – Look what he’s done with Colin Kaepernick and Lamar Jackson. It’s about time Roman gets a head coaching gig.

Robert Saleh, 49ers Defensive Coordinator – His energy and charisma make his great work with the 49ers’ defense look even better.

Pete Carmichael/Dennis Allen, Saints Offensive/Defensive Coordinators – I don’t know if either wants to leave New Orleans, though they definitely deserve head coaching consideration.

Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma – He’ll be the talk of the town, yet will he want to leave Oklahoma?

Next. NFL Playoffs: Predicting postseason bracket at Week 14. dark

Matt Rhule, Baylor – Loved among NFL circles, Rhule’s work at Baylor has turned even more heads.

Honorable Mentions: Dave Toub, Chiefs’ Special Teams Coordinator; Kevin Stefanski, Vikings’ Offensive Coordinator; Mike McCarthy, Former Packers’ Coach

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