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