Extra Points: McDaniels, GMs, Peterson, Avant

It’s inevitable that some teams will be making coaching changes when the 2014 season comes to a close, leading Adam Caplan of ESPN (Insider subscription required) to speak with NFL executives to compile a ranking of the most promising head-coaching candidates. Per Caplan, Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is the most popular name for coaching-needy teams. Execs feel that McDaniels, at 32, was too young when he took charge of the Broncos from 2010-12, and that he could be an option for the 49ers if Jim Harbaugh doesn’t return. Seahwawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Broncos offensive coordinator Adam Gase, and Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak round out the top-five of Caplan’s list. Here’s more from around the league…

  • As the inclusion of Munchak in the above list shows, head coaches often get a second chance to lead a team. However, there aren’t a similar number of retread general managers, writes Albert Breer of NFL.com, who notes that of the league’s 30 GMs, only Washington’s Bruce Allen has previously held that title with another club. Breer points to ex-Chiefs GM Scott Pioli and former Jets GM Mike Tannenbaum as two decision-makers who could resurface with different teams.
  • All signs point to Vikings running back Adrian Peterson playing in a different city in 2015, and Ben Goessling of ESPN.com looks at several destinations for the now-controversial veteran, listing the 49ers, the Falcons, and of course, the Cowboys as teams that could show interest in Peterson.
  • After Jason Avant signed with the Chiefs earlier today, his agent, Doug Hendrickson, tweeted a parting shot at the veteran’s former club, the Panthers: “[I] said he deserved a better place, and he found one.” In Kansas City, Avant reunites with Andy Reid, who was the Eagles’ head coach while Avant was in Philadelphia.
  • Speaking of the Panthers, Joseph Person of the Charlotte Observer pens an excellent piece looking at the daunting offseason that faces Carolina. General manager Dave Gettleman & Co. may need to find a new left tackle and pass-rusher, and make a decision on quarterback Cam Newton, all while being saddled with the unwisely contracts of running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart.
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