HEADLINES

Month: January 2018

Texans Make Crennel Defensive Coordinator

January 20th, 2018 at 5:53pm CST by Micah Powell

The Texans didn’t have to look far to replace defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, who left to become the Titans’ head coach on Saturday. The team will make assistant coach Romeo Crennel the new leader of the defense, a source tells The MMQB’s Albert Breer (Twitter link). Romeo Crennel

A longtime coach in the NFL, Crennel has spent the last four seasons in Houston as the team’s defensive coordinator (2014-16) and transitioned to an assistant head coach role in 2017 after the team moved Vrabel to defensive coordinator. In his final season as the team’s defensive coordinator, Houston allowed the fewest yards in the league.

Crennel rose to fame in New England and helped the Patriots to their first Super Bowl title in his first season as the team’s defensive coordinator (2001). He remained with the team through 2004, boasting three top-10 finishes in scoring defense, before joining the Browns as head coach. He spent four seasons at the helm in Cleveland and delivered the team’s last 10-win campaign (2007) before joining the Chiefs as defensive coordinator. The following season, he ascended to head coach and remained with Kansas City for two more seasons.

The transition back to defensive coordinator will be a smooth one for Crennel, who was still heavily involved with the defense in 2017, FOX 26’s Mark Berman reports (Twitter link).

Crennel should benefit from the return of J.J. Watt, who was sidelined for much of the 2017 campaign with an injury.

Titans Hire Mike Vrabel As Head Coach

January 20th, 2018 at 5:05pm CST by Micah Powell

Less than a week after the departure of Mike Mularkey, the Titans have found his replacement in Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, the team announced Saturday. Mike Vrabel

The former Patriots linebacker is set to be introduced at a press conference on Monday. Terms of the deal have yet to be disclosed. Vrabel becomes the 19th head coach in franchise history and the fourth since 2011.

Vrabel met with team general manager Jon Robinson and instantly hit it off, according to Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. “You could see their connection right away from the history they have with one another – seeing the game in a similar way and talking the same language. Mike has a commanding presence and a deep knowledge for how he will attack this head coaching opportunity,” she said.

The chemistry should come as no surprise, as both were members of the Patriots organization –Vrabel as a player and Robinson as a scout.

“This is an incredible opportunity and one I have been preparing for my entire football life,” Vrabel said. “I am excited to get to work & that work starts now. Everything we do is going to be geared towards winning & being physical.”

Vrabel, 42, served one season as Houston’s defensive coordinator after beginning his NFL coaching career as a linebackers coach with the Texans for three seasons. The 14-year NFL veteran won three Super Bowls as a player, spending the majority of his career in New England. He earned one Pro Bowl and one First Team All-Pro selection (2007).

Despite being highly thought of around the league, Vrabel’s first season as defensive coordinator did not jump off the page. Houston’s defense finished last in points allowed, middle of the pack in yards and in the bottom 10 in sacks.

At the outset of the search, Robinson made it clear he wanted a “leader of men.” It was thought Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels was that leader, but Vrabel wowed Robinson in their meeting on Wednesday and the team never met with McDaniels. The team also interviewed Rams offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur, and Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.

AFC North Notes: Browns, Ravens, Bengals

January 20th, 2018 at 4:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Browns have again landed the No. 1 pick, and after years of stalling, the franchise is expected to try its hand at a first-round quarterback again. But a third name might be creeping into the race alongside Josh Rosen and Sam Darnold. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. projects (Insider link) Josh Allen to be the name called to go to Cleveland at No. 1, and a “high-level personnel executive” concurs. The NFL exec told Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com he expects John Dorsey to take Allen at No. 1 overall, and this anonymous decision-maker likens the Wyoming product to a young Ben Roethlisberger. Although, Rosen and Darnold — prior to the workout season — are viewed as readier prospects to run an NFL offense. Cabot notes the same exec told her two years ago the Browns would be set up for 15 years if they were to take Carson Wentz. A three-quarterback pursuit for said No. 1 pick, coupled with the anticipated plethora of available passers on the free agency and trade markets, would make this one of the more interesting offseasons in modern NFL history.

Here’s the latest out of the AFC North:

  • Ben McAdoo remains in the running for the Browns’ OC position, Cabot reports. Texans quarterbacks coach Sean Ryan also interviewed for the post, but Cabot reports Ryan wants to call plays. She adds the Browns might not give him that opportunity due to a lack of experience doing so but notes McAdoo may get that chance since he’s done so previously. Mike Mularkey remains on the radar for this job as well, but Cabot notes he has yet to interview. ESPN’s Josina Anderson reported McAdoo is taking his time in making a decision about where he lands.
  • The Browns finishing the process of hiring an OC without meeting with ex-Steelers play-caller Todd Haley would make for a big surprise, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweets. Haley’s also been connected to the Jets’ OC job.
  • Ravens officials believe the team has the makings of forming a “special” offensive line in the near future, and Jeff Zreibec of the Baltimore Sun expects the team to target a right tackle in the draft to round out the group. Zreibec writes a Round 1 choice on a tackle to complement 2016 first-rounder Ronnie Stanley shouldn’t be dismissed. The Ravens lost Marshal Yanda, Nico Siragusa and Alex Lewis to season-ending injuries, but Austin Howard graded out well at right tackle. Howard is under contract for the 2018 season, what would be his age-31 campaign, and it would cost the Ravens $2MM in dead money to jettison him.
  • The Ravens are no stranger to accumulating compensatory picks, and Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap expects the team to receive a third-rounder for Ricky Wagner‘s departure. The Bengals are also expected to collect a third-round pick after Kevin Zeitler‘s trip across Ohio. Interestingly, the Broncos‘ one-year rental of Russell Okung stands to earn them a third-round choice in Fitzgerald’s view.
  • Speculation swirled about a Hines Ward hire to run the Steelers‘ wide receivers group, Ed Bouchette of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes. But the Steelers instead hired Darryl Drake, a 14-season NFL coaching veteran who coached Ward at Georgia. Ward worked with the Steelers as a coaching intern last summer.

Jadeveon Clowney Extension Coming In 2018?

January 20th, 2018 at 3:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jadeveon Clowney made it through his first 16-game season in 2017 and is not heading into a pivotal offseason, one that could include a landmark extension. And Texans GM Brian Gaine seems to be leaning in that direction.

The new front office boss said a Clowney extension is “on the horizon,” Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle notes.

This re-up could threaten Von Miller‘s place atop the defensive salary spectrum, Wilson notes, adding Clowney is expected to sign a new deal this offseason. Clowney is slated to play the 2018 season on a fifth-year option salary of $13.846MM. The Texans are projected to possess $56.9MM in cap space entering the offseason.

Set to turn 25 next month, Clowney is coming off another strong season. He registered a career-high 9.5 sacks and a career-best 59 tackles (20 for loss). The two-time Pro Bowler’s deal being in the Miller ballpark, and north of J.J. Watt‘s six-year pact, may have induced issues in past offseasons given Watt’s status. But with the three-time defensive player of the year now coming off two injury-marred seasons, any kind of talks about a new contract would seemingly be tabled until it’s shown he can stay healthy.

Clowney has shown this over the past two seasons after enduring two rough campaigns to start his career, and he may well factor into a unique race in 2018. Both Aaron Donald and Khalil Mack figure to pass Miller’s six-year, $114.6MM deal this offseason. Clowney being in the mix could mean the NFL has three $20MM-AAV defenders soon.

Latest On Tom Brady’s Sunday Availability

January 20th, 2018 at 2:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

Despite suffering an injury to his throwing hand, Tom Brady will start the AFC Championship Game vs. the Jaguars on Sunday, ESPN’s Dianna Russini reports (Twitter link).

The cut the Patriots’ 40-year-old quarterback suffered on his throwing hand required several stitches, Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston tweets.

A source informed ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss the collision that caused the injury was “minor.” Reiss adds Brady is not believed to have suffered any ligament, tendon or bone damage.

While Curran reported Brady was not taking snaps under center when he returned to practice Friday, Reiss received conflicting viewpoints of whether this will be an issue come Sunday. One source said Brady “should be OK” for Sunday while another added it’s possible this freak ailment could affect him to some degree in the game.

Reiss notes Brady threw the ball well in practice on Friday and believes he can execute the Pats’ game plan effectively. New England did not bring in another quarterback to work out this week after the setback, per Reiss. Brian Hoyer is the only other passer on the Patriots’ active roster or practice squad.

Brady battled an Achilles injury this season but has not missed a game due to injury since 2008.

Extra Points: Seahawks, Broncos, Free Agents

January 20th, 2018 at 12:58pm CST by Ben Levine

Some assorted notes from around the NFL…

  • Michael Lombardi reports (via Twitter) that the Seahawks are eyeing Jim Zorn as their quarterbacks coach. The 64-year-old held that role for much of his career, including stints with the Lions, Ravens, Chiefs, and Seahawks. He also served as the head coach of the Redskins between 2008 and 2009. Zorn hasn’t coached in the NFL since 2012.
  • Mike Klis of 9News.com took a look at several quarterback candidates for the Broncos next season. The reporter believes Kirk Cousins would be the team’s top choice right now, and he also suggests Alex Smith and Case Keenum as “elite” targets. If the team can’t secure one of those three signal-callers, they could turn their focus to other veterans (Klis suggests Eli Manning, Tyrod Taylor, Sam Bradford, or Blake Bortles) or the draft (Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield, Josh Rosen, Sam Darnold, Mason Rudolph, Lamar Jackson are among the realistic options at number-five).
  • Speaking of Rudolph, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets that the Oklahoma State quarterback is dealing with a “frustrating” foot injury. The prospect was hoping to get cleared so he could play in the Senior Bowl, but he was told to it would take another two weeks to get on the field. Rapoport cautions that the foot sprain is minor.
  • Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com took a look at the top free agent running backs. While Le’Veon Bell‘s spot atop the list wasn’t surprising, Fitzgerald’s decision to rank Isaiah Crowell above Carlos Hyde could ruffle some feathers. Dion Lewis and Jerick McKinnon rounded out his top-5.

GM: Falcons Could Extend RB Tevin Coleman

January 20th, 2018 at 11:29am CST by Ben Levine

Prior to the season, the Falcons signed running back Devonta Freeman to a lucrative contract extension. Pretty soon, the front office will have to think about extending fellow running back Tevin Coleman, which could prove to be a tricky situation. However, as general manager Thomas Dimitroff told ESPN.com’s Vaughn McClure, it wouldn’t be unrealistic for the team to pay big money to both running backs.

Tevin Coleman (Vertical)“I believe you could realistically do it,” Dimitroff said. “I think, again, it comes back to an earlier question when you’re talking about looking at all the different spots on the roster and what you can do to create the space.

“And again, we do a really good job here, I think, about being creative. Luckily, we have an owner [Arthur Blank] that’s allowing us to spend the money, and he doesn’t want to leave a whole bunch on the table, so everyone should be happy about that. I know Q [Dan Quinn] and I definitely are. It makes it a lot more manageable when you’re putting it all together.”

Coleman, who has served mostly as a backup since he entered the NFL in 2015, will make a modest $791K next season. However, he’ll be a free agent following the campaign, and McClure notes that Coleman could be seeking both a large payday and a starting gig. The Falcons could realistically trade the former third-rounder, but executives told McClure that the deep running back draft class might dissuade teams from pulling off a trade. The 24-year-old had another solid campaign in 2017, compiling 628 rushing yards and four touchdowns. He also hauled in 27 catches for 299 yards.

While the Falcons will have to eventually figure out their running back situation, it sounds like the front office has another priority heading into the offseason. Dimitroff said that the team is focused on signed quarterback Matt Ryan to an extension, which could vicariously create even more wiggle room.

Giants Expected To Hire Thomas McGaughey As ST Coordinator

January 20th, 2018 at 10:15am CST by Ben Levine

It sounds like the Giants are starting to fill out their coaching staff. Alex Marvez of The Sporting News reports (via Twitter) that Thomas McGaughey is expected to become the team’s new special teams coordinator.

Thomas McGaugheyMcGaughey had spent two seasons as the Panthers special teams coordinator, but he was fired by the team earlier this week. During his first season at the helm, the coordinator helped lead his team to a league-leading three blocked field goals. Now, he’ll be reuniting with former Carolina general manager Dave Gettleman, who has the same job in New York.

Before his tenure with the Panthers, McGaughey spent time as the special teams coordinator for the 49ers, Jets, and Louisiana State. He’s also had stints with the Chiefs, Texans, Broncos, and Giants, where he was the assistant special teams coordinator from 2007 through 2010.

Coaching Rumors: Cardinals, McAdoo, Fins

January 19th, 2018 at 10:23pm CST by GregGoldstein

The Cardinals interviewed two more head coach candidates today, but the search will continue into next week, according to Kent Somers of AZCentral Sports. The Cardinals have met with Steve Wilks and Keith Armstrong twice and will not need to interview current defensive coordinator James Bettcher another time because of his history with the organization. The team will also interview John DeFilippo and Brian Flores next week, per Mike Jurecki of ArizonaSports.com (Twitter link).

In addition, Somer states that the team could look at giving Jim Schwartz a second interview, but Jurecki did not mention the Eagles defensive coordinator in his tweet. The search is mostly continuing because both the Eagles and Patriots will be playing in their respective conference championships, so depending on how the games shake out, Arizona could resolve their head coaching search by the end of next week.

Finally, Somers importantly notes that former Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians has recommended Bettcher and Armstrong among this pool of coaches the front office is considering.

Here are more a coaching notes from around the NFL:

  • In more Cardinals coaching staff news, now two former staffers have now left for new opportunities, reports Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com (Twitter link). In addition to former special teams coordinator Amos Jones moving onto the same position with the Browns, former wide receiver coach Darryl Drake has been hired by the Steelers.
  • Hue Jackson is adding an offensive coordinator to his staff and have interviewed former Giants head coach Ben McAdoo for the job. He interviewed with the Browns three days ago and apparently “It went fine”, a Browns source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Anderson adds that the source mentioned that they are “Just not going to rush into anything” after speaking to two candidates as of right now. Cleveland is also interviewing a high profile college coach in LSU’s RB coach Tommy Robinson for the same position on their staff, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
  • The Dolphins announced a slew of coaching moves today. The biggest apart from Dowell Loggains being brought on as offensive coordinator is former OC Clyde Christensen being reassigned as the team’s new director of football and player development. Shawn Jefferson was wide receivers coach, but will now be an assistant head coach working with the offense. They are also are promoting Ben Johnson to WR coach. He got experience with this group of players as an assistant WR coach last season.
  • The Bears have named Brock Olivo as the team’s new assistant special teams coach, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune. Olivo was the Broncos’ special teams coordinator last year and was with Matt Nagy on the Chiefs’ staff from 2014-16 as an assistant to special teams coordinator Dave Toub. He previously was a former running back for the Lions back in his playing days.
  • The Texans have promoted Anthony Midget to the team’s secondary coach, according to Mark Berman of Fox26 (Twitter link). Berman also notes that they have also hired Danny Barrett as the RB coach and Tracy Smith as an assistant special teams coach.
Load More Posts