Broncos Want Sean Payton To Retain Ejiro Evero
FEBRUARY 2: Evero and Payton will discuss the prospect of working together Thursday, Michael Silver of the San Francisco Chronicle tweets. With the Cardinals and Colts’ HC positions having not yet been filled, Evero continues to have options on multiple levels. The Vikings are now interested in interviewing him for their DC gig. It is safe to say the ex-Rams position coach is one of the NFL’s fastest-rising staffers. Evero remains under contract with the Broncos, though CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson adds Payton has a few names in mind for the DC position (Twitter link).
FEBRUARY 1: With Sean Payton set to leave his one-year post as a FOX analyst and take over the Broncos, the topic of his staff will come up. Ejiro Evero remains in the mix for the Cardinals and Colts’ head coaching jobs, but the Broncos would like to retain the Nathaniel Hackett-tabbed defensive coordinator.
Payton will have final say over his staff, but Mike Klis of 9News notes Broncos brass would like to keep Evero on for a second season as DC. The Broncos hired Evero to head up their defense last year, offered him their interim HC job after Hackett’s firing and made him one of their first interviews for the full-time position Payton just landed. It is unclear how Payton feels about keeping a holdover for such an important position, but the Broncos were clearly impressed with Evero’s first season.
[RELATED: Payton Addresses Decision To Accept Broncos’ Offer]
As Denver’s offense imploded, the team still rarely found itself in blowout losses. Evero’s defense, despite injuries and the Bradley Chubb trade, largely kept the team in games. The Broncos ranked 10th in defensive DVOA and seventh in total defense. Evero has longstanding ties to Hackett, with the two having been friends since college, and has come up in head coach and coordinator searches.
The Broncos showed their cards with Evero by blocking him from interviewing for the Falcons’ DC post, which would be a lateral move since Evero called plays last season. Evero, 42, remains under contract. The Rams are also interested in bringing Evero back, in the event Raheem Morris lands a head coaching gig. While coaches from five-win teams are not poached often, Evero interviewing for all five HC positions this year paints a fairly clear picture of his rise.
Payton employed Dennis Allen as his DC from 2015-21 and figures to bring his own staffers to fill most of the Broncos’ assistant spots. He has been tied to Vic Fangio, and while the acclaimed defensive leader has said he has not signed a contract with the Dolphins just yet, it would be a surprise if he returned to Denver so soon. The Broncos fired Fangio after three seasons, with the exec who pulled the trigger on that move — GM George Paton — still in place. The Broncos stand to upgrade tremendously on offense with Payton, but losing Evero could hurt their defense — or at least bring significant change to one of the NFL’s better units.
Multiple factors held up the Broncos’ Payton process, per Klis, who notes the Saints indeed followed through with the Jon Gruden asking price. The Saints first set the Payton price at two first-round picks and two seconds — the cost Tampa Bay paid Oakland for Gruden 21 years ago — before moving down to the Bill Parcells haul. The Jets sent the Patriots first-, second-, third- and fourth-rounders over a three-year period to acquire Parcells’ rights back in 1997. Denver balked at both price points, and after Paton and Mickey Loomis spent days negotiating, the GMs eventually settled on the Chubb pick (No. 30 overall) and a 2024 second-rounder in exchange for Payton and a 2024 third. This transaction doubles as the first coaching trade in 17 years, since the Chiefs sent the Jets a fourth-round pick for Herm Edwards.
The other delay here involved Jim Harbaugh. The Michigan HC resurfacing in the Broncos’ search altered the process, NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan tweets. Both Harbaugh and DeMeco Ryans resided as Broncos favorites at points during this lengthy search, as each did not require draft compensation to hire. Ryans ended up preferring the Texans, and Harbaugh twice informed the Broncos — the second time after CEO Greg Penner flew to Ann Arbor for a second meeting — he was staying at Michigan. The Broncos did not make Harbaugh an offer, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. The Vikings also did not offer Harbaugh their HC job after their 2022 interview.
Although the Broncos had targeted other coaches, Payton had long been a frontrunner and still possessed considerable leverage here. The Super Bowl-winning HC had the option of staying at FOX — something Breer adds the Broncos believed he would do (Twitter link) — or moving forward with one of this year’s HC-needy teams. Payton informed the Panthers he was no longer interested in their position, Colin Cowherd of Fox Sports notes (video link), and the Cardinals adding a few names to their mix Monday provided a good indication they were not in the Payton race any longer. But the Broncos will pay up to guard against Payton doing TV for another year and potentially hopping on the 2024 coaching carousel for a higher-profile job.
Payton’s Broncos deal with average between $17-21MM, per Klis and Denver7’s Troy Renck (Twitter link). That will place the longtime Saints HC in the top coaching tax bracket. Rob Walton‘s ownership group will be in position to pay up for the assistants Payton wants, adding some intrigue to Denver’s staff. While the team almost certainly will not insist Evero stays, such a move will be encouraged.
Vic Fangio To Accept Dolphins’ DC Offer
Making a point to indicate he was still on the market, Vic Fangio will indeed take the Dolphins up on their recent offer. The former Broncos HC has decided to join Mike McDaniel in Miami, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
Fangio interviewed with the Falcons and Panthers and was linked to being a possible DeMeco Ryans replacement in San Francisco, where he had a strong DC run in the early 2010s. But the Dolphins plan to make him the league’s highest-paid DC. Fangio will join the team after Super Bowl LVII, Schefter notes.
As far as money goes, the Dolphins lured him to Florida by offering him a three-year contract that averages north of $4.5MM annually, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. Although head coach salaries are skyrocketing, this is in the ballpark of some HC contracts. Fangio went 19-30 with the Broncos from 2019-21, but a host of teams recognized his defensive acumen, creating a bidding war the Dolphins won.
The past few weeks have revealed the NFL’s view of Fangio, whose defensive influence has been felt around the league in recent years. Although he flamed out after three seasons as Denver’s HC, the 64-year-old coach had a host of options. The 49ers circled back to Fangio — their DC from 2011-14 — but the recently reported Dolphins pledge will win out. Fangio will replace Josh Boyer in Miami and will reunite with Bradley Chubb, whom he coached in Denver for three seasons. The delay between the reported Dolphins hire and Thursday’s report stemmed from Fangio feeling a bit rushed, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson tweets. He suddenly became one of the league’s most coveted commodities.
The Panthers sought Fangio before and after Frank Reich‘s hire, and the Falcons interviewed him more than two weeks ago. Atlanta ended up hiring New Orleans co-DC Ryan Nielsen, while Carolina remains on the hunt for its defensive leader. Miami, meanwhile, will represent Fangio’s sixth DC gig. Fangio will bring nearly 40 years’ experience of coaching at the professional level, having broken in with the original USFL back in 1984. He has been a DC for the Panthers, Colts, Texans, 49ers and Bears, with the Broncos HC post obviously including defensive leadership as well.
McDaniel viewed Fangio as a strong option last year, Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com tweets, but Dolphins brass wanted him to retain Boyer after a strong 2021 season defensively. Brian Flores played a significant role in the team’s defensive success in 2021, however. While McDaniel is not believed to have viewed Boyer as a lame duck, the young HC has managed to secure a partnership with one of this era’s best defensive coaches.
Fangio held DC jobs for two expansion teams — the Panthers and Texans — from 1995-2005 and the former venturing to the NFC championship game in its second year of existence centered around a veteran-laden defense that allowed just 13.6 points per game. After not experiencing the same level of success in Indianapolis or Houston, Fangio rebuilt his stock in San Francisco. The 49ers morphed into a dominant defense in Fangio’s first season, and they held top-three defensive rankings in each of his first three years with the team. Fangio earned Assistant Coach of the Year honors in 2018 in Chicago, when the Bears ranked first defensively, vaulting him into position to land the Denver job.
The Dolphins should be expected to utilize a 3-4 scheme under Fangio, who will take over a unit housing Chubb, Jaelan Phillips and Emmanuel Ogbah. Denver deployed two top-10 defenses under Fangio, despite Chubb and Von Miller being unable to stay on the field together for nearly his entire tenure. Fangio was tied to Sean Payton in December, but a return to Denver so soon after being fired seemed unrealistic.
Texans Interviewed Nick Caley For OC Job
We can add another name to the list of Texans offensive coordinator candidates. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter), the Texans interviewed Patriots tight ends coach Nick Caley for their offensive coordinator vacancy.
[RELATED: Latest On Texans’ Coordinator Searches]
Caley has spent his entire NFL coaching career in New England, working his way up to tight ends coach. The Patriots got plenty of production out of the position during Caley’s first few seasons at the helm thanks to the presence of Rob Gronkowski. Since Gronk left New England, the Patriots haven’t been able to generate even a fraction of those numbers.
Still, Caley became a consistent and respected voice in the Patriots locker room, and following the loss of Josh McDaniels last offseason, Caley was expected to take on a larger role on offense. Ultimately, that responsibility ended up being divided by Matt Patricia, Joe Judge, and Bill Belichick.
Despite recent underwhelming performances from Hunter Henry and (especially) Jonnu Smith, Caley still emerged as a popular name on the coaching circuit. He previously interviewed for the Jets offensive coordinator job, and he was also considered for the Patriots OC job before they added Bill O’Brien.
The Texans agreed to a deal with DeMeco Ryans to become their new head coach, and it didn’t take long for the organization to start looking for replacements for Pep Hamilton, who is presumably out in Houston. 49ers passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik and Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters are both candidates for the job, and we’ll presumably hear of more targets in the coming days.
Buccaneers Interviewed Ronald Curry For OC Job
The Buccaneers are looking within their own division to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy. The team announced that they interviewed Saints passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry for their OC job on Tuesday night.
[RELATED: Bucs To Interview Georgia OC Todd Monken]
Curry wasn’t the only candidate in the building yesterday. We previously learned that Georgia offensive coordinator Todd Monken and Giants QBs coach Shea Tierney also met with Tampa Bay on Tuesday. The team previously interviewed Jaguars passing-game coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Broncos QBs coach Klint Kubiak, Vikings wide receivers coach Keenan McCardell, and Bengals QBs coach Dan Pitcher (who ultimately decided to stick in Cincy) for the job. Former Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has also been mentioned as a potential candidate, while Texans offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton (who is likely on his way out in Houston) declined his interview request.
Curry has been with the Saints organization since the 2016 season, working his way from offensive assistant to wide receivers coach to quarterbacks coach. While New Orleans has dealt with an inconsistent quarterback depth chart during Curry’s two seasons in the role, the Saints have still managed to put up impressive passing numbers. Jameis Winston and Trevor Siemian combined for 25 touchdowns vs. only six interceptions in 2021, and the coach squeezed an 18-touchdown, nine-interception season out of Andy Dalton in 2022.
During Curry’s stint as New Orleans’ WRs coach, Michael Thomas established himself as one of the most product wideouts in the NFL. Thomas earned a pair of first-team All-Pro nods playing under Curry, and the receiver also set the single-season record with 149 catches in 2019.
The Buccaneers are looking at some major changes on offense next season with Byron Leftwich out as offensive coordinator. Of course, we also learned earlier today that quarterback Tom Brady was hanging up his cleats, leading to major question marks at the quarterback position heading into the offseason.
Aaron Glenn Gets Second HC Interview With Colts; Cardinals Seeking Another Meeting
Aaron Glenn is getting a second look in Indy. According to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones (via Twitter), the Colts will conduct a second interview with the Lions defensive coordinator regarding their head coaching vacancy. The second interview is expected to take place tomorrow.
[RELATED: Colts To Conduct Second HC Interview With Brian Callahan]
Glenn is also considered a finalist for the Cardinals head coaching job, and Josina Anderson of CBS Sports tweets the NFC West team would like to talk more with him ahead of its decision. While the Cards’ HC search has not received as much attention as the Colts’ expansive process, the they added some new candidates to the mix Monday. Glenn was part of the original process and went through his first interview Jan. 21.
The 50-year-old helped boost his stock following a strong second half of the season in Detroit. During the Lions’ 8-2 finish, the defense yielded 20.2 points per game, the 11th-best mark in the league. Glenn also earned praise for his development of defensive players like Aidan Hutchinson, James Houston, Jeff Okudah, and Kerby Joseph, putting the coach firmly on the HC radar.
Among all the teams with head coaching vacancies, the Colts have cast the widest net, interviewing 13 candidates for the position. We’ve heard recently that the organization had moved on to the second phase of their search. The team conducted a second interview with Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan today after having previously conducted second interviews with interim HC Jeff Saturday, Broncos defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, and Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris.
Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia, Giants defensive coordinator Don Martindale, Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, and Colts special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone have also been mentioned as finalists. Considering all the names that are still in the running, Nate Akins of the Indy Star is a bit skeptical that these are indeed “finalists” and hints that the organization could require another round of interviews after this (Twitter link).
Saints Part Ways With Kris Richard
Dennis Allen is set to have a completely new defensive coaching staff in New Orleans. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the Saints are parting ways with co-defensive coordinator Kris Richard.
Richard, who was also responsible for coaching the secondary in 2022, split DC duties with Ryan Nielsen, who ended up leaving New Orleans to become the Falcons’ new defensive coordinator.According to Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football (on Twitter), Richard was a valued member of the coaching staff but “some philosophical differences” led to the team looking elsewhere.
This means Allen, who previously served as the Saints DC, will now be on the look out for a new coach to guide the defense. Per Underhill (on Twitter), the head coach intends to oversee and run everything on the defensive side of the ball. However, the team still intends to hire a defensive coordinator, a defensive line coach, and a secondary coach.
Richard originally joined the Saints as their defensive backs coach in 2021. His gig in New Orleans was preceded by a two-year stint in Dallas, where he served as the Cowboys defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. The coach cut his teeth in Seattle, eventually culminating in him becoming defensive coordinator in 2015. During Richard’s first two years at the helm, the Seahawks ranked as a top-three defense, but following an underwhelming 2017 campaign, the coach was relieved of his duties.
The 43-year-old has been a popular name on the coaching circuit this offseason, and the fact that he was willing to take interviews for a minor promotion probably hinted that his time in New Orleans could be coming to an end. Richard was connected to defensive coordinator jobs with the Dolphins and Panthers. The coach could also be a candidate to join Sean Payton with the Broncos, according to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver (via Twitter).
Panthers To Hire Duce Staley, Request OC Interview With Jim Bob Cooter
The Lions will lose a key assistant to Frank Reich‘s new Panthers staff. Detroit running backs coach Duce Staley will rejoin Reich in Carolina, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com tweets.
Reich and Staley worked together with the Eagles from 2016-17, and while Staley was under contract with the Lions, they chose not to block the maneuver. The Lions will let Staley out of his contract, Justin Rogers of the Detroit News reports, so he can move closer to his mother. Staley’s mother, whom Rogers adds is battling health issues, lives in South Carolina. Staley grew up in Columbia, S.C.
Staley, 47, had been on Dan Campbell‘s staff for the past two years, moving to Michigan after 10 seasons in Philly, his primary team during his playing career. The former Eagles running back worked as their running backs coach from 2013-20. Staley has interviewed for the Eagles and Giants’ OC positions during the late 2010s and took over as Philly’s HC temporarily in 2020, during a Doug Pederson COVID-19 spell, but it does not appear Staley is joining Reich’s staff in a coordinator role.
Staley’s role is uncertain, but he stands to be one of Reich’s top assistants. The Lions made a surprise playoff push during the season’s second half, and Jamaal Williams provided an equally stunning performance to help drive it. Williams finished with the league lead in rushing touchdowns (17) and smashed his previous career yardage high with 1,066.
The Panthers are moving forward on their OC search, requesting to interview Jaguars passing-game coordinator Jim Bob Cooter, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. As he was with Tampa Bay, Cooter is believed to be Carolina’s first interview request for this job.
Reich has not committed to calling plays just yet. Despite David Tepper coming out against CEO-type coaches, Reich noted a recent trend of HCs not calling plays in indicating (via ESPN.com’s David Newton) he has not made that decision. The Cowboys, Eagles and Giants represent recent examples of offense-oriented HCs ceding play-calling duties to lieutenants, though Mike McCarthy will go the other way — intending to call plays after dismissing Kellen Moore — in 2023. It will be interesting if Reich, the Colts’ play-caller throughout his tenure, follows suit. That will make the OC position a more prominent role in Carolina.
Cooter, 38, also has experience in Detroit; his Lions stay doubles as his most relevant NFL work. The Lions promoted their then-31-year-old staffer to OC during the 2015 season. Cooter stayed in that role through the 2018 slate, keeping the gig for a year despite the Lions firing Jim Caldwell. Cooter and Reich were each on the Colts’ staff from 2009-11, with Reich coaching Indy’s QBs and wideouts and Cooter starting out as an offensive assistant. Cooter’s past with Pederson, who hired Reich as Eagles OC in 2016, also could check a box here.
Given Trevor Lawrence‘s second-year production, teams have wanted to speak with Cooter. The Buccaneers have not made a decision about their OC yet, so Cooter is now in play for two positions. He has not been a coordinator since the Lions let him go four years ago.
49ers Do Not Expect To Re-Sign Jimmy Garoppolo
Jimmy Garoppolo went from a player the 49ers openly insisted was on the trade block to one who became the team’s primary starter this season. Just before Garoppolo’s latest injury, the 49ers had moved to a point they were ready to discuss another contract with the veteran passer.
Brock Purdy‘s emergence changed the team’s plans. Despite Purdy suffering a torn UCL that is expected to sideline him for at least six months, Kyle Shanahan said he does not expect Garoppolo back. The seventh-year 49ers coach said he does not see “any scenario” in which Garoppolo is part of next year’s team, via the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch (on Twitter).
Garoppolo is set for free agency in March, but the other two 49ers quarterbacks are dealing with injuries at present. Purdy will almost certainly miss the team’s offseason program, and Trey Lance underwent two surgeries to repair a broken and dislocated ankle. Lance, however, said he expects to be 100% in time for OTAs, Nick Wagoner of ESPN.com notes (video link).
With Purdy out of commission for a while and Lance coming back from a major injury, the 49ers could be in need of offseason QB help. But Shanahan does not expect the team to pursue any veterans. Both Lance and Purdy are starter-level options, Shanahan added (via Branch), and it appears the 49ers will go forward with their rookie-contract duo. Prior to Purdy’s elbow injury, he had performed at a level that was expected to give him the edge for the 2023 starting job going into training camp. Purdy’s elbow trouble reopens the door wider for Lance, who began this season as San Francisco’s starter.
Purdy has not determined a course of action yet, but GM John Lynch said (via Wagoner) the expectation is an internal brace surgery will be required. This procedure differs from Tommy John surgery, and it would be expected to sideline the seventh-round pick for around six months. Purdy would be on track to throw for a few months leading up to receiving clearance to return to action, but Sunday’s injury will certainly reshape his offseason.
Garoppolo stands to have at least one more option in free agency, as no team will be signing Tom Brady this offseason. Garoppolo’s higher-profile ex-teammate announced his retirement Wednesday, both taking him out of the equation for the 49ers — though, Shanahan did not make it sound like they would have been interested — and opening an additional chair for Garoppolo. The six-year 49ers passer was aiming to return from his foot fracture by Super Bowl LVII. Garoppolo, 31, has suffered a host of major injuries during his 49ers tenure, but as of now, he is expected to be healthy going into free agency.
The injuries — an ACL tear (2018), a high ankle sprain (2020), his shoulder procedure (2022) and now this Jones fracture — stand to affect his market. But Garoppolo will undoubtedly be linked to multiple teams ahead of free agency — the Jets are a team looking into him — as his younger 49er teammates vie for the starting job.
NFL Places Eagles OL Josh Sills On Commissioner’s Exempt List
A grand jury in Ohio indicted Eagles offensive lineman Josh Sills on Wednesday on one count of rape and one count of kidnapping, according to ESPN.com’s Tim McManus. The rookie is no longer on Philadelphia’s active roster.
The NFL placed Sills on the commissioner’s exempt list, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The exempt list or “paid leave” will prevent Sills from practicing or traveling with the Eagles ahead of Super Bowl LVII, and his future with the team should be considered very much in doubt.
Sills, 25, is alleged to have engaged in nonconsensual sexual activity and is accused of holding a victim against her will in December 2019. The Eagles signed Sills as a UDFA in May. Although Sills was on Philadelphia’s 53-man roster as of Wednesday morning, he has played in one game this season.
“The organization is aware of the legal matter involving Josh Sills,” the Eagles said in a statement. “We have been in communication with the league office and are in the process of gathering more information. We have no further comment at this time.”
The accuser said she has known Sills for seven or eight years, having gone to high school with him. She accused Sills of sexual assault, saying in a statement he both touched her inappropriately and forced her to perform oral sex on Dec. 5, 2019, according to ESPN. The woman received emergency room care at Southeastern Ohio Regional Medical Center, with a nurse informing a police officer bruising could be found in the back of the woman’s throat and inner lip. Bruising also was present on the accuser’s right ear and back of her knee.
A Sarahsville, Ohio, native who transferred from West Virginia to Oklahoma State in 2020, Sills has been an Eagles backup this season. He played four regular-season snaps — all on special teams — but has spent his rookie year as a gameday inactive. The NFL will review this case under its personal conduct policy.
Cowboys, Rams Likely To Pursue Odell Beckham Jr. In Free Agency
Odell Beckham Jr.‘s free agency sweepstakes ended up producing nothing. The long-rumored Cowboys late-season signing did not happen, with injury concerns and the price tag scuttling an agreement.
The eight-year veteran sitting out this season, as opposed to attempting to score a multiyear deal at a late juncture and thus passing on a March free agency bid, made more sense as he finished up rehab from his second ACL tear. Beckham should now generate more interest on the market, after his Super Bowl LVI knee injury hijacked his 2022 free agency bid.
Two familiar teams should be expected back in the mix. The Cowboys will resume talks with Beckham in free agency, Jerry and Stephen Jones said Wednesday (via the Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Clarence Hill), while The Athletic’s Jourdan Rodrigue notes the Rams will likely pursue their 2021 starter as well (subscription required).
Jerry Jones took the wheel of the latest Beckham hype train, but after the parties’ visit, the presumed signing did not take place. Beckham hoped to catch on with a team, finish up his recovery and learn an offense ahead of a playoffs-only docket. Jones sought a player capable of contributing down the stretch in the regular season, and some leaks from Beckham’s Cowboys visit revealed the team did not believe the marquee wideout would have been able to meet that deadline. The Cowboys ended up adding T.Y. Hilton, but he is not under contract for 2023. While Jones moved the goalposts a bit and continued to indicate the team was in talks with OBJ despite the veteran pass catcher’s playoffs-only push, this storyline stopped before Christmas.
Both the Cowboys and Rams featured close Beckham ties last year. For months, the Rams appeared to have the inside track to re-sign OBJ. Each of the Rams’ power brokers confirmed they were negotiating, but Beckham ended up balking at an incentive-laden Los Angeles offer. Sean McVay indicated the team would make a better offer, but his team fell out of contention and was not in position to woo Beckham any longer. With McVay confirmed to coach a seventh Rams season, the team should be primed to investigate a Beckham move again.
While Rodrigue cautions the Rams probably will not be too aggressive for Beckham, his market value took a hit because of the season off. Beckham turned 30 in November, has not played since Super Bowl LVI and has sustained two ACL tears since November 2020. Although OBJ’s hot start to the Rams-Bengals matchup would have vaulted him in position to cash in big in March 2022, the second tear scrapped that reality. It will be interesting to see how teams approach him this year, especially considering a potentially weak receiver market awaits. As of now, Beckham will join the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Allen Lazard, Jakobi Meyers and DJ Chark in free agency.