Broncos, Jim Harbaugh Met Over HC Vacancy; Team To Expand HC Search?
JANUARY 29, 9:40pm: Troy Renck of Denver7 is in line with the NFL Network pair in terms of the new names being added to Denver’s search with things having not gone according to plan so far. However, 9News’ Mike Klis reports (via Twitter) that the Broncos are actually still focused on their original list of candidates who are still available, and that “there is a plan” the organization is on course to follow. In any case, Denver will be a key team to watch as the HC story unfolds in the coming days.
JANUARY 29, 7:30am: Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com hear that, even after Harbaugh’s announcement that he would be remaining at Michigan, he continued to have conversations with Penner and Broncos GM George Paton. Penner did not make an offer to Harbaugh during last week’s summit, though it does not appear that the door to a Harbaugh-Denver partnership is closed quite yet. Indeed, Harbaugh has reportedly said that the Broncos’ job is the one that he would want if he elects to return to the pros.
Both NFL.com and ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter) say that the Broncos could begin to expand their head coaching search given that some of their top choices in Payton, Harbaugh, Ryans, and Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn are either out of the running entirely or no longer appear to be likely options. If that happens, Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan could get a call, and the club has reportedly done research on Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka.
In addition, NFL.com reports that candidates like Raheem Morris, David Shaw, Jim Caldwell, and Ejiro Evero could all be back in play, although Troy Renck of Denver7 suggests otherwise (Twitter link).
JANUARY 28: Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh was once again one of the names most commonly floated as a candidate in advance of this year’s NFL head coaching cycle. However, he ultimately remained committed to staying in Ann Arbor for at least the 2023 season, a decision which seemed to mark the end of his involvement in discussions surrounding the league’s remaining vacancies. 
Despite that, Broncos CEO Greg Penner flew to Ann Arbor to meet in person with Harbaugh last week, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The latter interviewed with Denver virtually as part of their initial list of candidates to replace Nathaniel Hackett; his experience made him – along with Sean Payton – a serious contender for the position before he made it official he will once again stay at the college level.
As Schefter notes (and several others have since corroborated), the sit-down was primarily a matter of Penner doing his due diligence with Harbaugh. Denver’s HC search has been far more methodical this offseason than the one in 2022 which resulted in Hackett being hired for his first opportunity as a bench boss. His marked lack of success in that post has, in part, steered the organization towards an experienced coach. Harbaugh no longer being in the running could change that to an extent, especially if Payton ends up on another staff or remains as a Fox analyst for the 2023 season.
Harbaugh, 59, interviewed with the Vikings last year and was connected to the openings in Denver, Carolina and Indianapolis in 2023 prior to his announcement confirming he will still coach the Wolverines. In the wake of that decision, the Broncos have shifted their attention to the likes of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero and 49ers DC DeMeco Ryans. The latter seems to be a top target for Penner and Co., though signs are now pointing to him being the frontrunner for the Houston vacancy.
That could put more pressure on the Broncos to land Payton, something which would require draft compensation being sent to the Saints and a sizeable contract being doled out for his services. Earlier this week, however, Payton’s second interview with Denver was put on hold, so uncertainty remains on all sides in that situation. In any case, Schefter adds that some feel this cycle was likely be the last in which Harbaugh was a serious candidate to re-join the NFL coaching ranks, though this in-person meeting suggests he could still draw interest in 2024.
Rory Parks contributed to this post.
Chargers Expected To Interview Kellen Moore For OC Vacancy
Kellen Moore is out as Dallas’ offensive coordinator, but he may not be out of work for long. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Chargers had already received permission to interview Moore for their OC vacancy, and the parties are expected to meet soon (Twitter link). 
Moore’s coaching career began in Dallas, the site of his playing days as a quarterback as well. He oversaw Dallas’ offense for the past four years, a span which included high-end performances in the regular season in three of those campaigns. Underwhelming showings in the playoffs, however, led to increased speculation that he would be let go despite being under contract for 2023.
With that having taken place, the 33-year-old figures to be on the radar for an immediate move to another OC position. There are plenty of openings around the league at the moment, and his work with the Cowboys should make him a highly sought-after candidate. It was reported in the immediate aftermath of his departure that the Buccaneers would be interested in Moore, as they look for a reset on offense while replacing Byron Leftwich.
The Chargers’ vacancy quickly became one of note after Joe Lombardi was dismissed. The team put up respectable numbers during his two-year tenure in Los Angeles, but it ultimately comes as little surprise that Brandon Staley‘s staff will have a new play-caller on offense in 2023, a season in which they will look to rebound from a massive playoff collapse.
The Rams, meanwhile, have tapped Mike LaFleur as their new OC, a hiring which was widely expected to take place before it became official. However, Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News notes that the NFC’s Los Angeles franchise had interest in Moore as well (Twitter link). The latter is likely set to be busy in the immediate future as he looks for his next NFL opportunity.
Here is an updated look at the Chargers’ OC search:
- Joe Brady, quarterbacks coach (Bills): Interview requested
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/25
- Jerrod Johnson, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/25
- Kellen Moore, former offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interview expected
- Greg Olson, senior offensive assistant (Rams): Interviewed 1/24
- Frank Reich, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested
- Luke Steckel, tight ends coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/26
Latest On Jets’ QB Pursuit
Since the Jets’ 2022 season crashed to a halt amidst their quarterback struggles, they are widely expected to be active in pursuing a veteran addition at the position. The team has been very public about doing so, and clarity could be emerging with respect to the names they are targeting. 
CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports that New York is “evaluating” Aaron Rodgers, Jimmy Garoppolo and Derek Carr. While he adds that the process is in its early stages, meaning more names will no doubt be added to that list, it comes as little surprise that those three are included in it. Rodgers was mentioned as a trade candidate for the Jets even before Nathaniel Hackett became the team’s new offensive coordinator, but increasingly so due to their connection with one another dating back to the latter’s time with the Packers.
Garoppolo was widely thought to be on his way out of San Francisco last offseason with the team turning its offense over to Trey Lance, but he ultimately remained on a re-worked contract. Now a pending free agent, he would not require trade compensation (as would be the case with Rodgers). His play after taking over for Lance appeared to help his value on the open market, but the 31-year-old then suffered what was initially believed to be a season-ending ankle injury. He may have been able to return in time for the Super Bowl, though the result of today’s NFC title game now makes that a moot point.
As for Carr, his days in Vegas are thought to be numbered, as the three-time Pro Bowler personally alluded to recently. He has begun doing “homework” on potential landing spots in a trade (since he has a no-trade clause), though the possibility remains that he get released and chooses his next team as a free agent.
That trio of passers is also one which Tony Pauline of Pro Football Network lists as targets for the Jets. New York showed signs of being a playoff contender in 2022 with a strong defense in particular, and a number of encouraging performances with a healthy Mike White at the helm of their offense. Interestingly, Pauline notes that “several” Jets players implored general manager Joe Douglas during their exit interviews to move on from Zach Wilson as their starting QB, in addition to firing offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur.
The latter move has already taken place, with Hackett now set to play a role in identifying the team’s top options to provide stability at the position relative to Wilson’s inconsistencies (although Pauline also notes that owner Woody Johnson still sees the 2021 No. 2 pick as salvageable). As the QB market takes shape, the Jets are sure to be key players in the case of several veteran passers.
Cowboys Part Ways With OC Kellen Moore
7:05pm: David Moore of the Dallas Morning News reports that McCarthy will indeed call plays on offense in 2023, a season in which he will find himself increasingly on the hot seat.
5:56pm: The Cowboys were able to once again retain one of their key coordinators for the 2023 season, but the same will not hold true on the offensive side of the ball. Dallas has mutually parted ways with OC Kellen Moore, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). A team announcement has confirmed the news.
Moore, 33, joined the Cowboys in 2018 as the team’s quarterbacks coach. One year later, he was promoted to the role of OC, which he held until now. Regarded as one of the league’s top up-and-coming minds on that side of the ball, the move was seen with optimism especially given the promise shown by Dallas’ nucleus led by Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. The unit’s performance under Moore has led to mixed results. 
Dallas had the No. 1 total offense in the league in 2019, a feat which they repeated in 2021. In terms of scoring, the Cowboys led the NFL that season, and ranked in the top six two other times. The lone campaign in which middling numbers can be seen was 2020, during which Prescott was limited to only five games played and the season was essentially deemed a write-off. Given those figures, Moore had become a highly-regarded coordinator receiving interest from outside teams for potential head coaching positions.
On the other hand, much of the blame for Dallas’ continued postseason shortcomings has been laid at Moore’s feet. The Cowboys were eliminated by the 49ers for the second consecutive year last week, a result marked in large part by Dallas’ inability to replicate their regular season scoring success. With Moore at the helm, this past season also saw Prescott lead the league with 15 regular season interceptions despite missing five games; he threw two crucial picks in the team’s divisional loss to San Francisco as well.
That has led to the expectation that Dallas will seek upgrades at the wide receiver position in particular, with their running back spot facing plenty of uncertainty as well. Regardless of which players are retained or replaced, the team will have a new play-caller in place for 2023. Some have speculated that head coach Mike McCarthy could take on that responsibility, one he held during his OC days and much of his tenure as the Packers’ bench boss.
As for Moore, he may not be unemployed for long. Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport tweets that the Buccaneers are expected to have “significant interest” in adding him as their new OC. Tampa Bay is searching for a Byron Leftwich replacement, after he was fired following a very disappointing season on offense for the NFC South champions.
The Cowboys will have both McCarthy and defensive coordinator Dan Quinn on the sidelines once again in 2023, which will lead to expectations remaining high for the team. Before the new season kicks off, however, they will need to navigate the sizeable OC market which has taken shape this year around the league.
DeMeco Ryans Books Second Texans HC Interview, Emerging As Favorite
JANUARY 29, 5:40pm: With the 49ers having been eliminated, attention will turn to Ryans’ second interview with the Texans. Rapoport confirms (via Twitter) that it is set to take place this week, and that it is likely to be followed by Houston naming him its next head coach.
JANUARY 29, 8:06am: A source tells Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports that the Texans’ job is Ryans’ top choice, which jibes with Rapoport’s earlier report. Sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com that Ryans is now the favorite for the post.
JANUARY 27: DeMeco Ryans could soon find himself in a position in which multiple head coaching offers come his way. Shortly after being tabbed as a Broncos frontrunner, the 49ers’ defensive coordinator remains squarely on the Texans’ radar.
The Texans have their former linebacker on their second-interview docket, and Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com note (via Twitter) the team has identified him as a top candidate for the job. Mutual interest exists here, according to Pelissero and Rapoport, who add a second Ryans-Texans meeting is expected to take place in the days after the NFC championship game. The Texans have already interviewed Ejiro Evero and Mike Kafka twice, but it does not look like the team will make a hire until next week.
Although early rumblings of Ryans hesitancy about the Texans job emerged, that seems well in the past. The second-year San Francisco DC met with his initial NFL organization last week. Ryans, who has been on the HC radar for months, was set to go through four HC interviews in a four-day span. But the standout defensive play-caller cancelled his Cardinals and Colts meetings, which were set to take place just hours before the 49ers’ divisional-round matchup with the Cowboys. Despite narrowing his options, Ryans still looks likely to land a job in this year’s cycle.
This could certainly complicate matters for the Broncos, who have seen some twists in their coaching search. Jim Harbaugh was the first coach to interview with the team; he decided once again to stay at Michigan. Dan Quinn, who interviewed for Denver’s HC job last year and this year, resided as a live option for the AFC West franchise. But the Dallas DC informed interested teams he was staying with the Cowboys. The Broncos’ run at Sean Payton has also encountered some turbulence. The team was initially linked to Frank Reich but never brought the new Panthers HC in for an interview.
Denver’s new ownership group can outmuscle other teams regarding a coach’s salary, and if the Payton trade avenue is closing, that may be what it comes down to for the team. It will be interesting to see how the Broncos respond to this Texans development, as both Quinn and Ryans being off the table could result in the team regrouping. The team looks to already be doing so. Ryans’ plans of interviewing with the Texans next week do not appear to align with the Broncos’ search, Rapoport adds (on Twitter). Broncos CEO Greg Penner and GM George Paton are continuing discussions with other candidates, potentially pointing to this Ryans-Texans reunion coming to pass.
It is notable the Texans could change the Broncos’ search to this degree, given their recent history. Houston is conducing a coaching search for a third consecutive offseason. GM Nick Caserio chose off-the-radar options to be his head coach in 2021 (David Culley) and ’22 (Lovie Smith). Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon has been closely connected to the Texans’ HC position for the past two Januarys, having interviewed for the position both this year and last. Caserio made an unexpected pivot to Smith, promoting him to fill the position in 2022. Houston going 3-13-1 prompted a Smith firing, following Culley as a one-and-done and inviting questions about both Caserio’s status and the direction of this rebuild.
The Texans have sought a younger coach this year, and after the past two hires, Ryans would be virtually assured of having multiple years to build something with the team that drafted him. Houston initially drafted Ryans in the 2006 second round, and the inside linebacker became a fixture with the team. The Texans extended Ryans, who helped the team to its first playoff berth back in 2011, but traded him to the Eagles in 2012.
In addition to Ryans having a history with the Texans, his wife, Jamila, is from Houston. Unsurprisingly, given Friday’s news, Rapoport added during a Pat McAfee Show appearance he believes Ryans would choose the Texans over the Broncos (video link).
Ryans, who broke into coaching in 2017, has re-emerged on Houston’s radar thanks to leading San Francisco’s No. 1-ranked defense. The 49ers finished the regular season first in yards, points and DVOA. They have long expected Ryans to land a job, which would mark the third straight offseason in a Kyle Shanahan coordinator did so. Though, the potential bidding war for Ryans makes this pursuit a bit more interesting than the processes that led Robert Saleh and Mike McDaniel out of the Bay Area.
Here is how the Texans’ head coaching search looks as of Friday afternoon:
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/17
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Conducted second interview 1/25
- Jonathan Gannon, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Early frontrunner?; interviewed 1/14
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/12; plans to stay with Lions
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Conducted second interview 1/25
- Sean Payton, former head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/16
- DeMeco Ryans, defensive coordinator (49ers): Emerging as top candidate, prefers Texans’ job
- Shane Steichen, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/13
Dolphins Not Eyeing Tom Brady Addition?
One of several names set to dominate the QB storylines of the 2023 offseason is Tom Brady. The all-time great is a pending free agent who faces a number of possible options should he choose to continue his playing career. 
One of those could be a move to Miami, something which has come close to taking place in the past. The Dolphins were involved in a tampering scandal in an unsuccessful attempt to land both he and head coach Sean Payton. That led to a number of punishments being handed down by the league, including the team forfeiting its first-round pick in the upcoming draft. Despite that, the Dolphins were said to be a potential suitor for him in 2023.
Momentum for a Brady-to-Miami contract does not appear to exist at this point, however. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Dolphins “are not expected to pursue” the 45-year-old in the event he hits the open market for the second time in his career. Brady helped the Buccaneers make the playoffs for the third straight year in his tenure there, but signs have pointed since their Wild-Card loss to him not returning to Tampa Bay.
While that certainly leaves the door open to a second retirement decision (one which the seven-time Super Bowl winner has said would be final, unlike his last one), it could also lead him elsewhere in free agency. The Raiders have quickly emerged as a logical landing spot for him, given the presence of Josh McDaniels and the team’s apparent desire to move on from Derek Carr. Earlier this month, it was reported that Vegas is doing their homework on Brady, amongst other QB options.
Miami has given Tua Tagovailoa a vote of confidence heading into the 2023 season, so it would come as little surprise if the team avoided making a big splash on the QB market. A veteran insurance policy is expected as a backup, given his concussion issues that arose this year, but the former top-five pick showed considerable improvement when healthy this season. Even if Miami is out of the running, Brady is likely to sill have multiple suitors in the coming weeks.
Sean Payton Addresses Coaching Candidacy
Only one team which entered this offseason in need of a new head coach has found their next bench boss, as the Panthers hired Frank Reich to kick off the 2023 cycle. That leaves four others in search of a HC, and speculation persists regarding this year’s top candidate. 
Sean Payton has been connected to three of the remaining four vacancies, and was universally seen as the prize most clubs would be competing for in their search for experienced, accomplished offensive coaches. Between the matter of draft compensation being required to be worked out with the Saints, along with the possibility he remains at FOX for one more season, though, it is not guaranteed the former Super Bowl winner will be on the sidelines in 2023.
With not much known about his immediate future, the 59-year-old spoke about it during this morning’s FOX pregame show. When asked by his colleague Peter Schrager, he denied that the door is now closed to the possibility of him coaching one of the teams currently looking to hire him (Twitter link). As he indicated, things could start to take shape in the coming days.
“It’s been a busy week, a great week,” Payton said, via Pro Football Talks’ Mike Florio. “We’ve had a chance to visit with a lot of great owners, a lot of outstanding organizations… I think with the way the coaching hiring process has changed this year, we’re seeing it play out a little longer for these clubs.”
Payton has already met with the Texans and Cardinals; he was expected to interview for a second time with the Broncos this past week, but that sit-down has been put on hold and there are serious doubts regarding his chances of winding up in the Mile High City. He also drew interest from the Panthers before they ultimately went with Reich to lead their staff. With second interviews set to continue after today’s conference title games, though, searches should begin to wind down soon.
“I think in the next week we’re going to know a lot more,” Payton added. “There’s a handful of things that still are taking place for these coaches, and myself.”
Dolphins To Hire Vic Fangio As DC
The most coveted defensive mind during this year’s coaching cycle is headed to Miami. The Dolphins are set to hire Vic Fangio as their new defensive coordinator, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (Twitter link). 
Pelissero notes that it is a three-year deal, with a team option in place for a fourth season. Fangio will become the league’s highest-paid coordinator, which comes as little surprise given how highly-regarded he is around the NFL for his work as a premier defensive play-caller. The 64-year-old will now take over for Josh Boyer, who was fired at the end of a disappointing season for the Dolphins’ defense.
Fangio’s last foray onto an NFL sideline came during his three-year tenure as the Broncos’ head coach. That time resulted in a 19-30 record, and the expectation that his first HC opportunity would be his last. Having spent the past season out of coaching, it was widely expected that he would return in a DC capacity. That was reflected by the interest shown by the Falcons, Panthers and Dolphins in interviewing him to fill their respective vacancies. Carolina was thought to be his likeliest destination as a high-profile partner for new coach Frank Reich, but the Panthers will now have to look elsewhere.
In Miami, Fangio will join head coach Mike McDaniel, who had a strong rookie campaign as a bench boss on the offensive side of the ball in particular. His work with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (when healthy) helped the latter take significant strides, but the team’s defense put up underwhelming numbers in most defensive categories. The Dolphins ranked 24th in the league in points allowed (23.5), especially struggling in the secondary. Improvement in that department should be expected given Fangio’s track record at the coordinator level.
Fangio’s time as an NFL staffer dates back to 1986, and includes DC postings with the Panthers, Colts, Texans, 49ers and Bears prior to his head coaching stint with the Broncos. After a year off, and fielding numerous offers to resume his acclaimed work, the veteran coach is now slated to join an ascending team which, in spite of its late-season struggles, still managed to qualify for the postseason in 2022. A repeat of that feat will likely be expected next year if they can remain productive on offense while taking a step forward defensively under Fangio’s guidance.
Here is a final look at Miami’s DC search:
- Anthony Campanile, linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/27
- Sean Desai, defensive assistant (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/25
- Vic Fangio, former head coach (Broncos): Hired
- Kris Richard, co-defensive coordinator (Saints): Interviewed 1/26
Kyler Murray Will Not Be Ready For Start Of 2023 Season?
The Cardinals are still searching for their next head coach, a search into which quarterback Kyler Murray reportedly has had input. Murray’s own health status could also be impacting the process.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Murray — who suffered an ACL tear in December — may not be cleared to play before the start of the 2023 regular season, and he may not see the field until the midway point of the campaign (video link). This differs a bit from Rapoport’s own report last month, when he indicated that Murray’s ACL tear was a clean one and that he had a realistic chance of suiting up for Week 1.
In addition to the ACL tear, however, Murray also suffered a torn meniscus. And, given his importance to the team and the fact that he just signed a massive contract extension last offseason, it stands to reason that the Cardinals would be especially cautious with his recovery. Although 2022 was a disappointing year across the board for the club — and although Murray’s regression in all major passing categories was a significant reason for that — his Pro Bowl performances over the 2020-21 seasons underscore his status as a franchise QB.
As such, while Rapoport said Murray’s prognosis has doubtlessly come up during the Cardinals’ head coaching interviews, it is unclear if it has deterred any candidates. Sean Payton, who interviewed with Arizona earlier this week, is reportedly a fan of Murray, and given the draft capital and financial commitment it would take to land Payton, the former Saints HC is surely not worried that the subpar win-loss record that the Cards might post in Murray’s absence would affect his job security.
But regardless of his thoughts on Murray, Payton’s momentum towards a return to the NFL in 2023 appears to be losing steam (which may be due, at least in part, to the Saints’ reported demand of two first-round picks in exchange for Payton’s rights). If the Cardinals elect to go in a different direction, Brian Flores, Aaron Glenn, and Ejiro Evero would reportedly comprise the team’s HC finalists.
Colt McCoy, who is under club control through 2023, would likely serve as the Cardinals’ starting quarterback for however many games Murray is forced to miss. McCoy has started six games for Arizona over the past two seasons, compiling a 3-3 record during that time.
Bengals Extend QBs Coach Dan Pitcher
Dan Pitcher will be sticking with the Bengals. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Cincinnati has signed its quarterbacks coach to a lucrative contract extension that will take him through at least the 2023 season.
Pitcher, 36, interviewed for the Buccaneers’ open offensive coordinator position on Friday, which was the first time in his career he had been connected to a coordinator post. Rapoport says that the Ravens also inquired on Pitcher, but rather than risk losing him to another club, the Bengals made a proactive move to reward one of their most important staffers.
Pitcher broke into the professional coaching ranks in 2016 as an offensive assistant on the staff of former Cincinnati HC Marvin Lewis. When Zac Taylor took over as the Bengals’ head coach in 2019, he retained Pitcher and promoted him to assistant quarterbacks coach. Pitcher became the club’s top quarterbacks coach the following year, and his work with 2020 No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow over the past three seasons is starting to pique the interest of other organizations.
Burrow, of course, has become one of the league’s best signal-callers and could be in line for a market-topping extension this offseason. He has the Bengals on the cusp of their second consecutive Super Bowl appearance, and assuming the team continues to thrive in 2023, Pitcher will likely garner more OC looks.
Of course, the Bengals’ own offensive coordinator, Brian Callahan, has generated some HC buzz, and Pitcher could fill Callahan’s seat in Cincinnati if the latter should land a job as a bench boss elsewhere.