Packers Request DC Interviews With Dennard Wilson, Zach Orr
9:20am: Wilson is not the only Ravens staffer on the Packers’ radar. Green Bay has also requested a DC interview with linebackers coach Zach Orr, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. Orr’s playing career was cut short due to a congenital spine condition, but he has transitioned to coaching at the NFL level. The 31-year-old worked with the Ravens from 2017-20 before taking a position with the Jaguars. He then returned to Baltimore in 2022 in his current role, which has made him a key figure on DC Mike Macdonald‘s staff.
8:56am: Dennard Wilson remains a highly sought-after defensive coordinator candidate. The Ravens defensive backs coach has received a DC interview request from the Packers, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Green Bay moved on from Joe Barry after the team’s elimination, a move which had been predicted by many before the 2023 campaign. The Packers have cast a wide net in their search for his replacement, although to date only two interviews have taken place with one more lined up. Wilson adds to the list of Green Bay’s targets, but the team will likely have competition for his services if an interview produces an offer.
Wilson, as Rapoport notes, has a Titans interview scheduled for today. He is also set to speak with the Rams, and those teams are joined by the Giants in having shown interest. New York has lined up a second interview with Wilson, whose stock rose during the 2023 campaign. After being passed up for the Eagles’ DC position last offseason, Wilson departed for Baltimore to take on the same role.
The 41-year-old helped oversee a Ravens secondary which was among the league’s best this year. Baltimore finished sixth in terms of passing yards allowed per game, and the team racked up 18 interceptions. An NFL staffer since 2012, Wilson has extensive experience as a secondary coach and passing game coordinator. He has never held a defensive coordinator title, however.
Green Bay finished 10th in scoring defense in 2023, but overall the team underperformed relative to expectations during much of Barry’s tenure at the helm. Improvement against the run in particular will be a target moving forward, and the team’s new defensive staff will be a key storyline entering the 2024 season as the Packers aim to build off their offensive success.
Here is an updated look at the Packers’ DC search:
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): To interview
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Rumored candidate
- Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): Rumored candidate
- Zach Orr, linebackers coach (Ravens): Interview requested
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/25
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Rumored candidate
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Interview requested
Chargers Finalize GM Agreement With Ravens’ Joe Hortiz
JANUARY 30: The agreement is now in place, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes. Hortiz will take on a Chargers roster which faces a number of key questions ahead of free agency and the draft as a new chapter for the organization begins with Harbaugh on the sidelines and a rookie GM in the front office.
JANUARY 29: Joe Hortiz has considerable experience working alongside John Harbaugh, and he will now be in place alongside the latter’s brother. The Ravens’ player personnel director is set to become the next general manager of the Chargers, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Hortiz began his Ravens tenure in 1998, and he worked his way through the ranks during his tenure in the organization. The 48-year-old spent much of his Baltimore career on the scouting side of the organization, earning the title of college scouting director in 2009. He was then promoted to his current post in 2019 amidst growing general manager interest from outside teams.
The executive was a popular name in the past few hiring cycles. After interviewing with the Giants and Steelers about their open GM positions in 2022, he met with the Cardinals last offseason. The Chargers were the only known suitor for Hortiz in 2024, but that was enough to earn the executive his first GM job.
After finalizing a deal with head coach Jim Harbaugh, the Chargers have been actively trying to fill the GM job previously held by Tom Telesco. It was assumed that Harbaugh would have considerable say in the Chargers’ hire, especially considering his feud with Trent Baalke that ended his 49ers tenure. So, it’s not a huge surprise that he landed someone who’s worked closely with his brother for much of the Ravens’ existence. One of two known finalists, Hortiz was viewed as the frontrunner late last week.
The Chargers cast a wide net in their search for a new GM. The organization was connected to 11 candidates, with Giants assistant general manager Brandon Brown also earning a second interview. Interim JoJo Wooden was among those who garnered an interview, but it’s uncertain if he’ll be sticking around under Hortiz.
Now the GM will be tasked without turning around an organization that only has one playoff appearance over the past five seasons. The Chargers finished this past season with a 5-12 record, marking the fourth time they’ve finished with five or fewer wins over the past 10 years.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Seahawks Schedule Second HC Interview With Ben Johnson; Team To Meet With Mike Macdonald
The Commanders and Seahawks saw a number of the top remaining candidates for their head coaching vacancies become available via their team’s respective losses on Sunday. Washington’s intentions remain clear, but Seattle will also speak with the names most frequently connected to its own opening. 
The Seahawks are set to interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson tonight along with Ravens DC Mike Macdonald tomorrow, SI’s Albert Breer reports. In the former’s case, this summit will be a second interview which comes amidst expectations he is the top choice of the Commanders. The latter, meanwhile, has not yet taken part in a Seahawks meeting.
In spite of that, it was reported during the weekend that the Seahawks were interested in speaking with Macdonald. The Ravens and Lions were eliminated on Sunday, leaving their staffers free to interview with and accept offers from teams prepared to offer a head coaching position at any time. Both Johnson and Macdonald have been amongst the most sought-after candidates in this year’s cycle, and their futures could become clear in the coming days.
The Panthers were prepared to (once again) make a push to land Johnson, one of the top young offensive minds in the league. He was tapped as Carolina’s top choice, but the same is true of Washington. With the Panthers having moved on to Dave Canales, the Commanders are in pole position to land the 37-year-old.
Johnson would be a welcomed addition to any staff, but the Seahawks will have other options if he does take the Commanders gig. Macdonald, like Johnson, has only been an NFL coordinator over the past two years, but his work with Baltimore’s defense has quickly upped his head coaching stock. Prior to tomorrow’s sit-down with the Seahawks, he will meet today with the Commanders.
Of course, another name looming over the Seattle vacancy is Dan Quinn. The current Cowboys defensive coordinator has elected to turn down HC interest in the past, but a chance to succeed Pete Carroll in Seattle could await him. Quinn is among the staffers to have already conducted a second interview with the team, and Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes Quinn could presently be considered a “slight favorite” for the job. However, Seattle is high on Macdonald, he adds.
Indeed, NBC Sports’ Peter King confirms Quinn’s history with Seattle (having previously served as the team’s DC) is unlikely to represent a deciding factor in the team’s ultimate decision. Plenty is still to be determined as the Seahawks enter the next phase of their coaching search. Both they and the Commanders will be worth watching closely as the HC cycle approaches its end.
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/29/24
Monday’s futures contracts:
Baltimore Ravens
- G Tykeem Doss, OL Tashawn Manning, DB Christian Matthew, DT Rayshad Nichols, LB Josh Ross, DL Bravvion Roy, WR Sean Ryan, TE Scotty Washington, RB Owen Wright
Chiefs DL Charles Omenihu Suffers ACL Tear
The Chiefs’ defense played a central role in the team’s AFC title game victory on Sunday. The unit will be shorthanded in the Super Bowl, however. Defensive lineman Charles Omenihu suffered a torn ACL in the win over the Ravens, per Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report. 
Omenihu exited the game with a knee injury and was not able to return. More importantly, today’s update means he will not be available for the Super Bowl. The news deals a major blow to Kansas City’s pass rush given the role he had been playing in 2023, his debut campaign with the Chiefs.
The former fifth-rounder played in 11 regular season games with Kansas City, logging a career-high 56% snap share. Omenihu used that increased playing time to set new personal bests in a few categories, including tackles (28) and sacks (seven). He totaled a pair of forced fumbles during the season, and added another in the Chiefs’ postseason run. His impressive campaign has now come to an end, though.
Omenihu began his career with the Texans, failing to establish himself as a full-time starter. He was dealt to the 49ers midway through the 2021 season. In San Francisco, the Texas alum recorded 4.5 sacks in 26 games (adding another 3.5 in six postseason contests), showing his ability to serve as at least a complementary edge rush option. He joined the Chiefs in free agency on a two-year, $16MM deal. Instead of preparing for a title game against his former team, he will turn his attention to a lengthy recovery process.
The 26-year-old was issued a six-game suspension to start the season stemming from a domestic violence incident which took place during his time with the 49ers. His play upon return showed his value to the Chiefs’ defense, a unit which posted strong numbers in several categories this year. Kansas City’s offense has not been as prolific as usual during the Patrick Mahomes era this year, and the team will no doubt require a strong showing on defense against San Francisco.
With Omenihu out of the picture, the Chiefs will continue relying on Chris Jones as the anchor of their defensive front. Recent first-round picks George Karlaftis and Felix Anudike-Uzomah could be counted on in an additional capacity, although the latter has not played in the postseason to date. In any case, Kansas City’s build-up to Super Bowl LVIII has not started in ideal fashion.
Dolphins To Interview OLBs Coach Ryan Slowik For DC Position; Team Meets With LBs Coach Anthony Campanile
2:15pm: The Dolphins have also interviewed inside linebackers coach Anthony Campanile, Wilson reports. The 41-year-old has coaching experience on both sides of the ball dating back to his time in the college ranks, which included co-DC duties in 2018 with Boston College. Campanile spent one season as Michigan’s LBs coach before taking the same position with the Dolphins in 2020. He, like Slowik, will be a candidate for promotion.
11:40am: The Dolphins are among the teams in need of a new coordinator after DC Vic Fangio departed to take charge of the Eagles’ defense. Miami has looked outside the organization for replacement options, but the team will consider at least one internal candidate.
[RELATED: Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker]
The Dolphins are expected to interview outside linebackers coach Ryan Slowik for their defensive coordinator position, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Slowik joined the Dolphins’ staff last offseason after a number of stops at the NFL level. He has been an NFL staffer dating back to 2005, with the exception of a stint in the college ranks in 2017 and ’18.
The son of Bob Slowik and brother of Texans OC Bobby Slowik, Ryan has spent time with the Broncos, Cardinals, Jets, Browns and Dolphins. His tenures have seen him work with a number of position groups on defense, but his most common title has been OLBs coach. He has never worked as a defensive coordinator at the college of NFL levels.
Miami ranked third in the league in sacks in 2023 (Slowik’s first year in his current post), despite losing Jaelan Phillips and Bradley Chubb to season-ending injuries midway through the campaign. The Dolphins’ defense was dealt a number of blows in the injury department late in the season, something which factored into the team’s Week 18 loss that dropped them out of the division lead as well as its wild-card defeat. Still, Slowik’s work as a member of Mike McDaniel‘s staff is sufficient to put him on the team’s radar for an interview.
Here is an updated look at the Dolphins’ DC search:
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Interview requested
- Anthony Campanile, inside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Ryan Slowik, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview expected
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): To interview
Patriots Interested In Klint Kubiak, Scott Turner For OC Position
The Patriots have cast a wide net in their search for a new offensive coordinator. Several outside candidates are already known to be on the team’s radar, but the list of staffers drawing interest continues to grow. 
New England has already met with 49ers assistant Brian Fleury for the OC gig, but he is not the only member of Kyle Shanahan‘s staff to have done so. Passing game coordinator Klint Kubiak also spoke with the Patriots about the position. In addition, as Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes, the Patriots plan to interview Raiders passing game coordinator Scott Turner this week.
Kubiak has been connected to three other coordinator vacancies during the 2024 hiring cycle as he considers a potential return to a coordinator posting. The 36-year-old held the position for one year (2021) with the Vikings before joining the Broncos the following year as their QBs coach. This past offseason, he joined Shanahan’s staff as passing game coordinator, making him a key figure guiding an offense which put up elite numbers in several categories and helped lead the team to the Super Bowl.
Because of that success, Kubiak can interview again during the upcoming week, but he cannot be hired until the end of the season. That does not apply to Turner, whose season ended after Week 18 with the Raiders falling short of the postseason. The latter has not yet been mentioned as a candidate for any OC opening around the league, but like Kubiak, he has coordinator experience.
Turner oversaw the Commanders’ offense from 2020-22, though he never guided the unit to a finish better than 23rdin scoring over that period. The 41-year-old spent this season with the Raiders, a team which underwent considerable staffing changes midseason with Antonio Pierce taking on head coaching duties. He is in place on a full-time basis, leaving open the possibility Turner and other assistants will be headed elsewhere this offseason.
Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley is the only Patriots candidate to have a second interview lined up so far. While he might therefore be the favorite for the position, New England is certainly employing a wide-ranging approach in its search to find a Bill O’Brien replacement.
Here is an updated look at the Patriots’ search:
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): To conduct second interview 1/29
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): To interview
- Brian Fleury, tight ends coach (49ers): Interviewed
- Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Interviewed
- Klint Kubiak, passing game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Interviewed 1/23; hired as Bengals OC
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- Scott Turner, passing game coordinator (Raiders): Interview expected
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed; hired as Bears OC
Rams Conduct DC Interview With Ron Rivera; Team To Meet With Aubrey Pleasant, Chris Shula
If Ron Rivera continues his coaching career in 2024, he could have a number of options available to him. The list of teams which have the ex-Commanders head coach on their coordinator radar has grown. 
The Rams met with Rivera this weekend to discuss their DC vacancy, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports. That marks the second team known to have interest in him for a coordinator position; the Cowboys have Rivera on their radar in the event Dan Quinn takes one of the two remaining head coaching positions during the 2024 hiring cycle.
Los Angeles lost Raheem Morris to the Falcons after he returned to Atlanta to become the team’s next head coach. As a result, the Rams are in need of a replacement, and Rivera easily qualifies as the most experienced candidate connected to the opening so far. The 62-year-old had a nine-year run with the Panthers before his four seasons at the helm of the Commanders.
Prior to that, Rivera served as defensive coordinator of the Bears (2004-06) and Chargers (2008-10). Both units had strong showings with him in charge, and his stock as a highly-regarded defensive mind helped earn him his two head coaching gigs. Rivera is willing to take a step back by accepting another coordinator role moving forward as he intends to continue coaching in the NFL.
While Rivera is one a several outside staffers now linked to the Rams, Los Angeles will also consider internal candidates. Defensive backs coach Aubrey Pleasant and inside linebackers coach Chris Shula are expected to interview for the DC position this week, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic reports. Shula is not on the radar of any other coordinator-needy team, but Pleasant has been floated as a potential candidate for the Packers.
Here is where things stand for the Rams as it pertains to their process of finding a Morris successor:
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Mentioned as candidate
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Expected to interview
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Chris Shula, inside linebackers coach (Rams): Expected to interview
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Named as candidate
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To interview
Commanders Remain Intent On Hiring Lions’ Ben Johnson As HC?
JANUARY 29: In an update on where the Commanders’ search stands, Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports confirms Johnson is currently seen as the favorite to be hired. Other candidates like Dan Quinn (Cowboys) and Mike Macdonald (Ravens) are still in the running, though that is also the case for both defensive coordinators as it pertains to the Seahawks’ opening. With the Lions having been eliminated last night, Johnson is free to speak with and accept an offer from Washington or Seattle at any time.
JANUARY 27: Ben Johnson entered the 2023 season having generated head coaching interest after only one year as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. His work this campaign has confirmed his status as one of the most sought-after staffers in the league, and signs continue to point him to the nation’s capital in the near future. 
Johnson was reported earlier this month to be the top target for both the Panthers and Commanders. In Carolina’s case in particular, that came as no surprise. Panthers owner David Tepper made a concerted effort to land him during last year’s hiring cycle, and he was expected to deliver another strong push this offseason. Ultimately, though, Carolina elected to bring in Dave Canales after his one-year OC stint with the Buccaneers.
Once the Commanders tapped Adam Peters as their new GM, Johnson was named as a candidate to watch as the new head coach to pair with him. The latter has upped his stock considerably during his two-year run at the helm of Detroit’s offense, and the unit has played a central role in the team’s run to the NFC title game. Once the Lions’ postseason journey ends, as Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline writes, the expectation around the league remains that Johnson will be hired by the Commanders.
Teams still in contention for the Super Bowl are prohibited from having their coordinators take part in head coaching interviews during the week leading up to the conference championship games. Washington’s second interview with Johnson will therefore not take place until Detroit’s season comes to an end. The Commanders – who are joined by the Seahawks in having the league’s only remaining HC vacancies – are prepared to wait for Sunday’s games to take place before making their respective hires.
Commanders owner Josh Harris made the expected move of dismissing Ron Rivera on Black Monday, and his hand-picked committee moved quickly in landing on Peters to serve as general manager. The latter will directly oversee the team’s new head coach, a departure from the organizational structure in place during Rivera’s tenure. Johnson will be a rookie head coach if/when he is hired this year, though the same is also true of Peters after his decision to depart his AGM gig with the 49ers.
Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has also drawn considerable interest during this year’s cycle, and he too has a second Commanders interview lined up. Johnson is joined by Texans OC Bobby Slowik in terms of staffers with an offensive background who have drawn significant interest this year, and both have met once with the Seahawks. Seattle does not have a second meeting with Johnson on the books, however, leaving his connection with Washington something to watch closely in the coming days.
Jason Kelce Addresses Eagles Future
In the aftermath of the Eagles’ wild-card loss, it was reported center Jason Kelce informed his teammates he was retiring. No official announcement has been made yet, though, and the future Hall of Famer acknowledged that his future is uncertain. 
Kelce has been a mainstay on the Eagles’ O-line since his rookie season in 2011. The 36-year-old has contemplated retirement on a number of occasions in recent years, but he has elected to take one-year deals to continue his career. Kelce has earned first-team All-Pro honors in each of the past three seasons, demonstrating his ongoing ability to play at a high level. If he does hang up his cleats, though, he does not intend to depart the organization.
“I don’t know what’s going to happen for me,” Kelce said, via Olivia Reiner of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “But I do know, I still want to be involved in the organization and still want to be a part of it, regardless of what the decision is. Because I don’t want to ever feel like I’m on the outside looking in on these achievements and these accolades and these opportunities that largely represent entire cities and fan bases and organizations.”
Kelce has been in attendance for the Chiefs’ past two playoff games to support his brother Travis. The latter will have a chance at a third Super Bowl title in two weeks’ time and a second straight after being Jason and the Eagles last season. Any formal announcement will likely not be made until after the campaign comes to an end, but of course it is notable he has left the door open to another year as a player.
The Eagles drafted Cam Jurgens in the second round in 2022 to take over as Kelce’s successor at the center spot. Jurgens spent the 2023 campaign at right guard, but he could take over for Kelce if he does indeed elect to transition to a coaching or front office role. At a minimum, Kelce should be expected to remain in Philadelphia for 2024 in some capacity regardless of if he has played his final snap.