Eagles Likely To Retain Nick Sirianni; Team Arranges DC Interviews With Ron Rivera, Mike Caldwell
Since the Eagles’ last-season collapse was punctuated by a lopsided wild-card loss, questions have emerged regarding the job security of the team’s coaching staff. Head coach Nick Sirianni has been the subject of speculation, but he appears to be safe. 
Sirianni will take part in a press conference with general manager Howie Roseman on Wednesday, as noted by NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The former’s participation in that media availability seems to put to rest any remaining questions about his status in the organization. Sirianni recently met with owner Jeffrey Lurie to discuss his future and his plans for a new set of coordinators.
As expected, Sean Desai is out after an underwhelming tenure as defensive coordinator, one which did not last the entire season. His replacement in that capacity, Matt Patricia, is likewise not in line to return. OC Brian Johnson also faces an uncertain future, though his departure could come about as a result of a head coaching opportunity. In any case, changes were needed after the manner in which a 10-1 start to Philadelphia’s season ended with the team losing six of its last seven games.
A report from earlier this month suggested Sirianni would be safe, although more recent signs pointed to some members of the organization at least preparing for the third-year coach to be let go. Instead, Sirianni is now in line to carry on with a re-vamped staff as he looks to lead the team to the postseason for a fourth straight campaign.
The Eagles are moving quickly in their bid to find a new defensive coordinator, and their first interviewee is a high-profile target. Philadelphia is set to interview Ron Rivera for the position, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. Rivera’s tenure in charge of the Commanders came to an expected end on Black Monday, leaving him free to pursue other openings. The 62-year-old recently made it clear he intends to continue his coaching career, even though doing so would require taking a coordinator posting.
Rivera added that he has spoken with multiple teams, and the Eagles are clearly one of them. Philadelphia would be highly familiar with Rivera given his time in the NFC East with Washington, and he is still regarded as one of the league’s top defensive minds. His last DC posting came with the Chargers from 2008-10, and in the final year of that stretch the team ranked first in total defense and 10th in points allowed.
In addition to Rivera, the Eagles have an interview lined up with ex-Jaguars DC Mike Caldwell, Fowler adds. Caldwell was one of several defensive staffers fired at the end of the season after Jacksonville underwhelmed in a number of capacities. He played for the Eagles from 1998-2001, so a deal allowing him to join Sirianni’s staff would represent a reunion.
Plenty of questions – particularly at the coordinator spots – have yet to be answered in Philadelphia. More clarity will likely emerge in the coming days, though, and at a minimum the matter of Sirianni’s future is no longer in doubt.
Jaguars Hire Ryan Nielsen As DC
The Jaguars have found their Mike Caldwell replacement. Jacksonville is set to hire Ryan Nielsen as defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The move is now official.
This will mark the first trip outside the NFC South since 2016 for Nielsen. He had been with the Saints from 2017-22, and in his final year with the team he served as co-defensive coordinator. That tenure was followed by an intra-divisional move to Atlanta. Nielsen guided the Falcons’ defense in 2023, but with a new head coach on the way, his future remained uncertain until now.
The Falcons initially blocked Jacksonville’s efforts to speak with Nielsen. However, Atlanta ultimately changed course and permitted an interview to take place. As was the case in his previous gig, Nielsen will have play-calling duties with the Jaguars, making this a lateral move. Given the issues Jacksonville experienced on defense this season, and the widespread staff changes which came about as a result, Nielsen will have plenty of work to do in Duval County.
Caldwell was one of many defensive coaches let go by Doug Pederson after the campaign, one in which Jacksonville appeared to be on track to win the AFC South. A late-season collapse left the team out of the playoffs and in need of a fourth DC in the past five seasons, however. Questions have been raised about the offensive personnel who are still in place, but for now attention will turn to Nielsen and his ability to provide stability over an extended period.
The 44-year-old has only two seasons of coordinator experience at the NFL level, but he has shown promise both in New Orleans and Atlanta. Nielsen helped oversee a defensive turnaround with the Falcons in 2023, and the team ranked 11th in yards allowed. They excelled in the passing game in particular, ranking eighth in yards surrendered through the air. That marks a stark contrast to Jacksonville’s performance.
The Jags finished in the top 10 against the run in 2023, but they ranked only 26th against the pass. Nielsen will aim to achieve better balance in 2024 and beyond and, in turn, help Jacksonville return to the postseason. Atlanta’s staff will remain worth monitoring, meanwhile, with signs continuing to point them to an agreement with Bill Belichick. His arrival would no doubt be followed by a number of personnel changes.
Here is a final look at the Jaguars’ DC search:
- Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): To interview
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Chris Harris, cornerbacks coach (Titans): To interview
- Chris Hewitt, secondary coach (Ravens): To interview 1/21
- Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): To interview
- Don Martindale, former defensive coordinator (Giants): To interview
- Ryan Nielsen, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Hired
Titans To Conduct Second HC Interviews With Thomas Brown, Dan Quinn
The list of finalists for the Titans’ head coaching position continues to grow. Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan is slated to conduct a second interview with Tennessee, and the same is true of two other staffers. 
Tennessee has lined up a second interview with Panthers OC Thomas Brown, Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network reports. The in-person meeting will take place today, he adds, noting Brown’s virtual interview went well. Meanwhile, the Titans plan to speak for a second time with Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, per Wolfe’s colleague Tom Pelissero.
The latter will meet with Tennessee in person on Wednesday, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A few days from now, therefore, the Titans will have a firm picture of their finalists for the position. By interviewing Brown, along with former Stanford head coach David Shaw, the team will have satisfied the Rooney Rule once the former’s meeting is complete. As a result, Tennessee will be free to hire its next coach in the very near future.
Brown has not been connected to a HC opening other than the one in Nashville. He has nevertheless emerged as one of the top up-and-coming offensive minds in the league in large part for his work with the Rams. The 37-year-old came to Carolina as part of Frank Reich‘s highly-acclaimed staff this offseason, but the team’s offense struggled both before and after Reich’s midseason dismissal. Brown is in place for now, but he is not expected to remain in Carolina once the team hires its next coach.
Quinn, by contrast, has once again been one of the hottest candidates in the hiring cycle. The former Falcons HC has been linked to the Seahawks in particular as they search for a Pete Carroll replacement. Quinn – who spent two seasons as Seattle’s DC – has a second interview lined up with his old team. He is also an outlier amongst Tennessee’s finalists (at least so far) because his background is on the defensive side of the ball.
In looking for a Mike Vrabel successor, the Titans could look to focus more on the offensive candidates available to them. That approach would lend itself to Callahan and/or Brown, but more clarity will no doubt emerge in the coming days as the team goes through its second round of interviews.
Here is an updated look at the Titans’ search:
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/18; to conduct second interview 1/22
- Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator (Bengals): To conduct second interview 1/22
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/19
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Brian Johnson, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/19
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/12
- Mike Macdonald, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/13
- Antonio Pierce, interim head coach (Raiders): Interviewed 1/13; hired as Raiders HC
- Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/17; to conduct second interview 1/24
- David Shaw, former head coach (Stanford): Interviewed 1/21
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed 1/18
Chargers To Conduct Second HC Interview With Jim Harbaugh
Jim Harbaugh has been linked to the Chargers on a number of occasions, and signs continue to point him to Los Angeles. The parties will meet for a second interview this week, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
The longtime Michigan coach has appeared to be on the verge of an NFL return in each of the past three years. 2024 has seen him linked to a number of openings, but with the Raiders having promoted Antonio Pierce to their full-time gig, the Chargers remain a logical destination. A report from the weekend confirmed Los Angeles is in pole position to acquire Harbaugh.
The 60-year-old led the Wolverines to an undefeated season and a national championship this season. 2024 would thus mark a reasonable time for Harbaugh to return to the pro game, and he is believed to have serious interest in the Chargers’ posting. The outcome of the impending interview will thus be worth watching closely.
Harbaugh’s first 2024 interview took place with the Chargers, and meeting took place in person. It also spanned two days, a sign of the mutual interest which appears to exist between the parties. Harbaugh has been a top target for other teams as well, however, and he has spoken with the Falcons. Los Angeles may need to move quickly if the team is committed to Harbaugh as the top target.
Michigan is seeking to keep him in the fold, and talks on another contract extension are ongoing. Notably, though, Harbaugh is seeking (among other things) a delay in the time at which his latest extension kicks in. That would lengthen the window during which NFL suitors would be required to pay a smaller buyout fee to hire him, another sign that a pro contract could be forthcoming. Armed with signficant leverage on talks with any interested team, Harbaugh recently hired an agent to assist with negotiations.
With Harbaugh still firmly in the running to land the Chargers’ gig, here is an updated look at Los Angeles’ ongoing search:
- Bill Belichick, former head coach (Patriots): Rumored candidate
- Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/16
- Leslie Frazier, former defensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/14
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/20
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed 1/11
- Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Michigan): To conduct second interview; team viewed as frontrunner?
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/20; mutual interest?
- Mike Macdonald, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/13
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/12
- Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/20
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/9
- Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/19
- David Shaw, former head coach (Stanford): Interviewed 1/18
- Giff Smith, interim head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/9
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/18
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/13
Lions To Sign TE Zach Ertz
Zach Ertz‘s free agent period is set to come to an end. The Pro Bowl tight end has agreed to a deal with the Lions, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. 
Ertz was let go by the Cardinals November 30, a move which placed him on the waiver wire. No team claimed him, but a number of potential suitors emerged shortly after he became a free agent. The Lions were not named amongst the contending teams believed to have shown interest, but they have now secured veteran insurance at the TE spot in advance of the NFC title game.
A reunion with the Eagles seemed to be on the table for Ertz, but no deal materialized. Other playoff-bound teams like the Chiefs, Bills, Ravens and 49ers were also floated as possible landing spots. In all, Ertz is believed to have spoken with six teams seriously interested in adding him. Detroit appears to have been a member of that group given today’s move.
Pelissero notes Ertz will join Detroit’s practice squad, something which has become commonplace in the NFL with respect to in-season additions. The Lions lost backup tight end Brock Wright to a forearm injury on Sunday, but Ertz will be able to step in if needed next week against the 49ers. The latter worked with Detroit’s tight ends coach (Steve Heiden) in Arizona, so familiarizing himself in the Lions’ offense should not be difficult even on short notice.
Of course, standout rookie Sam LaPorta will be counted on to lead the way at the TE position as Detroit’s playoff run continues. The second-rounder entered the postseason with injury concerns, but he has combined for 12 receptions, 79 yards and a touchdown across the Lions’ wins against the Rams and Buccaneers. LaPorta will be a critical member of the team’s passing game against San Francisco, but Ertz could provide a complementary option if needed.
The latter showed an ability to remain productive after his midseason trade from the Eagles to the Cardinals in 2021. His first full season with Arizona was cut short by an ACL tear, and upon returning to health this season, the 33-year-old received five or fewer targets on four occasions. With Trey McBride in place as the Cardinals’ top option now and in the future, Ertz asked to be let go in an effort to find a new home. He has finally secured an opportunity for at least one game as he looks to rebuild his free agent stock.
Panthers Likely To Retain AGM Dan Morgan; Team No Longer Interested In Eagles OC Brian Johnson
As the 2024 hiring cycle continues, the Panthers remain a team to watch closely with a vacancy at both the head coach and general manager positions. Updates on both fronts have emerged. 
Carolina has included assistant general manager Dan Morgan in the team’s head coaching interviews, as detailed by Joe Person of The Athletic (subscription required). Morgan is one of three front office candidates who have a second interview lined up for the Panthers’ GM position. Regardless of he is ultimately hired in that capacity, Person notes Morgan is on track to remain in the organization in some fashion.
Morgan was a key member of Carolina’s front office during Scott Fitterer‘s three-year tenure in charge of the team. As a result, it would have come as little surprise if the latter’s firing had prompted owner David Tepper to clean house during the 2024 offseason. Instead, Morgan appears poised to either take over as general manager himself (a scenario in which, Person adds, an outside staffer with a salary cap background would be targeted to pair with him) or in some other role.
Carolina has cast a wide net in terms of potential GM candidates, but the same is true of the team’s HC vacancy. 11 candidates have been interviewed, and a 12th – Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson – received a request last week. Person reports, however, that Carolina is no longer interested in interviewing Johnson, who has met with other HC-needy teams during this year’s cycle.
Johnson was promoted from QBs coach to OC last offseason following Shane Steichen‘s departure. The Eagles started the campaign well, but the team’s late-season collapse culminated in a wild-card defeat in which they were limited to nine points. Philadelphia has, as expected, moved on from defensive coordinator Sean Desai. Johnson being replaced as OC is also firmly on the table, although he has interviewed with both the Falcons and Titans for their head coaching positions.
With coaches (other than the ones whose teams are set to play in the conference championship games) now free to interview in person, movement in the coaching carousel is expected to pick up in the coming days. The Panthers have a number of key decisions to make in the near future, and clarity will likely emerge soon in both of their ongoing searches.
Seahawks Arranging Second HC Interviews With Five Candidates
Seattle’s first head coaching search since 2010 has seen a number of first interviews take place, and more are coming. A list of candidates set to receive a second look has emerged as well, however. 
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports Seattle is arranging second interviews with five head coaching candidates: Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, Raiders DC Patrick Graham, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, Rams DC Raheem Morris and Cowboys DC Dan Quinn. Pelissero adds, though, that the list is likely to grow in time.
Each of those staffers has met with the Seahawks once already. The latter in particular was immediately floated as a top option to replace Pete Carroll given his ties to the organization. Quinn served as Seattle’s defensive coordinator from 2013-14, having also spent a pair of seasons there (2009-10) as the team’s defensive line coach. He has enjoyed regular season success during his time with the Cowboys, and Dallas’ postseason letdown has not taken him out of serious consideration for at least the Seahawks’ gig.
Evero, Graham and Morris join Quinn in having a background on the defensive side of the ball. Evero, like many other staffers on the Panthers, entered the 2023 season with notable expectations given his success with the Broncos. While Carolina struggled mightily on offense, Evero’s unit held up well in certain categories and finished fourth in total defense. He has drawn interest from a number of teams as a result, including the Panthers.
Morris, like Quinn, has NFL head coaching experience. The former took over after the latter was fired by the Falcons, and he also spent three seasons in charge of the Buccaneers. Morris has rebuilt his stock to an extent during his run with the Rams’ defense. He has been connected to four openings other than Seattle’s so far.
Graham’s NFL coaching career dates back to 2009, and he has worked as a DC with the Dolphins, Giants and Raiders. Las Vegas experienced a dramatic defensive turnaround after Antonio Pierce was promoted to interim head coach, and with him now having been given the position on a full-time basis, Graham could very well be on the way out. The 44-year-old held the title of assistant head coach during his time in New York, but he has never led a staff at the college or NFL levels.
As the only staffer with a background on the offensive side of the ball, Kafka’s inclusion on the list is notable. He was reported to be in danger of losing his position during the 2023 season, one in which little went according to plan for the Giants. Kafka has survived, however, and he will remain in New York for 2024 unless his second straight year receiving HC interest lands him an opportunity elsewhere.
Today’s news does not include a first interview being arranged with former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel. That is signficant given the connections made between he and the Seahawks in recent days. Vrabel has interviewed with the Falcons and Chargers, so the Seahawks could have competition for his services if they decide to meet with him. In-person interviews with coaches currently on NFL staffs cannot take place until after the divisional round is completed. Given that rule, and the volume of staffers reciving an extended look, Seattle’s search will likely continue for some time.
Panthers To Conduct Second HC Interview With DC Ejiro Evero
At the onset of this year’s hiring cycle, the Panthers blocked Ejiro Evero from exploring other defensive coordinator openings as he was still a head coaching candidate in Carolina. That remains the case. 
Evero is set to interview with the Panthers for a second time on Monday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. Carolina spoke with him earlier this month about the team’s HC vacancy, but he has also garnered outside interest. The Jaguars attempted to interview him for their DC position, but he was blocked from doing so. Evero has once again found himself on the head coaching radar, however.
The 43-year-old impressed in his one-and-done year with the Broncos in 2022. That season marked his first stint as a coordinator after he worked his way through the ranks with four different NFL teams. Evero’s pro coaching career began in 2007, and he has established himself as one of the league’s top defensive staffers. He interviewed for each head coaching vacancy last offseason before joining the Panthers.
Carolina’s staff – led by head coach Frank Reich – initially drew praise for the assistants it included. Things did not go according to plan, however, and Reich was among the coaches fired after just 11 games. Issues on offense were a major storyline throughout the season, but Evero and the defense held up well against the pass in particular. Carolina ranked third in yards allowed through the air and fourth in total defense, though struggles against the run and a lack of sacks and takeaways hurt the unit.
Nevertheless, Evero has interviewed with the Falcons during the 2024 hiring cycle, and he is firmly on the Seahawks’ radar. Seattle is eyeing a second interview with Evero (among others) in the coming days. If the Panthers – a team which has been linked more closely with Lions OC Ben Johnson than with any other candidate so far, and is believed to prefer a coach with an offensive background – wish to promote Evero, they could therefore face competition for his services.
Here is an updated look at Carolina’s search:
- Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Second interview on tap
- Dave Canales, offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/18
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/11; to conduct second interview 1/22
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Conducted interview 1/19; top target?
- Brian Johnson, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interview requested
- Mike Macdonald, defensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/11
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/11
- Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/17
- Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/17
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed 1/18
- Frank Smith, offensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/16
- Chris Tabor, interim head coach (Panthers): Interviewed 1/10
Commanders Conduct HC Interview With Eric Bieniemy
The Commanders have cast a wide net in their search for a new head coach, but it has been known since shortly after Ron Rivera‘s firing that Eric Bieniemy will have a chance to be promoted to the position. The latter has indeed formally interviewed with Washington. 
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Bieniemy met with the Commanders last week, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reports. The interview included owner Josh Harris and newly-hired general manager Adam Peters, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz adds. Both note the detailed nature of the meeting, which doubles as Bieniemy’s first known interview of the 2024 hiring cycle.
The longtime Chiefs OC joined the Commanders this past offseason in a move which included full-time play-calling duties and the added title of assistant head coach. Having stepped out of the shadow of Andy Reid, expectations were mixed for Bieniemy given his newfound control over the unit but also the decided lack of experience on the part of starting quarterback Sam Howell. The 2022 fifth-rounder was placed atop the depth chart throughout the lead-in to the campaign, one in which he flashed potential at times early on.
Toward the end of the campaign, however, Howell was lifted mid-game for Jacoby Brissett on multiple occasions, and he would have been benched if not for an injury on the part of the latter. The Commanders ultimately finished 24th in both total and scoring offense, and improvements across the board will be needed in the coming months to upgrade the unit. That could very well include a new quarterback being selected in April, as Washington holds the No. 2 pick.
The Commanders will have a new organizational structure in Harris’ second year at the helm. The team’s new head coach will answer to Peters. That setup could lend itself to a first-time HC getting the nod, but candidates with a wide range of experience have been interviewed already or received a slip from Washington. Once Peters became the choice for GM, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was named as a candidate to watch for the HC vacancy. The latter is indeed believed to be Washington’s top target.
Bieniemy’s status as an internal option for the posting means his interview does not relate to the Rooney Rule in Washington’s ongoing search. The team is required to speak with two external minority candidates before choosing its Rivera successor. Bieniemy is now, at a minimum, in the mix for consideration as things stand.
Jets Aiming To Re-Sign DE Bryce Huff
Changes on offense will be a key talking point for the Jets this offseason, but the team’s defense is in danger of losing a key piece in free agency. Defensive end Bryce Huff is set to hit the open market in March, but a pact keeping him in New York is still a possibility. 
The Jets will attempt to work out an agreement with Huff over the coming weeks, ESPN’s Rich Cimini notes. The 25-year-old upped his market value considerably this season as he comfortably set new career highs in a number of statistical categories. He and the team have already discussed a new deal, but no pact was finalized. General manager Joe Douglas has nevertheless confirmed that Huff remains a target for New York.
Huff has made it clear he will not take a hometown discount on his upcoming deal, and as a result Cimini notes the franchise tag could be in play. In 2024, the tag for defensive ends is projected to cost more than $23MM, a figure which would be cumbersome given Huff’s status as a sack specialist. The former UDFA logged a snap share of only 42% this season, and he has not drawn rave reviews for his run defense. Still, Huff’s production as an edge rusher this year will generate considerable interest if he reaches free agency.
The Memphis product posted 10 sacks, 21 QB hits and 31 pressures in 2023, taking a considerable step forward in each category compared to his previous totals. The Jets could prevent Huff from testing free agency by applying the franchise or transition tag (the latter of which would cost roughly $3MM less than the former). Cimini notes a tag-and-trade scenario should not be considered likely in this case.
As a result, the progress of contract talks between Huff and the Jets will be a key storyline to follow in the near future. New York already has veteran John Franklin-Myers and a pair of former first-rounders in the form of Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald along the edge. Huff proved himself to be a critical member of that group this year, though, and his absence would be acutely felt in 2024 if he were to land elsewhere.