Chargers Interview JoJo Wooden For GM Job
As expected, JoJo Wooden got an opportunity to interview for the Chargers GM gig. The team announced that they’ve interviewed their interim GM for the full-time job.
[RELATED: 2024 NFL General Manager Search Tracker]
After Tom Telesco was fired in December, Wooden took over as general manager for the rest of the season. The executive spent the previous decade as the Chargers Director of Player Personnel, with Wooden overseeing the college and pro scouting departments. Prior to his stint with the Chargers, Wooden spent 16 years with the Jets, working his way up from a personnel assistant to assistant director of player personnel.
While Wooden has yet to add the full-time general manager title to his resume, this isn’t the first time he’s generated interest for the role. Wooden previously interviewed for GM openings with the Steelers, Commanders, and Bears.
Wooden is the eighth candidate for the open Chargers GM gig, with the executive joining the following executives:
- Brandon Brown, assistant general manager (Giants): Interviewed 1/11
- Ian Cunningham, assistant general manager (Bears): Interview requested
- Terrance Gray, vice president of player personnel (Bills): Interview requested
- Jeff Ireland, assistant general manager (Saints): To interview
- Jeff King, co-director of player personnel (Bears): To interview
- Will McClay, vice president of player personnel (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Adam Peters, assistant general manager (49ers): Interview requested
Falcons Request HC Interview With Mike Macdonald
We can add another team to the list of suitors for Mike Macdonald. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Falcons have requested permission to interview the Ravens defensive coordinator for their head coaching vacancy.
[RELATED: 2024 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker]
After not generating any head coaching interest last offseason, Macdonald has turned into one of the most popular names this time around. As our Head Coaching Search Tracker shows, the Falcons join the Titans, Commanders, Panthers, and Chargers as the teams that are currently pursuing Macdonald.
The second-year Ravens DC helped guide one the NFL’s top defenses this season, with Baltimore finishing the season as the top-scoring defense. Macdonald also got praise for his handling on the edge. Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy both caught on late with the Ravens, but the veteran duo still managed to finish the year with 18.5 sacks.
Macdonald joins a growing list of candidates for the open gig in Atlanta:
- Bill Belichick, former head coach (Patriots): Team showing strong interest?
- Brian Callahan, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Jim Harbaugh, head coach (Michigan): Rumored candidate
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Raheem Morris, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interview requested
- Anthony Weaver, defensive line coach (Ravens): Interview requested
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
Despite the lack of a head coach, the Falcons are holding on to one of their coordinators. According to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein, the Falcons blocked defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen from interviewing for the Jaguars defensive coordinator gig. After spending the 2022 campaign as the Saints DC, Nielsen took on the same role in Atlanta for the 2023 campaign. The Falcons defense ended up having a bounce-back season, finishing 11th in the NFL in yards allowed.
Patriots Notes: Kraft, Mayo, Caserio
Following a 24-year partnership, the Patriots and Bill Belichick mutually decided to part ways today. While the divorce didn’t necessarily come as a surprise, the organization’s handling of the separation raised some eyebrows.
[RELATED: Patriots, Bill Belichick To Part Ways]
Leading up to today’s announcement, there were rumblings that a number of teams would have interest in adding Belichick. Considering the iconic head coach was still under contract for another year, there was some speculation that the Patriots may try to squeeze compensation out of any suitors. However, much like how Robert Kraft handled the Tom Brady divorce, the owner thought his head coach deserved to pursue whatever opportunity he wanted.
“I didn’t think it was right for Tom Brady, who gave us 20 years, and I don’t think it’s right for Bill,” Kraft told reporters (via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero).
There was a recent sentiment from some within the organization that Belichick hadn’t “lost his fastball” from a coaching perspective. Instead, many were questioning Belichick’s personnel decisions, whether it was regarding the draft, free agency, and even some of his coaching hires. That led some to wonder if Belichick would willingly cede personnel authority in order to stick around New England as head coach.
However, while Kraft acknowledged that he thought of such an arrangement, he never believed it would work. The owner told reporters that such a move would “create confusion with accountability” (as Jeff Howe of The Athletic passes along).
Belichick’s exit creates a vacancy on both the sideline and the front office. A number of Patriots-related coaches have been connected to the HC gig; former players Jerod Mayo and Mike Vrabel are both considered major contenders to take over. In fact, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport passes along that Mayo’s recent deal with the organization includes a “firm, contractual succession plan,” details that were passed along to the NFL. While the Patriots have no obligation to name Mayo as their next head coach, Rapoport notes that the organization doesn’t have to go through the hiring process if Mayo is indeed the choice.
Naturally, the same logic is being used with the front office, but one familiar face doesn’t have interest in a reunion. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe recently passed along that the Patriots could be eyeing former director of player personnel Nick Caserio to lead their front office. However, the current Texans general manager denied the rumors during a recent appearance on Sports Radio 610.
“Whoever these reporters are that make these ridiculous statements, maybe you want to talk to me about it first before putting information out there that has zero basis,” Caserio said during the appearance (via Tyler Milner of Sports Radio 610).
Rams Activate CB Duke Shelley
JANUARY 10: The Rams will end up using their final IR activation on Shelley. Announcing the veteran cornerback’s activation Wednesday, the Rams join the Dolphins and Texans as playoff squads who have used all eight of their IR-return moves this season.
JANUARY 3: Duke Shelley is set to make his return. The Rams announced that they’ve designated the defensive back for return from injured reserve.
With Shelley returning to practice today, the Rams officially kicked off his 21-day window to be activated. The veteran has been on injured reserve since late November while recovering from a hamstring injury.
After spending the preseason with the Raiders, Shelley caught on with the Rams active roster prior to the start of the 2023 campaign. Prior to his injury, Shelley appeared in all 11 games for the Rams, with the majority of his snaps coming on special teams. In total, Shelley had collected eight tackles, two passes defended, and one fumble recovery during his time in Los Angeles.
When Shelley is ultimately activated from IR, he’ll have a tough time garnering much playing time behind Ahkello Witherspoon, Derion Kendrick, and Cobie Durant. He’ll face some competition from rookie Tre Tomlinson for the fourth spot on the depth chart.
As our Injured Reserve Return Tracker shows, the Rams only have one IR activation remaining. Assuming that goes to Shelley, the team won’t be allowed to activate any more players this season.
Panthers, Chargers Request HC Interviews With Bengals’ Brian Callahan
JANUARY 9: Callahan will have a chance to meet with the Chargers as well. The Bolts requested an HC interview with the five-year Bengals OC, per Pelissero. Unlike the Panthers last year, the Chargers have not made their priorities clear in terms of coaching expertise. Callahan joins Ben Johnson, Todd Monken and OC Kellen Moore as offense-oriented coaches on the Bolts’ request list. Though, the team is interested in Jim Harbaugh. Moore interviewed for the job on Tuesday.
JANUARY 8: After firing Scott Fitterer earlier today, the Panthers have already started requesting general manager interviews. Apparently the organization isn’t wasting any time with their other major vacancy. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Panthers have requested an interview with Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan for their head coaching opening.
[RELATED: Panthers Request GM Interviews]
After being hired by the Bengals in 2019, Callahan’s offense would have a pair of underwhelming seasons before Joe Burrow took off in 2021. The Bengals offense ranked seventh in points in both 2021 and 2022, with the passing offense ranking top-10 in most categories between those two campaigns.
That performance earned him head coaching interviews in each of the past two offseasons. He was interviewed for the Broncos job in both 2022 and 2023, and he also earned interviews last offseason with the Cardinals and Colts. He got to the second round of interviews in Indy, an indication that he was on the brink of getting a HC gig.
The Bengals offense took a step back in 2023, although that was partly due to Burrow’s injury issues. That apparently hasn’t stopped the coordinator from generating head coaching interest, and he’s the first official candidate to replace Frank Reich (and interim fill-in Chris Tabor) in Carolina. While Callahan is the first definitive candidate, that hasn’t stopped pundits from speculating about other potential fits. We heard yesterday that Patriots head coach Bill Belichick could be an option in Carolina if he’s let go in New England.
One coordinator who won’t get a look in Carolina is Steve Wilks, who guided the Panthers to a 6-6 record while filling in for the fired Matt Rhule in 2022. Wilks was a main candidate to take on the full-time gig in Carolina, but owner David Tepper ultimately opted for Reich. Wilks went on to become defensive coordinator in San Francisco, and he helped guide the 49ers defense to a number of top-10 marks this season.
Despite his continued success, Wilks won’t be considered for the job in Carolina. Per ESPN’s David Newton, Tepper “won’t put aside his pride and admit he made a mistake” during last year’s coaching carousel.
Bill Belichick Willing To Relinquish Patriots Personnel Authority
While a number of head coach-needy teams are starting to line up for Bill Belichick‘s services, there hasn’t been any word about the coach’s status in New England. While both sides could still be heading towards a divorce, it sounds like the iconic head coach is at least willing to make concessions to stick with the Patriots.
While speaking to reporters following yesterday’s regular season finale, Belichick admitted that he’d consider giving up his personnel authority.
“Look, I’m for whatever we collectively decide as an organization is the best thing to help our football team,” Belichick said (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “I have multiple roles in that, and I rely on a lot of people to help me in those responsibilities; somebody has to have the final say. Whatever that process is, I’m only part of it.”
When asked about his job status and whether he’d be staying with the organization, Belichick pointed out that he’s still “under contract” and will continue to operate as he always does. When asked if owner Robert Kraft has given any indication if he’ll be back next season, Belichick responded in typical fashion.
“I learned [a] lesson from my dad growing up — you work for the team that you’re working for and do the best you can for it, until somebody tells you different. So that’s not going to change,” he said.
There’s been a recent sentiment that Belichick “hasn’t lost his fastball” on the sideline, with most of the criticism focused on his lack of success with recent personnel decisions. Over the past 10 seasons, the Patriots have drafted only three players who eventually earned Pro Bowl nods (guard Joe Thuney, punter Jake Bailey, and quarterback Mac Jones), and the team’s spending spree during the 2021 offseason has led to mixed results.
Belichick’s personnel decisions go beyond the players on the field. The coach was criticized for his handling of Josh McDaniels‘ departure last season, with Belichick curiously opting for a former defensive coordinator (Matt Patricia) and former special teams coordinator (Joe Judge) to guide his offense. The results were disastrous, leading Kraft to request that Belichick add former OC Bill O’Brien to the staff. While Belichick obliged, he didn’t provide O’Brien with much freedom to run the operation, leading to tension on the coaching staff throughout the 2023 campaign. That lack of coaching consistency has also had a major impact on Jones, who has taken major steps backwards in each of the past two seasons.
It was uncertain if Belichick would be willing to continue coaching in New England while relinquishing his GM duties, and that willingness could play a big role in him ultimately sticking with the organization. Belichick was set to meet with Kraft today and discuss the team’s lack of success in 2023, but that meeting was never expected to lead to a Black Monday ouster. In fact, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post suggests that the two sides could meet “multiple times” as they determine the best path forward.
For what it’s worth, Belichick refused to discuss a hypothetical where he’d join another team, but we’re already hearing rumblings that rival teams are ready to pounce. Just over the past few days, we’ve heard Belichick connected to the Raiders, Falcons, Commanders, and Panthers.
Chargers, Commanders Request HC Interview With Cowboys DC Dan Quinn
For a third-straight offseason, Dan Quinn is emerging as a popular name on the head coaching carousel. According to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz, the Commanders and Chargers have requested permission to interview the Cowboys defensive coordinator. We learned earlier today that the Panthers had also requested an interview with Quinn.
After getting fired as the Falcons head coach during the 2020 campaign, it didn’t take long for Quinn to re-emerge as a head coaching candidate. During the 2022 offseason, he interviewed for the Bears, Broncos, Dolphins, Vikings, and Giants jobs before ultimately deciding to stay in Dallas. He was sought after once again in 2023, garnering interest from the Cardinals, Broncos, and Colts. For a second-straight year, Quinn decided to stick with the Cowboys.
This time around, Quinn might be more open to a HC opportunity. We heard recently that Quinn is believed to be “more receptive to the right offer.” The coach has certainly rehabilitated his image during his three seasons as the Cowboys defensive coordinator. The Cowboys defense has finished two of those three seasons in first place for points allowed, and the defense has never finished lower than 11th in yards allowed.
Of course, Quinn’s resume goes beyond his stint in Dallas. Following a short stint as the Seahawks defensive coordinator, Quinn was named the Falcons head coach in 2015. He led his team to the Super Bowl during his second season at the helm, and the Falcons won another playoff game in 2017 after finishing with a 10-6 record. However, the team stumbled to 7-9 records in both 2018 and 2019, and Quinn was fired following an 0-5 start to the 2020 campaign.
Washington would certainly be an interesting fit for Quinn; the Commanders have become plenty familiar with their division foe over the past three seasons. As Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports opines, that makes a Quinn/Commanders pairing “hard to imagine,” although it’d be “quite a coup” if Josh Harris and co. can pull it off.
A number of candidates have already emerged for the Commanders HC job, with the organization requesting interviews with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, and Ravens defensive line coach Anthony Weaver. The Commanders have also been linked to Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, while incumbent offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is expected to be considered for the job.
The Chargers have also been connected to Belichick and Harbaugh. Their list of definitive candidates includes Glenn, Johnson, Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, and 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 1/8/24
Many teams have started signing players to reserve/futures contracts, allowing organization to retain (routinely) young, practice squad players. Here are the latest reserve/futures contracts:
Arizona Cardinals
- WR Andre Baccellia, OL Jackson Barton, WR Kaden Davis, OL Marquis Hayes, RB Tony Jones, TE Bernhard Seikovits, WR Jeff Smith, CB Quavian White
Atlanta Falcons
- OL Barry Wesley
Carolina Panthers
- RB Mike Boone, RB Spencer Brown, WR Jalen Camp, RB Tarik Cohen, CB Lamar Jackson, TE Jordan Matthews, CB AJ Parker, TE Chris Pierce, WR Cam Sims, OT Badara Traore, DE Raequan Williams
Chicago Bears
- LB Micah Baskerville, TE Stephen Carlson, OL Jerome Carvin, DB Adrian Colbert, OL Aviante Collins, DL Michael Dwumfour, DL Daniel Hardy, OL Roy Mbaeteka, OL Bill Murray, WR Nsimba Webster
Cincinnati Bengals
- DT Domenique Davis, CB Allan George, C Nate Gilliam, DE Jeff Gunter, LB Shaka Heyward, WR Shedrick Jackson, G Jaxson Kirkland, WR Kwamie Lassiter II, WR Kendric Pryor
Denver Broncos
- RB Tyler Badie, QB Ben DiNucci, OT Demontrey Jacobs, S Devon Key, CB Reese Taylor
Indianapolis Colts
- LB Austin Ajiake, LB Liam Anderson, WR Tyrie Cleveland, S Marcel Dabo, WR Ethan Fernea, G Arlington Hambright, TE Jordan Murray, RB Zavier Scott, TE Eric Tomlinson
Las Vegas Raiders
- DE David Agoha, CB Cornell Armstrong, QB Anthony Brown, OT D.J. Fluker, TE Cole Fotheringham, S Jaydon Grant, DT Marquan McCall, RB Sincere McCormick, OT Jalen McKenzie, TE John Samuel Shenker, DT Nesta Jade Silvera, DE Elerson Smith, DE Charles Snowden, CB Sam Webb, WR Kristian Wilkerson
Minnesota Vikings
- LB Abraham Beauplan, G Henry Byrd, OT Coy Cronk, WR N’Keal Harry, WR Trishton Jackson, RB DeWayne McBride, G Tyrese Robinson, WR Thayer Thomas, CB Jaylin Williams, CB Joejuan Williams, G Tyrese Robinson, WR Thayer Thomas
New England Patriots
- DE William Bradley-King, LB Joe Giles-Harris, DB Azizi Hearn, DT Trysten Hill, WR T.J. Luther, OT Andrew Stueber, RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
New Orleans Saints
New York Giants
- DT Ryder Anderson, OT Yodny Cajuste, DB Kaleb Hayes, WR Dennis Houston, RB Deon Jackson, LB Dyontae Johnson, LB Jeremiah Martin, G Jalen Mayfield, OL Joshua Miles, DB Stantley Thomas-Oliver
New York Jets
- OL Obinna Eze, OL Vitaliy Gurman, CB Tae Hayes, DL Manny Jones, RB Jacques Patrick, K Austin Seibert, DL Marquiss Spencer, WR Malik Taylor
Seattle Seahawks
- LB Levi Bell, NT Matthew Gotel, RB Bryant Koback, TE Tyler Mabry, S Jonathan Sutherland, WR Cody White, WR Easop Winston Jr.
Tennessee Titans
- CB Shyheim Carter, DB Tay Gowan, WR Tre’Shaun Harrison, TE Thomas Odukoya, LB Thomas Rush, G Lachavious Simmons
Washington Commanders
- LB Brandon Bouyer-Randle, WR Davion Davis, CB D’Angelo Mandell
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/8/24
A handful of practice squad moves to pass along:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released: WR Dan Chisena, RB Corey Clement, DL Jacob Slade, DL Kendal Vickers, LB Davion Taylor
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Cardinals are releasing Clement from the practice squad so he can catch on with a contender for the playoffs. The running back has spent much of the past two seasons in Arizona, collecting 109 yards from scrimmage in 12 games. He spent the first chunk of his career with the Eagles, including 2017 and 2018 campaigns where he combined for 895 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/8/24
Today’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Signed to one-year extensions: DL LaBryan Ray, TE Stephen Sullivan, DL Nick Thurman
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed to one-year extensions: CB Darrell Baker Jr., S Trevor Denbow, LB Cameron McGrone, LB Segun Olubi
- Waived: CB Tony Brown
Los Angeles Rams
- Waived: DE Earnest Brown
Washington Commanders
- Waived: TE Curtis Hodges