Colts, Philip Rivers To Talk In February
Philip Rivers has nothing left to prove and no shortage of post-career opportunities. Still, the veteran could come back for another season. For his part, Colts GM Chris Ballard says he’ll give the quarterback time and space to assess his future.
[RELATED: TV Networks Eyeing Rivers]
“Do I think Philip can still play? Absolutely,” Ballard said (Twitter link via Stephen Holder of The Athletic). “He’s going to take some time, and we’re going to take some time. We’ll meet again in about a month.”
In the meantime, Ballard will be keeping his fingers crossed. Even at the age of 39, Rivers managed to complete 68% of his passes for 4,169 yards and 24 touchdowns against eleven interceptions. He finished the year with a 97.0 QB rating, putting him 13th in the NFL and putting the Colts in the playoffs.
If Rivers decides to walk away, the Colts could look to trade for Eagles QB Carson Wentz. But, if Rivers stays, the Colts can stand pat, put their resources elsewhere, and backstop him with a young signal caller in the draft.
Steelers Drop OC Randy Fichtner
On Thursday morning the team announced that offensive coordinator Randy Fichtner will not have his contract renewed. The same goes for offensive line coach Shaun Sarrett and defensive backs coach Tom Bradley. 
“I want to thank all three of the coaches for their commitment and dedication to the Pittsburgh Steelers,” said head coach Mike Tomlin in a statement. “They have all played integral roles in our success and I am appreciative of their efforts. Personally, Randy and I have been in Pittsburgh since I hired him in 2007, but our relationship began well before that. He has been a friend of mine for years and wish his family nothing but the best, and I am eternally grateful for our relationship both on and off the field.”
Fichtner worked his way up the Steelers’ ranks to serve as the team’s OC for the last three seasons. Things went well enough in his first year as Todd Haley‘s replacement, but the wheels came off in 2019 and 2020.The Steelers finished last in the NFL this year with 1,351 rushing yards. The previous season wasn’t much better — they placed 29th in 2019 with 1,447 yards.
Meanwhile, Fichtner and Ben Roethlisberger seemed to have a falling out. The Steelers waited a bit to make it official, but Fichtner’s dismissal doesn’t come as a huge surprise.
Lions To Hire Brad Holmes As GM
The Lions have agreed to hire Rams’ director of college scouting Brad Holmes as their new GM, (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). Holmes will receive a five-year deal, tying him to the club through the 2025 season.
Holmes worked his way up as talent evaluator in the Rams organization, the only franchise he’s ever known as an exec. He began as a public relations intern in St. Louis. Today, he’s the leader of the Lions’ front office.
Holmes, 41, pushed the Rams to select Aaron Donald No. 13 overall in 2014. The Lions had their chance to get the most dominant defensive lineman since Ndamukong Suh — they chose tight end Eric Ebron instead. Holmes is also credited with choosing Jared Goff over Carson Wentz in 2016.
“I think he would do an excellent job (as GM),” said Holmes’ former North Carolina A&T coach Bill Hayes (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). “I know he’s going to put in the work. That’s the first thing about it, he’s going to put in the work, he’s going to make the effort and he’s a team guy all the way. He’s not one of those egotistical maniacs. He’s going to be a team guy. He can be trusted. He’s extremely trustworthy, so I feel strongly that he would do a super job.”
Saints assistant GM Terry Fontenot was also a leading candidate for the job, but he appears to be on the cusp of landing with the Falcons. With Holmes in place, the Lions will zero in on their head coaching search.
Eagles Request Kellen Moore Interview
The Eagles have requested an interview with Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore (Twitter link via Todd Archer of ESPN.com). This marks Moore’s first head coaching interview in the 2021 cycle. 
Moore, 32, inked a three-year extension with the Cowboys towards the close of the season. At the time, he had an opportunity to lead Boise State as their head coach, but chose to stay in Dallas with a pay bump. The ink has barely dried on that re-up, but Moore could still explore other opportunities in the NFL.
The Eagles fired Doug Pederson on Monday, making them the most recent — and likely last — addition to the vacancy pile. So far, they’ve contacted 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Titans OC Arthur Smith, Bucs DC Todd Bowles, Patriots assistant Jerod Mayo, and Sooners HC Lincoln Riley.
Injuries to the offensive line and quarterback Dak Prescott hindered the Cowboys this past year. Still, the Cowboys managed to finish top-12 in of total yardage under Moore’s watch.
Falcons To Hire Terry Fontenot?
The Falcons have identified Terry Fontenot as their top choice to be their next GM, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). New Orleans’ assistant GM for pro personnel could be anointed as soon as the Saints’ season ends. For Fontenot, that could be as soon as Monday, though he’ll be rooting for a February signing.
[RELATED: Falcons Have Second Interview With Arthur Smith]
Fontenot was said to be a finalist for the job, along with Rams college scouting director Brad Holmes. Colts college scouting director Morocco Brown, Bills exec Joe Schoen, and former Texans GM Rick Smith were considered, along with internal candidate Anthony Robinson.
To date, Fontenot has spent his entire 18-year career with the Saints. After seven seasons as a pro scout, seven seasons as director of pro scouting, and four years in his current role, he’ll run his own front office in the same division.
Jaguars, Urban Meyer Finalizing Deal
It’s not a done deal yet. But it’s close. The Jaguars are closing in on a contract to make Urban Meyer their new head coach, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. 
[RELATED: Chargers Interested In Urban Meyer]
Meyer would become the sixth full-time head coach in franchise history. Of course, the Jaguars aren’t going to bank on that until he signs on the bottom line. Meyer was reportedly on the fence about the job as recently as this week. The Chargers — a team that might be better equipped to win in 2021 — have also contacted him.
The former University of Florida and Ohio State coach has a long track record of success. That includes National Championships in 2006, 2008, and 2014. Factoring in his previous stops at Utah and Bowling Green, Meyer has a lifetime 187-32 record in the college ranks. With Ohio State alone, he went 83-9 across seven seasons.
For Meyer, it’s an opportunity to return to the sidelines after a two-year layoff. He’ll also have the opportunity to groom the No. 1 overall pick — probably Clemson star Trevor Lawrence, but possibly Ohio State standout Justin Fields.
Here’s the full look at the Jaguars search, to date, via PFR’s tracker:
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/6
- Ryan Day, Ohio State head coach: Rumored candidate; not interested in position
- Urban Meyer, former Ohio State head coach: Interviewed on 1/8
- Raheem Morris, Falcons interim head coach: Interviewed on 1/7
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/9
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/10
Arthur Smith Has Second Meeting With Falcons
The Falcons conducted a second interview with Arthur Smith on Wednesday, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Of course, they’ll have lots of competition for the Titans’ offensive coordinator, since he’s in the mix for roughly every vacancy in the NFL.
Immediately afterwards, Smith flew to New York to have dinner tonight with Jets officials. Then, on Thursday and Friday, he’ll chat with the Eagles and Lions.
Smith, 38, has seen his stock skyrocket in recent years. After starting his career as a defensive assistant in Washington, he’s spent the last ten years with the Titans. His last two seasons as Tennessee’s OC have garnered the attention of everyone in the league, and he could be on the verge of his first head coaching opportunity.
Ryan Tannehill enjoyed a career resurgence under Smith’s watch. Meanwhile, running back Derrick Henry gave defenses fits when he was at his best. Given Smith’s track record, he could be the Falcons’ No. 1 choice for the job, as Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.
Eagles Interview Joe Brady
The Eagles have interviewed Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady for their head coaching job, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Brady has interviewed for nearly every opening this circuit and could be on the verge of his first HC gig.
[RELATED: 2021 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker]
The Falcons, Texans, Chargers, and Jets have also chatted with the 31-year-old rising star. Brady made a name for himself in 2019 when he served as LSU’s passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach, guiding Joe Burrows and Justin Jefferson to a record-breaking offensive campaign. In January of 2020, the Panthers called him up to the pros.
Brady’s Panthers offense did not impress, but that was largely due to injuries. Despite Teddy Bridgewater’s struggles and Christian McCaffrey’s injuries, the Panthers still got 1,000+ yards out of D.J. Moore, Robby Anderson, Curtis Samuel, and Mike Davis. The Birds, who are revamping their offense around Jalen Hurts, could ask Brady to lead the way.
Here’s a look at the Eagles’ other candidates, via PFR’s tracker:
- Todd Bowles, Buccaneers defensive coordinator: Interview requested
- Mike Kafka, Chiefs quarterbacks coach: Rumored candidate
- Jerod Mayo, Patriots inside linebackers coach: Interview requested
- Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma head coach: Rumored candidate
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: Interview requested
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interview requested
- Duce Staley, Eagles running backs coach: Mentioned as candidate
Broncos To Hire George Paton As GM
The Broncos found their new GM. Vikings exec George Paton is finalizing a six-year deal with Denver, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). 
Paton has rebuffed interview opportunities and job offers for years, citing his love of living in Minnesota. This time around, the Broncos’ offer was too good to pass up. Just recently, Paton seemed to be on the verge of becoming the Browns’ next GM, but he ultimately backed out. The Jets also made a strong push to hire him before Paton said no.
There were other interesting candidates in the mix, including Bears exec Champ Kelly, who has history with the Broncos. Still, Paton was their top target. Under the new structure, Paton and head coach Vic Fangio will report to John Elway, who will have less to do with the team’s day-to-day roster decisions. Elway was responsible for luring Peyton Manning to the team and helping to build a championship-caliber defense. But, things went downhill after Super Bowl 50. With Paton in charge, the Broncos believe they can work their way back to the top.
Saints exec Terry Fontenot and Broncos director of college scouting Brian Stark were also up for the job. Patriots assistant player personnel director Dave Ziegler was in the mix too, but ultimately backed out.
Chargers Interested In Urban Meyer
The Chargers are exploring Urban Meyer as a candidate, according to sources who spoke with Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (on Twitter). Meyer has been non-committal in talks with the Jaguars, and that’s partially due to the Bolts’ interest. 
Meyer hasn’t had a formal interview with the Chargers yet, but that conversation could be just around the corner. So far, the Chargers’ search has been mostly focused on candidates with NFL experience, as shown in PFR’s 2021 Head Coaching Search Tracker:
- Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator: Interview requested
- Joe Brady, Panthers offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/7
- Brian Daboll, Bills offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/10
- Matt Eberflus, Colts defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/12
- Jason Garrett, Giants offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/8
- Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator: To be interviewed on 1/9
- Arthur Smith, Titans offensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/11
- Brandon Staley, Rams defensive coordinator: Interviewed on 1/10
The Jaguars have the No. 1 overall pick, but the Chargers may be a more attractive destination for Meyer. They already have a promising young quarterback in Justin Herbert, plus a ton of talent on the other side of the ball. In L.A., Meyer could have safety Derwin James, defensive tackle Linval Joseph, cornerbacks Casey Hayward and Chris Harris, and edge rushers Melvin Ingram and Joey Bosa at edge rusher.