Broncos Brining In Bears LB's Coach For Interview
- The Broncos are reportedly targeting Bears defensive backs coach Ed Donatell to join Vic Fangio’s staff, and Donatell might not be the only assistant Chicago loses to Denver. The Broncos are “bringing in Bears OLB coach Brandon Staley” for an interview Monday, according to Mike Klis of 9News Denver (Twitter link). It sounds like Fangio is interested in bringing over as many of his assistants from Chicago as possible.
2019 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Tracker
While eight NFL teams are making a head coaching change this offseason, the number of clubs replacing offensive and/or defensive coordinators figures to be much higher than that. In addition to all those teams hiring new head coaches, who may want to bring in their own assistants, several clubs also figure to make changes on one side of the ball or the other after getting disappointing results in 2018. And, of course, the teams whose coordinators landed head coaching jobs will need to replace them.
With reports circulating on potential candidates, interview requests, and actual meetings, we’ll use the space below to keep tabs on all the latest updates on teams hiring new offensive and/or defensive coordinators. This post, which will be updated daily, can be found under the “PFR Features” menu on the right-hand side of the site.
[Updated: 2/21/19, 4:58pm CT]
Offensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals (Out: Byron Leftwich)
- Tom Clements, former offensive coordinator (Packers): Hired as quarterbacks coach/passing game coordinator
- Cardinals will not hire an offensive coordinator; head coach Kliff Kingsbury will call plays.
- Jim Bob Cooter, former offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed on 1/16
- Hue Jackson, former head coach (Browns): Interviewed on 1/18
- Ben McAdoo, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed for offensive position
- Jake Spavital, head coach (Texas State): Mentioned as candidate
- John DeFilippo, former offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed; Hired by Jaguars
- Mike McDaniel, run game coordinator (49ers): 49ers denied interview request
- Steve Sarkisian, former offensive coordinator (Falcons): Declined position
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Steve Sarkisian)
- Dirk Koetter, former head coach (Buccaneers): Hired
- Darrell Bevell, former offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed
- Mike Mularkey, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed on 1/2
- Gary Kubiak, former head coach (Broncos): Broncos denied interview request
Baltimore Ravens (Out: Marty Mornhinweg)
- Greg Roman, assistant head coach/tight ends (Ravens): Promoted
Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Bill Lazor)
- Brian Callahan, quarterbacks coach (Raiders): Hired
- Head coach Zac Taylor will call plays.
- Darrell Bevell, former offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Mentioned as candidate
- Gary Kubiak, former head coach (Broncos): Broncos denied interview request
- Ben McAdoo, former head coach (Giants): Mentioned as candidate
Cleveland Browns (Out: Freddie Kitchens)
- Todd Monken, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Hired
- Head coach Freddie Kitchens will call plays.
- Jim Bob Cooter, former offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Scott Linehan)
- Kellen Moore, quarterbacks coach (Cowboys): Promoted
- Doug Nussmeier, tight ends coach (Cowboys): Mentioned as candidate
Denver Broncos (Out: Bill Musgrave)
- Rich Scangarello, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Hired
- Gary Kubiak, former head coach (Broncos): Will not be hired
Detroit Lions (Out: Jim Bob Cooter)
- Darrell Bevell, former offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Hired
- Nathaniel Hackett, former offensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
- Todd Monken, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Steve Sarkisian, former offensive coordinator (Falcons): Mentioned as candidate
Green Bay Packers (Out: Joe Philbin)
- Nathaniel Hackett, former offensive coordinator (Jaguars): Hired
- Head coach Matt LaFleur will call plays.
- Mike McDaniel, run game coordinator (49ers): Mentioned as candidate
- Todd Monken, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed
Houston Texans
- Tim Kelly, tight ends coach (Texans): Promoted
Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Scott Milanovich)
- John DeFilippo, former offensive coordinator (Vikings): Hired
- Darrell Bevell, former offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed on 1/8
- Mike McCoy, former offensive coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed on 1/15
- Gary Kubiak, former head coach (Broncos): Interview scheduled but never occurred
- Todd Monken, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed
Miami Dolphins (Out: Dowell Loggains)
- Chad O’Shea, wide receivers coach (Patriots): Hired
Minnesota Vikings
- Kevin Stefanksi, interim offensive coordinator (Vikings): Retained
- Hue Jackson, special assistant to the head coach (Bengals): Mentioned as candidate; not considered likely hire
- Dirk Koetter, former head coach (Buccaneers): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike Mularkey, former head coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate
New York Jets (Out: Jeremy Bates)
- Dowell Loggains, former offensive coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
- Head coach Adam Gase will call plays.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Todd Monken)
- Byron Leftwich, former offensive coordinator (Cardinals): Hired as offensive coordinator/pass game coordinator
- Leftwich will call plays.
- Harold Goodwin, former offensive coordinator (Cardinals): Hired as assistant head coach/run game coordinator
Tennessee Titans (Out: Matt LaFleur)
- Arthur Smith, tight ends coach (Titans): Promoted
Washington Redskins (Out: Matt Cavanaugh)
- Kevin O’Connell, quarterbacks coach (Redskins): Promoted
- Cavanaugh re-assigned as senior offensive assistant.
Defensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals (Out: Al Holcomb)
- Vance Joseph, former head coach (Broncos): Hired
- Dom Capers, former defensive coordinator (Packers): Mentioned as candidate
- Chuck Pagano, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Marquand Manuel)
- Will not hire a defensive coordinator; head coach Dan Quinn will call plays.
Chicago Bears (Out: Vic Fangio)
- Chuck Pagano, former head coach (Colts): Hired
- Todd Bowles, former head coach (Jets): Declined position
- Ed Donatell, defensive backs coach (Bears): Interviewed on 1/10
Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Marvin Lewis)
- Lou Anarumo, defensive backs coach (Giants): Hired
- Mike Elko, defensive coordinator (Texas A&M):Interview requested
- John Fox, former head coach (Bears): Mentioned as candidate
- Marquand Manuel, former defensive coordinator (Falcons): Interview requested
- Mike Nolan, linebackers coach (Saints): Mentioned as candidate
- Aubrey Pleasant, cornerbacks coach (Rams): To be interviewed
- Dennis Allen, defensive coordinator (Saints): Bengals had interest
- Dom Capers, former defensive coordinator (Packers): Declined position
- Jack Del Rio, former head coach (Raiders): Will not be hired
- Jeff Hafley, co-defensive coordinator (Ohio State): Hafley rejected interview request
- Aaron Glenn, defensive backs coach (Saints): Saints denied interview request
- Todd Grantham, defensive coordinator (Florida): Declined position
Cleveland Browns (Out: Gregg Williams)
- Steve Wilks, former head coach (Cardinals): Hired
- Vance Joseph, former head coach (Broncos): Interview scheduled
- Chuck Pagano, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
- Steve Spagnuolo, former defensive coordinator (Giants): Mentioned as candidate
Denver Broncos (Out: Joe Woods)
- Ed Donatell, secondary coach (Bears): Hired
Kansas City Chiefs (Out: Bob Sutton)
- Steve Spagnuolo, former defensive coordinator (Giants): Hired
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Mentioned as candidate
Miami Dolphins (Out: Matt Burke)
- Patrick Graham, linebacker coach/run game coordinator (Packers): Hired
- Bret Bielema, consultant to the head coach (Patriots): Mentioned as candidate
New England Patriots (Out: Brian Flores)
- Greg Schiano, former defensive coordinator (Ohio State): To be hired
New York Jets (Out: Kacy Rodgers)
- Gregg Williams, former interim head coach/defensive coordinator (Browns): Hired
- Vance Joseph, former head coach (Broncos): Mentioned as candidate
- Chuck Pagano, former head coach (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Mark Duffner)
- Todd Bowles, former head coach (Jets): Hired
Broncos Likely To Retain Some Staff
- Former Broncos offensive line coach Sean Kugler drew plenty of interest around the NFL after being released from his contract, but the Cardinals were able to lock him down. Arizona announced that’s it hired Kugler as OL coach, Brian Natkin as his assistant, David Raih as receivers coach, and retained Steve Heiden as tight ends coach. Kugler received an early look from the Buccaneers (and early reports even indicated he joined Tampa’s staff), while the Bills, Vikings, Browns, and Jets also checked in, tweets Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
- The Broncos and new head coach Vic Fangio are expected to retain linebackers coach Reggie Herring and defensive line coach Bill Kollar, according to Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter links). Additionally, Denver has been denying interview requests for running backs Curtis Modkins, an indication that he’ll also return in 2019.
2019 Proven Performance Escalators
According to the NFL’s contractual bargaining agreement, players drafted in rounds three though seven are entitled to raises during the fourth year of their respective rookie contracts. The pay bumps are tied to playing time — a player must have played in 35% of his team’s offensive or defensive snaps in two of his first three seasons, or averaged 35% playing time cumulatively during that period.
If one of these thresholds is met, the player’s salary is elevated to the level of that year’s lowest restricted free agent tender — that figure should be around $2MM in 2019. Players selected in the first or second round, undrafted free agents, and kickers/punters are ineligible for the proven performance escalator.
Here are the players who will see their salary rise in 2019 courtesy of the proven performance escalator:
Bears: RB Jordan Howard, LB Nick Kwiatkoski
Bengals: LB Nick Vigil
Broncos: G Connor McGovern, S Will Parks, S Justin Simmons
Browns: S Derrick Kindred, LB Joe Schobert
Buccaneers: G Caleb Benenoch, DE Carl Nassib, CB Ryan Smith
Chargers: LB Jatavis Brown
Chiefs: CB Kendall Fuller, WR Tyreek Hill, S Eric Murray, WR Demarcus Robinson
Colts: QB Jacoby Brissett, T Joe Haeg
Cowboys: CB Anthony Brown, DT Maliek Collins, QB Dak Prescott
Dolphins: RB Kenyan Drake
Eagles: CB Jalen Mills, T Halapoulivaati Vaitai
Falcons: LB De’Vondre Campbell, TE Austin Hooper, G Wes Schweitzer
Jaguars: DE Yannick Ngakoue
Jets: LB Jordan Jenkins, CB Rashard Robinson, T Brandon Shell
Lions: C Graham Glasgow
Packers: LB Kyler Fackrell, DE Dean Lowry, LB Blake Martinez, LB Antonio Morrison
Patriots: G Joe Thuney, LB Elandon Roberts
Rams: G Austin Blythe, TE Tyler Higbee
Ravens: DE Matt Judon, OL Alex Lewis, CB Tavon Young
Saints: DT David Onyemata
Steelers: DT Javon Hargrave
Texans: DT D.J. Reader
Titans: S Kevin Byard, WR Tajae Sharpe
OverTheCap.com was essential in the creation of this post. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Ed Donatell Deciding Between Bears, Broncos
Latest On Broncos Coaching Staff
Now that the head coaching carousel is pretty much wrapped up, everyone’s attention will now be turning to the assistant coaching ranks. One team that has a lot to sort out is the Broncos, now that we know Gary Kubiak won’t be joining as the team’s offensive coordinator. Broncos defensive backs coach Greg Williams won’t be returning next year, according to Mike Klis of Denver 9News (Twitter link). In a separate tweet, Klis writes that league sources told him Bears defensive backs coach Ed Donatell will be a “top target” of new Broncos coach Vic Fangio to join his defensive staff. In a third tweet, Klis notes that the Browns are targeting Chris Strausser, who currently coaches the Broncos’ offensive tackles, to join Freddie Kitchens’ staff in Cleveland.
Broncos An Antonio Brown Suitor?
The Antonio Brown news cycle continues, with this week bringing an update from Art Rooney II. The Steelers owner pointing to the All-Pro wide receiver having potentially worn out his welcome has ignited trade rumors.
An interesting team has emerged on that front. The Broncos are a team to keep an eye on as a Brown suitor, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter). While mentioning cap-rich teams like the Colts, Jets and 49ers as potential Brown buyers, Rapoport notes the Broncos may be “plotting a run” at the superstar wideout.
Teams eyeing Brown may not have to fork over an Amari Cooper price, either. Rival GMs expect a second-round pick and possibly some additional compensation being enough to get a deal done, RapSheet adds. Brown’s four-year, $68MM deal, and perhaps the way his 2018 season ended, may well give teams caution despite his obvious superiority to Cooper as a player. The Steelers may well approach teams in trade talks, per Rapoport.
By the end of the regular season, the Broncos were reeling at receiver. They traded Demaryius Thomas and saw Emmanuel Sanders go down with a season-ending Achilles injury. But they do have Sanders’ contract on their books for one more season.
Sanders and Brown were both 2010 Pittsburgh rookies and played together until 2013. Sanders has been an essential part of Denver’s past five passing attacks and was on pace for another 1,000-yard season prior to going down. Sanders, 32 in March, is a year older than Brown (31 in July). He does not expect his former teammate to be a Steeler next season (Twitter link). But with Sanders set to make a non-guaranteed $10.15MM in 2019 and Brown tethered to a wideout-record deal ($22MM-plus ’19 cap number), Brown-to-Denver is a curious fit. Unless the Broncos are planning to replace Sanders with Brown.
The Broncos do have rookie contracts comprising the rest of their receiving corps and stand to hold more than $45MM in cap space, with some possible cap-casualty contracts — like Brandon Marshall or Ronald Leary — on their books. But reuniting the former Steelers teammates would tag the Broncos’ payroll with a historic cost at this position, even if it would mean a far more potent passing attack than what recent Denver teams have possessed.
Coaching Notes: Kubiak, Kugler
Gary Kubiak will not be joining the Broncos, but he’d still be open to other coordinator openings. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the long-time coach “still has an interest in being an offensive coordinator.” Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic echoes the report (via Twitter), saying the Broncos wouldn’t stand in the way of the current executive pursuing another gig.
It was believed that Kubiak would be hired as the Broncos’ offensive coordinator on Vic Fangio‘s new staff. However, talks apparently broke down between the two parties, with reports noting that they had “different ideas on staffing and offensive philosophies.”
- Speaking of the Broncos, offensive line coach Sean Kugler interviewed with the Vikings and is set to meet with the Cardinals, reports Mike Klis of 9News (via Twitter). Klis notes that there’s some optimism that he’d ultimately be hired for the Cardinals gig. Kugler’s tenure in Denver could be over, as the team is reportedly eyeing Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak for the position.
Latest On Broncos’ OC Search
The Broncos continue to search for a new offensive coordinator, but it sounds like a front-runner has yet to emerge.
For starters, three candidates have already been connected to the opening: former head coach Gary Kubiak, 49ers quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello, and Steelers offensive line coach Mike Munchak. There was some optimism that the organization would hire Kubiak, but the two sides ultimately decided to go in different directions. The Broncos were denied their request to interview Scangarello, but Troy Renck of Denver7 (via Twitter) notes that the team is still pushing to interview the San Francisco quarterbacks coach.
When it comes to Munchak, it sounds like the long-time coach may not even be a candidate for the offensive coordinator opening. Renck says the Broncos are hoping to hire the 58-year-old as their offensive line coach, a position Munchak has held with the Steelers since 2014. Munchak’s contract with the Steelers has (or will soon) expire, so the Steelers wouldn’t truly have the means to block him from taking a different gig. We learned yesterday that Munchak was set to meet with the organization.
Ultimately, the final decision will come down to new head coach Vic Fangio. Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic tweets that “the hire will be completely Vic Fangio’s call.”
Broncos To Retain Tom McMahon
- New Broncos head coach Vic Fangio is bringing back special teams coordinator Tom McMahon, News9 in Denver’s Mike Klis tweets. McMahon concluded his 12th season in the NFL this past season, his first as special teams coordinator with the Broncos. He previously held the same position with the Colts, Chiefs and Rams.