Coaching Notes: Spagnuolo, Bettcher, McDaniels
The coaching carousel is in full swing. Here are six stories regarding coaching staffs across the NFL:
- The Giants have interviewed their interim head coach Steve Spagnuolo for the full-time job, the team announced today. Spagnuolo is considered a longshot to land the position given that new general manager Dave Gettlemen would probably like to bring in his own guy. But, the former Rams head coach still had his shot to impress the Giants executives today. New York has six more candidates they’re planning on interviewing in the days to come. Check out who by using our 2018 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker.
- The Cardinals also used most of the day to interview an internal head coach candidate, defensive coordinator James Bettcher, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Bettcher had the first chance to make his case as the team has another seven coaches they would like to talk to about their vacant head coach position.
- The Colts will speak with Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels tonight about their head coach vacancy, according to Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports (Twitter link). McDaniels is getting head coaching interest from many different teams because of his offensive knowledge. Indianapolis could be looking for a more offensive-minded coach to pair with quarterback Andrew Luck. Although they have requested interviews with coaches on both sides of the ball, including: Matt Nagy (Chiefs), Kris Richard (Seahawks), Mike Vrabel (Texans) and Steve Wilks (Panthers).
- La Canfora does also note that the bad weather in the Boston area could affect potential interviews regarding McDaniels and fellow Patriots coach Matt Patricia. The team has to be back home to prepare for their divisional round opponent, which could push back a few potential interviews for both New England coordinators.
- The Packers have a offensive coordinator vacancy after reassigning Edgar Bennett to another position earlier today. Three names who the team could show interest in to replace Bennett are former Green Bay coaches Ben McAdoo and Joe Philbin, along with current offensive line coach James Campen, per Rob Demovsky of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
- The Broncos have hired Sean Kugler to be the team’s offensive line coach for 2018, reports Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link). While Kugler is a new face to the coaching staff, the team did decide to keep both of their coordinators and fire three other coaches on Monday.
Colts To Interview Kris Richard On Friday
Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard will interview with the Colts for their head coaching job on Friday, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Indianapolis first requested an interview with Richard on New Year’s Day. 
Richard has been in this position before, having interviewed for the Bills’ opening last year. Ultimately, that job went to former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. This time around, he’s going up against McDermott’s replacement in Steve Wilks. The other known candidates for the position are Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, and Texans DC Mike Vrabel.
The Seahawks defense didn’t exactly shine under Richard, but the team was also plagued injuries to several key players including Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman. The Colts may be inclined to go with an offensive-minded coach to keep Andrew Luck on the right track (once he’s healthy), but they could also use some serious help on the other side of the ball. In 2017, the Colts finished near the bottom in points and yards allowed.
Richard spent the last eleven seasons with the Seahawks when counting his eight years as a coach and three years as a cornerback. He played his college ball at USC under Pete Carroll, who later brought him on board as an assistant and promoted him to DC following the departure of Dan Quinn in 2015. That’s about as strong of an endorsement as a head coaching hopeful could have.
Coaching Rumors: Bengals, Cowboys, Colts
A roundup of the latest coaching news and rumors from around the NFL:
- Bengals coach Marvin Lewis announced that the team is parting ways with offensive line coach Paul Alexander. Meanwhile, the team will retain offensive coordinator Bill Lazor and look to keep defensive coordinator Paul Guenther. Guenther is out of contract, meaning that he is free to sign with any team.
- Cowboys special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia will be allowed out of his contract, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). That should pave the way for him to join Jon Gruden‘s Raiders staff. Bisaccia still had some time to go on his deal thanks to the extension he inked back in March.
- Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy confirmed to Adam Teicher of ESPN.com (on Twitter) that he will interview for the head coaching openings with the Colts and Bears.
- You can keep up with the dizzying number of head coaching interviews using PFR’s up-to-the-minute tracker.
2018 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker
Several NFL teams are currently hunting for a new head coach, and amidst reports about interview requests and potential candidates, it’s easy to lose track of the latest updates in the shuffle. So we’ll use this space – which will be updated until every team has hired a new head coach – to keep track of the most recent news and rumors. It can be found on the right-hand sidebar under “PFR Features.”
Listed below are the head coaching candidates that have been linked to each of the teams with vacancies, along with their current status. If and when other teams decide to make head coaching changes, they’ll be added to this list. Here’s the current breakdown:
Updated 2-11-18 (2:35pm CT)
Arizona Cardinals
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Hired
- Keith Armstrong, special teams coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed on 1/8; interviewed for a second time on 1/19
- James Bettcher, defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed on 1/3
- John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Interviewed 1/5; expected to receive second interview
- Brian Flores, linebackers coach (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/6; expected to receive second interview
- Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/6
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed on 1/5
- Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/5
- Mike Munchak, offensive line coach (Steelers): Interviewed on 1/7; declined to take second interview
Chicago Bears
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Hired
- John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Interviewed on 1/6
- George Edwards, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/4
- Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator (Bears): Interviewed on 1/3
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/5
- Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/5
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Requested interview
Detroit Lions
- Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Hired
- Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed on 1/2
- Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed on 1/2
- Winston Moss, assistant head coach/LBs (Packers): Interviewed on 1/4
- Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed on 1/4
- Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed on 1/3
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Declined to be interviewed
Indianapolis Colts
Second search
- Frank Reich, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Hired
- Dan Campbell, tight ends coach (Saints): Interviewed on 2/8
- Leslie Frazier, defensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed on 2/10
- Dave Toub, special teams coordinator (Chiefs): Mentioned as candidate
Original search
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Announced as head coach; rejected position
- Kris Richard, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed on 1/5
- Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed on 1/6
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed on 1/7
- Matt Rhule, head coach (Baylor): Interviewed; withdrew from consideration
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): No longer scheduled to interview
New York Giants
- Pat Shurmur, offensive coordinator (Vikings): Hired
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/5
- Mike Munchak, offensive line coach (Steelers): Dark horse candidate?
- Matt Patricia, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed on 1/5
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Eagles): Interview put on hold
- Steve Spagnuolo, interim head coach/DC (Giants): Interviewed on 1/3
- Eric Studesville, former assistant head coach/RBs (Broncos): Interviewed on 1/10
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed on 1/9
Oakland Raiders
- Jon Gruden, ESPN commentator: Hired
- Bobby Johnson, tight ends coach (Raiders): Interviewed
- Tee Martin, offensive coordinator (USC): Interviewed
Tennessee Titans
- Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator (Texans): Hired
- Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator (Patriots): Mentioned as candidate
- Frank Reich, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed on 1/19
- Steve Wilks, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed on 1/18
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/2/18
Here are the latest reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2018 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters:
Arizona Cardinals
- WR Carlton Agudosi
- DT Peli Anau
- CB Jarell Carter
- OLB Vontarrius Dora
- CB Jonathan Moxey
- WR Rashad Ross
- DT Pasoni Tasini
- RB Darius Victor
- OL Josh Allen
- LS Drew Williams
Baltimore Ravens
Chicago Bears
- OL Travis Averill
- WR Demarcus Ayers
- DB Doran Grant
- WR Mekale McKay
- OL Will Pericak
- TE Colin Thompson
Cincinnati Bengals
Dallas Cowboys
- WR Brian Brown
- WR K.D. Cannon
- T Jarron James
- S Jameill Showers
- DT Joe Vellano
- CB Marquez White
- RB Trey Williams
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
- WR Jake Kumerow
- WR Colby Pearson
- TE Robert Tonyan
- LS Zach Triner
- WR DeAngelo Yancey
Colts, Bears Request To Interview Matt Nagy
Both the Colts and Bears have put in requests to interview Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link).
Nagy, who is only 39 years old, had been considered a “hot” name within NFL circles, and with good reason. In his first season as Kansas City’s solo coordinator (he split duties with veteran coach Brad Childress prior to 2017), Nagy ran one of the more innovative offenses in the NFL. Utilizing weapons such as Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Kareem Hunt, Nagy helped the Chiefs finish third in offensive DVOA.
That the Colts would express interest in Nagy should come as no surprise, as Indy general manager Chris Ballard spent several seasons as an executive in Kansas City. Nagy is the fifth candidate to be linked to the Colts, joining Josh McDaniels, Mike Vrabel, Steve Wilks, and Kris Richard. The Bears, meanwhile, have been tied to Nagy, McDaniels, Wilks, Pat Shurmur, and John DeFilippo.
Colts, Giants, Bears To Interview Josh McDaniels This Week
The Colts, Giants, and Bears will each interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for their head coaching vacancies this week, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com and Ben Volin of the Boston Globe (Twitter links). Indianapolis will meet with McDaniels on Thursday, while New York and Chicago will interview him on Friday.
It’s not difficult to process why the Colts, Giants, or Bears — or any NFL club with a coaching vacancy — would express interest in McDaniels, as he’s fresh off leading New England to the No. 1 overall ranking in offensive DVOA. The Patriots also finished first in yards, second in scoring, and could soon see quarterback Tom Brady earn his third MVP award. Additionally, McDaniels is still only 41 years old, has prior head coaching experience, and offers the Bill Belichick-pedigree.
The Colts and Bears have thus far been linked to four candidates as they seek to replace Chuck Pagano and John Fox, respectively. Indianapolis will meet with McDaniels, Steve Wilks (Panthers), Kris Richard (Seahawks), and Mike Vrabel (Texans), while Chicago will interview McDaniels, Wilks, Pat Shurmur (Vikings), and John DeFilippo (Eagles). New York’s search, meanwhile, is six deep thus far: McDaniels, Wilks, Shurmur, Matt Patricia (Patriots), Jim Schwartz (Eagles), and Eric Studesville (ex-Broncos).
Colts Request To Interview Hawks’ Richard
The Colts were busy adding names to their head-coaching wish list on Monday, the latest being Seahawks defensive coordinator Kris Richard, the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (Twitter link). 
Richard joins a list of potential interviewees that so far includes Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. In 2017, Richard interviewed for the Bills opening but returned to Seattle.
Richard took over after the departure of Dan Quinn in 2015 and fielded back-to-back top-five scoring defenses in his first two seasons. The Seahawks had a down season in his third campaign, but were plagued by injuries to their secondary in Kam Chancellor and Richard Sherman. Richard has been with team as a defensive backs coach since 2011 and oversaw the team’s “Legion of Boom” secondary rise to prominence.
The Colts could use plenty of help on the defensive side of the ball. In 2017, the team finished 30th in both points and yards allowed.
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/1/18
Here are the latest reserve/futures contract signings from around the NFL. These deals will go into effect on the first day of the 2018 league year, with players joining their respective clubs’ offseason 90-man rosters:
Baltimore Ravens
- QB Josh Woodrum
- RB John Crockett
- FB Ricky Ortiz
- OT Steven Moore
Buffalo Bills
- WR Rod Streater
Chicago Bears
Cincinnati Bengals
- LB Carl Bradford
- K Jon Brown
- LB Connor Harris
- OT Javarius Leamon
- OG Oni Omoile
- TE Scott Orndoff
- CB Sojourn Shelton
- SS Robenson Therezie
- WR Kermit Whitfield
Cleveland Browns
- WR C.J. Board
- LB Austin Calitro
- DB Trevon Hartfield
- WR Bug Howard
- RB Josh Rounds
- OL Victor Salako
- DB B.W. Webb
- WR Kasen Williams
Denver Broncos
- DT Paul Boyette
- WR River Cracraft
- WR Jordan Leslie
- DE Stansly Maponga
- DB Jordan Moore
- TE Brian Parker
- WR Tim Patrick
- OT Jeremiah Poutasi
- LB Marcus Rush
- DE Jhaustin Thomas
Detroit Lions
- CB Adairius Barnes
- TE Brandon Barnes
- DE Alex Barrett
- WR Dontez Ford
- DT Toby Johnson
- C Leo Koloamatangi
- S Rolan Milligan
- T Dan Skipper
- QB Alek Torgersen
- DE Jeremiah Valoaga
Indianapolis Colts
- TE Mo Alie-Cox
- WR Dres Anderson
- DT Johnathan Calvin
- WR Kolby Listenbee
- LB Arthur Miley
- LB Josh Perry
- QB Phillip Walker
- G Isaiah Williams
New York Giants
- OL Ethan Cooper
- WR Amba Etta-Tawo
- K Marshall Koehn
- DB Jeremiah McKinnon
- P Austin Rehkow
- DB Tim Scott
- WR Canaan Severin
- DT Kristjan Sokoli
- DE Jordan Williams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- WR Jake Lampman
Washington Redskins
- OL Alex Balducci
- DL Tavaris Barnes
- TE Chris Bazile
- RB Kenny Hilliard
- OL Cameron Jefferson
- OL John Kling
- LB Alex McCalister
- LB Cassanova McKinzy
- DL Ondre Pipkins
- DB James Sample
- S Orion Stewart
Colts To Interview Texans DC Mike Vrabel, Request Josh McDaniels Summit
The Texans granted the Colts permission to speak with their defensive coordinator, Mike Vrabel, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. And the Colts now have three names to whom they’ve submitted interview requests.
Indianapolis also submitted a request to meet with Josh McDaniels, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
Chris Ballard said Monday (via Mike Wells of ESPN.com) previous head-coaching experience will not be mandatory to fill Chuck Pagano‘s spot. Panthers DC Steve Wilks, a first-year coordinator, confirmed the Colts requested an interview with him.
McDaniels figures to be a sought-after name on the market again this year. The Patriots OC has been selective in the past, though, so it won’t be a given he jumps at the chance to coach Andrew Luck — whose future remains uncertain.
Vrabel just finished his first season as Houston’s DC. His unit fell from first in 2016 to 20th this season. However, the Texans encountered serious injury problems in Vrabel’s first season. The former Patriots stalwart’s name came up in the Rams’ and 49ers’ HC searches last year.