Chiefs’ Brad Childress Plans To Retire
The Chiefs’ initial plan to replace Doug Pederson was to name Brad Childress and Matt Nagy as co-offensive coordinators for the 2016 season. Less than two years later, both could be gone.
Nagy will leave to coach the Bears, and Childress plans to retire from the profession, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero and James Palmer report (Twitter link).
Childress coached for 19 years in the NFL, most notably a five-season run as the Vikings’ HC from 2006-10, and had been with the Chiefs since 2013. The 61-year-old assistant has worked with Andy Reid in both Philadelphia and Kansas City, spending seven seasons (1999-2005) with the Eagles — including his last four as Philly’s OC.
The Chiefs could now be without both their top offensive assistants, with Childress’ 2017-season title being “assistant head coach,” and potentially Alex Smith — a trade candidate. This would mark a significant change in Kansas City, which has seen Childress, Nagy and Smith play key roles for the franchise since Reid’s 2013 arrival.
Childress’ work with the Vikings resulted in two playoff seasons, including the franchise’s 2009 run to the NFC title game. He went 39-35 as a head coach. He also was the Browns’ OC in 2012 prior to coming to Kansas City.
Bears Hire Matt Nagy As Head Coach
The Bears will hire Matt Nagy as their next head coach, according to Adam L. Jahns of the Chicago Sun-Times. Nagy, the offensive coordinator of the Chiefs, became available over the weekend when Kansas City was eliminated from the playoffs by the Titans.
The hire is now official. Nagy will replace John Fox and become the Bears’ latest offensively geared HC, following Marc Trestman in that regard. Nagy was also in the running for the Colts’ head coaching job, interviewing on Sunday, and the Bears did not want to risk losing him. The 39-year-old offensive coordinator will now be tasked with reigniting the dormant Bears offense and putting young quarterback Mitch Trubisky on the right track.
Nagy also interviewed with the Bears on Sunday, and the storied franchise selected the second-year Chiefs OC out of a six-interview process. The Bears also met with Josh McDaniels, Pat Shurmur, George Edwards, John DeFilippo and incumbent DC Vic Fangio. This marks the latest Andy Reid disciple to land a coaching opportunity, following three-year Chiefs OC Doug Pederson — whom Nagy succeeded.
The Chiefs turned to Nagy late in the season to call plays, and the AFC West champions re-routed their season upon doing so. Kansas City won its final four games after losing six of seven during a midseason swoon. Although the Chiefs stumbled yet again in a home playoff contest, Nagy helped coax breakout slates from Tyreek Hill and rushing champion Kareem Hunt.
Nagy will also serve as the Bears’ play-caller, Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). However, his first big decision will be in addressing who oversees Chicago’s defense. Mortensn reports the franchise would like to retain Fangio, but his contract expires at midnight. The veteran DC also has received significant interest elsewhere and could depart for another opportunity.
This also narrows McDaniels’ options. The perennial HC candidate has interviewed in Indianapolis and New York. ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano and NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran (Twitter link) point McDaniels as being a likelier fit with the Colts than Giants.
Alex Smith also had a career-best season under Nagy’s guidance, and the Bears will team the young coach with Trubisky after centering their search around offensive-minded leaders. Nagy was a Trubisky fan when the North Carolina product declared for the draft, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter), and he’ll have the biggest say in attempting to take the raw passer to the next level in his development.
The Chiefs ranked fifth in total offense under Nagy. He’ll now helm a Bears attack that finished 30th. Affected by multiple injuries at wide receiver, the Bears relied on their ground game. Their new HC figures to attempt to augment the team’s aerial corps. Trubisky himself finished with seven touchdown passes and seven interceptions, completing 59 percent of his passes while going 4-8 as a starter.
The Bears have not produced a winning season since the 2012 campaign under Lovie Smith, and they’ll turn to Nagy to right the ship.
Sam Robinson contributed to this report.
2018 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Tracker
While at least six NFL teams are making head coaching changes 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 2017. 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 3-6-18 (5:53pm CT)
Offensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals (Out: Harold Goodwin)
- Mike McCoy, former head coach (Chargers): Hired
- Darrell Bevell, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed on 1/22
- John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
Buffalo Bills (Out: Rick Dennison)
- Brian Daboll, offensive coordinator (Alabama): Hired
- Rob Chudzinski, offensive coordinator (Colts): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike McCoy, former offensive coordinator (Broncos): Won’t be considered
Carolina Panthers (Out: Mike Shula)
- Norv Turner, former offensive coordinator (Vikings): Hired
Chicago Bears (Out: Dowell Loggains)
- Mark Helfrich, former head coach (Oregon): Hired
Cincinnati Bengals
- Bill Lazor, interim offensive coordinator (Bengals): Retained
Cleveland Browns (vacant)
- Todd Haley, former offensive coordinator (Steelers): Hired
- Ben McAdoo, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed on 1/16
- Mike Mularkey, former head coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate
- Sean Ryan, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed on 1/10
- Ken Zampese, former offensive coordinator (Bengals): To be interviewed?; hired as QBs coach
Denver Broncos
- Bill Musgrave, interim offensive coordinator (Broncos): Retained
Detroit Lions
- Jim Bob Cooter, offensive coordinator (Lions): Retained
Green Bay Packers (Out: Edgar Bennett)
- Joe Philbin, assistant head coach/offensive line (Colts): Hired
- Ben McAdoo, former head coach (Giants): Mentioned as candidate
- James Campen, offensive line coach (Packers): Mentioned as candidate
Indianapolis Colts (Out: Rob Chudzinski)
- Nick Sirianni, wide receivers coach (Chargers): Hired
- Darrell Bevell, former offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Viewed as top target
- Jake Peetz, quarterbacks coach (Raiders): No longer expected to be hired
Kansas City Chiefs (Out: Matt Nagy)
- Eric Bieniemy, running backs coach (Chiefs): Promoted
Miami Dolphins (Out: Clyde Christensen)
- Dowell Loggains, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Hired
Minnesota Vikings (Out: Pat Shurmur)
- John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): To be hired
- Darrell Bevell, former offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed on 1/26
- Dan Campbell, tight ends coach (Saints): Interviewed on 1/30
- Ben McAdoo, former head coach (Giants): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike McCoy, former offensive coordinator (Broncos): Mentioned as candidate
- Sean Ryan, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed on 1/29
- Kevin Stefanski, quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Iinterviewed on 1/27-1/28
New York Giants (Out: Mike Sullivan)
- Mike Shula, former offensive coordinator (Panthers): To be hired
- Darrell Bevell, former offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Mentioned as candidate
- John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Harold Goodwin, former offensive coordinator (Cardinals): Mentioned as candidate
- Deuce Staley, running backs coach (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Kevin Stefanski, quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Denied permission to interview
New York Jets (Out: John Morton)
- Jeremy Bates, quarterbacks coach (Jets): Promoted
- Todd Haley, former offensive coordinator (Steelers): Mentioned as candidate
Oakland Raiders (Out: Todd Downing)
- Greg Olson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Hired
- John Morton, offensive coordinator (Jets): Mentioned as candidate
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Frank Reich)
- Mike Groh, wide receivers coach (Eagles): To be hired
- Duce Staley, running backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed on 2/19
Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Todd Haley)
- Randy Fichtner, quarterbacks coach (Steelers): Promoted
- Kirby Wilson, former running backs coach (Browns): Mentioned as candidate
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Darrell Bevell)
- Brian Schottenheimer, quarterbacks coach (Colts): Hired
- John DeFilippo, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Seahawks had interest
- Steve Sarkisian, offensive coordinator (Falcons): Mentioned as candidate, Falcons won’t allow interview
Tennessee Titans (Out: Terry Robiskie)
- Matt LaFleur, offensive coordinator (Rams): Hired
- Brian Callahan, former quarterbacks coach (Lions): Interviewed on 1/24
- Ryan Day, co-offensive coordinator (Ohio State): Will not be hired
Defensive Coordinators
Arizona Cardinals (Out: James Bettcher)
- Al Holcomb, linebackers coach (Panthers): Hired
Baltimore Ravens (Out: Dean Pees)
- Don Martindale, linebackers coach (Ravens): Promoted
- Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator (Lions): Mentioned as candidate
- Chuck Pagano, former head coach (Colts): Ravens had interest
Carolina Panthers (Out: Steve Wilks)
- Eric Washington, defensive line coach (Panthers): Promoted
Chicago Bears
- Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator (Bears): Retained
Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Paul Guenther)
- Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator (Lions): Hired
- Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator (Bears): Bengals had interest
- Paul Guenther, defensive coordinator (Bengals): Bengals had hoped to retain
Detroit Lions
- Paul Pasqualoni, defensive line coach (Boston College): Hired
Green Bay Packers (Out: Dom Capers)
- Mike Pettine, former head coach (Browns): Hired
- Teryl Austin, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interview permission denied
- Gus Bradley, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview requested
- Vic Fangio, defensive coordinator (Bears): Viewed as top target
- Winston Moss, assistant head coach/linebackers (Packers): Interviewed
- Darren Perry, safeties coach (Packers): Interviewed on 1/8
- Joe Whitt, cornerbacks coach (Packers): Interviewed
Houston Texans (Out: Mike Vrabel)
- Romeo Crennel, assistant head coach (Texans): Hired
Indianapolis Colts (Out: Ted Monachino)
- Matt Eberflus, linebackers coach (Cowboys): Hired
Los Angeles Chargers
- Gus Bradley, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Retained
New England Patriots (Out: Matt Patricia)
- Brian Flores, linebackers coach (Patriots): Will call defenisve plays
- Aaron Glenn, secondary coach (Saints): Mentioned as candidate
New York Giants
- James Bettcher, former defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Hired
- Jack Del Rio, former head coach (Raiders): Viewed as frontrunner
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Giants): Possible to remain in place
Oakland Raiders (Out: John Pagano)
- Paul Guenther, defensive coordinator (Bengals): Hired
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Kris Richard)
- Ken Norton Jr., former defensive coordinator (Raiders): Hired
Tennessee Titans (Out: Dick LeBeau)
- Dean Pees, former defensive coordinator (Ravens): Hired
- Darren Perry, cornerbacks coach (Packers): Mentioned as candidate
- James Bettcher, former defensive coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed on 1/23
Chiefs Expected To Trade Alex Smith
Just yesterday, we learned that the Chiefs would be open to trading QB Alex Smith this offseason, but that they would not actively seek out trade partners.
But a lot can change in a day. Ian Rapoport, who reported yesterday that Kansas City would be willing to listen to offers on Smith, says today that the Chiefs, who suffered a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Titans less than 24 hours ago, are likely to deal the Utah product in the coming months (video link).
As Rapoport observes, Smith’s value is as high as it can be after a strong 2017 campaign. He set several career-highs in 2017, including passing yards (4,042) and touchdowns (26). He also completed 67.5% of his passes and threw only five interceptions, leading to some early-season MVP rumblings. He also led the league in quarterback rating (104.7).
Plus, Smith has a very tradeable contract, as he is owed a relatively low (for a good QB) $17MM in 2018, the last year of his current deal. Rapoport notes that any new team would need to give Smith a new contract, but money should not be an obstacle to actually acquiring him.
Rapoport named a number of teams that could be interested in Smith in yesterday’s report, but today he specifically mentioned the Browns as a potential landing spot — new GM John Dorsey has already traded for Smith once in his career — and he named the Cardinals as another logical destination. Mike Jurecki of 98.7 FM confirms that Arizona will indeed have interest in Smith, though they would still likely draft a QB even if they land him (Twitter links).
Smith himself is not ready to talk about his future, as Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk (citing the Kansas City Star) writes.
Chiefs Would Consider Trading QB Alex Smith This Offseason
[UPDATE: Chiefs Expected To Trade Alex Smith]
It sounds like trade rumors will hound quarterback Alex Smith once again. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports that the Chiefs will be open to trading the signal-caller this offseason. The reporter notes that the front office won’t “actively seek out trade partners,” but they’ll listen to any inquiries.
Considering the veteran’s age and the presence of 2017 first-rounder Patrick Mahomes, Smith was mentioned in trade rumors last offseason. At the time, head coach Andy Reid and ownership offered their public support for the aging quarterback, and Smith responded with one of the best seasons of his career. The 33-year-old set several career-highs in 2017, including passing yards (4,042) and touchdowns (26). He also completed 67.5-percent of his passes and threw only five interceptions, leading to some early-season MVP rumblings.
Of course, Smith is set to make $17MM next season, and Mahomes looked solid during his Week 17 start (22-of-35 for 284 yards). As Rapoport mentions, the team could surely receive more than the pair of second-rounders they gave up when they acquired Smith from San Francisco in 2013. Still, the Chiefs earned the four seed in the AFC this season, and the reporter warns that the team could hold on to Smith if they make a run to the Super Bowl. In other words, trade talks surely won’t heat up under Kansas City’s season is officially over.
Rapoport lists a number of teams that could have interest in the veteran quarterback, including the Jets, Broncos, Jaguars, Bills, Browns, and Cardinals. He specifically notes that Arizona had interest in Smith back when he was on the 49ers, and he says the Broncos have already considered a pursuit.
NFL Workout Updates: 1/4/18
Today’s NFL workout updates, with all links going to veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer’s Twitter account:
Arizona Cardinals
- G Greg Pyke (link)
Buffalo Bills
- RBs Cedric O’Neal, Jhurell Pressley (link)
Carolina Panthers
- CB Lorenzo Doss (link)
Cleveland Browns
- Ts Chauncey Briggs, Taylor Hart (link)
Indianapolis Colts
- DE Evan Panfil (link)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- TEs Gavin Escobar, Colin Jeter (link)
Kansas City Chiefs
- DE Sean Daniels; LB Shakeel Rashad; CBs Sheldon Price, Ezra Robinson; S Malik Golden (link)
Los Angeles Chargers
- QB Marcus McDade; TEs Steve Donatell, Patrick Towles; K Roberto Aguayo; LS Derek Hart (link)
Los Angeles Rams
- C Jon Toth; DT Toby Johnson; LB Reshard Cliett; S Bennett Jackson (link)
New Orleans Saints
New York Giants
- LS Anthony Kukwa (link)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- RB Joel Bouagnon; DE Darnell Leslie; LBs Kenneth Olugbode, Max Valles; DBs Lorenzo Jerome, Andrew Williamson (Twitter links)
San Francisco 49ers
- DE Ryan Delaire; DT Alameda Ta’amu (link)
NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/4/18
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
- DB Bennett Jackson
Green Bay Packers
- LB Ahmad Thomas
Kansas City Chiefs
- DT Josh Augusta
- CB Sheldon Price
Los Angeles Chargers
- LS Anthony Kulwa
Miami Dolphins
New Orleans Saints
NFL Reserve/Future Contracts: 1/3/18
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:
Green Bay Packers
- G Kofi Amichia
Kansas City Chiefs
- CB Makinton Dorleant
- WR Brandon Shippen
Minnesota Vikings
- WR Brandon Zylstra
Philadelphia Eagles
- CB Elie Bouka
- P Cameron Johnston
- TE Adam Zaruba
Seattle Seahawks
Washington Redskins
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.
Chiefs Place CB Phillip Gaines On IR
The Chiefs announced that they have placed cornerback Phillip Gaines on injured reserve. This means that Gaines will not be in action for Saturday’s Wild Card game against the Titans or any other potential playoff games. 
Gaines saw a good amount of time to start the season, but slipped on the depth chart as the season wore on. He did see an uptick in playing time in Week 17, but the Chiefs are not willing to keep him on the roster while they wait to see how his elbow heals. Without Gaines, the Chiefs will move forward with Marcus Peters, Terrance Mitchell, Steven Nelson, and Darrelle Revis, Keith Reaser, and Kenneth Acker as their cornerbacks.
To take Gaines’ place on the roster, the Chiefs have signed defensive tackle Stefan Charles. Charles did not see the field in 2017 after missing the Jaguars’ initial cut, but he was a regular for the Bills and Lions over the previous four seasons.