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
Dolphins Hire OL Coach Jeremiah Washburn
- The Dolphins have hired a familiar face as their new offensive line coach, as they’ve agreed to terms with Jeremiah Washburn to take over the job, according to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. Washburn served as an assistant OL coach in Miami in 2016 before accepting a promotion in Chicago. He’ll now replace staffer Dave DeGuglielmo, who was hired to replace Chris Foerster after the latter was caught using drugs on video.
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
Dolphins Hire Dowell Loggains As Offensive Coordinator
The Dolphins have officially announced that they have hired former Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains to the same position. Ian Rapoport of NFL.com first reported the news about two weeks ago (Twitter link). Rapoport added that former offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen will “likely remain with the team and transition to a new role”.
It was originally unknown what role Loggains was interviewing for when he met with team officials on Tuesday, but we now know that head coach Adam Gase wanted to bring in a familiar face to work help run the offense in Miami. The two coaches previously worked together with the Bears when Gase was an offensive coordinator and Loggains was the quarterbacks coach.
While Loggains should have a crucial role in game planning, Gase will still call the team’s plays on Sundays, reports Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (Twitter link).
With the Dolphins offensive coordinator role now set, the man who held that post in 2017 is still awaiting what role he will have on the offensive staff next season. The Dolphins could look to further shake things up as the team’s offense was inconsistent to say the least with Jay Cutler at helm in 2017, rather than Ryan Tannehill who sat at the entire regular season recovering from a knee injury he suffered in training camp.
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
Dolphins Interview Ex-Bears OC Dowell Loggains
Former Bears offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains interviewed for a position with the Dolphins today, per Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald (Twitter link).
Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune was the first to report that Loggains — who took over for current Miami head coach Adam Gase as Chicago’s offense coordinator in 2016 — could be in line to join the Dolphins staff. Loggains served as the Bears’ quarterbacks coach under Gase before succeeding him, so the two clearly have a working relationship. Miami has yet to announce any coaching staff changes, so it’s unclear how Loggains would fit, but Salguero reported earlier this week that significant alterations are expected along the Dolphins’ offensive staff.
While Gase intends to continue calling offensive plays in 2018, he is seeking assistance in formulating a weekly gameplan, as Salguero wrote today. As such, incumbent offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen could now be in limbo if Loggains is indeed hired.
Mike Pouncey Likely Back In 2018
- Mike Pouncey‘s severe hip injury — one that he’s said will induce a hip replacement at some point in the not-too-distant future — prompted one doctor say his career was over, the seventh-year center said (via Adam Beasley of the Miami Herald). However, the Dolphins center made it through 15 games this season. Despite Pro Football Focus grading Pouncey as the league’s No. 25 center this season, Beasley notes the snapper is one of Adam Gase‘s favorites and can expect to be back in 2018.
Dolphins Move Michael Thomas To IR
Michael Thomas‘ Dolphins contract expires after Week 17, and the fifth-year safety will not be participating in Sunday’s game against the Bills.
The Dolphins announced they placed Thomas on IR. He had been recovering from a PCL injury and missed the previous two Miami games. The Dolphins claimed safety Trae Elston off waivers from the Bills to take Thomas’ roster spot.
Thomas played this season on an RFA tender ($1.797MM). He will be a UFA this coming March. The former UDFA who’s been a part-time starter the past three seasons posted a message to Dolphins fans on Twitter. Thomas played 179 defensive snaps this season, and Pro Football Focus graded those fairly well despite the Stanford product being categorized as a part-time performer.
A 2016 UDFA, Elston played in 13 games for the Bills this season after beginning his season with the Eagles. Elston is under contract for next season, giving the Dolphins a chance at an offseason evaluation for potential safety depth.
Latest On Jarvis Landry Negotiations
One of the highest profile free agents this offseason will be Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry. While there were rumors that the team could trade him during training camp and prior to the deadline, it appears that Miami is trying to keep their number one wideout. Over the last month, the Dolphins have exchanged contract figures with Landry hoping to make progress on a contract extension, a source tells Josina Anderson of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Anderson adds that while talks have been at a standstill over the past two weeks, it’s been Landry’s reps that have been making the “most recent recommendations”.
Even though the negotiations appear to be far away from an actual deal at the moment, it should be encouraging to both sides that there’s discussions taking place this close to the end of the regular season.
After the Dolphins took Landry in the second round of the 2014 draft, the fourth-year wideout has been steadily climbing the NFL’s tiers of receivers. More consistent than explosive, Landry has been one of the best wideouts in the league with the football in his hands. He ranks fifth among wideouts in yards after catch with 451 yards in 2017.
The 25-year-old has posted three straight seasons of at least 90 receptions and has caught a career-high eight touchdowns this year, even with a less than ideal quarterback situation. His yardage totals were superior in the previous two seasons, but much of that can be accounted for by shaky QB play and fellow receivers Kenny Stills and DeVante Parker needing to get in on the action.
Should the two sides not agree on a contract extension before the start of free agency, the franchise tag is always a possibility. Although, the Dolphins are projected to have the fourth fewest amount of cap space in the NFL for 2018, according to Spotrac’s calculations. Investing heavily in another pass catcher when the team already has receiving options under contract and other more urgent needs makes this a particularly interesting free agent situation.
Jay Cutler On 2018: “I Want To Play Football”
The Dolphins seemed to sign veteran quarterback Jay Cutler as more of a place holder until Ryan Tannehill returned from injury in 2018. However, it looks like Cutler is intent on suiting up once again for a team next season.
When asked by reporters on Wednesday about his football future, Cutler simply responded, ““I want to play football” (via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald on Twitter).
Cutler will be entering his age 35 season in 2018, but will be a free agent after signing a one-year contract with Miami in training camp. The veteran signal caller’s openness to keep playing is rather surprising given that he was already set to retire as a broadcaster after a long 11-year career with the Broncos and Bears. His play has been inconsistent for a majority of his time in the NFL, but only appeared in five games in 2016 because of a shoulder injury.
This season has shown more of the same with Cutler throwing 19 touchdowns to 14 interceptions. He’s only completing 62% of his passes and has accumulated a QBR of 43.3 in the 13 games he’s played in this season. These are not quality starting QB numbers and I wouldn’t expect Cutler to be very sought after on the open market with how many promising signal callers are becoming available this offseason.
We’ll just have to wait and see whether Cutler follows through on his intentions, but it appears even if he does, it’ll likely be with another organization as the Dolphins already have their presumptive starter returning in Tannehill.