Dolphins Hire Chan Gailey As OC
One day after firing Chad O’Shea, the Dolphins are bringing in a familiar face to fill their offensive coordinator vacancy. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter), Miami will hire Chan Gailey as its new OC. Gailey served in that same capacity with the Dolphins from 2000-01.
It’s something of a curious move, given that the Dolphins seemed to be finding their groove under O’Shea. Although the overall offensive numbers look bleak — the team finished 27th in the NFL in total offense, last in rushing offense, and 25th in scoring offense in 2019 — they did rank in the top-10 in passing offense and top-15 in scoring offense after Ryan Fitzpatrick took over the starting QB job on a full-time basis beginning in Week 6.
However, as Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com writes, O’Shea’s system was frequently described as complex — which makes sense given the amount of time he spent in the Patriots’ organization — and with a number of young players on the roster and a rookie signal-caller likely coming in, head coach Brian Flores perhaps wanted something a little more digestible. Gailey’s spread offense could fit the bill.
Plus, it’s not as though Fitzpatrick is unfamiliar with Gailey’s system. Gailey was Fitzpatrick’s OC with the Jets from 2015-16 and his head coach with the Bills from 2010-12. And as Wolfe says, the team wants Fitzpatrick back in 2020 for the final year of his two-year deal and to bridge the gap to the young QB it will presumably select in the upcoming draft.
Gailey, 67, is a familiar name to NFL fans. He has served as the offensive coordinator for four different teams (the Steelers, Dolphins, Chiefs, and Jets) and as the head coach of two (the Cowboys and Bills). He is just 34-48 as a head coach, including an 0-2 mark in the playoffs, and he has not been successful at every stop, but he obviously has the respect of Flores and will attempt to mold Miami’s young offense.
Redskins Hire Ron Rivera As HC
The Redskins didn’t let him get away. Washington will hire former Panthers HC Ron Rivera as its next head coach and will give him a five-year contract, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). The hire will be announced tomorrow.
Washington fired former head coach Jay Gruden in October, which allowed owner Dan Snyder to get a jump on the hiring process. That may have been crucial, because when Rivera was let go by Carolina earlier this month, he immediately became one of the most qualified coaching candidates on the market, and he would have had other suitors, like the division-rival Cowboys and Giants. But Snyder, who perhaps realized that his silver tuna acquisition of Mike Tomlin was never going to happen, acted quickly to bring Rivera to Washington and keep him there.
Rivera, who played linebacker for the Bears from 1984-92 and who was a part of Chicago’s Super Bowl XX victory, became the team’s quality control coach in 1997. He paid his dues and moved up the coaching ranks, ultimately becoming the Bears’ defensive coordinator in 2004. But it was his stint as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator from 2008-10 that solidified him as one of the best defensive minds in the game, and he parlayed that status into a head coaching gig with the Panthers in 2011.
The Panthers never captured the Lombardi Trophy with Rivera, but he did get them to Super Bowl 50 at the end of the 2015 season, and he earned Coach of the Year honors that year. Including playoffs, Carolina went 79-67-1 with Rivera at the helm.
Although Redskins QB Dwayne Haskins may never be Cam Newton, Rivera obviously feels comfortable enough with the Ohio State product to accept the Washington job. Indeed, many believed it would be difficult for the Redskins to attract a top HC candidate, so it’s a good sign for Washington fans that Rivera apparently believes in the direction the team is heading. And now that Bruce Allen is out of the building and Rivera is in, perhaps the team can bring in a top exec as well (though Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports tweets that the team may not complete its front office changes until after the draft).
As far as Rivera’s staff is concerned, there has been speculation linking his former defensive coordinator in Carolina, Steve Wilks, to the same job in Washington. Though Wilks is currently under contract with the Browns — and therefore in limbo — John Keim of ESPN.com says he will not be coming to Washington (Twitter link). Indeed, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets that Rivera is targeting former Jaguars and Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio as his defensive coordinator, which could make for a very strong staff in the nation’s capital. Schefter says Del Rio is the leading candidate for the job.
Joe Person of The Athletic says (via Twitter) that Eric Washington and Sam Mills III could be other names to watch for the DC job, and La Canfora says Rivera is likely to retain offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.
The hire has been well-received, and given the way Snyder handled the Rivera hire and the Allen dismissal, perhaps Redskins fans can feel a bit of optimism heading into the new year.
Dolphins Fire OC Chad O’Shea
The Dolphins have fired offensive coordinator Chad O’Shea, per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network (Twitter link). The longtime assistant spent 10 years with the Patriots as the club’s WRs coach and joined former New England DC Brian Flores in South Beach when Flores became the ‘Fins head coach this year. 
However, Miami’s offense was ranked 27th in the league in 2019, and while an overall lack of talent is mostly to blame for that, Flores has elected to move in a different direction.
The Dolphins finished the 2019 season with the worst rushing offense in the NFL and just 25th in overall points scored. The front office is expected to overhaul the personnel in the coming months and, when those new players are in the mix, they’ll be led by a new OC.
The Dolphins’ new-look offense will likely include a first-round quarterback and then some. This offseason, the Dolphins will be armed with tons of cap space, plus the No. 5 overall pick, as they look to turn things around.
It was a challenging year for the Dolphins, but there were bright spots. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick kept the club’s spirits up during a five-win season and they closed out the year with three wins in the last five games, including Ws over the Eagles and Patriots.
In addition to firing O’Shea, the Dolphins have also parted ways with offensive line coach Dave DeGuglielmo.
Dolphins CB Xavien Howard Arrested For Domestic Violence
Dolphins star corner Xavien Howard was arrested last night on charges of domestic battery, as Cameron Wolfe of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter). The alleged incident involved Howard’s fiance.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald obtained a copy of the police report, which states that Howard and his fiance had an argument about the fiance’s recent purchase of a purse, which she did not tell Howard about. The argument became physical, and Howard allegedly grabbed his fiance’s arm and shoved her against a mirrored glass wall in their bedroom. Howard then let her go, and she fell to the floor on her right arm (Twitter links).
Needless to say, Howard could be facing a significant suspension and fine from the league in addition to whatever criminal penalties he may be facing. Domestic violence is an especially sensitive subject in the NFL these days, and if the allegations are true, the Dolphins can expect to be without their top CB for a few games next season.
Howard signed a five-year, $76.5MM extension with Miami back in May, following a 2018 campaign that saw him notch a league-leading seven interceptions en route to his first Pro Bowl nod. He was one of the few high-level pieces that the rebuilding Dolphins chose to keep for the long haul, though he played just five games in 2019 before being placed on IR with a knee injury.
In a statement, the Dolphins said they are aware of the situation and are gathering information but have no comment at this time.
Redskins Fire Bruce Allen, Expected To Hire Ron Rivera
The Redskins have fired team president Bruce Allen, the team announced in a statement. Although some recent reports indicated that Allen would remain in the organization in some capacity, perhaps as part of the club’s stadium detail, that is not the case. The Redskins have completely cut ties with him.
Washington is also expected to hire Ron Rivera as its next head coach, as Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter). Rivera is meeting with the team today, and as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, today’s “interview” is expected to be more of a coronation than anything else. Owner Dan Snyder has acted quickly to get the coach he wants before any other interested clubs could get a crack at him, and it looks like he has his man.
Rivera was fired by the Panthers earlier this month, but his strong track record in Carolina immediately catapulted him to the top of the list of head coaching candidates in this year’s cycle. He amassed a 76-63-1 regular season record, a 3-4 playoff record, and, most notably, a Super Bowl appearance. The Panthers did not win it all under Rivera’s watch, but he is highly-regarded and commands respect.
The same cannot be said for Allen. The Redskins went 62-97-1 during his 10-year tenure and qualified for the playoffs just twice in that time. He also became a divisive figure for Washington fans, most of whom are likely glad to see him out of the organization.
With Allen gone, senior VP Eric Schaffer will see his role increase, as Mark Maske of the Washington Post tweets. One of the purposes of today’s meeting between Rivera and the team is to ensure that Rivera — who is also expected to have significant say in personnel matters — is comfortable with Schaffer.
Snyder’s statement regarding Allen’s dismissal reads, in part, as follows:
“Like our passionate fan base, I recognize we have not lived up to the high standards set by great Redskins teams, coaches and players who have come before us. As we reevaluate our team leadership, culture and process of winning football games, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead to renew our singular focus and purpose of bringing championship football back to Washington D.C.”
Giants Fire HC Pat Shurmur, Will Retain GM Dave Gettleman
The Giants have fired head coach Pat Shurmur, according to multiple sources, including Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Shurmur went 9-23 in his two seasons as Big Blue’s sideline general.
Meanwhile, the club will retain GM Dave Gettleman, as Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network reports (via Twitter). A report from ESPN yesterday indicated that this was the expected outcome, but it could have a bearing on the team’s head coaching search. Several sources, like Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com (via Twitter), believe Baylor head coach Matt Rhule will be New York’s top choice to replace Shurmur, but a candidate like Rhule could require authority over personnel matters before agreeing to accept a head coaching position and leaving his current comfortable post.
In any event, the writing was on the wall for Shurmur. There was some thought that he could be retained for a third year in order to maintain continuity for QB Daniel Jones, but his play-calling and decision-making were repeatedly called into question during his brief tenure with the Giants, and we heard earlier this month that organizational support for him was dimming. He was by no means gifted with a playoff-worthy roster, but it’s difficult to fault the Giants for the move.
However, New York will now be seeking its fourth head coach in four years, and with their QB of the future apparently in tow, the club needs to get this hire right. Announcing that Gettleman will be back before the HC search can truly commence seems to be an odd way of doing business, but the job is attractive enough that the Giants may still be able to land the candidate of their choice. Indeed, Rhule and Gettleman worked together on the 2012 Giants and do have a relationship.
In a statement, co-owner John Mara said:
“Dave Gettleman is our general manager in 2020 and hopefully for many years after that. We believe he is the right person to lead us going forward. Dave has a long record of success. We think he’s capable of putting a great team together and he’s going to get that opportunity. To the extent we need to make changes in personnel or the way we do things, we’re going to discuss that.”
The statement also indicated that the team’s search for a new HC will be “extensive.”
Redskins To Fire Bruce Allen
Bruce Allen may not have the chance to continue into a second decade with the Redskins. The franchise plans to fire its 10th-year football operations boss, J.P. Finlay of NBC Sports Washington reports. This move has been in the works for a bit now, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Ben Standig of The Athletic writes that Allen may remain with the club as part of its stadium detail.
Dan Snyder has operated independently from his football staff during part of the Redskins’ coaching search, and the longtime owner has done work on GM candidates as well. Allen’s tenure as team president has not brought Washington much success, with this season producing a 3-12 record.
Allen has overseen a somewhat chaotic Redskins decade. From the Robert Griffin III chapter to an ugly divorce with GM Scot McCloughan to Kirk Cousins‘ departure to the Trent Williams fiasco, the franchise has seen its stock plummet during the 2010s. The Redskins are 62-96-1 during Allen’s 10-year tenure — one that has produced two playoff berths and one 10-win season (2012).
The son of former Redskins NFC champion coach George Allen, Bruce came over after a five-year stay with the Buccaneers. Prior to that, he spent nine years in the Raiders’ front office. The Redskins have only employed two full-time coaches under Allen — Mike Shanahan and Jay Gruden — but they have gone through several quarterbacks and have only completed back-to-back winning seasons once.
While the Redskins have not been particularly successful throughout Snyder’s 21-year tenure, the owner looks set to commence a full-scale overhaul. Coaches Bill Callahan and Kevin O’Connell have a chance to stay on, potentially with a defensive-minded HC, but it certainly looks like the Redskins will have a new front office structure soon. Former Texans GM Rick Smith and ex-Redskins exec-turned-ESPN analyst Louis Riddick have been mentioned as potential candidates to oversee Washington’s football operations. Current Panthers GM Marty Hurney may also be in play, as Joe Person of The Athletic tweets.
Meanwhile, Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network says Redskins senior VP Eric Schaffer, who handles contract negotiations for the team, could see his role increase following Allen’s ouster (Twitter link).
Ravens To Extend Marcus Peters
Marcus Peters will not hit the market or be franchise-tagged. The Ravens and their midseason trade acquisition agreed on a three-year extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). The Ravens have announced the move, which will lock up Peters through 2022.
The re-up is worth $42MM, Schefter adds, with $32MM guaranteed. This represents a key moment for Peters, who has been twice traded. Peters will collect $20.1MM next year. The Ravens gave up backup linebacker Kenny Young and merely a fifth-round pick for the talented cornerback, and their early-2020s secondaries will feature the game’s premier ball hawk.
While this deal does not raise the cornerback salary ceiling, coming in at $14MM per year, it gives Peters security he’s lacked after mercurial stints in Kansas City and Los Angeles. Despite this being only a three-year pact, Peters’ $32MM in guarantees place him inside the top 10 among cornerbacks. His AAV lands there as well.
The Ravens have seen the former first-round pick play a key role in helping their pass defense rebound after a rough start to the season. This accord will fill a need for the Ravens, who have Jimmy Smith on an expiring contract and Brandon Carr wrapping up his age-33 season.
Baltimore gave up more than 300 passing yards in three straight September games, twice yielding 500-plus total yards in that span. Since Peters’ arrival, the Ravens have not allowed a 300-yard passing performance. Baltimore enters Week 17 with the No. 4 DVOA pass defense. Peters was one of 12 Ravens Pro Bowlers, the University of Washington alum being honored as such for the third time.
An aggressive corner who did not fetch a first-round pick in either trade, the soon-to-be 27-year-old Peters has become the game’s premier interception threat. Since the 2015 season, Peters leads the field by a staggering margin in this category. His 27 picks are nine more than anyone else’s total since coming into the league. Peters’ six pick-6s also lead the field over the past half-decade.
The Chiefs traded Peters in 2018, doing so after he became a disruptive locker room presence. Kansas City received second- and fourth-round picks for the 2016 All-Pro. Peters started throughout the Rams’ NFC championship season but did not deliver dependable work. He began this year on a better note but was still dealt in a salary dump that turned out to be a space-clearing maneuver for the Rams to add Jalen Ramsey. Peters has intercepted five passes this season — three with Baltimore — and returned three picks for touchdowns.
Texans, Whitney Mercilus Agree To Extension
The Texans will keep Whitney Mercilus in the fold on another extension. The eighth-year edge defender agreed to terms on a four-year deal, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
This agreement will mark a considerable raise for Mercilus, with Fox 26’s Mark Berman reporting (via Twitter) it is worth $53.5MM and comes with $28.5MM guaranteed. At $13.38MM per year, Mercilus will head into his age-30 season making more than double what he was over the past four years. He signed a four-year, $26MM deal in 2015. Mercilus said over the summer he wanted to remain in Houston, and the Texans convinced him to again bypass free agency to stay.
Mercilus’ second Houston contract was up at season’s end, but he will now join J.J. Watt as the primary members of the Texans’ edge-rushing group going into the 2020s. Previously operating as the team’s third-highest-profile pass rusher — behind Watt and Jadeveon Clowney — Mercilus has been thrust into a lead role down the stretch of this season.
While the Texans have struggled to generate sacks since Watt’s injury, Mercilus came through with two in last week’s AFC South-clinching win over the Buccaneers. The 29-year-old outside linebacker had previously gone seven games without a sack but now has 7.5 on the season — 3.5 more than he registered in 2018.
The Texans asked Mercilus to drop into coverage more frequently in 2018, leading to limited opportunities at sacks. But the Illinois alum has now posted four seasons with at least seven QB drops, peaking in 2015 with a 12-sack slate. Mercilus’ 50 sacks are third-most in Texans history — behind Watt (96) and Mario Williams (53).
With the Texans having traded Clowney after delaying an extension for years, they have identified the player they would like to be Watt’s top sidekick for the foreseeable future.
Redskins Eyeing Marvin Lewis For HC
It sounds like the Redskins already have their eye on a potential head coach. SiriusXM’s Alex Marvez reports (via Twitter) that Marvin Lewis is a strong contender for the Redskins’ coaching vacancy. In fact, Marvez says Lewis may have already interviewed with owner Dan Snyder in the Bahamas.
Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com echoes that report, and the reporter also provides context to Washington’s interest. Lewis previously served as the team’s defensive coordinator and assistant head coach under Steve Spurrier.
That stint in Washington preceded the coach’s 16-year stint as the Bengals head coach. While Lewis didn’t help the Bengals achieve any playoff success (0-7 in seven appearances), he did finish his Cincy career with a 131-122 record, including 10 seasons with at least eight victories.
While the Bengals struggled between 2016 and 2018 (20-28), it was still a bit of a surprise when the organization moved on from Lewis last year. We heard that the 61-year-old would be well-positioned to secure another head coaching gig this offseason. However, Lewis didn’t take any interviews last offseason, and he later revealed that he didn’t expect to coach again. He joined his friends Ray Anderson and Herm Edwards at Arizona State University as a special advisor back in May, and it’s believed that Lewis would consider an NFL gig if the right opportunity presented itself.
In recent years, the trend has been for teams to hire younger, more offensive-minded coaches. Some front office insiders believe Lewis will be considered one of the most accomplished coaches available, so he may have options beyond Washington.
We heard yesterday that Snyder has been working on the team’s head coaching situation for several weeks. Former Panthers head coach Ron Rivera was mentioned as a potential name to monitor. Interim HC Bill Callahan would like to be considered, but it’s unlikely given Washington’s post-Jay Gruden performance that the team will go with the 63-year-old coach as its next full-time leader. The Redskins moved on from Gruden back in October, with the team going 0-5 before the move and 3-7 after the move.