Bears Interview David Shaw For OC Position; Ben Johnson To Call Offensive Plays
The Bears have interviewed David Shaw for their vacant offensive coordinator position, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Shaw, who is best known for his time as Stanford’s head coach, presently works as a senior personnel executive with the Broncos.
Chicago recently landed one of the most coveted head coaching candidates in the past several cycles by prying former Lions OC Ben Johnson away from its division rival. To no surprise, Johnson will call the Bears’ offensive plays himself (as relayed by Scott Bair of Marquee Sports Network), so whomever he taps as his first offensive coordinator will likely not be one of this year’s hottest OC candidates.
However, the 52-year-old Shaw has generated plenty of NFL head coaching interest in recent history. A former QB coach for the Raiders and QB/WR coach for the Ravens, Shaw joined the Stanford staff in 2007 and replaced Jim Harbaugh as the Cardinal head coach in 2011. Over his 12-year HC stint, he compiled a 96-54 overall record and three Rose Bowl titles, although the program took a nosedive towards the latter stages of his tenure, which precipitated his resignation after the 2022 season.
One of the attributes that contributed to his NFL head coaching candidacy – he in fact interviewed for Chicago’s HC post less than two weeks ago – is his work with a pro-style offense while at Stanford. That may have caught the attention of Johnson and the rest of the Bears’ brass, and Shaw’s head coaching interview clearly went well enough for the club to consider hiring him in a different capacity.
Johnson, meanwhile, indicated that the presence of quarterback Caleb Williams was one of the factors that convinced him to leave his comfortable position with the Lions and to accept the Bears’ HC post (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin). Albert Breer of SI.com adds that Johnson would have been interested in the job at the end of the 2023 season had it been available (perhaps because he knew the Bears were in position to draft Williams).
As of the time of this writing, here is the current status of the Bears’ OC search, courtesy of our coordinator tracker:
- Declan Doyle, tight ends coach (Broncos): Rumored candidate
- Hank Fraley, offensive line coach (Lions): Rumored candidate; staying with Lions
- Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks coach (Titans): Interview requested
- David Shaw, senior personnel executive (Broncos): Interviewed 1/25
- Israel Woolfork, quarterbacks coach (Cardinals): Interview requested
Chip Kelly Reportedly A Popular OC Target; Jaguars, Texans Interested
Last offseason, former Eagles and 49ers head coach Chip Kelly interviewed at least twice for the Raiders’ offensive coordinator job, a job that ultimately went to Luke Getsy (who lasted only nine games in Las Vegas). Kelly could finally find his way back to the NFL this offseason, as sources tell Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports that the 61-year-old is at the top of the wishlist for several OC-needy teams.
Currently the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for Ohio State – which just captured the CFP National Championship – Kelly was a coveted head coaching candidate back when the Eagles hired him to replace Andy Reid in 2013. He guided that Philadelphia outfit to the playoffs and added a second straight 10-win campaign in 2014, despite losing starting QB Nick Foles to injury during the season. While that Eagles squad narrowly missed the playoffs, Kelly’s early success prompted owner Jeffery Lurie to demote Howie Roseman and let his HC run on-field and personnel operations in 2015. That made for a memorable year, one that ended with Kelly’s in-season ouster and Roseman being restored as GM. The 49ers hired Kelly as HC in 2016, but after a 2-14 season, the team made him a one-and-done and pivoted to Kyle Shanahan.
Kelly, who operated as the UCLA head coach from 2018-23 before heading to Columbus last year, has long wanted to return to the professional level, and this may be his time to do it. Sources say that the Jaguars are interested, and although Jones suggests that the Jacksonville job may not be a great fit – since new HC Liam Coen is likely to serve as the club’s offensive play-caller – the Texans could represent a viable landing spot.
After all, Kelly was Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans’ HC when Ryans was finishing out his playing career in Philadelphia, and since Ryans calls Houston’s defensive plays, Kelly could call the offense without interference. Jones and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com confirm prior reports indicating that Texans quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson – who generated considerable external interest for OC positions last year – is also a strong option to replace the recently-fired Bobby Slowik.
Speaking of Slowik, who worked as Houston’s offensive coordinator for the first two years of Ryans’ HC tenure, his inability to develop as a play-caller and game plan builder is what cost him his job, as sources tell Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. While injuries to top wideouts Nico Collins, Stefon Diggs, and Tank Dell obviously undermined Slowik’s efforts, the coach was also criticized for his inability to adjust to opposing defenses. That contributed to more hits and sacks for quarterback C.J. Stroud, who regressed in his second pro season.
The offense as a whole took a significant step back from its 2023 production, which positioned Slowik as a popular name in last offseason’s head coaching carousel. Nonetheless, Wilson says the now-vacant OC gig is considered a desirable one given the presence of so many offensive standouts (including Stroud).
Like Jones and Rapoport, Wilson identifies Johnson as a legitimate candidate to replace Slowik, especially since he enjoys a strong relationship with his young signal-caller (the two began working together when Stroud was just 16).
“One thing that I can say about Jerrod, you talk about somehow who knows how to play the position of quarterback and knows how to relay something, but also just a great person, man,” Stroud said. “A guy who loves football, he loves Houston, he loves Texas. He loves his family, he’s a great family man. Someone who has just taught me a tremendous amount of information, but on top of that, put a lot of confidence into me as well.”
The Texans’ search is going to be a wide-ranging one, and as we noted previously, it may also include senior offensive assistant Bill Lazor and wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator Ben McDaniels (though if Houston chooses to promote from within, McDaniels is not as likely as Johnson or Lazor to get the job). Wilson again mentions Saints OC Klint Kubiak as a logical external option.
Wilson is not as convinced as other reporters that Kelly wants to return to the NFL, but it’s worth noting that Ryans does think highly of his former head coach.
“[Kelly] was a master motivator, but he was always an innovator,” Ryans said shortly after he was hired by the Texans. “Chip Kelly, he was always on the cutting edge. Always looking for ways to get better with sports science, technology.”
When the Texans fired Slowik, they also canned offensive line coach Chris Strausser. Wilson and Rapoport say assistant OL coach Cole Popovich has a chance to replace Strausser, with Wilson adding that offensive assistants Jarrod James and Leander Wallace and defensive assistant Ryan Milus have seen their contracts expire and are unlikely to return.
Sam Darnold, Russell Wilson Potential QB Targets For Raiders
With Pete Carroll and John Spytek now installed atop the organization, the Raiders can switch their focus to finding a starting quarterback. Armed with the sixth-overall pick, there’s been some belief that the organization could position themselves to take one of the draft’s top quarterback prospects. However, the front office could also look to free agency to solve their QB woes.
At least one rival executive believes Sam Darnold could be an option for the Raiders, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. After reviving his career with the Vikings, Darnold could find himself priced out of Minnesota (especially with J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings). The Raiders are armed with close to $100MM in cap space, so the front office could be a strong suitor in any bidding war.
Darnold had a breakout season during the 2024 campaign, tossing 35 touchdowns while guiding the Vikings to a 14-3 record. The veteran struggled a bit at the end of the season, leading to some natural questions about his long-term starting candidacy. Kevin O’Connell and his offensive staff obviously deserve a ton of credit for Darnold’s turnaround, but perhaps the QB could bring some of those lessons to his next stop.
Interestingly, Russell Wilson is another name to watch for the Raiders, per Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Carroll and Wilson are obviously more than familiar with each other, although the QB’s stint in Seattle didn’t end on the best of terms. According to Howe, the two have “mended fences,” and that means a reunion in Las Vegas isn’t out of the picture. Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network subsequently confirmed as much (video link).
After the Broncos booted him out of Denver, Wilson showed that he can still be a competent game manager with the Steelers. While his one-year deal with Pittsburgh was partly connected to his impending payments from Denver, Wilson may have to settle for a similar contract in 2025.
While neither Darnold nor Wilson are all that inspiring (at least from a long-term perspective), the duo will likely represent the top of the free agent QBs class. A free agent acquisition wouldn’t necessarily preclude the Raiders from selecting a quarterback in the draft, but the team’s draft strategy could determine whether they’re seeking a long-term answer like Darnold or a one-year stopgap like Wilson. The Raiders could also look to stay with their current options, as Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew remain under contract. But with a new regime running the show, there’s a good chance the team looks to retool their personnel.
Bills OC Joe Brady Opts To Stay In Buffalo, Pulls Out Of Saints’ HC Search
The only remaining franchise with an open head coaching position is in New Orleans, and it seems to not be a very attractive job at the moment. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, one remaining candidate for the position, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, has opted to remain in Buffalo and pull out of the race for the Saints‘ head coaching job. 
The reason for Brady’s decision is likely two-fold. An obvious observation is that Brady enjoys his role in Buffalo. The Bills have created a powerhouse duo with Brady and quarterback Josh Allen, and the team will play this weekend for a chance to earn the first Super Bowl berth for the franchise since they lost four straight Super Bowls from 1990-93. Brady took over a Bills offense last year (following Ken Dorsey‘s dismissal) that finished sixth in scoring and fourth in total yards, and in his first full year at the helm, the team finished second in scoring and 10th in total yards.
The other reason seems to be that the head coaching job in New Orleans doesn’t appear to be a very attractive one at the moment. Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football said as much, pointing out that the team also whiffed on Aaron Glenn who chose a New York franchise that has not been absent of controversy in recent years. Jay Skurski of The Buffalo News commends the decision from Brady, stating his views that the Saints are “perpetually in cap hell and don’t have a clear path to a franchise quarterback” at the moment.
Skurski’s not totally off base on his first attack. According to OvertheCap.com, New Orleans is last in the league in cap space for 2025. The website shows that they are currently $52.32MM over the cap, necessitating a number of cap casualties over the offseason. While the situation is projected to improve in 2026, their projected $60.09MM of cap space would only rank 26th in the league.
Returning to Buffalo for another season, barring something unforeseen, Brady is likely to return as a top head coaching candidate next year, as well. Perhaps a lack of team success or a complete change in the protocol for interviewing head coaches during the postseason will allow him a better opportunity to explore all the available jobs before they all close up while he’s still coaching a playoff team, as happened this year.
As for the Saints, we were already made aware that the team hoped to conduct a second interview with another offensive coordinator who’s still participating in the postseason, Eagles OC Kellen Moore. We also are aware that a third playoff OC, the Commanders’ Kliff Kingsbury, had plans to interview following the conclusion of his postseason, but Underhill reports that Kingsbury is currently undecided on whether or not he’ll interview in New Orleans, as he won’t begin evaluating his options until he’s done coaching for the year.
The main contenders for the position appear to be Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka, both of whom have completed second interviews with the team recently. Other candidates include interim head coach Darren Rizzi, who interviewed over a week ago, former Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who has been reported as an upcoming interview, and Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, who has been mentioned as a candidate.
Lions Promote Kelvin Sheppard To DC
The Lions didn’t waste much time in effecting a succession plan for departed defensive coordinator and new Jets head coach Aaron Glenn. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard has officially been promoted to the role of defensive coordinator. 
A 2011 third-round pick out of LSU, Sheppard spent nearly a decade in the NFL. A few years after his retirement, he joined Detroit’s coaching staff as their outside linebackers coach. After a year in that role, Sheppard transitioned to inside linebackers coach, a title he’s held for the past three seasons.
The coach has earned praise for helping revive the careers of veterans (like Alex Anzalone) and helping guide young draft picks (like Jack Campbell and Malcolm Rodriguez). Per Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports, Sheppard has a “sterling” reputation not only in Detroit, but around the NFL, so while Sheppard’s familiarity with the team proved an asset in the hiring process, his promotion was not solely a result of his Lions connection. The team hired him before he was even offered an opportunity to interview anywhere else.
The only reported competition for the role was the Buccaneers inside linebackers coach, Larry Foote. The former Steelers linebacker, who spent a year each with the Lions and Cardinals as a player, had reportedly interviewed for the position, per Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times, after it was announced that an interview was expected two days ago. Luckily for Tampa Bay, this means the Bucs may yet hold on to their linebackers coach as he has not interviewed elsewhere.
With Glenn’s replacement officially in place, the Lions can now shift their focus to the offensive coordinator role. Though Ben Johnson was hired as the Bears head coach the day before Glenn, no prospects have yet emerged to replace him as the offensive playcaller in Detroit.
NFL Injury Notes: Hurts, Rapp, Elliss, Flowers
Jalen Hurts‘ knee has been a talking point during the week after it was injured during the Eagles’ divisional round victory. The team will have its franchise quarterback in place tomorrow, although his mobility will remain something to monitor.
Hurts made progress in practice over the past few days, and he was listed as a full participant. He does not carry a designation heading into Sunday, confirmation that he will be in the lineup for the NFC title game. The two-time Pro Bowler did say, however, that he anticipates he will wear a knee brace tomorrow (h/t Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk).
Philadelphia’s offense has continued to rely heavily on running back Saquon Barkley through the first two rounds of the playoffs. He has racked up 355 scrimmage yards to date in the postseason, and he will no doubt be a focal point against the Commanders tomorrow. Nevertheless, Hurts’ mobility will important to watch given his capabilities as a rusher and his significance to the ‘Philly Shove’ in short yardage and goal line situations.
Here are some other injury notes from around the NFL:
- Regarding tomorrow’s other conference title game, the Bills will be shorthanded in the secondary. Safety Taylor Rapp exited last week’s win over the Ravens with a hip injury, and he has not practiced since. Head coach Sean McDermott ruled Rapp out yesterday. As a result, second-round rookie Cole Bishop – who handled a part-time role on defense during the regular season – is in line to start.
- The Broncos were the first team to be eliminated from the postseason by the Bills, and their defense was dealt an injury blow in the process. Rookie edge rusher Jonah Elliss suffered a fractured scapula bone in his right shoulder during the loss to Buffalo, as detailed by Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette. Elliss, the Broncos’ third-rounder in last year’s draft, had an impressive debut campaign with five sacks despite only logging a 38% defensive snap share. Tomasson writes he is expected to be fully recovered in time for offseason workouts in April, so a clean bill of health for the 2025 campaign should come to pass.
- Zay Flowers suffered a knee sprain in Week 18, and it kept him out of the wild-card and divisional rounds. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said after Baltimore’s season-ending defeat (via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec) the second-year wideout could have been in play for this week had the team advanced to the AFC title game (subscription required). More notably, Harbaugh added surgery may be required during the offseason on the affected knee. After an encouraging rookie season, Flowers topped 1,000 receiving yards and earned a Pro Bowl nod. His health for 2025 will of course be of great importance to the Ravens.
Bears Request OC Interview With Cardinals’ Israel Woolfork
The list of offensive coordinator candidates for the Bears continues to grow. Chicago has requested an interview with Israel Woolfork, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports. 
[RELATED: Bears Add Antwaan Randle El, Al Harris To Staff]
Woolfork’s playing career ended in 2012, and he immediately transitioned to coaching. From 2013-21, he worked on the staff at Miami (Ohio), holding different titles along the way. Woolfork began as a graduate assistant before coaching the team’s running backs and then its receivers.
His entry into the NFL came with the Browns. Woolfork was involved in the Bill Walsh coaching fellowship program for 2021 and ’22, and after that process he landed his first position coaching gig at the pro level. The Cardinals hired him as their quarterbacks coach in 2023, and he has remained in that role for the past two years.
Kyler Murray was sidelined for the beginning of last season as he rehabbed his ACL tear. He managed to play eight games upon returning to the lineup, though, and his performances to close out the year laid the foundation for this past campaign. The Cardinals enjoyed a relatively strong start to 2024, posting a 6-4 record before the bye. The team fell out of contention in the NFC West toward the end of the campaign, but Woolfork’s work with Murray and Arizona’s other passers has now generated interest at the coordinator level.
New head coach Ben Johnson will no doubt call plays during his debut Chicago campaign, but his decision not to retain Thomas Brown leaves the team in need of another offensive coordinator hire. The Bears went with Shane Waldron last offseason, but his tenure proved to be short-lived. Brown served as interim play-caller (and, eventually, head coach) to close out the campaign but Johnson was of course Chicago’s top target for outside HC candidates. His offensive coordinator search will be one to watch closely as it expands.
Via PFR’s OC/DC Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand:
- Declan Doyle, tight ends coach (Broncos): Rumored candidate
- Hank Fraley, offensive line coach (Lions): Rumored candidate; staying with Lions
- Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks coach (Titans): Interview requested
- Israel Woolfork, quarterbacks coach (Cardinals): Interview requested
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/25/25
Today’s standard gameday practice squad elevations in advance of championship Sunday:
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: OL Will Clapp, S Kareem Jackson
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: LB Swayze Bozeman, WR Justyn Ross
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: FB Khari Blasingame, LB Nicholas Morrow
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DT Carl Davis, CB Kevon Seymour
Buccaneers Conduct OC Interviews With Marcus Brady, Grant Udinski
The Buccaneers are moving quickly in their bid to find Liam Coen‘s replacement. Three candidates have now been attached to the team’s offensive coordinator opening. 
Tampa Bay conducted a virtual interview with Chargers passing game coordinator Marcus Brady on Saturday, per a team announcement. The same is also true of Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinsky. Earlier today, it was learned the Buccaneers have submitted an interview request for Rams offensive assistant Nate Scheelhaase.
Prior to beginning his NFL coaching tenure in 2018, Brady had a long spell in the CFL. He served as offensive coordinator of the Montreal Alouettes as well as the Toronto Argonauts, winning a total of three Grey Cups in that span. After three seasons working with the Colts’ quarterbacks, Brady was promoted to OC and served in that capacity in 2021 and ’22.
The 45-year-old worked as a senior offensive assistant with the Eagles in 2023 before taking his current job in Los Angeles. The Chargers underwent a number of changes on the sidelines with the arrival of Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Greg Roman this offseason, and one of the outcomes was increased efficiency from quarterback Justin Herbert (who posted a league-best interception rate of 0.6%). Brady’s role in that success landed him an interview with the Patriots for their OC posting this month.
Udinski began his college coaching career in 2019, and he followed Matt Rhule from Baylor to the Panthers to start his NFL tenure. After two years in Carolina, Udinski was hired by the Vikings as part of Kevin O’Connell‘s initial staff. For the past two years, the 28-year-old has worked as an assistant QBs coach and during the 2024 campaign he also had the title of assistant offensive coordinator.
Udinski was another coach who spoke with the Patriots about their OC gig before they elected to reunite with Josh McDaniels. He is also a finalist for the Seahawks’ vacancy, having conducted a second interview last week. The Bucs therefore may have competition for the services of Udinski – who, unlike Brady does not have coordinator experience – depending on how the teams evaluate him as a candidate for this year’s hiring cycle.
Tampa Bay appeared to have Coen in place for 2025 and beyond with a new deal agreed to during the week. In the wake of the Jaguars firing general manager Trent Baalke, though, Coen met with Jacksonville a second time and was ultimately hired as the team’s new head coach. Todd Bowles is thus in need of another new OC this offseason, and it will be interesting to see how his latest search plays out.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/25/25
Saturday’s practice squad transactions:
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: DE K.J. Henry
- Released: T Cameron Erving