49ers To Promote Klay Kubiak To OC; Brian Griese No Longer On Staff
FEBRUARY 26: Griese has decided to leave coaching after three seasons, the San Francisco Chronicle’s Eric Branch reports. The former NFL starter, 49, had weighed leaving after his first season with the 49ers but opted to keep going. Two years later, Purdy’s position coach is leaving the profession.
FEBRUARY 25: The 49ers are following through with their expected OC plan. They will promote Klay Kubiak to the post, according to a team announcement. That will give the NFC West two second-generation Kubiaks as OCs.
Klint‘s Seattle role will differ from Klay’s San Francisco description, as Kyle Shanahan will remain the 49ers’ play-caller. However, the 49ers are making a notable change just south of the OC level. Mick Lombardi is moving up to QBs coach, replacing Brian Griese.
To comply with the Rooney Rule, the 49ers interviewed Iowa State wide receivers coach Noah Pauley for the job. They also met with Oregon assistant Junior Adams, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows tweets. Adams has since taken over as the Cowboys’ wide receivers coach. This non-play-calling post was always expected to go to Klay Kubiak, who has been with the team since 2021.
This will mark a climb for the younger Kubiak brother, who was the team’s assistant QBs coach in 2023 and a pass-game specialist last season. Shanahan has not always filled his OC position, last using the title before Mike McDaniel‘s exit in 2021. While Shanahan will still run the show, Kubiak moving up a rung is somewhat consequential. He will be in place as the accomplished HC’s right-hand man on offense. That role has produced HC and play-calling opportunities in the recent past.
The Lombardi-for-Griese move changes out second-generation NFL personnel. This brings about an interesting development for Griese, who turned down the chance to interview for the Jets’ HC position earlier this offseason. The former QB-turned-announcer-turned-assistant was with the 49ers for three seasons, moving straight from the Monday Night Football booth to Shanahan’s staff. Griese was in place when Brock Purdy made a stunning surge from Mr. Irrelevant to late-season injury replacement to Super Bowl starter who went toe-to-toe with Patrick Mahomes. It will be interesting to see where Griese lands next.
After Michael Lombardi followed Bill Belichick to North Carolina, his son will reemerge in a prominent NFL role. Fired after 1 1/2 seasons as Raiders OC under Josh McDaniels, Mick Lombardi landed as a senior offensive assistant for the 49ers last season. The ex-Patriots staffer will work more closely with Purdy in 2025. This will be Lombardi’s first QBs coaching role at any level.
Jets Start Submitting HC Interview Requests
JANUARY 17: Griese declined the Jets’ interview request, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. That makes him the first candidate to turn down the chance to meet with the team. New York has, of course, nevertheless compiled a long list of targets as the search process for a new full-time head coach continues.
JANUARY 6: The Jets have been free to interview coaching candidates not currently under contract to other teams. Now that the regular season is over, however, formal interview requests can be made to speak with staffers employed elsewhere. 
The Jets have been quite busy on that front, sending out requests to numerous staffers as they map out the next phase of their search process. New York has already interviewed former head coaches Ron Rivera and (after the expiration of his Browns consulting contract) Mike Vrabel. The same will also be true of former Jets coach Rex Ryan, who said on Monday he sees himself as the top candidate.
In addition to those three, a slew of coaches have received an interview request. That includes Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, as noted by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Slowik is in his second season leading Houston’s offense after he followed DeMeco Ryans from San Francisco. The Texans put up strong numbers during quarterback C.J. Stroud‘s rookie season, leading to head coaching interest in Slowik’s case. The 37-year-old’s unit regressed in 2024, but he has still landed at least one interview request this time around.
The Jets have also requested an interview with Arthur Smith, per Rapoport. That comes as little surprise given the interest New York showed in Smith this past offseason for a role on the team’s offensive staff. Smith instead took the Steelers’ OC gig, but a recent report noted he was likely to receive a look for head coach from the Jets. After three years at the helm of the Falcons (which consisted entirely of 7-10 seasons), Smith immediately moved on to his current role in Pittsburgh. He turned aside interest for North Carolina’s head coaching position, but it will be notable if he explores any HC vacancies at the NFL level this winter.
Another offensive staffer who has received an interview request is Joe Brady. Rapoport reports the Bills’ play-caller has received a slip from the Jets, one which could very well be followed by others shortly. Brady had a forgettable tenure under Matt Rhule with the Panthers, but he has been in Buffalo since 2022. The 35-year-old took over as interim OC midway through last season, and that move sparked improvement in the team’s run game in particular. Brady remained in place on a full-time basis for 2024, and he again guided Buffalo to a strong showing on offense.
Remaining on the offensive side of the ball, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports New York is interested in speaking with Matt Nagy. The former Bears head coach would meet the Jets’ desire to add an experienced leader on the sidelines, although Nagy’s Chicago tenure did not yield much in the way of success after 2018. Following his Chicago firing after the 2021 campaign, Nagy returned to the Chiefs to serve as their QBs coach. The 46-year-old was then promoted to offensive coordinator (in a non play-calling capacity) last offseason following Eric Bieniemy‘s departure. Nagy’s work in that role has put him on the HC radar, with the Saints also being a team believed to have interest.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Brian Griese has also received an interview request. The longtime quarterback had a stretch working as an ESPN analyst from 2009-22, but since then he has worked as a member of the 49ers’ coaching staff. This season marked his third as San Francisco’s quarterbacks coach, and as such Griese has played a large role in developing Brock Purdy into a candidate for the NFL’s next mega-extension at the position. Given his lack of coaching experience, a jump to HC would come as a surprise at this point, but Griese could receive some consideration from the Jets.
Vikings QBs coach Josh McCown is another staffer with an offensive background whom the Jets are looking into. Schefter reports the 45-year-old has received an interview request. McCown’s playing career ended in 2020, and it did not take long for him to transition to coaching. He coached the Panthers’ quarterbacks last season before taking on the same role with the Vikings for 2024. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has understandably received praise for Sam Darnold‘s strong play this year, but McCown’s role has no doubt helped his stock as well.
Having moved on from Robert Saleh midseason and struggled under interim HC (and former defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich), it would come as no surprise if an offensive staffer were to be targeted by the Jets. Not all candidates have that background, though. Schefter reports Vance Joseph has received an interview request, one which may well be followed by others this cycle. His work leading the Broncos’ defense (No. 7 in yards allowed, No. 3 in scoring) has not gone unnoticed, and a second head coaching opportunity could come about as a result. Joseph, 52, coached the Broncos in 2017 and ’18. 
Another popular candidate is Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the Jets have submitted a request. Glenn has been in his current role since 2021, and after receiving confidence from head coach Dan Campbell in the wake of previous poor outings his unit has shown improvement this year. Despite dealing with several injuries, the Lions ranked seventh in scoring defense en route to the top seed in the NFC. Glenn has not worked as a head coach in the NFL before, but the 2025 cycle could present his first opportunity to do so.
Rounding out defensive candidates, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports Brian Flores is on the list of staffers New York wishes to speak with. His success as Vikings defensive coordinator has boosted his stock, and the former Dolphins coach made it clear earlier this season he would welcome another opportunity to lead a staff. Other suitors could be in play as well, and Flores’ interview process will be worth watching closely.
Other candidates will no doubt emerge soon, but for now the Jets have a long list of targets as they seek out Saleh’s long-term replacement. It will be interesting to see where Ulbrich fits into this equation; in any event, though, he figures to have considerable competition for the gig.
2025 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker
With the Cowboys and Mike McCarthy splitting up, seven teams have made coaching changes so far during this year’s cycle. Here are the candidates connected to each of the HC-needy franchises. If more teams make changes, they will be added to the list.
Updated 2-11-25 (11:40am CT)
Chicago Bears
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Candidate expressed interest
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/17
- Thomas Brown, interim head coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/13
- Matt Campbell, head coach (Iowa State): Interview expected
- Pete Carroll, former head coach (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9; hired by Raiders
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/18
- Marcus Freeman, head coach (Notre Dame): Team wants to interview
- Eddie George, head coach (Tennessee State): Interviewed 1/19
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/11
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Hired
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/9
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interview requested, won’t interview until after season
- Mike McCarthy, head coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/15
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/17; to remain with Ravens
- Drew Petzing, offensive coordinator (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/12
- David Shaw, senior personnel executive (Broncos): Interviewed 1/14
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed 1/15
- Adam Stenavich, offensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/18
- Mike Tomlin, head coach (Steelers): Denied meeting
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/8; hired by Patriots
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/9
Dallas Cowboys
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Mutual interest would have existed
- Pete Carroll, former head coach (Seahawks): Discussed position; hired by Raiders
- Leslie Frazier, assistant head coach (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/20
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Jets
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Mentioned as candidate; won’t interview until after season
- Anthony Lynn, run game coordinator/running backs coach (Commanders: Mutual interest expressed
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/17; frontrunner?
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
- Deion Sanders, head coach (Colorado): Discussions commenced; no deal expected
- Brian Schottenheimer, offensive coordinator (Cowboys): Hired
- Jason Witten, head coach (Liberty Christian School): Strong contender?
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/18
- Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Hired
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/17
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/11; hired by Jets
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Conducted second interview 1/23
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/11; hired by Bears
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Rumored candidate, won’t interview until after season
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/16; to remain with Ravens
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/17
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Second interview on hold
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Patriots
Las Vegas Raiders
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Contacted about job
- Pete Carroll, former head coach (Seahawks): Hired
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10; hired by Jets
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10; hired by Bears
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/16
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview declined; to remain with Ravens
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/17
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/16
- Deion Sanders, head coach (Colorado): Reportedly interested, but interest is not mutual
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interview declined; hired by Patriots
New England Patriots
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interested in position
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interview declined
- Pep Hamilton, former offensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed 1/7
- Ben Johnson, offensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/10
- Byron Leftwich, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/7
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Hired
New Orleans Saints
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Hope to schedule second interview; remaining with Bills
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): To conduct second interview; hired by Jets
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Conducted second interview 1/25
- Kliff Kingsbury, offensive coordinator (Commanders): To stay with Commanders
- Mike McCarthy, head coach (Cowboys): Withdrew from consideration
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Eagles): Hired
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Mentioned as candidate
- Darren Rizzi, interim head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/17
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interview being arranged; hired by Patriots
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Conducted second interview 1/24
New York Jets
- Bill Belichick, head coach (North Carolina): Showed interest; meeting never scheduled
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): To interview
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/17
- Aaron Glenn, defensive coordinator (Lions): Conducted second interview 1/21; Hired
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interview declined
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/17
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/15
- Mike Locksley, head coach (Maryland): Interviewed 1/10
- Josh McCown, quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/17
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Darren Rizzi, interim head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/11
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed 1/7
- Bobby Slowik, offensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed 1/16
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/10
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed 1/16
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/13; hired as Falcons’ defensive coordinator
- Mike Vrabel, former head coach (Titans): Interviewed 1/3; hired by Patriots
- Joe Whitt, defensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/19
2024 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker
After a crowded carousel previously stopped, the 49ers opened their defensive coordinator position. Here is how the NFC champions’ search looks:
Updated 3-2-24 (10:00am CT)
Offensive Coordinators
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Dave Ragone)
- Cortez Hankton, co-offensive coordinator (LSU): Interview requested
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Hired
Buffalo Bills (Out: Ken Dorsey)
- Joe Brady, interim offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Bills): Hired
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
Carolina Panthers (Out: Thomas Brown)
- Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Interview requested
- Brad Idzik, wide receivers coach (Buccaneers): Hired
Chicago Bears (Out: Luke Getsy)
- Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Interview requested
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/17
- Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Kentucky): Interviewed
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Interviewed 1/18
- Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview blocked
- Greg Olson, quarterbacks coach (Seahawks): Interviewed
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed
- Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Hired
Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Brian Callahan)
- Andy Dickerson, offensive line coach (Seahawks): To interview
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Promoted
Cleveland Browns (Out: Alex Van Pelt)
- Andy Dickerson, offensive line coach (Seahawks): To interview
- Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Bills): Hired
- Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/25
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/23
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview requested; hired as Eagles OC
Las Vegas Raiders (Out: Mick Lombardi)
- Eric Bieniemy, offensive coordinator (Commanders): Spoke recently
- Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Hired
- Chip Kelly, former head coach (Eagles/49ers): Interviewed twice
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interview requested
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Withdrew from consideration
- Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): May interview; hired as Saints OC
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): To interview 1/24; hired as Bengals OC
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- Mike Sullivan, quarterback coach (Steelers): Interviewed 1/25
- Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/25; hired as Patriots OC
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Mentioned as candidate; hired as Bears OC
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Kellen Moore)
- Marcus Brady, senior offensive assistant (Eagles): Hired as pass-game coordinator
- Greg Roman, former offensive coordinator (Ravens): Hired
New England Patriots (Out: Bill O’Brien)
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Conducted second interview 1/29
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interviewed
- Brian Fleury, tight ends coach (49ers): Interviewed
- Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Interviewed 1/30
- Klint Kubiak, passing game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Interviewed 1/23; hired as Bengals OC
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- Scott Turner, passing game coordinator (Raiders): Interview expected
- Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Hired
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed; hired as Bears OC
New Orleans Saints (Out: Pete Carmichael)
- Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed
- Luke Getsy, former offensive coordinator (Bears): Conducted second interview 1/31
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interviewed
- Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/29
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Conducted second interview 1/27
- Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Hired
- Greg Lewis, receivers coach (Ravens): To interview
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Second interview on 1/24; hired as Bengals OC
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed; hired as Falcons OC
- Mike Sullivan, quarterbacks coach (Steelers): To interview
- Shane Waldron, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed; hired as Bears OC
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Brian Johnson)
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Interviewed 1/23
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): Hired
Pittsburgh Steelers (Out: Matt Canada)
- Thomas Brown, offensive coordinator (Panthers): Interviewed 1/24
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/26
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- Arthur Smith, former head coach (Falcons): Hired
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Shane Waldron)
- Eric Bieniemy, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Rumored candidate
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Interview requested
- Ryan Grubb, offensive coordinator (Alabama): Expected to be hired
- Mike Kafka, offensive coordinator (Giants): Interview blocked
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Dave Canales)
- Liam Coen, offensive coordinator (Kentucky): Hired
- Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Bills): To interview
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): To interview
- Brian Johnson, former offensive coordinator (Eagles): Interviewed 1/30
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/30
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/31
- Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator (Chargers): To interview 1/29; hired as Eagles OC
- Jake Peetz, pass-game specialist (Rams): Interviewed 2/1
- Antwaan Randle El, wide receivers coach (Lions): Interviewed 1/26
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interview requested; hired as Falcons OC
- John Van Dam, tight ends coach (Buccaneers): To interview
- Alex Van Pelt, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/29
Tennessee Titans (Out: Tim Kelly)
- Nick Holz, passing game coordinator (Jaguars): Hired
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Eric Studesville, associate head coach/running backs coach (Dolphins): Interview requested
Washington Commanders (Out: Eric Bieniemy)
- Chip Kelly, former head coach (Eagles/49ers): On team’s radar
- Kliff Kingsbury, senior offensive analyst (USC): Hired
Defensive Coordinators
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Ryan Nielsen)
- Sean Desai, former defensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Jimmy Lake, former head coach (Washington): Hired
Baltimore Ravens (Out: Mike Macdonald)
- Zach Orr, inside linebackers coach (Ravens): Promoted
Buffalo Bills
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Promoted
- Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
- Sean Desai, former defensive coordinator (Eagles): To interview
Chicago Bears (Out: Alan Williams)
- Joe Barry, former defensive coordinator (Packers): To interview 1/27
- Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): To interview
- Eric Washington, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Bills): Hired
- Terrell Williams, assistant head coach/defensive line coach (Titans): To interview
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Dan Quinn)
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 2/6
- Al Harris, cornerbacks coach (Cowboys): Mentioned as candidate
- Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): To interview 2/8
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 2/5
- Rex Ryan, former head coach (Bills): Interviewed; team still interested
- Joe Whitt, defensive backs coach (Cowboys): Frontrunner?; hired as Commanders DC
- Mike Zimmer, former head coach (Vikings): Hired
Green Bay Packers (Out: Joe Barry)
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): To interview; hired as Bills DC
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Rumored candidate
- Jeff Hafley, head coach (Boston College): Hired
- Chris Harris, secondary coach (Titans): Rumored candidate
- Zach Orr, linebackers coach (Ravens): Interviewed 1/31
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/25
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Rumored candidate
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/26
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Interview requested
Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Mike Caldwell)
- Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Chris Harris, defensive backs coach (Titans): Interviewed
- Chris Hewitt, pass-game coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Marquand Manuel, safeties coach (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
- Don Martindale, former defensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/16-1/17
- Ryan Nielsen, defensive coordinator (Falcons): Hired
Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Derrick Ansley)
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Hired
Los Angeles Rams (Out: Raheem Morris)
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Interview requested
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Mentioned as candidate
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive backs coach (Rams): Expected to interview
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed
- Chris Shula, inside linebackers coach (Rams): Promoted
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed 1/30
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To interview
Miami Dolphins (Out: Vic Fangio)
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Interview requested
- Anthony Campanile, inside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Leslie Frazier, former defensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/30
- Chris Kiffin, linebackers coach (Texans): To interview
- Chris Shula, linebackers coach/pass-rush coordinator (Rams): To interview 2/1
- Ryan Slowik, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview expected
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed
- Anthony Weaver, defensive line coach (Ravens): Hired
New England Patriots
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Patriots): Promoted
- Michael Hodges, linebackers coach (Saints): To interview
- Tem Lukabu, outside linebackers coach (Panthers): To interview
- Christian Parker, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed
New York Giants (Out: Don Martindale)
- Derrick Ansley, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed
- Bobby Babich, linebackers coach (Bills): Interview requested; promoted to Bills DC
- Shane Bowen, defensive coordinator (Titans): To be hired
- Anthony Campanile, linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview requested
- Brendan Daly, linebackers coach (Chiefs): Interviewed
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview blocked
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass game coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): To conduct second interview; hired as Titans DC
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Sean Desai)
- Mike Caldwell, former defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed
- Vic Fangio, former defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Hired
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/22
San Francisco 49ers (Out: Steve Wilks)
- Gerald Alexander, safeties coach (Raiders): Interviewed 3/1
- Daniel Bullocks, defensive backs coach (49ers): Interviewed 2/28
- David Merritt, defensive backs coach (Chiefs): To interview
- Nick Sorensen, defensive passing game specialist (49ers): Promoted
- Brandon Staley, former head coach (Chargers): Interviewed
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Clint Hurtt)
- Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Mentioned as candidate
- Aden Durde, defensive line coach (Cowboys): Hire expected
Tennessee Titans (Out: Shane Bowen)
- Brandon Lynch, cornerbacks coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/30
- Dennard Wilson, defensive backs coach (Ravens): Hired
Washington Commanders (Out: Jack Del Rio)
- Joe Cullen, defensive line coach (Chiefs): Considered a candidate
- Joe Whitt, defensive backs coach (Cowboys): Hired
Saints Interview Ronald Curry, Brian Griese, Klint Kubiak For OC Role
The Saints’ offensive coordinator candidate list has now doubled. Its recent batch of meetings brings the list to six, with two 49ers staffers on the team’s docket.
Both Brian Griese and Klint Kubiak have met with the Saints about their OC position, according to NewOrleans.football’s Nick Underhill. Also in consideration to replace Pete Carmichael: Saints quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry, according to NOLA.com’s Luke Johnson.
A Carmichael-to-Griese switch would be fascinating. The Saints had employed one of the longest-tenured coordinators in modern NFL history in Carmichael, who managed to stay in his position — which involved full-time play-calling duties over the past two years and during Sean Payton‘s Bountygate suspension in 2012 — for 15 years. Griese, conversely, was in the Monday Night Football booth as recently as 2021. This role as the 49ers’ QBs coach is Griese’s first regular coaching role in the pro or college ranks.
Still, it is unsurprising teams want to talk to Kyle Shanahan‘s top two offensive assistants. Brock Purdy has quarterbacked the 49ers back to the NFC championship game, overcoming UCL surgery to build on his stunning 2022 work. Purdy averaged an NFL-high 9.6 yards per attempt this season. That is tied for eighth all time in a season. Kurt Warner (2000) is the only passer to have bettered that mark since the 1950s, and the Hall of Famer missed a chunk of that 2000 season due to injury. Purdy started every game this year, working with an elite armada of aerial options.
Kubiak, 36, was a teenager during Griese’s time playing under his father as OC in Denver (1998-02). The younger Kubiak has enjoyed multiple NFL play-calling stints, however, succeeding Gary as Vikings OC under Mike Zimmer (2021) and taking over during the Broncos’ befuddling 2022 season under Nathaniel Hackett. Shanahan hired Kubiak as his pass-game coordinator this past offseason, and the 49ers came close to becoming the rare team with three 1,000-yard pass catchers. Deebo Samuel, who missed two games, finished 108 yards away from joining Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle in reaching 1,000.
Curry, 44, has been with the Saints since 2016. With Johnson noting Curry is highly regarded within the organization, Curry has been in place as QBs coach since 2021. This timeline did not allow the former NFL wideout (and college QB) to work with Drew Brees, but Payton did interview Curry to be his OC in 2023. Curry also met with the Buccaneers about their vacancy, making it unsurprising the Saints are considering him to replace Carmichael.
Courtesy of PFR’s Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker, here is how the Saints’ search stands:
- Ronald Curry, quarterbacks coach (Saints): Interviewed
- Brian Griese, quarterbacks coach (49ers): Interviewed
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/22
- Klint Kubiak, pass-game coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
- Dan Pitcher, quarterbacks coach (Bengals): Second interview on 1/24
- Zac Robinson, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed