AFC Mailbags: Jets, Chiefs, Jags, Titans
We took a look at ESPN’s NFC mailbags earlier today. Let’s now check out some notes from the AFC…
- Cornerback is the Jets biggest need heading into the offseason, and Rich Cimini expects the team to add a veteran such as Antonio Cromartie or Kareem Jackson.
- Chan Gailey‘s experience with the spread offense could increase the Jets’ chances of drafting quarterback Marcus Mariota, writes Cimini.
- Adam Teicher believes Albert Wilson and De’Anthony Thomas are the Chiefs wideouts most likely to return next season. Meanwhile, the writer says backup linebacker Joe Mays could be a cap casualty.
- Michael DiRocco guesses that Greg Olson and Nathaniel Hackett are the favorites for the Jaguars‘ offensive coordinator opening.
- Looking towards the impending free agency of Cowboys stars DeMarco Murray and Dez Bryant, Paul Kuharsky writes that the Titans should avoid the running back and only pursue the star wideout.
- Coley Harvey can envision the Bengals going two ways with their first-rounder: an offensive tackle or a pass-rusher.
Coach Notes: Bucs, Bears, Marrone, Coyle
The Buccaneers have parted ways with quarterbacks coach and interim offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times (via Twitter). Arroyo stepped in to run Tampa Bay’s offense during the 2014 season during Jeff Tedford‘s absence, but hadn’t been mentioned as a candidate to step into the role permanently since the team officially let Tedford go at season’s end.
Let’s round up a few more afternoon news items and rumors on the coaching front….
- One coach the Buccaneers tried to interview for their OC opening was Mike Mularkey of the Titans, but Tennessee turned them down. John Fox and the Bears are expected to seek permission to speak to Mularkey about the offensive coordinator position in Chicago, according to Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter), so we’ll see if the Titans say no to Fox as well.
- Following Teryl Austin‘s lead, Doug Marrone has canceled his head coaching interview with the Broncos, which had been scheduled for Saturday, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. Marrone will wait to see what happens with Gary Kubiak, who is set to talk to Denver on Sunday, and is viewed as the frontrunner for the position.
- Despite some initial uncertainty at the end of the regular season, defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle will remain with the Dolphins for the 2015 campaign under head coach Joe Philbin, writes Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald.
- Current and former Falcons coaches are among Jack Del Rio‘s targets for the Raiders, according to Bill Williamson of ESPN.com and Dianna Marie Russini of NBC 4 in Washington (Twitter links). Williamson continues to hear that Del Rio has interest in Mike Tice, but Atlanta won’t give the Raiders permission to interview the offensive line coach. Per Russini, Del Rio is trying to hire Mike Smith as his defensive coordinator, but it most likely won’t happen.
- Russini (Twitter link) is hearing that Mike Shanahan may be in play for the 49ers‘ offensive coordinator job under Jim Tomsula.
- Former Bills offensive coordinator Nate Hackett is interviewing with the Jaguars today for the team’s OC opening, tweets Ryan O’Halloran of the Florida Times-Union. Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (Twitter link) hears that at least two other clubs are also interested in Hackett.
- We can also add the Jaguars to the list of teams looking to interview Adam Gase for their offensive coordinator opening, tweets Schefter. The Falcons and Rams want to speak to Gase about an OC role as well.
- If Teryl Austin lands the Falcons‘ head coaching job, Packers safeties coach Darren Perry looks like a candidate to become his defensive coordinator, according to Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
AFC East Links: Bills, Dolphins, Jets
Earlier this morning, we looked at some rumblings out of New England. Let’s now take a look at what is happening with the other three AFC East teams…
- The Bills announced that offensive coordinator Nate Hackett will return to the coach’s box during games (via ESPN’s Mike Rodak Twitter). The coach’s presence of the field was for former starter EJ Manuel‘s benefit.
- The Bills sale to Terry and Kim Pegula is expected to be approved later this week, writes Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com.
- Dolphins defensive end Derrick Shelby was arrested Saturday in Fort Lauderdale, writes Omar Kelly and Brett Clarkson of the Sun Sentinel. The player’s agent, Daniel Rosenberg, says reports of the player resisting arrest are not true. “Derrick maintains his innocence,” said Rosenberg. “There’s a lot of conflicting information about his arrest.”
- The New York Daily News’ Manish Mehta attributes all of the Jets woes to general manager John Idzik. The writer’s criticism stems from the GM’s poor personnel decisions and mismanagement of the cap.
- ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini didn’t mince words when discussing recently-released Jets rookie Jalen Saunders. The writer refers to it as a “whiff for the ages,” especially considering the wideout talent in this past year’s draft.