2025 NFL Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker
Last year, half the league changed up at offensive and defensive coordinator. As most HC-needy teams have now filled their open positions, the coordinator carousel has accelerated. Here is how the market looks now. When other teams make changes, they will be added to the list.
Updated 2-21-25 (1:59pm CT)
Offensive coordinators
Chicago Bears (Out: Chris Beatty)
- Declan Doyle, tight ends coach (Broncos): Hired
- 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
Cleveland Browns (Out: Ken Dorsey)
- Darrell Bevell, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/9
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Interviewed 1/10
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Interviewed 1/13
- Charles London, quarterbacks coach (Falcons): Interviewed
- Tommy Rees, tight ends coach (Browns): Promoted
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Brian Schottenheimer)
- Klayton Adams, offensive line coach (Cardinals): To be hired
- Ken Dorsey, former offensive coordinator (Browns): Mentioned as candidate
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Interviewed
- Scottie Montgomery, running backs coach (Lions): Interviewed
Detroit Lions (Out: Ben Johnson)
- John Morton, pass-game coordinator (Broncos): Hired
Houston Texans (Out: Bobby Slowik)
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Hired
- Brian Johnson, pass game coordinator (Commanders): Interview requested
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed 1/27
- Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Ohio State): Team has interest
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Seahawks
- Bill Lazor, senior offensive assistant (Texans): Interviewed 1/30
- Thad Lewis, quarterbacks coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed 1/28
- Ben McDaniels, wide receivers coach/pass-game coordinator (Texans): Mentioned as candidate
- Jeff Nixon, offensive coordinator (Syracuse): Interviewed 1/27
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/30
Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Press Taylor)
- Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach (Ohio State): Team has interest
- Tavita Pritchard, quarterbacks coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/29
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass game specialist (Rams): Interviewed 1/29; seen as favorite; staying with Rams
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Hired
Las Vegas Raiders
- Darrell Bevell, quarterbacks coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/28; frontrunner
- Bo Hardegree, quarterbacks coach (Titans): Mentioned as candidate
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Interviewed
- Chip Kelly, offensive coordinator (Ohio State): Hired
- David Shaw, senior personnel executive (Broncos): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Lions
New England Patriots (Out: Alex Van Pelt)
- Eric Bieniemy, former offensive coordinator (UCLA): Interviewed
- Marcus Brady, pass-game coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/18
- Thomas Brown, interim head coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/14
- Josh McDaniels, former head coach (Raiders): Hired
- Tommy Rees, tight ends coach (Browns): Rumored candidate; promoted by Browns
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/21
New Orleans Saints (Out: Klint Kubiak)
- Kevin Koger, tight ends coach (Falcons): Rejected interview request
- Doug Nussmeier, quarterbacks coach (Eagles): Hired
- Kevin Patullo, pass-game coordinator (Eagles): Mentioned as candidate
- Robert Prince, receivers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 2/15
- Jemal Singleton, assistant head coach/running backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed 2/17
New York Jets (Out: Nathaniel Hackett)
- Mark Brunell, quarterbacks coach (Lions): Mentioned as candidate
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Turned down interest
- Tanner Engstrand, pass-game coordinator (Lions): Hired
- Jerrod Johnson, quarterbacks coach (Texans): Team to pursue interview
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Mentioned as candidate; hired by Seahawks
- Scott Turner, interim offensive coordinator (Raiders): Mentioned as candidate
Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Kellen Moore)
- Kevin Patullo, pass-game coordinator (Eagles): Promoted
San Francisco 49ers
- Klay Kubiak, pass-game specialist (49ers): Promotion expected
- Noah Pauley, wide receivers coach (Iowa State): Interviewed 1/13
Seattle Seahawks (Out: Ryan Grubb)
- Thomas Brown, interim head coach (Bears): Interviewed
- Hank Fraley, offensive line coach (Lions): Conducted second interview 1/21; staying with Lions
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Saints): Hired
- Byron Leftwich, former offensive coordinator (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Adam Stenavich, offensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed
- Travis Switzer, run-game coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Conducted second interview 1/17
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Liam Coen)
- Marcus Brady, pass-game coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/25
- Nick Caley, tight ends coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/27
- Josh Grizzard, pass-game coordinator (Buccaneers): Promoted
- Dave Ragone, quarterbacks coach (Rams): Interviewed 1/28
- Nate Scheelhaase, offensive assistant/passing game specialist (Rams): Interviewed 1/27
- Grant Udinski, assistant quarterbacks coach (Vikings): Interviewed 1/25
Defensive coordinators
Atlanta Falcons (Out: Jimmy Lake)
- Lou Anarumo, former defensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/15
- Derrick Ansley, pass-game coordinator (Falcons): Interviewed 1/16
- Grady Brown, secondary coach (Steelers): Interviewed 1/17
- Matt Eberflus, former head coach (Bears): Interviewed 1/18
- Wink Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Interviewed 1/14
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): Hired
- Steve Wilks, former defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/17
Chicago Bears (Out: Eric Washington)
- Dennis Allen, former head coach (Saints): Hired
- Lou Anarumo, former defensive coordinator (Bengals): Rumored candidate; hired by Colts
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): To interview
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
Cincinnati Bengals (Out: Lou Anarumo)
- DeMarcus Covington, defensive coordinator (Patriots): Interviewed
- Matt Eberflus, former head coach (Bears): Mentioned as candidate
- Al Golden, defensive coordinator (Notre Dame): Hired
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed
- Wink Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Rumored candidate
Dallas Cowboys (Out: Mike Zimmer)
- Ryan Crow, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interview requested
- Andre Curtis, safeties coach (Bears): Interviewed
- Matt Eberflus, former head coach (Bears): Hired
Detroit Lions (Out: Aaron Glenn)
- Larry Foote, inside linebackers coach (Buccaneers): Interviewed
- Kelvin Sheppard, linebackers coach (Lions): Promoted
Indianapolis Colts (Out: Gus Bradley)
- Dennis Allen, former head coach (Saints): Interviewed 1/17
- Lou Anarumo, former defensive coordinator (Bengals): Hired
- Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/10
- Wink Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Interviewed 1/15
- Steve Wilks, former defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed
Jacksonville Jaguars (Out: Ryan Nielsen)
- Anthony Campanile, linebackers coach/running game coordinator (Packers): Hired
- Jonathan Cooley, pass-game coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Patrick Graham, former defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed 1/27
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/27
- Aubrey Pleasant, defensive pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/28
Las Vegas Raiders
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Retained
- Rob Leonard, defensive line coach (Raiders): Interviewed 1/27
- Karl Scott, pass-game coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
New England Patriots (Out: DeMarcus Covington)
- Ryan Crow, outside linebackers coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/21
- Terrell Williams, defensive line coach (Lions): Hired
New Orleans Saints (Out: Joe Woods)
- George Edwards, outside linebackers coach (Buccaneers): Mentioned as candidate
- Daronte Jones, defensive pass-game coordinator (Vikings): To interview 2/15
- Robert Livingston, defensive coordinator (University of Colorado): Was under consideration
- Christian Parker, passing game coordinator/defensive backs coach (Eagles): Interviewed 2/16
- Brandon Staley, assistant head coach (49ers): Hired
New York Jets (Out: Jeff Ulbrich)
- Chris Harris, former defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator (Titans): Interviewed 1/29
- Steve Wilks, former defensive coordinator (49ers): To be hired
San Francisco 49ers (Out: Nick Sorensen)
- Gus Bradley, former defensive coordinator (Colts): Rumored candidate
- Robert Saleh, former head coach (Jets): Hired
- Brandon Staley, assistant head coach (49ers): Mentioned as candidate
- Deshea Townsend, defensive backs coach (Lions): Interviewed 1/9
- Jeff Ulbrich, interim head coach (Jets): Rumored candidate
Patriots Hire Terrell Williams As DC
Familiarity will continue to play a lead role for Mike Vrabel as he fills out his first Patriots coaching staff. After Josh McDaniels‘ New England return became official, the new Patriots HC will make one of his former Titans assistants McDaniels’ counterpart on defense.
Terrell Williams will come over from the Lions to become Vrabel’s defensive coordinator, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter and Mike Reiss report. The hire has since been confirmed. This had become a rumored scenario, and it will reunite Vrabel and Williams after a year apart. Prior to becoming the Lions’ defensive line coach last year, Williams spent six seasons with the Titans.
Williams, 50, spent six seasons as Tennessee’s D-line coach, presiding over Jeffery Simmons‘ rise into one of the game’s premier interior defenders. Vrabel’s 2024 firing led Williams to Detroit, where he helped Aaron Glenn‘s defense remain a top-10 unit despite numerous injuries. Now, Vrabel will give the veteran position coach/one-year Lions run-game coordinator his first DC shot. Interviewing only one other candidate (Dolphins outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow), it is fairly clear Vrabel had Williams in mind from the start.
Dan Campbell‘s team has now lost two assistants — Williams and Ben Johnson — and appears likely to see Glenn leave for the Jets’ head coaching position. This exodus from a 15-2 team is certainly not unexpected, but it will challenge the Lions to both protect certain assistants from following some of the departing coaches while also finding new hires who can keep the NFC North champions in high gear.
A college assistant for over a decade, Williams has now been in the NFL since 2012. He coached the Raiders and Dolphins’ defensive lines, respectively, from 2012-17. Vrabel brought him to Nashville with a lateral move in 2018. The finest hour for Williams’ Titans troops may have come in a loss, as Simmons joined Harold Landry and Denico Autry in driving a nine-sack effort against Joe Burrow in a 2021 divisional-round matchup. While the Titans’ DC from that period (Shane Bowen) was also believed to be on Vrabel’s Pats radar, the Giants are retaining their defensive play-caller. And Williams will end up replacing DeMarcus Covington to run the Pats’ defense.
Covington’s year in charge under Jerod Mayo brought a steep step down after Bill Belichick had kept the Patriots’ defense as the 21st century’s most reliable NFL unit. After consistently giving Tom Brady‘s teams sturdy safety nets, Belichick’s defense continued to play well following the legendary QB’s exit. The Pats had sported 18 top-10 scoring defenses from 2001-21, and despite Mac Jones‘ significant regression in 2022 and ’23, Belichick’s unit respectively ranked seventh and eighth in total defense during the since-fired coach’s final two seasons in town. Under Covington, New England regressed to 22nd in both scoring and total defense.
Vrabel’s team is carrying the most cap space in the NFL, by a wide margin, and will have some holes to fill. And, as expected, neither Covington nor one-year OC Alex Van Pelt are in line to be part of the 2025 operation. Covington had been the Patriots’ D-line coach under Belichick from 2017-23, before Mayo elevated him to DC. It should be expected the young assistant — who has received coordinator interest elsewhere, including a recent Bengals interview — should land on his feet soon.
Terrell Williams Favorite For Patriots DC Job?
Mike Vrabel has already found his new offensive coordinator. Now, it sounds like the new Patriots head coach is zeroing in on his defensive coordinator. According to Matt Zenitz CBS Sports, the Patriots are targeting Lions DL coach Terrell Williams for their DC gig.
[RELATED: Patriots To Hire Josh McDaniels As OC]
Albert Breer of TheMMQB provides some more insight, noting that the Patriots requested and were granted permission to interview Williams. The Patriots have also spoken to the coach (although it sounds like conversation this was more informal than an official interview), and people within the Lions organization are expecting Williams to head east.
Williams was one of Vrabel’s most-trusted lieutenants during their time in Tennessee, where Williams served as assistant head coach in addition to his duties as defensive line coach. The duo worked alongside each other for their entire five-year stint with the Titans, and that relationship automatically made Williams a name-to-watch for the Patriots DC gig.
Over his five years as the Titans DL coach, the team allowed the fourth-fewest rushing yards in the NFL. The coach was credited with the development of Denico Autry, who compiled at least eight sacks in three-straight seasons, and former first-round pick Jeffery Simmons, who earned a pair of All-Pro nods under Williams’ tutelage. After the Titans cleaned house last offseason, Williams joined the Lions as their run-game coordinator/defensive line coach.
While the fate of Jerod Mayo‘s staff was uncertain, it seemed pretty clear that Vrabel would look to bring in his own coaches. DeMarcus Covington was New England’s DC in 2024, with the Patriots ranking just outside the bottom-10 in points allowed and yards allowed.
NFL Staff Rumors: Allen, Sanders, Williams, Panthers, Saints
Former Jets interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich was hired to rejoin his old coworker, Raheem Morris, in Atlanta as defensive coordinator. This threw a wrench in some other plans in coaching searches around the league. Specifically, two teams that viewed him as a defensive coordinator candidate will have to look elsewhere to fill the position.
After Ulbrich filled in for a fired Robert Saleh in New York, he was likewise being viewed as a backup candidate for defensive coordinator behind Saleh in San Francisco. The 49ers are hoping to hire Saleh back to his old job as their defensive play-caller. Saleh is still interviewing for some open head coaching positions, though, and in case he becomes unavailable, Ulbrich was seemingly the second option.
The second team watching Ulbrich was whatever team ends up hiring former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Johnson had Ulbrich tabbed as the potential defensive coordinator on his first staff as an NFL head coach. Rapoport claims former Saints head coach Dennis Allen is the new name to look out for to join Johnson’s first staff.
Here are a few other rumors in staff conversations around the NFL:
- As more and more hurdles continue to present themselves in the Cowboys‘ pursuit of Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, it’s beginning to seem like him becoming their next head coach is an unlikely scenario. According to another Rapoport report, the NFL Network reporter claimed he “would be surprised — probably very surprised — if (a formal interview) did, in fact, get scheduled.”
- New Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel hasn’t spoken much of how much of the existing staff in New England will be salvaged, but the understanding seems to be that, like in most new head coaching situations, Vrabel will likely be replacing both coordinators. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, one name to watch for defensive coordinator is Lions defensive line coach and run-game coordinator Terrell Williams. Williams was one of Vrabel’s most-trusted assistants during his time as head coach in Tennessee, where Williams served as assistant head coach in addition to his duties as defensive line coach. Especially with the likely turnover expected on the defensive staff in Detroit, it makes perfect sense that Williams would explore the opportunity to take his first coordinator position.
- The Panthers are reportedly moving on from passing game coordinator Nate Carroll, son of former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Joe Person of The Athletic confirmed the report, adding that the team does not expect Carroll back in any capacity.
- Switching for moment from coaching staffs to the front office, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis addressed the consistency of staff in the team’s personnel department. Amidst questions concerning job security, Loomis claimed that “he loves (vice president/assistant general manager — college personnel) Jeff Ireland and (director of pro personnel) Michael Parenton in their” current roles, per Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football. While he does expect changes and tweaks in their processes and procedures, Irelend and Parenton’s jobs appear secure.
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
Titans To Hire Bill Callahan As O-Line Coach
The Titans’ decision to hire Brian Callahan naturally put one of this era’s best offensive line coaches in play to trek to Nashville. That will now come to fruition.
Brian Callahan will add his father, Bill, to his first Titans staff, cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot reports. The Titans requested permission for a Callahan-Callahan meeting about the job, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. As strange as that sentence looks, the Browns could have blocked this partnership from taking place; they are not expected to do so.
[RELATED: Titans To Hire Nick Holz As OC]
Naturally one of the more interesting position coach hires in recent years, Bill Callahan leaving for Tennessee would stand to bring an upgrade for Ran Carthon‘s team. Pro Football Focus ranked the Titans’ O-line last in 2023. This came after an offseason overhaul removed veterans from the equation. Left tackle Andre Dillard struggled, and PFF did not view ex-49ers starter/swingman Daniel Brunskill as effective at right guard. The Titans are expected to release Dillard soon, while other changes are likely on tap. Callahan will take over the mentorship of 2023 first-rounder Peter Skoronski, who is on the radar to move to left tackle this offseason.
The former Raiders HC has settled back in as an NFL O-line coach following his dismissal as Nebraska’s HC in the 2000s. Callahan was in place with the Cowboys in 2014, as the team added Zack Martin to its impact collection of young talent — a group that included Tyron Smith, Travis Frederick and Ronald Leary. Bill Callahan spent the past four seasons in Cleveland, and the Browns have rolled out one of the NFL’s best O-lines in that span.
Ex-Bills draftee Wyatt Teller morphed into a Pro Bowler in Cleveland, while perennial Pro Bowler Joel Bitonio added two first-team All-Pro distinctions under the elder Callahan. Even as injuries battered the team’s tackles, the Browns were able to provide enough protection for November pickup Joe Flacco to salvage a playoff run.
Callahan, 67, canceled an interview for the Jets’ OC job last year upon signing a Browns extension. That deal is believed to have paid him more than $3MM per year, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer. That is a lofty salary for a position coach, illustrating Callahan’s value to the Browns. It is worth wondering if he will accept a pay cut to join his son. The Callahans have not previously been on the same NFL staff, setting up an interesting chapter.
Additionally, the Titans are bringing in veteran wide receivers coach Tyke Tolbert, according to NFL.com’s Cameron Wolfe. Tolbert coached alongside Brian Callahan in Denver during the 2010s. Both were on Denver’s staff from 2011-15, with Tolbert overseeing the development of Demaryius Thomas, Eric Decker and Emmanuel Sanders during that span. Tolbert, 56, spent the past two seasons with the Bears in the same position. Making changes to their offensive staff, the Bears fired Tolbert last month.
As they make changes to start Brian Callahan’s run, the Titans are moving on from outside linebackers coach Ryan Crow and inside linebackers coach Bobby King, according to veteran Titans reporter Paul Kuharsky. Crow spent six seasons with the team under Mike Vrabel; King was in Tennessee over the past three years.
Six-year Titans defensive line coach Terrell Williams is out as well, but The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes he has already found a new gig. The Lions are hiring Williams as their run-game coordinator on defense. An NFL assistant since 2012, Williams was on the Dolphins’ staff during Dan Campbell‘s 2015 season spent mostly as Miami’s interim HC.
Coordinator Notes: Pitcher, Robinson, Williams, Kelly
Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher appears to be a clear successor to offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, who is set to become the Titans head coach. However, that inside shot at the Cincy gig won’t stop Pitcher from taking coordinator interviews elsewhere.
[RELATED: 2024 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker]
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Pitcher is set to meet with the Patriots virtually tomorrow before meeting in-person with the Raiders tomorrow night. Pitcher is then expected to meet with the Saints on Thursday. According to Albert Breer of SI.com, Pitcher actually already met virtually with the Saints and is scheduled for an in-person second interview on Thursday.
The Raiders connection is also notable. As Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network points out, Marvin Lewis is expected to be on the Raiders coaching staff, and it was Lewis who gave Pitcher his first NFL job.
Considering the success of Joe Burrow, it’s not a surprise that Pitcher is in line for a promotion. The SUNY Cortland product has spent the past four seasons as the Bengals quarterbacks coach, and he’s been with the organization since 2016.
For what it’s worth, Pitcher signed an extension with the Bengals last offseason. However, that deal surely won’t stop the coach from pursuing a promotion elsewhere, although there’s a chance that opportunity comes in Cincinnati.
More coordinator notes from around the NFL…
- Rams passing-game coordinator Zac Robinson has generated more offensive coordinator interviews. According to Breer, both the Steelers and Raiders have requested interviews with Robinson regarding their OC vacancies. Robinson has been connected to the majority of the OC openings in the NFL. He’s set to interview with the Patriots and Saints, and he was a candidate for the Bears job before they hired Shane Waldron. Robinson has spent his entire coaching career in Los Angeles, working his way up from assistant quarterbacks coach to passing game coordinator/quarterbacks coach.
- Titans assistant head coach/defensive line coach Terrell Williams will interview for the Bears defensive coordinator job, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. Following stints as the Raiders and Dolphins defensive line coach, Williams took the same job with the Bears in 2018. He’s spent the past six years in that role, and he earned a promotion to assistant head coach this past season. Williams’ future in Tennessee is unclear considering the team’s decision to fire Mike Vrabel following the season. Williams joins a growing list of Bears defensive coordinator candidates, a grouping that includes fellow Titans coach Chris Harris.
- A notable name could emerge as an offensive coordinator candidate. Sources told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports that Chip Kelly has been mentioned as an offensive coordinator possibility by a handful of head coaching candidates. As a result, several organizations have already started doing their due diligence on the former Eagles and 49ers head coach. Kelly has been the head coach at UCLA since 2018, and he recently signed an extension that will keep him with the school through at least the 2027 season.
Extra Points: Ravens, Jags, Titans, Seahawks
The Ravens auditioned free agent quarterback Ryan Nassib on Wednesday, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Nassib, a former fourth-round pick, spent four years as Eli Manning‘s backup in New York, but attempted only 10 total passes during that time. After hitting free agency last spring, Nassib initially signed with the Saints, but was quickly released. Another one-year deal, this time with the Jaguars, ended in the same fashion, and Nassib spent the majority of the 2017 campaign unsigned. Baltimore, meanwhile, only has two quarterbacks under contract for 2018: starter Joe Flacco, and former undrafted free agent Josh Woodrum, who signed a futures deal earlier this month.
Here’s more from around the NFL:
- Although the Jaguars exceed nearly everyone’s expectations by advancing to the AFC Championship Game, they could still do a bit of salary cap work this offseason to trim their 2018 obligations, as Mike Kaye of First Coast News writes. Perhaps the most obvious cap casualty is expected to be running back Chris Ivory, who managed 112 carries behind Leonard Fournette last season. While Ivory is scheduled to count for nearly $7MM next year, Jacksonville could release him and save $3.25MM. Wide receiver Allen Hurns ($7MM cap charge) is another candidate to be cut, but Kaye notes that Hurns’ status as a team leader could lead the Jaguars to approach him with a reworked contract.
- The Titans have formally announced another wave of coaching hires, and although some of the moves had already been reported, a few hires on new head coach Mike Vrabel‘s staff had yet to be noted. Former assistant special teams coach Craig Aukerman has been promoted to the full-time role, while Tennessee has opted to retain tight ends coach Arthur Smith. Furthermore, the Titans have hired former Dolphins defensive line coach Terrell Williams for the same position, reports Alex Marvez of the Sporting News. Williams had led Miami’s front four since 2015, and will now work with a Tennessee unit that ranked among the top half of the NFL in both adjusted line yards and adjusted sack rate.
- The Seahawks have hired Jethro Franklin as their new assistant defensive line coach, as Marvez details. Franklin spent one season (1989) as a player for Seattle, but has worked as a coach since 1991. Boasting a plethora of collegiate and NFL experience, Franklin has served as the defensive line coach for Green Bay, Tampa Bay, and, most recently, Oakland. He won’t be the primary D-line coach with the Seahawks, but he’ll undoubtedly be an asset to Seattle defensive line coach Clint Hurtt.
East Notes: McDaniels, Patriots, Z. Jones
Two of the Giants‘ top choices for their head coaching vacancy, Josh McDaniels and Matt Patricia, are reportedly set to accept jobs elsewhere. Ralph Vacchiano of SNY, however, says that Big Blue fans should not count out McDaniels just yet. One team source says the Giants have not been informed that McDaniels is out of the mix, and while it has been reported that McDaniels wants more control over personnel than New York is willing to allow, the team feels it can resolve that issue.
Nonetheless, Vacchiano concedes that Patricia is off the table, and if McDaniels does indeed take the Colts’ job, that leaves the Giants with Pat Shurmur and Steve Wilks as their top remaining targets. But Vacchiano says Shurmur appears to prefer the Cardinals’ gig, and Arizona is apparently prepared to offer it to him. So it appears that things may be coming full circle, with Wilks looking increasingly like New York’s next head coach.
Now let’s take a look at more notes out of the east:
- Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link) reports that Patriots owner Robert Kraft, head coach Bill Belichick, and quarterback Tom Brady will meet this offseason to clear the air and to resolve whatever tensions exist among themselves. While reports of discord within the organization were likely overblown, Rapoport says there is indeed some tension within the triumvirate, and since Belichick and Brady are not going anywhere until they choose to leave, it makes sense that the three men would want to hash out their issues.
- Bills WR Zay Jones reportedly played his rookie campaign with a torn labrum, and his father, former NFL linebacker Robert Jones, told Robert Quinn of the Bills Wire that his son will have surgery on Tuesday to repair the injury. Zay Jones finished the 2017 season with 27 catches for 316 yards and two touchdowns.
- The Dolphins will not retain defensive line coach Terrell Williams, per Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald. Williams coached the team’s D-line for the past three seasons, and his unit experienced mixed results in 2017. Jackson adds that former offensive coordinator Clyde Christensen has indeed been reassigned to a new role within the organization, as was expected after Miami hired Dowell Loggains as its new OC earlier this month.
Draft Rumors: Cowboys, Ramsey, Bosa
The Cowboys want Jalen Ramsey, but they fear that he’ll be gone by No. 4, Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net writes (via PhiladelphiaEagles.com). With that in mind, Dallas is eyeing Ohio State standouts Joey Bosa and Ezekiel Elliott. Bosa would help bolster the team at defensive end while DeMarcus Lawrence recovers from surgery and Randy Gregory serves his first month suspension. Elliott, meanwhile, would give the team help at running back.
Here are the latest rumors on the 2016 NFL Draft (all of which come from Pauline, unless otherwise indicated):
- Insiders believe that we could se three offensive tackles – Laremy Tunsil, Ronnie Stanley, and Jack Conklin – go in the first top 12 picks of the draft. That could start a run and Pauline writes that we could see six tackles taken in the first round.
- The Cowboys would consider trading down, Pauline hears, but they want to stay ahead of the Giants at No. 10.
- Observers at the UCLA pro day described Myles Jack as a “remarkable athlete.” One source told Pauline (in his running log for Walter Football) that “he looked like a defensive back doing linebacker drills.”
- Aaron Wallace, the Bruins’ other notable linebacker, is gaining a lot of momentum in the scouting community, Pauline hears. Wallace currently has official visits set up with the Buccaneers, Browns, and Raiders with more likely on the way.
- UCLA offensive lineman Caleb Benenoch has been graded as a top-75 selection, according to Pauline. Many believe that Benenoch can play tackle and guard in addition to center.
- Georgia linebacker Jordan Jenkins says that he’ll have private workouts with the Raiders, Patriots, and Saints, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com tweets.
- Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (on Twitter) reports that Michigan State quarterback Connor Cook has private workouts scheduled with the Cowboys and Dolphins.
- All 32 NFL teams were in attendance at MSU’s pro day, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. At the event, Cook met with the 49ers and Rams before the workout and met with the Browns‘ staff after.
- Michigan State defensive tackle Joel Heath says that he will have a private workout with the Patriots this week, Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com tweets. In addition to that, he’ll meet with the Titans later this month. Heath previously met with the Colts and Buccaneers.
- Pittsburgh wide receiver Tyler Boyd looked great at his Pro Day and the slowest unofficial 40-year-dash time that has been reported was in the low 4.5s.
- Pittsburgh corner Lafayette Pitts recorded 40-yard-dash times under 4.4 seconds, with some watches marking him at 4.35.
- There’s no definitive word on whether Virginia Tech cornerback Kendall Fuller will work out before the draft.
- Youngstown State linebacker Terrell Williams is drawing interest from clubs. The Jets and Eagles, in particular, see him as a quality backup linebacker/core special teams guy.
- The Lions have a private workouts set up with Michigan State offensive linemen Jack Conklin, Jack Allen, and Donavon Clark later this month, Birkett tweets.
