8 teams will be looking for new head coaches in 2019. That’s a third of the league. The biggest issue with that is there aren’t that many NFL head coaches available or ready enough to produce a winner. Just look at the 2016 coaching carousel. Hue Jackson? Fired. Chip Kelly? Fired. Adam Gase? Fired. Dirk Koetter? Fired. Ben McAdoo? Fired. Just ONE is left standing and that is Doug Pederson. That’s not that long ago. By the way, check out this ESPN post that ranked Pederson LAST of that group.
Teams are making WAY TOO MANY mistakes hiring coaches and it’s because they keep hiring the hot shot coordinator that has one year of experience and isn’t nearly ready for prime time. Let’s think outside the box. Who are some under the radar candidates to consider for head coaching jobs in 2019?
In no particular order:
Kliff Kingsbury: USC Offensive Coordinator
Why not? There are not a lot of great candidates at the NFL level so why not go with a former head coach at the college level with a great offensive mind. Lincoln Riley isn’t happening after signing an extension with Oklahoma so why not Kingsbury? He’s at least worth an interview. Every team should be looking for their next Sean McVay and Kingsbury has done great work with quarterbacks in the past. Is he the right leader for the job? Maybe not, but I would want to see him in an interview. Mix the Air Raid with a little NFL spice and maybe we have something.
Matt Rhule: Baylor Head Coach
Matt Rhule just seems like that guy who can turn around a culture. He spent time with the Giants as an assistant offensive line coach under Tom Coughlin so you know he has some spirit. Rhule has been through the ringer working on both sides of the ball during his coaching career. Rhule had some success at Temple, a place that really isn’t a football power. The Owls went 10-2 during his final season with the program before leaving for Baylor. He’s now dealing with a program that is basically dealing with the death penalty after their crimes with Art Briles. He’s turned that program around fast going from 1-11 to 7-6 in one year. That’s a guy I would like to interview for a job.
Gary Kubiak: Broncos consultant
Is Gary Kubiak willing to become an offensive coordinator? We know about the health concerns. Kubiak is really the best offensive mind you’re going to find. Remember that time Joe Flacco threw 27 touchdowns in 2014? That was Kubiak. Remember that time Matt Schaub made the playoffs? That was Kubiak. Why not pair Kubiak with a strong defensive coach? Normally I’m against this but it works in the short term. Kubiak is as good as it gets and you know you will have a strong running game as well. The Shanahan system always does.
Brian Kelly: Head Coach Notre Dame
Everyone wants in on Jim Harbaugh but he’s probably at Michigan for at least another year. Why not Brian Kelly? The guy wins everywhere. He won at Cincinnati. He’s now winning at Notre Dame which is really a tough place to win. Cold weather, religious undertones, and stringent restrictions on GPA eligible players. Kelly always has a good defense and he has always built solid line plays. It’s worth a shot.
