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Another off-season comes more fun, thrill, and idiocracy across the football world. For some, the off-season is their favorite part of the season. The nerds love it. When we see things go from personal to business. When the sports agents arrive like a cut-scene from the Avengers. When young men's dreams come true with one announcement of their name. Three months of drama, all starting in stage-1. We had seven head-coaching vacancies that needed filling, as well as several marquee assistant roles. I have grades for each. Lets jump in the carousel and see what we got.
Saints hire Kellen Moore
Grade: C-
New Orleans is rolling with Kellen Moore as the head guy, being the final team to fill a HC vacancy. Moore becomes the fourth and final resumed OC to receive a first head-coaching gig this cycle (hard to include Schottenheimer). Mickey Loomis took seven interviews, while only really being focused on Kellen Moore & Aaron Glenn. I wasn't too impressed, nor am I impressed with the final decision to rock with an obvious OC. I won't front, I am quick to think against Moore as a head coach, as I believe he is an OC to the bone. Moore landing with this gig makes my doubts even stronger, as he accepts the worst gig of this cycle.
Moore takes the job with the least amount of appeal as the Saints are currently 27th in cap space, have a disaster situation at QB, and has a roster that is towards the bottom of the league. On top of those three notes, Moore is now glued to the Jeff Ireland-Mickey Loomis tandem, a tandem that has created a nasty cancer around the franchise, which is perhaps the driving reason for the poor appeal to be the head-man in New Orleans, despite some strong drafting insight. Loomis has lost his touch.
I rank the decision to roll with Moore as a C-; I just don't see the cat having the it-factor as a primary leader. Loomis somehow had a chance to lure Aaron Glenn from the Jets... he should have pulled the trigger. Glenn is a better fit for what the Saints need. Moore is a tough roll of the dice; same as Coen in Jacksonville. I think it fails. Moore takes the job as a consistent top-10 offensive play-caller (two bad seasons) in the league, but can he be a HC? Can Moore help find and develop top talent? The bright spots on Moore’s resume come from strong situations, with strong rosters. When the comfort zone is set; his value is shown. Being a head coach is different; as the obvious states. Moore will need the perfect group around him; I need to see some confident maneuvering before feeling any belief that he can stick. His coordinator decisions are an excellent start, but being the final guy in the market for assistants will hurt in year-one.
interviewed: Mike McCarthy, Joe Brady, Darren Rizzi, Mike Kafka, Anthony Weaver, Aaron Glenn.
Coordinator Group Grade: C+ (77.3)
Considering when Moore was hired in the cycle, he came out with some solid coordinators that fit him well. A week after winning a Super Bowl with Doug Nussmeier, who has coached with Moore for the past seven seasons; the two become the head of the offense in Nola. Nussmeier’s resume is strong, stretching the depths of the college elite, as well as a near decade at the highest level. Moore is getting a well known colleague, and one of the more underrated developers in football on the offensive side. Knowing that Moore will be the play-caller, I like the decision from a development standpoint, and it will also help create that comfortable zone for Moore to thrive in. Nussmeier has a long history of working with QBs, which is arguably the most important to-do list item for Moore as he starts his regime.
Nussmeier has a rich resume of working with QBs. In his college coaching days, he developed Jake Locker to be a first-rounder, elevated A.J. McCarron to be a Heisman contender, while winning a Natty with Nick Saban. Nuss also did stellar work with Drew Stanton & Brian Hoyer in East Lansing; two guys who seemed to have lasted the test of time in the football world for their quarterback IQ. His NFL resume speaks too- Nussmeier helped Marc Bulger to a career year, Dak Prescott to Comeback POTY, and did solid work with Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts. Now Nussmeier is tasked with helping Moore find and develop the QB of the future for the Saints. I think it’s a good decision for the O, so is rocking with Brandon Staley as DC.
Oh how the tables turn! Brandon Staley failed miserably in Los Angeles as the head-man, in large part because he handicapped his coordinators, one being Kellen Moore. Now, Staley works for Moore, in just a year span. Gotta love it! Humor aside, it’s a good decision for Moore. I am excited to see Staley back as a DC (where he likely belongs). The cat was no head coach, despite the dumpster fire he left in LA, he does have some solid marks on his resume. In his lone season as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, Staley led the Rams defense to top-ranked honors in both points & yards. Staley has utilized and aided stars Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, Fred Warner, and Von Miller; and also developed Roquan Smith in the young bull’s rookie campaign in Chicago (Staley the LBs coach for the Bears). Staley looks to add his name in the list of top tier defensive coordinators moving forward; he should be poised, which is great news for Moore. I was going to be generous and grade the coordinators a B-, but a C+ should suffice. Let’s see how Moore fills out his staff, that may help my opinion on his chances of success. End of the day? Saints will doom until Loomis and Ireland are no more.
Notable Assistants: Scott Linehan (17), Terry Joseph (0), T.J. Paganetti (10)
Chances of 3+ seasons: Moore — 60% Coordinators — 60%
Chances of a playoff appearance next season: Little to none.
Overall HC Carousel Grade: 5/7
Individual Coord' Grades: OC: Nussmeier (9) - C+ // DC: Staley (8) - B // ST: Galiano (9) - B-
Overall Assistants Grade: C- // 4/7
*(experience coaching in NFL)*
Jets hire Aaron Glenn
Grade: B+
Aaron Glenn is a great hire for the Jets. A once beloved player for the green, is now the man behind the wheel. AG joins Todd Bowles and Herm Edwards as former players (NFL) to be hired by Woody Johnson to head coach the Jets. Glenn brings a strong list of positive qualities, qualities needed for a HC to create success; qualities that Dan Campbell has recently helped level up in AG. Glenn will be a marvelous head coach with his voice, leadership, and knowledge as a former player, scout, and assistant.
Glenn is a New York Jet. He is New York. That alone makes it a great hire when you consider his vocal leadership and quick hand resume with Dan Campbell in Detroit. Despite his high qualities as a head coach, like Campbell, getting top notch coordinators and staff around him is ultra important to get the most success in order to find a long lasting seat as a HC in the league. New Jack City shirts back on press? Glenn has alot of work ahead of him before all that. So does new GM Darren Mougey. Finally, a good hire by nasty ole Woody Johnson. Glenn might be able to change the culture. B+ grade.
interviewed: 16 total interviewees
Coordinator Group Grade: C+ (77.3)
I don’t love the route to go with veteran Steve Wilks, but it surely isn’t an awful one after his success last season in the Bay. Glenn might be forced to relinquish some time, maybe some play-calling, to focus on all the new additional tasks that come with his new role. Getting one of the best d-coordinators on the market was important, especially one with experience. Although Wilks has had a few struggles in between two good seasons, his success with a good roster shows dividends. Jets have some real solid pieces on the defensive side, and Wilks veteran presence and leadership will be a breath of fresh air for Glenn, as he knows that branch is covered to focus on offense, coaching, and game management. Wilks' best season came as DC for Ron Rivera in Carolina; the duo of Glenn and Wilks should be able to find similar success barring changes in stage-2.
Going with Tanner Engstrand might be a major regret. I get the two rooted off the Campbell tree, and saw some highs in Detroit, but Glenn needed a top OC, especially now after the Justin Fields signing, who likely will have to scrap everything he "learned" last season in Pitt. Engstrand is just too new in the coaching circle to have a task with that kind of importance put in front him. Maybe I am not seeing something that Glenn is, and that Engstrand helped Ben Johnson more than we think, or he is really relying on that pairing having a sponge-effect. Time for Engstrand to prove me wrong; he's a C-grade regardless.
Notable Assistants: Chris Harris (10), Scott Turner (14), Eric Washington (15)
Chances of 3+ seasons: Glenn — 85% Coordinators — 35%
Chances of a playoff appearance next season: Depends on O-line/QB. 40%.
Overall HC Carousel Grade: 3/7
Individual Coord' Grades: OC: Engstrand (5) - C // DC: Wilks (17) - B // ST: Chris Banjo (2) - C-
Overall Assistants Grade: C- // 5/7
*(experience coaching in NFL)*
Jaguars hire Liam Coen
Grade: C-
Coen is a mediocre hire in what was a circus of a process and cycle in whole down in Jacksonville. Shad Khan lit things on fire right from the get go by allowing GM Trent Baalke to start another offseason for the team; the guy had already caused devastating damage across the board. Then Baalke gets canned, forcing a beg for Coen of all candidates to come back and take the gig. It was messy. Quite ridiculous. Same ole Jags.
Coen getting a HC position this quick is quite a surprise. Coen has been great at building relationships, and I am sure he is interviewing well, his resume is just bleak and that’s the bottom line. Coen has gone 1-for-2 in his two OC attempts. Bucs had a very good season last year, ranking 6th in points & 5th in yards, Baker Mayfield built well off his first excellent season in Tampa alongside Coen. The stint prior, in LA however? Coen took over KOC's offense (departed to MIN) the year after the Rams Super Bowl dub, and flipped Kevin's top ranked offense with Stafford to the depths of the league. With not any excuses available.
It’s a risk rolling with Coen, especially after seeing the staff built around him. A stray of cats who have been bounced around, or fired across the league. Shane Waldron, Spencer Whipple (only experience was in Desert with Murray), Udinski, and Coen the guys to save and resurrect Trevor Lawrence? I don’t see the image. Not one bit. Sam Darnold was good last season, no doubt, but he did shit the bed, and how much did Udinski really have in his rise? I think this will be yet another swing and miss from the Jaguars organization. It took them up to a week before the Combine to find a new GM. Terrible franchise, man. Goodluck to babyface James Gladstone (new GM). The cat has a JOB ahead of him to give Coen and co. any hope.
Interviewed: Steve Spagnuolo, Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Patrick Graham, Robert Saleh, Joe Brady, Kellen Moore, Brian Flores, Todd Monken
Coordinator Group Grade: B- (81.0)
Udinski is an assistant with limited experience, he likely won’t offer much as a play-caller, leaving the potential for Coen to get overly focused on running the offense and the offensive play-calling, while trying to be a first time HC. Low grade, no doubt, slap a D+. Udinski was doing a solid job in Minnesota, but this is a jump. Not the way to steer with where Trevor Lawrence and the offense left off last season. I do like the Anthony Campanile hire as DC, after the cat put in five strong consecutive seasons as a LBs coach, developing a strong slate of players. A journey similar to Ron Rivera’s journey.
Campanile has quickly turned into a young LB wizard, with a strong sense of leadership. Rooted from Brian Flores, AC has done good work, creating strong development with likes of Jerome Baker, Andrew Van Ginkel, and Elandon Roberts in Miami. He also elevated Edgerrin Cooper and Quay Walker in Green Bay. Working along guys like Vic Fangio, Brian Flores, and Jeff Hatley- I am excited to see if he can become a good defensive coordinator. The game could use a gem added to the DC list. I am also very glad that Coen was able to get Heath Farwell to stick around as Special Teams coordinator. Farwell has been great thus far in his tenure in Jacksonville… a lone bright spot.
Notable Assistants: Shane Waldron (11), Matt Edwards (7), Tem Lukabu (7)
Chances of 3+ seasons: Coen — 30% Coordinators — 30%
Chances of a playoff appearance next season: Not Happening
Overall HC Carousel Grade: 4/7
Individual Coord' Grades: OC: Udinski (5) - D+ // DC: Campanile (5) - B
Individual Coord' Grades: ST: Heath Farwell (10) - A-
Overall Assistants Grade: D // 7/7
*(experience coaching in NFL)*
Raiders hire Pete Carroll
Grade: D-
The higher ups have actually put Pete Carroll, Chip Kelly, and Patrick Graham together on showcase and said, here are the three that are going to change the culture and results in Vegas. Are we seriously? Surely, that means the two of Carroll and Kelly will be fighting for a front row seat in the green room as well as thrown in a race to see who can get a say in free agency decisions. John Spytek outta lock the door and put up some enchantments. I hate the decision to hire Carroll. You hire 73-year old Carroll after firing Antonio Pierce? A locker-room 360 unlike any other. Only in behavior, not in result. That will be assured. Awful decision.
What possibly can Carroll do with the current roster on the white-board? After seeing him slowly fade away in Seattle, he should have absolutely stayed in retirement. It was time to go, now I am afraid it’s going to be pushed on far too long, at the expense of Raiders Nation… or what’s left of Raiders Nation. If the Raiders wanted to go with an old vet, they should have went the Ron Rivera route. Then they go and trade a high pick for f'n Geno Smith, and tease a possible long-term partnership. It's a complete joke of a franchise. The only bright spot is the crap ton of experience across the coaching ranks.
interviewed: Pete Carroll, Ben Johnson, Vance Joseph, Robert Saleh, Aaron Glenn, Ron Rivera, Todd Monken, Steve Spagnuolo
Coordinator Group Grade: C- (70.67)
Chip Kelly went 2-for-4 as a play-caller in the NFL, having two strong misses. Sure he had a strong season at Ohio State, well more like an awesome playoff run, but let’s not forget his time in UCLA before that. After pondering UCLA plus Chip's difficulty in the NFL, the decision leaves me shaking my head. Carroll and Chip Kelly? What the hell. I have no faith in Chip Kelly elevating the current roster on paper. None whatsoever. Nor do I have any faith in Chip developing a top pick, prospect QB. Which is surely the first shiny to-do for new GM John Spytek. Who knows after the Smith trade. Who knows with the Raiders in general.
The decision to keep around Patrick Graham as the defensive coordinator is just as silly. Look, Graham surely can have a spot on the staff. The guy has a strong voice with loads of experience. His experience as a play-caller and defensive coordinator is just not good. Plain and simple. Frankly, it’s really quite bad as he averages out as a 25th in points, 25th in yards type of DC with two seasons towards the bottom two in both categories. Raiders are rolling with a bunch of veteran coaches who have a long list of bad experiences. Falling back into the spiral it seems for Al Davis. Having Tom Brady in his ear or not (who gives a shit).
Notable Assistants: Greg Olson (22), Joe Philbin (20), Luke Steckel (16), Rob Leonard (12)
Chances of 3+ seasons: Carroll — 5% Coordinators — 0%
Chances of a playoff appearance next season: Not Happening
Overall HC Carousel Grade: 7/7
Individual Coord' Grades: OC: Kelly (4) - D+ // DC: Graham (16) - D+
Individual Coord' Grades: ST: Tom McMahon (18) - C+
Overall Assistants Grade: C+ // 1/7
*(experience coaching in NFL)*
Bears hire Ben Johnson
Grade: B
I am a huge Ben Johnson guy… Ben Johnson as an OC however. Look, I get his desire to want the glorified HC title. Johnson now has 13 years of experience in the league, reaching mostly each tier, so it’s right for him to give it a shot. Chicago is the best spot for him to do it this cycle, as he is so heavily offensive minded. Good grade for Chicago, as they had to go with an offensive guy who can put out any flames over Caleb Williams, and begin to develop him properly to see if he truly can play out to the draft day expectations. Can Ben Johnson cut it as a HC; that is the big question. Certainly the best fit of the cycle. I post a B-grade simply with my strong opinion that he is a true OC to the bone (and needs to stay one). I think we could have another Shanahan and McDaniel. I very well can be proven wrong…
Coordinator Group Grade: B (83.33)
I am excited that Dennis Allen is back to where he belongs as a DC, and ultra glad he’s back employed with a solid defensive roster to play with. Allen is a solid-to-good DC. He has had his ups and downs across his career that is forsho. DA is rock solid when he has a strong defense on paper, a group with a star defensive back; a good linebacker; and a star on the front. Bears have each of those in Jaylon Johnson, TJ Edwards, and Montez Sweat. I like the decision to bring in the veteran Allen to blossom the talent on defense after Eberflus shat the bed on the lot.
Johnson is the play-call guru, that won’t go away with his newly added responsibilities as a first time HC. BJ needed an OC filler who can motivate, structure, and develop the system and gameplan that he will have in place. Rocking with Declan Doyle as that man may not be a wow move off first read, but I like the direction. Doyle was TEs coach for Denver the past two seasons, but never had anything to work with. Massive jump, but now he must be hungry to grow alongside Johnson. Doyle has also worked for Dennis Allen, familiar relations in that regard will help build an immediate bond across Johnson’s new staff. Doyle is inexperienced, but here is his shot. Not against it knowing that Johnson is the brain on the O to start. Doyle can now work with a true high caliber TE in Cole Kmet, and can bring his knowledge from the past to help elevate Caleb Williams.
Notable Assistants: Eric Bieniemy (16), Al Harris (12), Richard Smith (37)
Chances of 3+ seasons: Johnson — 70% Coordinators — 65%
Chances of a playoff appearance next season: 65%
Overall HC Carousel Grade: 2/7
Individual Coord' Grades: OC: Declan Doyle (6) - C // Dennis Allen (24) - B
Individual Coord' Grades: ST: Richard Hightower (18) - B+
Overall Assistants Grade: C+ // 3/7
*(experience coaching in NFL)*
Patriots hire Mike Vrabel
Grade: B
Last season was an utter mess in New England as the ‘chise continues to dig out of the hole that Belichick left in his final days. Jerod Mayo had no business becoming a HC as quick he did. The lackluster coaching around him poured gas on the inexperienced fire. Patriots wanted Vrabel last season, but stuck with Mayo due to ill-timing. Now it’s back to square one of the plan. I like the hire. Vrabel, despite some failures, is certainly a caliber HC when he has the right staff around him. Having some success during his tenure in Tennessee; Vrabel is bringing in many former colleagues from those successful days to help aid his second run as a NFL HC. Vrabel will change the culture for the better, and is the type of gritty leader that this Patriots team desperately needs. Mayo was a great leader, but it’s hard to bring that out when he was so overwhelmed and inexperienced in the top role. Same goes with Antonio Pierce. Vrabel is perfect for the Patriots moving forward.
Interviewed: Pep Hamilton, Byron Leftwich, Ben Johnson
Coordinator Group Grade: B (83.0)
Success for Vrabel in New England will come down to the puzzle. Building a quality staff is vital. As I question the Josh McDaniels reunion hire; I also understand it. McDaniels can’t be a HC. It’s in stone. But his resume as an OC is rich, and that resume was mostly built in New England. Tom Brady or not, McDaniels had stellar results, ranking top-10 in both points and yards in 8 of his 13 seasons as Patriots OC. The cat is a true OC, never belonged as a HC… I like the vision to bring him in to rescue Drake Maye. The market was slim with many offensive minded guys shooting shots for a HC gig. McDaniels brings in experience. Now it’s just a matter of trusting him and Ben McAdoo to salvage Maye. Scary.
On the defensive, I love bringing in Terrell Williams to be the DC. B-grade with the potential to be a money decision. Williams worked Vrabel’s entire tenure in Tennessee as the DL coach. That alone is a plus. Williams’ resume being the other major plus. Last season, Williams was stellar working with the Lions D-line through injuries and hurdles. As the defensive run game coordinator, Williams elevated the Lions to top-5 ranks in rushing defense. T-Will is a massive get to help develop that young and weak defensive line. Patriots just gave a bag to Milton Williams, who will LOVE working with T-Will. I expect more talent to come from the draft, talent that should thrive under Williams and Vrabel. This was a MUCH better hiring cycle for Robert Kraft and co. compared to last cycle.
Notable Assistants: Todd Downing (23), Doug Marrone (17), Ben McAdoo (19)
Chances of 3+ seasons: Vrabel — 90% Coordinators — 75%
Chances of a playoff appearance next season: Depends on roster building. 65% chance.
Overall HC Carousel Grade: 1/7
Individual Coord' Grades: OC: Josh McDaniels (6) - B- // Terrell Williams (24) - B-
Individual Coord' Grades: ST: Jeremy Springer (3) B
Overall Assistants Grade: C+ // 2/7
*(experience coaching in NFL)*
Cowboys promote Brian Schottenheimer
Grade: D+
The virus has come back to strike down on Cowboys Nation. That virus being Jerry Jones, whom continues his burning of the legacy here in the 21st-century. The old fart has no idea what he is doing anymore. Jones' decision making has been ruthlessly bad since 2000, especially his head-coaching hires. Sure, Jones drafted Aikman and Emmitt Smith. He drafted Larry Allen and DeMarcus Ware… but that’s about his only positives. Stellar draft picks here and there. Among the occasional star find, there are eight misses on the same slip. It’s just been 20 years of botching talent and potential. Now, he goes from Mike McCarthy to Brian Schottenheimer and thinks the negative results will change? Jones is senile.
Schottenheimer has been proving since ‘97 that he can’t coach as good as his pops (whom was a regular season junkie). Brian is more on par with Uncle Kurt. In 14 seasons as an OC, Brian has had 4 good seasons (top-15 in points and/or yards). Baby Schotty did have his best season in ‘23 with Dak, who in turn had a career year, but last season was rough… including prior to Dak’s injury (started 8 games). Going from McCarthy to Schottenheimer does nothing. No movement of the needle, nor nothing of change with the culture and morale. I felt the doom coming the moment Jones poked interest at Deion Sanders. The entire cycle was bad, as he only interviewed Robert Saleh, Leslie Frazier, Schotty, and Kellen Moore. Bears interviewed 17 cats, despite obviously wanting Ben Johnson from the get go. Just a poor hiring process by Jones. Schottenheimer being promoted will not make that team any better than what it was under McCarthy. I give the decision a D+. I thought they should have heavily pursued Aaron Glenn and/or Mike Vrabel.
Interviewed: Kellen Moore, Leslie Frazier, Robert Saleh
Coordinator Group Grade: c (76.0)
Schottenheimer’s coordinator decisions are just as questionable. Mike Zimmer shit the bed in a big way last season, settin’ flames to what Dan Quinn built on the D. They had Robert Saleh in the building for the wrong role. I look at Eberflus as a last resort. I am glad he is returning to the role he belongs in, but belonging or not- he still is considered a mediocre coordinator. His tenure in Indy was good enough to land him another DC role after the fiasco in Chicago, so the move isn’t awful, but there were better options. Same regards with the hiring of Klayton Adams as OC.
Adams has no business getting a wanted OC position at this point of his career. Just six years of assistant experience, spending the last two seasons in the Desert as the offensive line coach. The play-call will obviously be Schotty’s responsibility- he is looking for Adams to structure and lead. That might be something he can succeed at, so I will cut some slack, slap a C-, and see what the cat can do. I think the team is doomed with Schottenheimer as the main-guy, eliminating any smoke from Adams. Very-very weak coaching staff. Nick Sorensen is probably the best overall coach on that staff…
Notable Assistants: Andre Curtis (20), Dave Borgonzi (15), Ken Dorsey (12)
Chances of 3+ seasons: Schottenheimer — 60% Coordinators — 25%
Chances of a playoff appearance next season: Still have talent; 70% chance if WAS declines
Overall HC Carousel Grade: 6/7
Individual Coord' Grades: OC: Klayton Adams (6) - C- // Matt Eberflus (16) - C-
Individual Coord' Grades: ST: Nick Sorensen (12) - B
Overall Assistants Grade: D+ // 6/7
*(experience coaching in NFL)*
49ers replace Sorensen with Saleh
Grade: A-
San Fran welcomes in the best of reunions as they bring back Robert Saleh as DC. Saleh is back to where he belongs: as a defensive coordinator. Not only does the league get another top tier DC again, but Kyle Shanahan might get the piece that saves his tenure in the Bay… and his title as a head coach. It’s an A-grade move. One of the better coordinator changes of the cycle, no doubt. Saleh still has to prove he can be a true top tier DC (2 for 4 in SF), but I think he will push the defense farther than Sorensen. The defense has taken on some major blows in the opening day of free agency, hopefully John Lynch can play some damage control. Knowing they have Saleh should take some stress off his shoulders.
Colts replace Bradley with Anarumo
Grade: D+
Going from Gus Bradley to Lou Anarumo does absolutely nothing to the Colts potential needle on the defense, nor will it help Shane Steichen keep his job in the long run. Anarumo had two solid seasons in seven attempts for Cincy; key word solid (best was 16/6). There was no surprise when he got canned. There was a slew of better candidates that would have been major aid for Steichen- whom will be on the hot seat surely. Promoting James Bettcher would have been better than hiring Anarumo. Bad hire; D-grade.
Falcons replace Lake with Ulbrich
Grade: C+
As there were better options for Atlanta to replace Jimmy Lake, the decision to rock with Jeff Ulbrich is still an upgrade. Ulbrich brings a demeanor that elevates any room, and his linebackers experience is greatly needed for a LB room with young & veteran talent, with more surely inbound. A-Town knows his experience well, as it was all in Atlanta (six seasons as LBs coach). I like going with a veteran and hard-nosed leader. Ulbrich should blend nicely with Raheem Morris and Zac Robinson. It’s a solid hire; slap a C+.
Bengals replace Anarumo; reunite with Golden
Grade: C
Zac Taylor brings in a familiar face to replace Anarumo as he snags back Al Golden from Notre Dame, whom spent two years as Zac’s LBs coach from 2020-22. Golden helped develop recent starters Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt (who has requested a trade). Golden’s time at Notre Dame saw highs and lows, with a strong swarm of highs as he led top-10 defenses in both yards and points in his final two seasons with the Irish, and was a piece in helping the Irish reach the Natty just about two months ago. Taylor, who could be a dark horse hot seater, surely could have done better in his choosing, but I don’t fully dislike the Golden route. It’s C-grade to be kind.
Seahawks replace Grubb with Kubiak
Grade: B-
After a wild rollercoaster year in Nola, Klint Kubiak is now prepped and ready to run the Seahawks’ offense after the firing of Ryan Grubb. I’d say Kubiak is 1-for-2 as an OC in the league; he has a long way to go to show he has the football brain like his pops. Seattle is a solid destination, although it’s one similar to New Orleans in terms of the offense on paper, which has been nuked in the past 48 hours. Kubz now has a stud running back, a sketchy o-line, and a new QB that he knows well in Sam Darnold. Kubiak is looking to prove he shouldn’t be much to blame for the disaster of a collapse in New Orleans last season. It’s a good get for a hot and rising head coach in Mike Macdonald. Seattle could be on the rise barring a bad offseason by the GM’s office (lots and lots of work ahead). B-grade.
Browns keep Stefanski, fire Dorsey, and promote Rees
Grade: D-
Short and sweet on this one: what an utter joke to promote Rees to OC, who was awful at Notre Dame, and Alabama. A joke no doubt, but are we even surprised after Cleveland decided to stick with Berry and Stefanski? You reap what you sow. This ‘chise is doomed and lost. Browns are 27th in cap space, have an awful GM, and a brutal-brutal QB situation. Add in a long list of impending free agents. Rees will just go down with Stefanski and the ship.
Bucs promote Grizzard after Coen departs
Grade: B-
I actually have grown to like the decision of the Bucs to promote Josh Grizzard to OC (first career OC opp’) after Liam Coen took the Jaguars job. Grizzard had some lows to start his career, which happens when you work under Adam Gase. As Grizzard’s tenure in Miami went on, he improved in his positions, flourishing under Brian Flores and Mike McDaniel to finish the tenure strong before moving across state. Now the cat has some good experience running a top offense, rather than being involved in one near the depths of the league. Perhaps Grizzard is due more cred for the ‘23 Dolphins offense than he gets. We will find out. Good hire; B-grade.
Eagles promote Patullo to replace Kellen Moore
Grade: C-
Promoting Patullo is a comfortable, quick, and lazy decision for Sirianni. A decision that isn’t too surprising. Patullo is a familiar face, for Sirianni and Jalen Hurts. That had to play a huge part as Hurts will again go into another season with a different offensive coordinator. I can understand that factor, but it’s stupid nonetheless. Hurts showed he can still be stellar with a new guy in quick change; that surely outweighs Patullo’s resume that only has a couple bright spots across a lengthy career. Eagles pass-game was awful in ‘21 under Patullo; the only success across his Eagles tenure has been the seasons with Steichen and Moore. He also wasn’t all that great for Sirianni in Indianapolis (2020). Sirianni doesn’t want a Brian Johnson scene all over again…
Texans can Slowik; hire Caley
Grade: D+
Houston made changes to the offense in quick fashion by canning OC Bobby Slowik and the entire offensive line coaching brass. Changes that hit like a stun spell, if you ask me. Slowik and the offense regressed from 13/12 to 19/22 and DeMeco Ryans said enough of that before the damage to C.J. Stroud gets significant, who regressed in his sophomore campaign. Not sure Nick Caley will be any better. Last year for the Rams, his passing game was ranked middle of the pact & 10th in yards. Ryans is looking for Caley's progression to keep building now that he has the highest title for an offense in H-Town. Lets see how it pans out.
We now move towards stage-2, which has started off with a bang to no surprise. The battle of the marketplace. Now things are really going to turn up! I'll be back to grade stage-2 and the best free-agency moves before we get to the NFL Draft.
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