New York Giants coach John Harbaugh discusses drafting Caleb Downs

After completely revamping their coaching staff, the New York Giants now have some roster work to do. Giants general manager Joe Schoen is still in office, which means he should have a strong sense of his team’s top strengths and weaknesses. One thing that is clear is that the Giants’ 26th-ranked defense must improve.

The Giants will certainly make some moves in free agency, but they are projected to start the offseason with just $7 million in cap space. While cap cuts and contract restructuring could provide some more money, the Giants’ biggest contribution could come from their 2026 rookie class.

However, the Giants have the advantage of having the fifth overall pick in the first round, putting them in a position to select blue-chip talent. Perhaps even one that can help rescue those in dire need.

Despite the presence of Tyler Nubin and Javon Holland, one popular player who is generally projected to land with the Giants in the 2026 NFL mock draft is Ohio State safety Caleb Downs. Recently, Coach Harbaugh addressed the possibility of selecting a safety like Downs, which would be his highest draft selection ever as a head coach.

Harbaugh said, “We favor Hall of Fame safety, so if we get a chance to draft a potential future Hall of Fame safety in Caleb Downs, that would be OK with me.” “We’ll take the best player. When you draft that high, you take the best player. It’s not a need pick, it’s a best player pick because you’re picking the guy that’s going to be that type of player. You’re talking about a player that you would like to see wear a gold jacket someday if possible.”

John Harbaugh on Caleb Downs

Downs is viewed as one of the best guards available in the upcoming draft class. If the Giants are trying to prioritize upgrading their weakest unit, Downs will definitely help.

However, the Giants have already invested significantly in their starting safety group. Nubin was selected in the second round in 2024. Holland was one of their prized free agents last offseason, signing a three-year, $45 million contract.

However, Downs has the potential to be better than both of them. Furthermore, Holland and Nubbin are only under contract until 2027. Meanwhile, Downs can still make an impact as an athlete capable of moving all over the field, like Harbaugh did with All-Pro Kyle Hamilton in Baltimore.

Ultimately, with the Giants already having a quarterback, an elite receiver, an All-Pro offensive tackle and great pass-rushers, selecting the best player available makes the most sense at No. 5. This could very well be downs.

RELATED: John Harbaugh tried to recruit former NFL head coach for top coaching role

Avatar
Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

#York #Giants #coach #John #Harbaugh #discusses #drafting #Caleb #Downs

Joel Embiid gives honest admission to NBA coach Drew Hanlen

Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has battled knee injuries for several seasons, playing just 50 games overall since the start of last campaign. After undergoing left meniscus surgery in January 2024, the 2023 MVP has navigated some tough times, including the 2024 Olympics, during which he played a key role for Team USA and returned with a gold medal.

And well, Drew Hanlen, widely considered the best skills coach in the NBA, recently detailed the determination shown by Embiid despite his recent absences due to injury.

“People don’t realize, that’s why the Olympics happen. Obviously, people know he was, you know, dragging himself through the Olympics, but this was his chance to actually win. You know, he won a gold medal. Of course, they were a loaded team, but they couldn’t have won the gold medal without him in the Serbia game, you know?” Hanlen said, referencing the Olympic semifinals, which Team USA won 95-91, according to a post on X by ClutchPoints.

Hanlen revealed that Embiid decided not to do skill workouts after returning, instead prioritizing his health.

“After that, until this season, mid-season, I think it was like December 10th, we didn’t work out once. This is a guy I’ve worked out with more times than anyone else because he’s obsessed with basketball, but he couldn’t work out because he was like: “You know what? I have to get my health back,” Hanlen said.

Embiid, who is still on a minutes restriction, is effectively struggling due to the lack of basketball workouts after being forced to take care of his knee. Hanlen cited this behind-the-scenes work as one of the reasons he struggled in the first half of the current campaign.

Drew Hanlen claims Embiid “feels like himself again.”

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts during the first half of an NBA game at the Mortgage Matchup Center against the Phoenix Suns.
Rick Scutari-USA TODAY Sports

Hanlen claimed Embiid was forced to use NBA games as a means of getting back into shape, ultimately deciding to grind it out like “old school Joel”.

“And I remember at one point he was like: “Hey, I know I really shouldn’t do this,” but, like, he was like: “Come on, we’ve got to figure out my jump shot. My mid-range is closed, which never closes. Mine is three closed, which never closes. And so we did a workout, a workout, and we did, like old school Joel, for an hour and a half, probably shouldn’t have done it, but it was like we were back in the lab, and he’s like, “I feel like me again.” He said.

This returned him to his previous level, which apparently convinced Hanlein as well.

“And the next game, he had forty-nine, and since then, his average is, like, thirty. That’s how good he is,” he revealed.

With the 76ers returning following Paul George’s 25-game suspension, Embiid becomes even more important as they attempt to build on their current 30-24 record. The season isn’t over yet, and despite Embiid’s latest absence, Hanlen’s claims certainly give fans plenty of reason for optimism.


#Joel #Embiid #honest #admission #NBA #coach #Drew #Hanlen

Green Bay Packers coach resigns after 4 seasons

There were times during the Green Bay Packers season that it felt like Matt LaFleur was on one of the best teams in the NFC. On a good day, it looked like the Packers might even be able to compete for the Super Bowl. Injuries played a major factor in the team’s success, as there are no replacements for Tucker Craft and Micah Parsons.

Now the Packers are looking to evaluate how they can bounce back with a strong all-around effort in 2026, when Kraft and Parsons are expected to return to the field. Only now, the Packers must find a new special teams coordinator.

The team’s assistant head coach/special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia is stepping down from his position, the coaches said Tuesday. Bisasia has been an active football coach every season since 1983, but is now taking a break on his coaching career.

Bisaccia’s career includes becoming the interim head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders in 2021, leading them to a respectable 7-5 record and a postseason appearance following the sudden departure of Jon Gruden. He has also been an assistant head coach for five different NFL teams.

Now 65, the Yonkers, New York native is prioritizing his health rather than going through the hardships of another rollercoaster season. Perhaps this is the end of Bisasia’s NFL career, or perhaps we’ll hear from him in the future. Either way, the Packers need a new special teams coordinator for 2026.

RELATED: Green Bay Packers expected to move on from leading receiver

Avatar
Dedicated NFL copywriter/editor. My work has been found on SportsNut, Sports Illustrated, Sporting News, MSN, Yahoo, and Minnesota Sports… More about Andrew Buller-Russ

#Green #Bay #Packers #coach #resigns #seasons

Clippers coach reveals impact of Darius Garland-James Harden trade

The Los Angeles Clippers may look like a completely different team than they did before the trade deadline, but Brian Shaw believes that’s a good thing.

Shaw is best known for his long playing career, which included winning three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers led by Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. The 59-year-old player has enjoyed a successful coaching career since retiring and has served as a Lakers assistant on two separate occasions. He has been an assistant for the Clippers since 2021.

The Clippers have clearly had difficulty enjoying postseason success in recent years despite being loaded with star power. In earlier years, they had the Kawhi Leonard-Paul George duo and more recently they had James Harden and Russell Westbrook. However, they have not been able to progress beyond the first round since Shaw’s arrival.

Los Angeles made a big move at the trade deadline, landing Harden, a 36-year-old star guard, for 26-year-old guard Darius Garland in a trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Clippers entered the season with the oldest roster in the NBA at 30.7 years. Although they are much younger now, Shaw believes this will benefit the team as they look to advance to the postseason.

Los Angeles currently sits in 10th place in the Western Conference and are playing for a play-in spot. Shaw talked about what Garland brings to the table.

“Darius can guess who you know. I coached Darius at the Nike Hoop Academy when he was in high school and just his agility, his basketball IQ, he’s a great passer, and he can score. There are players on our team that will benefit from him, being able to set the table for them, but also add to the youth and the agility that we have overall.

Shaw continued, “We started this season as the oldest team in NBA history.” “When you look at the fact that we started with Chris Paul and James Harden, we had a pretty old team. We were pretty slow, so now we feel like we can compete with these younger, faster, more athletic teams that are out there.”

Garland is one of the better, more established young guards in the league. The former fifth overall pick is a two-time All-Star selection and is averaging 18.0 points and 6.9 assists per game this season.

The 26-year-old player is still recovering from a right foot sprain injury and has not yet made his debut for the Clippers. That being said, Garland – along with Leonard – has a chance to lead the Clippers back to the playoffs. They have been a much stronger team recently, with Los Angeles going 20-6 since December 20.


#Clippers #coach #reveals #impact #Darius #GarlandJames #Harden #trade

Tennis Star Alex Eala Injured? Coach Breaks Down in Emotional Update as Fans React in Shock


Tennis Star Alex Eala Injured? Coach Breaks Down in Emotional Update as Fans React in Shock

The global tennis community, particularly followers in India and Asia, has been struck by concerning news regarding one of the brightest rising stars on the WTA tour. Recent reports suggesting that Alex Eala, the Filipino tennis sensation and a favorite at various ITF and WTA events in the region, might be facing an injury setback have sent shockwaves through social media.

The rumors gained momentum following an emotional update from her coaching camp. In a rare display of vulnerability, her coach reportedly broke down while discussing the physical hurdles the young star is currently facing, leading fans to fear the worst about her upcoming tournament schedule.

The Rise of Alex Eala

For Indian tennis enthusiasts, Alex Eala is a familiar name. A former Rafael Nadal Academy student, Eala has consistently performed well in Asian circuits. Her journey from a junior Grand Slam champion to a formidable force in the professional rankings has been nothing short of inspirational. Known for her powerful baseline play and mental fortitude, any news of an injury is a significant blow to the sport’s diversity at the top level.

Coach Breaks Down: An Emotional Update

The intensity of the situation peaked during a recent interview where her coaching staff discussed the rigors of the pro tour. The emotional breakdown of her coach highlighted not just the physical toll of a potential injury, but the immense pressure and dedication involved in Eala’s career. While specific details regarding the nature of the injury—whether it is a recurring wrist issue or a lower-body strain—remain under wraps, the visible distress from her camp suggests a period of recovery may be necessary.

Tennis is a grueling sport, and for a young athlete like Eala, who has played an extensive number of matches over the last year to climb the WTA rankings, burnout and physical fatigue are constant threats. The coach’s emotional response has led many to believe that the injury might require a significant hiatus from the court.

Fans React in Shock

The reaction from the “Eala Nation” and general tennis fans has been immediate. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have been flooded with messages of support. Indian fans, who have closely followed her progress since her junior days, expressed their concern, with many wishing her a speedy recovery so she can return for the Asian swing of the tour.

“Alex has shown so much promise; to see her hit a roadblock like this is heartbreaking. We hope it’s just a minor setback,” posted one fan, echoing the sentiments of thousands.

Conclusion

While the tennis world waits for an official medical bulletin, the emotional update from Alex Eala’s coach serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of professional sports careers. Alex Eala represents the future of Asian tennis, and her health is paramount. Whether she returns next month or later in the year, the support from her global fanbase remains unwavering. We hope to see the young star back on the court, flashing her signature smile and dominating the baseline once again.

FAQs: Alex Eala Injury and Career

1. What happened to Alex Eala?

While an official medical statement has not been released, reports indicate a potential injury following an emotional update from her coaching team. Fans are awaiting confirmation on whether she will withdraw from upcoming tournaments.

2. Has Alex Eala ever played in India?

Yes, Alex Eala is a popular figure in the Asian tennis circuit and has participated in various ITF tournaments across Asia, gaining a significant following among Indian tennis fans.

3. What is Alex Eala’s current WTA ranking?

Alex Eala has been steadily climbing the rankings, recently breaking into the Top 150. Her ranking fluctuates based on her weekly tournament performances.

4. Where does Alex Eala train?

Alex Eala is a prominent graduate of the Rafael Nadal Academy in Mallorca, Spain, where she has honed her skills under the guidance of world-class coaches.

5. Will the injury affect her Grand Slam prospects?

If the injury is severe, it may impact her ability to participate in qualifiers for upcoming Grand Slams. However, at her age, the focus remains on long-term health over immediate participation.

BREAKING NEWS FROM THE TENNIS WORLD: THE ALEX EALA HEALTH CRISIS THAT HAS A NATION ON ITS KNEES

The fluorescent lights have been switched off at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open tennis complex, but across the Philippine archipelago and throughout the global tennis community, nobody is sleeping tonight. What began as a routine quarterfinal match has exploded into a full-blown medical emergency that has left millions of fans desperately refreshing their social media feeds, waiting for any scrap of information about the condition of their beloved tennis princess.

RXTR Pro Coach Football Rebounder評測:我嘗試過這款智能足球訓練工具,這就是我的想法

如果沒有訓練夥伴,足球運動員可能很難從個人訓練中獲得最大收益。

RXTR Pro Coach Rebounder 是一款智能教練系統,您可以自己使用它來處理比賽的每個關鍵部分。

RXTR Pro Coach Rebounder 有 20 多項預編程測試和練習
RXTR Pro Coach Rebounder 有 20 多項預編程測試和練習

RXTR 職業教練足球籃板球,£119.99

RXTR Pro Coach Rebounder 是一款一體化工具,它採用革命性的技術來提供有針對性的個人訓練,並且它可以適應您擁有的任何空間。

這個完整的系統配有籃板板、反應燈、顏色標記和 20 多個預編程測試和練習,可讓球員磨練傳球、控制和掃描等核心足球技能。

實用的設計還意味著 RXTR Pro Coach Rebounder 是完全便攜式的,因此任何花園、車道或訓練場都可以變成合適的教練設施。

我渴望從團隊訓練中獲得一些額外的次數,因此我抓住了這個機會對其進行測試以進行審查,看看它是否可以提高我的比賽水平。


我是如何測試的

RXTR Pro Coach Rebounder 被認為是專業級籃板球 是運動器材製造商 Quickplay 提供的籃板球之一,所以我很高興能對其進行測試。

我在草地上進行了兩次單獨的個人訓練,測試了它的步調。

在測試以確定它是否物有所值時,我考慮了兩個關鍵因素。

#RXTR #Pro #Coach #Football #Rebounder評測我嘗試過這款智能足球訓練工具這就是我的想法

‘Bunch of misfits’ – Fernando Mendoza gives emotional interview as Indiana head coach gets his flowers

The No. 1 Indiana Hoosiers are heading to the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship.

Spearheaded by superstar quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the Hoosiers inflicted a 56-22 defeat on the fifth-ranked Oregon Ducks in the Peach Bowl held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta.

 D'Angelo Ponds #5 of the Indiana Hoosiers and Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Indiana Hoosiers celebrate their MVP wins after defeating the Oregon Ducks in the 2025 College Football Playoff Semifinal

6

Fernando Mendoza (R) led the Indiana Hoosiers to the national championship after a 56-22 victory over OregonCredit: Getty

Mendoza’s sparkling display in which he completed 17-of-20 passing for 177 yards and five passing touchdowns only boosted his stock of being taken with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Indiana’s defense set the tone, taking a lead on the first play from scrimmage with a defensive score.

From then on, it was just utter dominance from the nation’s best team, who scored seven touchdowns on 10 drives, excluding the final one as they went into victory formation.

Indiana will enter the CFP national championship game against the No. 10 Miami Hurricanes with an undefeated 15-0 record on the season.

After securing the victory, Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti – who has been instrumental in turning the Hoosiers’ program around since his arrival in 2024 – gave a hilarious response to his team recording the sixth-largest win in CFP history.

“I’m really not thinking about the next game. I’m thinking about cracking open a beer,” Coach Cignetti told ESPN’s Molly McGrath.

Whilst the Canes will be vying for the championship at home at Hard Rock Stadium after their 31-27 victory over Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl, it will also be a homecoming for Mendoza as well having grown up there.

“Playing any national championship is fantastic. But it means a little bit more to me,” Mendoza said to ESPN postgame.

#Bunch #misfits #Fernando #Mendoza #emotional #interview #Indiana #coach #flowers

Best head coach, coordinator and GM candidates in 2023


The best NFL coaching candidates in 2023 are a sign of the direction the league is headed. While there are plenty of brilliant minds on the offensive side of the ball available, the 2022 NFL season also put the spotlight on brilliant defensive coordinators and outstanding leaders.

While the Carolina Panthers and Indianapolis Colts became the first NFL teams looking for a new coach, others will join them. It’s going to be another active coaching carousel and this year’s list of the top NFL coaching candidates offers a variety of options for front offices and owners.

Related: NFL coaches fired

As we did with our candidates list in 2022, we’re also focusing on other vacancies. There are multiple openings for general managers across the league and there is a deep pool of NFL GM candidates to explore. Likewise, coaches looking to fill out their staff for the 2023 season have a strong array of NFL coordinator candidates to choose from.

Let’s dive into the best head coach, general manager and coaching candidates in 2023.

NFL coaching candidates

DeMeco Ryans, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator

NFL: Seattle Seahawks at San Francisco 49ers
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NFL coaching candidates are getting younger and more recognizable each year. DeMeco Ryans, age 38, became a defensive quality control coach just two years after retiring from the NFL. The two-time Pro Bowl selection quickly climbed the coaching ladder, receiving a promotion to inside linebackers coach (2018-’20) and then replacing Robert Saleh as the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. Needless to say, he is doing a phenomenal job with this group.

Opp. PPGOpp. YPGPressure RateYards per PlayDVOA Rank
202121.5 (10th)310 (3rd)24.1% (20th)5.1 (4th)-7.4% (7th)
202215.8 (1st)283.9 (1st)24% (10th)4.8 (5th)-15.1% (2nd)
2022 defensive stats through Week 11 via Football Outsiders and Pro Football Reference

Ryans’ defensive play-calling played an instrumental role in San Francisco’s playoff run last season. He already brings the defensive mind and ability to make adjustments that teams need to prioritize. Just as importantly, his track record as a player and coordinator demonstrates his leadership and communication, which are crucial to fulfilling the ‘CEO’ role for a head coach. Ryans is among our favorite NFL coaching candidates and it would be a surprise if he isn’t hired.

Shane Steichen, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator

NFL: New England Patriots at Philadelphia Eagles
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Sirianni rightfully gets a lot of credit for the Philadelphia Eagles’ success. After all, the head coach has far exceeded expectations and proven that he was the perfect target for the role. However, it’s important to remember that Shane Steichen has a massive role in the offense.

Sirianni described this summer how involved Steichen is with everything Philadelphia does offensively. He started calling plays late in the 2021 season, playing a pivotal role in the Eagles’ offense taking off. It’s a change that carried over into 2022 with Philly boasting one of the top offenses all season.

2022 NFL offense rankings: Top units and stats leaders ahead of Week 14

Interest in Steichen will go beyond his work in Philadelphia. He served as the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator in 2020, working alongside Justin Herbert in a record-setting rookie season. Combine his work with Herbert and Jalen Hurts, that’s a future NFL head coach.

Ejiro Evero, Denver Broncos defensive coordinator

NFL: Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Many of the decisions made by Nathaniel Hackett in 2022 warranted a lot of scrutinies. However, the move to hire Ejiro Evero as the defensive coordinator worked out perfectly. Taken from the Sean McVay coaching tree, Evero’s work with the Denver Broncos defense this season is outstanding.

A year after the Broncos ranked 20th in Total DVOA (3%) with Vic Fangio at the helm, Denver now ranks seventh in defensive DVOA (-10.6%) this season. Opponents have averaged just 4.8 yards per play with a 31.9% third-down conversion rate, despite Denver’s defense spending so much time on the field because of its lackluster offense.

Who is the highest-paid NFL coach? (Today and All-Time)

There are certainly some risks in hiring a head coach coming off his first season as a defensive coordinator, with Brandon Staley serving as an example. However, Evero’s success and his time spent learning from Fangio, Mike McCarthy and McVay should provide him with more stamps of endorsements than some of the other top NFL coaching candidates.

Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots inside linebacker coach

NFL: Preseason-New York Giants at New England Patriots
Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Selected with the 10 pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, Jerod Mayo became a central figure in the Patriots’ defense and someone Belichick trusted like few others. It’s why a few years after he played his last snap in 2015, Mayo was on Belichick’s coaching staff working with the linebackers. By 2021, he was receiving head-coaching buzz and that league-wide interest has ramped up since.

How the New England Patriots coaching staff on offense can be rebuilt in 2023

 NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported last year that Mayo made a strong impression on the Eagles’ brass during his head-coaching interview in 2021. He turned that into meetings with the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders in 2022.

Mayo has spent years with some of the brightest minds in football and he still brings the work ethic, leadership and mind for the game that made him an All-Pro linebacker. Effectively serving as New England’s co-defensive coordinator, he is now overseeing one of the best units in football. He offers all the qualities the best NFL coaching candidates offer and he’ll only be 37 next year.

Ken Dorsey, Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator

NFL coaching candidates 2023
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

NFL teams seeking a head coach love finding someone who can build a strong rapport with the quarterback. It’s undeniably one of the most important relationships in professional sports and it’s crucial to find a balance between challenging the face of the franchise and supporting them.

Ken Dorsey has played an influential role in the development of quarterback Josh Allen. The perennial NFL MVP candidate has publicly lauded his play-caller and quarterbacks coach on multiple occasions and the Bills’ locker room gravitates toward their offensive coordinator because of his attitude. Dorsey also proved to be an instrumental voice during Cam Newton’s best years.

“(Dorsey) is an extremely hard and efficient worker. He made my life as easy as possible. Not only is he a hard worker, but he has a vibrant killer instinct. He’s a known proven winner over the years.”

Cam Newton on former quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey (H/T Bills Wire)

As for the Bills’ offensive production, it ranked sixth in Football Outsiders’ Offene Weighted DVOA and is the third-best passing offense by DVOA. Buffalo averaged 410.8 total yards and 27.8 points in its first 12 games with 286 first downs and a league-high 51.8% third-down conversion rate.

2023 NFL salary cap tracker: Checking in on where all 32 teams stand

NFL teams waited far too long to hire Brian Daboll as a head coach. While Dorsey might not be the next Daboll, owners and general managers will surely want to take a shot on him very soon. If he isn’t hired in 2023, Dorsey will be one of the top NFL coaching candidates in 2024.

Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator

NFL coaching candidates
Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Bieniemy is one of our top NFL coaching candidates every year. Unsurprisingly, there’s a new reason provided during every coaching carousel as to why he wasn’t fired. Among them, teams were concerned about off-field issues that happened in 1991 and 2001. He is also held under scrutiny because he was on Colorado’s coaching staff when multiple players faced rape allegations.

Strangely, Urban Meyer wasn’t held to the same standard for coaching at a program with massive cultural problems and a lack of discipline. Legal issues more than a decade ago also didn’t prevent Mike Vrabel from landing a job nor did sexual assault charges in 1996 mean Matt Patricia couldn’t become a bead coach.

We’ve also seen reports that teams have concerns because Bieniemy isn’t the Chiefs’ primary play-caller. Coincidentally, that didn’t seem to keep Nick Sirianni, Dan Campbell, Zac Taylor or Nathaniel Hackett from landing jobs.

Bieniemy is an integral part of the Chiefs’ offense with Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes raving about his work ethic, football mind and his impact on the team. There are no legitimate excuses as to why Bieniemy shouldn’t be a head coach.

Jonathan Gannon, Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator

NFL: Philadelphia Eagles Training Camp
Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon certainly has a lot of talent to work with. As we’ve seen countless times over the years, some NFL coaches fail to take advantage of situations like this. Ganoon is seizing on his opportunity.

The 39-year-old served as the Colts’ defensive backs coach before following Sirianni to Philadelphia, immediately becoming the defensive coordinator. While he went through some growing pains as a first-year defensive play-caller, he is doing excellent work in 2022.

  • Philadelphia Eagles defensive stats (2022): -11.7% Total DVOA (6th), 18.8 PPG allowed (8th), 296.4 total ypg allowed (2nd), 50% red-zone conversion rate (6th), 4.7 yards per play

Gannon interviewed with Denver in 2021, viewed as a rising NFL coaching candidate at the time. With the defensive improvements Philadelphia has made tied to Gannon’s glowing reputation around the league and his defensive mind, he’ll be an NFL head coach very soon. As for how he views the game, the Eagles captured it perfectly in a sit-down interview with him.

2022 NFL defense rankings: Week 14 fantasy defense rankings, NFL defensive stats

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator

Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

Off the national radar just a year ago, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson was just beginning to settle in as the play-caller. Dan Campbell made a late-season switch, with Campbell making the rare jump from tight ends coach to Detroit’s offensive strategist. Look at how dramatically the offense improved after the change.

Total YPGPPGScoring RateYards per Play3rd Down RateQB Rating
Detroit Lions offense (2021)322.619.134.4%5.234.7%88.1
Detroit Lions offense (2021)436.83545.8%6.537.7%100
Stats via Pro Football Reference

It’s not a fluke. Entering Week 14, the Lions are ninth in FO’s Total Offense DVOA, striking a perfectly balanced offense. Detroit is averaging 369.1 total yards per game (7th in NFL), it leads the NFL in red-zone touchdown rate (73.9%) and ranks 10th in third-down conversion percentage (42.8%). He is doing all of this with Jared Goff at quarterback.

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator

NFL: Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants
Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Quinn will be an NFL head coach in 2023. The 52-year-old is extremely well-liked by players, is respected by executives and coaches on his staff seems to enjoy working for him. Even if you removed what he is doing right now in Dallas from the evaluation, he’d be among the best NFL coaching candidates in 2023.

  • Dan Quinn coaching record: 43-42, 3-2 in NFL playoffs

What makes it a near certainty that he’ll be hired is how close he came in 2021. A finalist for the Broncos’ position that went to Hackett, Quinn crushed interviews. After just one season as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator in 2021, teams saw more than enough to believe he deserved a second chance as a head coach. Now, the Cowboys’ defense is even better and the differences between before he took over vs now are staggering.

YearTotal YPG AllowedPPG AllowedDefensive DVOAYards per Play Allowed
2020386.4 (23rd)29.6 (28th)23rd (6%)5.9 (23rd)
2021351 (19th)21.1 (7th)2nd (-15.2%)5.5 (21st)
2022309.6 (5th)17.2 (3rd)1st (-20.1%)4.8 (3rd)
Statistics via Pro Football Reference and Football Outsiders

Yes, everyone knows what happened with the Atlanta Falcons. The team blew its chance at a Super Bowl and never quite recovered. In Quinn’s final years, he was overseeing a roster that was falling apart and everyone simply needed a rest. Give him the right offensive coordinator and Quinn will do well overseeing a defense and serving as the CEO on the sideline.

Kellen Moore, Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator

NFL coaching candidates 2023
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Almost every team with an NFL coaching vacancy this past offseason interviewed Kellen Moore. The Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings and each of them came away impressed by Moore’s football IQ and ingenuity (Tom Pelissero). Now in his third year as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, Moore has more of the experience he lacked previously.

A cursory look at the Cowboys’ statistics offensively won’t generate intense excitement. However, the 355.9 total ypg and 27.8 ppg averages are weighed down from when Cooper Rush started at quarterback. Keep in mind, though, Moore’s play-calling in that stretch still resulted in four wins, 128.4 rushing yards per game, a 35% third-down conversion rate and the team scored 20-plus points in each of those games.

With Prescott back under center, the Cowboys lead the NFL in Estimated Offensive Points per Game (39.0) and rank second in total ypg (424.3) in the last three weeks. On the year, Dallas ranks seventh in third-down conversion rate (44.2%) with the third-highest touchdown rate in the red zone (73%). Moore will need an experienced coaching staff around him, but he has all the making of an NFL head coach.

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Wolverines head coach

Syndication: Detroit Free Press
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

NFL teams aren’t going to take what Jim Harbaugh is saying publicly as gospel. The Michigan Wolverines head coach is already being looked into by team executives before the season even concludes. Harbaugh is denying any interest in leaving Michigan, but he said it with a caveat and he previously stated there is unfinished business in the NFL.

  • Jim Harbaugh NFL record: 44-19-1

The coaching record speaks for itself. While he left San Francisco on bad terms, clashing with the brass, he remains well-regarded for everything he brings to a team. There is a danger in Harbaugh wanting significant input, effectively a shadow role as general manager, so he can build the roster his way. It’s a move that rarely works out, but it can work with the right partner in the front office. One thing is for certain, Harbaugh is one of the best NFL coaching candidates if he entertains a return once more.

Shane Bowen, Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator

Syndication: The Tennessean
George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY NETWORK

For NFL teams seeking a young defensive-minded coach, Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator Shane Bowen has accelerated the coaching ladder quickly. He started as a student assistant at Georgia Tech and then served as a grad assistant (2010-’11), learning under Paul Johnson.

After one season as a grad assistant on Urban Meyer’s staff at Ohio State, Bowen spent the next three years at Kennesaw State before making the jump to the NFL in 2016 with the Houston Texans (2016-’17) before becoming the Titans’ outside linebackers coach.

In his first season as Tennessee’s defensive coordinator (2021), the Titans had the fifth-lowest blitz rate (21.3%) in the NFL, but finished ninth in sacks (43) and pressures (169). Tennessee finished the 2021 season ranked eighth in Football Outsiders’ Weighted DVOA. A year later, Bowen’s unit is top-12 in Weighted DVOA despite losing Harold Landry before Week 1.

Leslie Frazier, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens
Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Leslie Frazier went through the interview cycle in 2021, meeting twice with the New York Giants and once with the Miami Dolphins. Ultimately, the 63-year-old remained in Buffalo as its assistant head coach and defensive coordinator.

Renowned for his defensive acumen, experience and leadership, Frazier’s history of coaching defenses speaks for itself. Buffalo rated No. 3 in Weighted DVOA in 2021 and is No. 5 this season. The Bills also ranked third in nY/A in 2018 and 2019.

Frazier has experienced the recent trend of NFL teams and coaching search firms giving preference to those who work with quarterbacks.

” I think it’s very narrow-minded to only see the head coach as an offensive guy because you have a young quarterback. You need the right leader in that role because you’ve got to be able to handle multiple responsibilities, not just call offensive plays. I just think that’s a misguided approach, but I’m not the guy doing the hiring.”

Leslie Frazier on teams prioritizing NFL coaching candidates on the offenside side (H/T Pro Football Talk)

However, that could see a shift in 2023. Scoring is down significantly this year (23.0 to 21.9 PPG), marking the first time since 2017 that the NFL scoring average dipped below 22. Frazier, who has coached in the NFL since 1999, has the relationships around the league to build an offensive coaching staff that will complement what he brings.

2023 NFL head coach candidates

  • Chris Horton, Baltimore Ravens special teams coordinator
  • Mike Kafka, New York Giants offensive coordinator
  • Richard Hightower, Chicago Bears special teams coordinator
  • Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator
  • Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
  • Bubba Ventrone, Indianapolis Colts special teams coordinator
  • Shane Waldron, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator
  • Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator
  • Sean Payton, former New Orleans Saints head coach
NFL head coaches on the hot seat: Lovie Smith, Nathaniel Hackett headline the list

NFL coordinator candidates 2023

While the primary focus of the 2023 NFL coaching carousel is on head coaches, this is also an active time for coordinators. Whether it’s a head coach looking to fill out his staff or a team looking to hire a new defensive coordinator or offensive coordinator. There are plenty of intriguing names to know.

These are the names to know right now. We’ll provide profiles of each up the candidates and add additional coordinator prospects in the weeks ahead.

Offensive Coordinators

  • Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles quarterbacks coach
  • Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills quarterbacks coach
  • Ben Bloom, Cleveland Browns run game coordinator
  • Brian Hartline, Ohio State passing game coordinator
  • Alex Golesh, Tennessee offensive coordinator
  • Stump Mitchell, Cleveland Browns run game coordinator
  • Jerrod Johnson, Minnesota Vikings assistant quarterbacks coach
  • Marcus Brady, former Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator
  • Pep Hamilton, Houston Texans offensive coordinator
Top NFL free agents of 2023: From 1-250, led by Lamar Jackson

Defensive Coordinators

  • Sean Desai, Seattle Seahawks assistant head coach
  • Ryan Crow, Tennessee Titans outside linebackers coach
  • Demarcus Covington, New England Patriots defensive line coach
  • Christian Parker, Denver Broncos defensive backs coach
  • Marquand Manuel, New York Jets defensive backs coach
  • Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator
  • Bobby Babich, Buffalo Bills linebackers coach
  • Aden Durde, Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach

NFL GM candidates 2023: Future NFL general managers

No NFL team has fired their general manager during the 2022 regular season. Those decisions will likely come on Black Monday, when both head coaches and general managers are fired. For now, we’ll provide a list of NFL GM candidates in 2023 with profiles coming early this offseason.

  • Louis Riddick, ESPN NFL analyst and former team executive
  • Joe Horitz, Baltimore Ravens director of player personnel
  • JoJo Wooden, Los Angeles Chargers director of player personnel
  • Jacqueline Davidson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior director of football research
  • Jeff Ireland, New Orleans Saints assistant general manager


#coach #coordinator #candidates