Well with the NFL regular season having to come to an end, there are several teams that are now in search of head coaches. Currently, there are six teams with an opening at that position. This is usually the norm for a season these days in the NFL. Which job is the most appealing? Which job is the least appealing? These will be ranked least to most appealing order.
- San Francisco 49ers
There is a lot of turmoil in this organization. Not only did they fire their Head Coach Chip Kelly after 1 season, but they also fired their long time GM Trent Baalke. This team has a lot of ongoing issues. They do not have franchise QB on the roster, they do not have any playmakers at WR, and they have issues on defense. None of this is a good combination for a team that is looking for a head coach. The 49ers are in a complete rebuilding mode. The coach that takes this position is going to have to have some patience and so is the franchise. This is not a one-year turnaround.
- San Diego Chargers
Here is a team that also has some question marks going into 2017. Where will they be playing is probably the major question. Reports have the Chargers becoming the second NFL team based in Los Angeles. They would share the new stadium with the Los Angeles Rams. This is a team that has a lot of veterans. They have an aging QB, they too are missing consistent playmaking ability on the outside, and have a struggling defense. Whatever head coach that comes into San Diego/Los Angeles is also going to have to show some patience. The front office is going to need to make some moves to get that coach some help. This job too is close to a complete rebuild. Not as close as San Francisco but close enough.
- Los Angeles Rams
Here is an organization that has been at the forefront of mediocracy. Forer Head Coach Jeff Fisher is the poster boy for .500. As a matter of fact, he has a career record of 173-165-1. That is a winning percentage of .512. In recent years the Rams have had excellent defenses. However, they have not had the offense to match up. They lacked a franchise QB, running game and outside weaponry. I am starting to see a trend here. Only recently have they gotten a true running game and possible “franchise” QB. What this franchise needs in its next head coach is someone who works well with QBs. Someone who can mold QB Jared Goff. If they are able to land a guy like Kyle Shanahan or Josh McDaniels this team may not be as far off as they seem to be.
[Sean]
- Buffalo Bills
Here is a team that is really closer than they look. They have a solid, young defense. They have a QB who is young, has a strong arm, and I believe can lead them into the playoffs. They have weapons on the outside and they have a running game. They are strong on the offensive line. The issue here was really coaching and leadership. The Ryan’s failed at being leaders. I would expect the next head coach to be able to come in and take control of this team from the beginning. If so, I would not be surprised to see the Bills contend for a wild card in the AFC as soon as 2017.
- Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are one of the premiere young teams in the NFL. They have a young QB, solid weapons, and strong defense. They are missing an o-lineman or two to complete the puzzle. This job has got to be the second most appealing to any candidate out there. Along with being young, the Jaguars also have a large salary cap space. This will allow them to expand and grow with their new leader. Keep your eyes out for this job to fill rather quickly, possibly with a veteran head coach.
- Denver Broncos
The surprise retirement of Head Coach Gary Kubiak left the door open on one of the best jobs in the league. This team is set at all positions. Well maybe all, they do need some help on the o-line. Other than that they are fairly set. They have a top 5 defense in the NFL and a young QB. To go along with the QB they have a solid ground game and a very strong WR corp. The right head coach can come here and have a seamless integration. That is why this is the most appealing job in the NFL.
With six openings in the league, there is ample opportunity for any of the candidates to find their ideal job. Some may be more appealing than others. However, the desire to be a head coach sometimes trumps the location and previous knowledge of the organization. No matter the outcomes, these organizations will be in new hands in the very near future.