[Elvis]

http://www.thescore.com/nfl/news/1198184

Predicting the hires for all 6 NFL head coaching vacancies

by Dan Wilkins

It's that time again.

After a number of firings as the 2016 campaign came to a close, and one surprise retirement, there are a total of six head coach openings heading into the offseason.

Here's a look at how each team could fill their respective vacancies:

Broncos - Kyle Shanahan

Another Shanahan in Denver? Absolutely. Nobody really knows what kind of relationship John Elway and the Broncos organization have with father and former head coach Mike Shanahan, but it also shouldn't really matter. Kyle is arguably the top candidate on the market this offseason after guiding a Falcons offense that led the league in scoring and finished second only to the Saints in total yards.

Shanahan's system would instantly improve a struggling Broncos offense and provide a perfect environment for a young quarterback to thrive. In transitioning to a lead role for the first time, he'd also likely be inclined to have a veteran presence on staff as an assistant head coach. Might adding such a title be enough to keep Wade Phillips around as defensive coordinator after Gary Kubiak's decision to step down?

Rams - Josh McDaniels

McDaniels has been one of the most highly sought-after candidates for years. His ability to craft offensive game plans is well-documented, he's been groomed by the best coach in NFL history, and there's reason to believe he learned a lot from his failures at the helm in Denver. Given the virtual certainty that he'd get another opportunity down the road though, McDaniels has been content to remain in New England and ride the wave.

The Rams' opening, now that the team has relocated to the nation's second largest market and is awaiting construction on its $2.6-billion stadium, presents the kind of opportunity that can be difficult to turn down. McDaniels would look to bring along 2015 No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff in solving the Rams' longstanding offensive issues and finally providing a strong complement to a talented defense. McDaniels gives the Rams star potential without having to bring in a retread like Jon Gruden for the sake of name recognition.

Bills - Anthony Lynn

Opting for an in-house candidate is seemingly now the most likely scenario in Buffalo. Lynn's rapid ascent through the coaching ranks continued early this season when he took over for Greg Roman as offensive coordinator, and he was the obvious choice for interim head coach following Rex Ryan's firing in December.

Lynn sticking around would allow Buffalo to maintain both some semblance of continuity and the foundation for success they've established on the offensive side. Whether it's Tyrod Taylor or another young quarterback under center, having an elite ground game will always help. Early reports have also suggested that Gus Bradley would join Lynn as a defensive coordinator. His time as head coach in Jacksonville was historically underwhelming, but that could still be a major addition. Bradley's hand in Seattle's rise to defensive dominance was the reason he landed the Jaguars job in the first place.

Jaguars - Mike Smith

Any head coach can fail for a number of different reasons, so Gus Bradley's struggles shouldn't exactly dictate how the Jaguars conduct their next coaching search. As ownership again sets out to turn things around, however, don't be surprised if the target ends up being someone who's been there before. Better yet, why not someone who's been in Jacksonville before?

Smith may be the most qualified candidate nobody is talking about. A disappointing pair of seasons to end his run with the Falcons certainly didn't do him any favors, but let's not pretend he fluked his way into a 56-24 record over the five years beforehand. His instant impact with the Buccaneers defense this season is reminiscent of the similar success he enjoyed as coordinator in Jacksonville to earn the Falcons' top job.

Chargers - Jeff Fisher

On the surface, giving Fisher another chance at a head coaching job seems borderline irresponsible. And perhaps it would be. Coming off a 31-45-1 run with Rams, the 58-year-old has now posted a winning record in just five of his 22 seasons. By comparison, his resume includes nine seasons at either 7-9 or 8-8. Mediocrity at its finest, right?

But justified by his record or not, Fisher seemingly remains a well-respected coach in league circles. He has the kind of experience some front offices will value highly, and it's entirely fair to wonder whether he'd finally enjoy some success in taking over a team that already has an All-Pro caliber quarterback like Philip Rivers. Plus, Fisher is no stranger to guiding a team through relocation. How perfect would it be if Fisher were guiding the team that signs on as the Rams' co-tenant in Los Angeles?

49ers - Tom Cable

The 49ers vacancy is difficult to evaluate. On one hand, this remains an organization with a rich history. After running through three coaches in the last three years, ownership would presumably be willing to pay up and make the right hire this time around. On the other hand, any incoming coach will have to be willing to work under Jed York.

Given that the latter factor likely carries the most weight, the 49ers could end up missing out on top candidates and instead target one seeking a second chance. Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area lists Cable as an early candidate following the dismissal of Chip Kelly, and the fit makes sense. The former Raiders head coach, who now works as the offensive line coach in Seattle, certainly has experience with rebuilding projects. As is the case with McDaniels, the hope would be that his second go-round is more successful.

[RedAlice]

Dan Wilkins is an idiot.

I coulda wrote a better and more factual article of bullshit than that.

[Tom, With Horns]

To my knowledge, Jeff Fisher's name hasn't come up for consideration ... anywhere.

[Hacksaw_64]

[Hacksaw]

Oh the irony. Fisher with the LA Chargers. lol. imo, never gonna happen.

[BuiltRamTough]

Who are these guys?

[Elvis]

Oh the irony. Fisher with the LA Chargers. lol. imo, never gonna happen.

It would be hilarious, think of all the Fisher fans they'd steal from the Rams, all zero of them...

[Elvis]

It's a tough gig...

[Elvis]

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap300000 ... sf49187530

Falcons OC Kyle Shanahan to interview for four teams

By Around the NFL staff NFL.com
Published: Jan. 2, 2017 at 07:03 p.m.

Kyle Shanahan is January's belle of the ball.

The creative offensive coordinator of the Atlanta Falcons will stage no less than four interviews with coach-needy teams over the next week, sources informed of the situation told NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport.

On Friday and Saturday, Shanahan will meet with the Rams, Jaguars, Broncos and 49ers before the Falcons -- armed with the No. 2 seed in the NFC -- begin full preparations for the divisional round of the playoffs.

Shanahan has guided the Falcons to a sensational campaign on the offensive side of the ball. Atlanta rolls into the playoffs ranked first in points per game and second in yards per tilt, while quarterback Matt Ryan looms as a legitimate MVP candidate.

Just 37, Shanahan would become one of the NFL's youngest head coaches if he nabs a job, but forget about his age: This is one of the league's most exciting young talents

[Elvis]