The NFL’s Offensive Coordinator Carousel: Who’s in the Spotlight?
With nearly all head coaching vacancies filled in the NFL, the focus now shifts to the coveted offensive coordinator (OC) roles. These positions, often a springboard to head coaching gigs, are drawing intense competition as teams look for the right strategists to drive their offenses. Among the many names floating around, one stands out prominently: Chip Kelly, the seasoned coach with a storied history in both college and professional football.
Chip Kelly: A Top Contender for Multiple OC Roles
Sources reveal that Chip Kelly, the current offensive coordinator for Ohio State and a former NFL head coach, is at the top of the list for several teams. The Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans are reportedly eyeing Kelly for their open OC positions. There’s also chatter about Kelly potentially being a fit for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, among other teams.
Kelly’s recent success with the Ohio State Buckeyes, where he helped secure a national championship, has reignited his NFL appeal. Despite his age—Kelly is 61—he has consistently maintained interest in returning to the NFL. Last year, his name circulated widely during the coaching carousel after his tenure at UCLA came to an end. Before joining Ohio State, Kelly served as the head coach for the Philadelphia Eagles for three seasons and the San Francisco 49ers for one, though both stints ended prematurely.
Why Teams Are Interested in Kelly
What makes Kelly such a hot prospect? His offensive ingenuity and track record of innovation. Kelly’s fast-paced, no-huddle offenses were groundbreaking during his time in Philadelphia, influencing how offenses operate league-wide today. For the Jaguars, pairing Kelly with their new head coach Liam Coen could create an exciting offensive dynamic. However, questions remain about Kelly’s role in play-calling, as Coen is expected to take on those duties himself.
In Houston, Kelly's familiarity with head coach DeMeco Ryans could play a pivotal role. Kelly coached Ryans during his playing days in Philadelphia, and with Ryans’ defensive background, Kelly would likely have full autonomy over the Texans’ offense. This level of trust and creative freedom could make the Texans an appealing landing spot.
The Broader Offensive Coordinator Market
The NFL currently has 11 open OC positions, and while some teams have already filled their vacancies, many high-profile spots remain available. For example:
- New England Patriots: They’ve brought back Josh McDaniels, a familiar face, as their OC.
- Cleveland Browns: Tommy Rees has been hired to lead their offense.
- San Francisco 49ers: Reports suggest Klay Kubiak is the frontrunner for the role.
Additionally, other positions with teams like the Eagles, Commanders, Packers, and Giants may become available depending on how the interview processes unfold.
Emerging Candidates: Fresh Faces and Familiar Names
Several other notable names are making waves in the OC market:
- Kellen Moore and Mike Kafka are strong contenders for the New Orleans Saints OC job.
- Adam Stenavich, currently with the Packers, is interviewing for the Seattle Seahawks’ OC role.
- Kliff Kingsbury has made it clear he won’t entertain any opportunities until the Commanders’ season concludes.
Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are casting a wide net for their next OC. They’ve interviewed candidates like Chargers pass game coordinator Marcus Brady and Vikings assistant Grant Udinski. Rams assistant Nate Scheelhaas is also on their radar. Internally, Buccaneers pass game coordinator Josh Grizzard and quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis are seen as strong options. However, some industry insiders wonder if Tampa Bay’s uncertain coaching future under Todd Bowles might deter top-tier candidates.
Rising Stars and Intriguing Moves
One of the hottest names in this year’s cycle is Rams pass game coordinator Nick Caley. After turning down the Patriots’ OC job last year, Caley is rumored to be a top candidate for the Jets. His versatility and ability to work with young quarterbacks make him an attractive choice for any team.
Detroit Lions face a significant transition after losing OC Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears. Internal candidates like Scottie Montgomery and Tanner Engstrand are being considered, while the team recently promoted Kelvin Sheppard to defensive coordinator.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders are in search of a new OC, with early candidates including Titans quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree and Broncos executive David Shaw. Shaw, known for his cerebral approach to the game, has already interviewed for the Bears’ OC position and remains a highly respected figure in coaching circles.
Challenges and Opportunities for Teams
While the OC market is buzzing with activity, it’s not without its challenges. Teams like the Buccaneers and Jaguars face hurdles in attracting top candidates due to uncertainties about their long-term coaching stability. The Buccaneers, in particular, are unlikely to allow any of their current assistants to follow Liam Coen to Jacksonville, limiting Coen’s options for building his staff.
On the flip side, teams like the Texans offer intriguing opportunities for candidates seeking autonomy. DeMeco Ryans’ defensive expertise ensures that his OC will have full control over the offensive strategy, a rare and enticing proposition for ambitious play-callers.
What’s Next?
As the coaching carousel continues to spin, all eyes are on the NFL’s front offices. Decisions made in the coming weeks could shape the league’s offensive landscape for years to come. With Chip Kelly leading the charge of potential hires and several high-profile names still in the mix, this offseason promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.
For fans and analysts alike, the drama surrounding these hires serves as a reminder of how crucial coaching is in today’s NFL. Whether it’s an established veteran like Kelly or an up-and-comer like Nick Caley, the next wave of offensive minds is ready to take the league by storm. The countdown to kickoff just got a lot more interesting.
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