AFC East
Buffalo Bills
-- Coach Doug Marrone has a three-day window to opt out of his contract. That window closes at the end of the day Wednesday. It was inserted into Marrone's contract when the Bills changed ownership earlier this season. While it would seem unlikely Marrone will exercise his opt-out clause, ESPN's Adam Schefter believes Marrone could be the top candidate on the open market if he sets himself free. Marrone reportedly butted heads with members of the Bills' front office earlier in the year. Schefter doesn't think it's a "dead-lock clinch, an automatic thing" that Marrone returns to Buffalo.
Miami Dolphins
New England Patriots
-- Patriots signed director of player personnel Nick Caserio to a contract extension through 2020. Caserio, who turned 39 on Saturday, has been a red-hot name on the GM market the past couple seasons and was expected to get plenty of interviews in the coming weeks. Not anymore. He'll remain in New England, where he's been since 2001. Caserio has worked his way up from personnel assistant and has had various titles along the way. He's been in the director of player personnel role as coach Bill Belichick's right-hand man since 2008.
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Falcons and 49ers have requested permission to interview Patriots OC Josh McDaniels for their head-coaching vacancies. McDaniels is a hot name for coaching vacancies now that the stink has worn off from his two seasons as the Broncos' head coach from 2009-2010 when he composed an 11-17 record. McDaniels will certainly be looking for the perfect fit since he can't afford another mess-up. The next head-coaching job he takes may be his last. In Atlanta, he'd have 2-3 dynamite building blocks in Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and potentially LT Jake Matthews. McDaniels also has a history with GM Thomas Dimitroff and assistant GM Scott Pioli from their New England days.
New York Jets
-- Idzik may not have gotten a fair shake -- being forced to retain coach Rex Ryan -- but he also didn't do himself any favors by blundering the 2014 draft and the cornerback and quarterback positions. -- Rex Ryan has already cleaned out his desk in advance of the Jets' season finale against the Dolphins.Always expected to get the axe following another disappointing season, Ryan now appears resigned to his fate. Ryan's will not be the only head that rolls on Monday, however, as special consultant Charley Casserly has reportedly begun contacting potential replacements for GM John Idzik was well.
-- ESPN's Chris Mortensen confirms the Jets are expected to fire GM John Idzik. This was fully expected, especially after the Jets' own website published stories this week on Idzik's failings as a general manager. Per Mort, owner Woody Johnson will leave Rex Ryan's fate in the hands of the Jets' next GM. Johnson would love to keep Rex -- he's a top-ten NFL head coach -- but New York's next decision maker may deem it best to clean house. Rex cleaned out his office this week, but "he has not been told he is out." Per Mort, Johnson doesn't want to keep Rex twisting in the wind. It would be an inglorious end to what's ultimately been a successful tenure for Ryan in the Big Apple (depending upon who you ask, of course, but one that's been a fait accompli since early in the season. Ryan is a good head coach, but has routinely been felled by dysfunctional offenses. That's not all his fault, of course, but no one can fault the Jets for making a change after four straight 8-8 or worse seasons. Ryan will likely be in high demand, however. Ryan is reportedly dead set against being a coordinator, so we'd guess he'll head into television if a head-coaching gig doesn't materialize. Ryan went 20-12 in his first two seasons with the Jets, playing in two straight AFC Championship Games (2009, 2010). In the four seasons since then, he's gone 26-38 with zero playoff appearances and an inability to develop offensive talent. Still, Ryan hits the market as one of the best candidates available, an excellent motivator even if he's best suited to be a defensive coordinator.
-- Jets fired GM John Idzik. Hired in January of 2013 to bring Seattle's brand of roster building to the Jets, Idzik instead failed miserably. He bungled the Darrelle Revis situation, left Rex Ryan with street-level talent in the secondary, drafted Geno Smith and moved at a glacial pace in free agency decisions. Idzik reportedly rubbed multiple people in the Jets front office the wrong way, creating "division" in the organization. Owner Woody Johnson is cleaning house and starting over by firing both Idzik and Rex Ryan at the same time.
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Jets are expected to request an interview with Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancies. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, the 49ers have already reached out. Quinn has overseen an absolutely smothering unit since former DC Gus Bradley left for Jacksonville in 2013, and is as good a bet as any coordinator to take the next step. The Jets will interview Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancy on Friday. Owner Woody Johnson and consultants Ron Wolf and Charley Casserly will fly to Seattle to do the interview. With the Seahawks still in the playoffs, Quinn can do interviews through next weekend, but won't be allowed to do so again until Seattle is eliminated. Quinn may be the gem of this year's coordinator-to-head coach class. He's been running Seattle's defense the past two years, leading the Seattle defense to back-to-back No. 1 finishes in terms of points allowed
-- The Jets have requested to interview Seahawks director of pro personnel Trent Kirchner for their general-manager vacancy. Jets fans will scream and moan that "we got John Idzik from the Seahawks!" and question why they'd go back to Seattle for their next GM. But unlike Idzik, who was a mere "salary-cap guy" in Seattle, Kirchner is GM John Schneider's right-hand man as a personnel guy. He's viewed as an up-and-comer in personnel.
-- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Jets have requested to interview Ravens OC Gary Kubiak, Chargers OC Frank Reich, and Seahawks OL coach Tom Cable for their head-coaching vacancy. It's the first we've seen Kubiak, Reich, and Cable linked to head-coaching openings. Kubiak won't be available to interview until the Ravens are eliminated from the playoffs. With the Seahawks on a bye this week, Cable's interview will take place over the weekend. Reich is free to conduct interviews at any time. Unlike Quinn and Bowles, Kubiak, Reich, and Cable all have offensive backgrounds. Cable would be an interesting hire. Cable was the Raiders' head coach from 2008-2010, compiling a 17-27 record. He's been with Seattle since 2011. There were rumblings earlier this month that if Cable gets a head-coach job, he could bring Marshawn Lynch with him.
-- The Newark Star-Ledger reports the Jets are currently considering five candidates for the general-manager vacancy. We already knew Seahawks director of pro personnel Trent Kirchner and Ravens assistant GM Eric DeCosta, but beat writer Dom Cosentino reports there are three more names on the list. Texans college scouting director Mike Maccagnan, Vikings assistant GM George Paton and Eagles pro personnel director Rick Mueller are apparently all being considered to replace John Idzik. The Jets would be wise to hire a general manager before making a move at coach.
-- The Jets will interview assistant head coach/RBs coach Anthony Lynn for their head-coaching vacancy. It's a courtesy interview. A former player, Lynn has been an NFL RBs coach since 2003.
AFC South
Houston Texans
Indianapolis Colts
Jacksonville Jaguars
-- Jaguars fired OC Jedd Fisch. Coach Gus Bradley brought in Fisch to run the offense when he got the job two seasons ago, and Fisch guided the Jaguars to back-to-back 31st-place finishes in yards. They were painful to watch on that side of the ball, even with a talent infusion at quarterback, running back, and receiver this season. Fisch may head back to the college ranks for the 2015 season. Blake Bortles will have to learn a second offense in his second NFL season. That's cause for concern regarding his ability to make a sophomore leap. The Florida Times-Union speculates ex-Bears coach Marc Trestman will be a candidate for the Jaguars' offensive-coordinator vacancy. According to reporter Ryan O'Halloran, Jaguars coach Gus Bradley has "become close" with Trestman. O'Halloran would put Trestman "at the top of the list" to replace Jedd Fisch, who was fired on Tuesday. Bradley himself commented on Trestman at Tuesday's presser, saying Trestman is a "good person," but that he hasn't "thought that much into it yet." Trestman's hiring would be a boon for a team with a ton of young talent on offense.
Tennessee Titans
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens
-- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Jets have requested to interview Ravens OC Gary Kubiak for it's head-coaching vacancy. Kubiak won't be available to interview until the Ravens are eliminated from the playoffs.
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
-- A source tells the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Browns OC Kyle Shanahan is on the 49ers' list of head coaching candidates. Shanahan is going to be on the list for a lot of HC vacancies. A talented game-planner and offensive schemer, Mike Shanahan's son was handcuffed this year by Brian Hoyer. The Browns still averaged 23.2 points per game for the first nine weeks before myriad issues and injuries torpedoed them. Kyle has also had mostly successful stints guiding the offenses of the Texans (2008-09) and Redskins (2010-13). His experience with pre-injury Robert Griffin III would be interesting for the Niners as they try to get Colin Kaepernick pointed upward again.
Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC West
Denver Broncos
--The 49ers and Falcons have both requested permission to speak with Broncos OC Adam Gase about their head coaching vacancies. Under league rules, Gase can interview with teams this week because the Broncos are on a bye. It's unclear if he'll do so however, as he declined to talk to anyone last year until his team's playoff run was over. Gase has overseen a bit of a transformation in the Broncos offense this season, shifting from massive reliance on Peyton Manning to a balanced attack that features the run game and a quick-hitting pass attack. Gase, just 36 years old, has never been a head coach at the NCAA or NFL level. The Bears have requested permission to interview Broncos OC Adam Gase for their head-coaching vacancy. Chicago can interview Gase this week since the playoff-bound Broncos are on bye. Gase's main task in Chicago would be saving Jay Cutler's career, with finding a defensive mind capable of resurrecting one of the league's worst units a close second on the list.
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Broncos DC Jack Del Rio is expected to draw "significant interest" from the Raiders for their head-coaching vacancy. ESPN's Bill Williamson believes Del Rio is the "favorite" to replace Dennis Allen, who was fired in October. It wouldn't be an enthusiastically-received hire, but perhaps as good as the dysfunctional Raiders could do. Del Rio went 68-71 in eight and a half years as the Jaguars' head man, making the playoffs twice. He's done a splendid job as the Broncos' defensive coordinator.
Kansas City Chiefs
Oakland Raiders
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Broncos DC Jack Del Rio is expected to draw "significant interest" from the Raiders for their head-coaching vacancy. ESPN's Bill Williamson believes Del Rio is the "favorite" to replace Dennis Allen, who was fired in October. It wouldn't be an enthusiastically-received hire, but perhaps as good as the dysfunctional Raiders could do. Del Rio went 68-71 in eight and a half years as the Jaguars' head man, making the playoffs twice. He's done a splendid job as the Broncos' defensive coordinator.
-- Raiders owner Mark Davis has no plans to fire GM Reggie McKenzie. "He's always been my guy," Davis said of McKenzie, who has overseen an 11-37 team in his three years on the job. Davis did prop the door open for a change, but hinted it was extremely unlikely. "Every day is a new day," Davis said. "But I've never had a problem with Reggie." McKenzie inherited a mess from former owner/GM Al Davis, but has somehow managed to make it worse, bungling both the draft and free agency. McKenzie finally had a good draft class in 2014, but botched free agency as bad as any decision-maker in recent memory. There was his inexplicable decision to let LT Jared Veldheer walk, and disastrous failed signing of G/T Rodger Saffold. McKenzie is out of his depth. If he's not fired this year, it will likely be next.
-- The Raiders are scheduled to interview 49ers TEs coach Eric Mangini for their head-coaching vacancy. After being fired by the Jets, Mangini spent a few years at ESPN and recently reentered the coaching ranks as a 49ers assistant. He was the Niners' tight ends coach in 2014. It's worth noting the Niners' tight ends had an absolutely awful season as a unit, though we wouldn't necessarily blame Mangini. Either way, Mangini would certainly be an outside-the-box hire for the Raiders.
-- The Raiders will interview Eagles OC Pat Shurmur for their head-coaching vacancy. Another retread -- like 49ers TEs coach Eric Mangini -- for the Raiders to interview. Shurmur doesn't excite many, but he's a good coach. Prior to going 9-23 as the Browns' head coach from 2011-2012, Shurmur coached Eagles QBs for seven years under Andy Reid and was the Rams' OC during Sam Bradford's rookie season -- his best year as a pro when he won Rookie of the Year. Shurmur has spent the past two seasons learning new ideas from Chip Kelly.
San Diego Chargers
-- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Jets have requested to interview Chargers OC Frank Reich for it's head-coaching vacancy. Reich is free to conduct interviews at any time.
NFC East
Dallas Cowboys
New York Giants
-- The New York Daily News believes Giants DC Perry Fewell's job is "certainly in danger." The 2014 Giants ranked in the bottom five of the NFL's defensive rankings for the third time in Fewell's three seasons as coordinator. Fewell has generated head-coaching interest in recent seasons, but his performance as the Giants' DC never matched up with those inquiries. The Giants' coaching staff is otherwise expected to return intact, with Tom Coughlin at HC and Ben McAdoo at OC.
-- Tom Coughlin has been told he will return to the Giants in 2015. Coughlin has gone 22-26 over the last three seasons, failing to make the playoffs each year. But the Giants were able to finish strong once again this season, winning three of their final four games on the backs of Eli Manning and Odell Beckham. Coughlin, 68, clearly has more leash than most NFL coaches because he's won two Super Bowls for the Giants. But anything short of a playoff berth in 2015 should be the end of his run. There's no word yet on the fate of DC Perry Fewell, who may end up taking the fall here.
Philadelphia Eagles
-- The Raiders will interview Eagles OC Pat Shurmur for their head-coaching vacancy. Another retread -- like 49ers TEs coach Eric Mangini -- for the Raiders to interview. Shurmur doesn't excite many, but he's a good coach. Prior to going 9-23 as the Browns' head coach from 2011-2012, Shurmur coached Eagles QBs for seven years under Andy Reid and was the Rams' OC during Sam Bradford's rookie season -- his best year as a pro when he won Rookie of the Year. Shurmur has spent the past two seasons learning new ideas from Chip Kelly.
Washington Redskins
NFC South
Atlanta Falcons
-- Per La Canfora, GM Thomas Dimitroff's future is "hanging in the balance" and it's conceivable owner Arthur Blank cleans house if the Falcons miss the playoffs. Per La Canfora, it would likely take a multi-game run for coach Mike Smith to return. The Falcons "have interest" in Patriots OC Josh McDaniels, and we wouldn't rule out a run at Rex Ryan, whom Blank should have hired in 2009.
-- Smith likely would have been gone even if the Falcons had beaten the Panthers Sunday and made the playoffs with a 7-9 season. He's lost his way at the end of his seven-year tenure, posting a 4-12 record last year and continuing to bungle in-game decisions. Owner Arthur Blank has already contracted a search firm to find his next head coach. Smith went 66-46 in seven years at the helm of the Falcons and was the 2008 NFL Coach of the Year, but was just 1-4 in four playoff appearances and 10-22 over the last two seasons. There was no way the Falcons could bring him back, even if they somehow had made the postseason in the lowly NFC South. Smith, a defensive-minded head coach, had his Defense ranked by Profootballfocus at #26 each of the last two seasons, and his Defensive Drive Success Rate by FootballOutsiders was dead last this season and 29th last season. He also repeatedly bungled end-game situations.
--The Falcons have requested permission to speak with Broncos OC Adam Gase about it's head coaching vacancies. Under league rules, Gase can interview with teams this week because the Broncos are on a bye. It's unclear if he'll do so however, as he declined to talk to anyone last year until his team's playoff run was over. Gase has overseen a bit of a transformation in the Broncos offense this season, shifting from massive reliance on Peyton Manning to a balanced attack that features the run game and a quick-hitting pass attack. Gase, just 36 years old, has never been a head coach at the NCAA or NFL level.
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Falcons are expected to request an interview with Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for it's head-coaching vacancies. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, the 49ers have already reached out. Quinn has overseen an absolutely smothering unit since former DC Gus Bradley left for Jacksonville in 2013, and is as good a bet as any coordinator to take the next step.
-- CBS' Jason La Canfora reports the Falcons have requested permission to interview Cardinals DC Todd Bowles for their head-coaching vacancy. That's in addition to Broncos OC Adam Gase, and Seahawks DC Dan Quinn. Bowles is in high demand after coaxing dominating play out of a Cardinals defense that was undermanned all season.
-- CBS' Jason La Canfora reports the Falcons are interested in Lions DC Teryl Austin for their head-coaching vacancy. The Falcons wisely appear to be leaning toward a defensive mind. With Matt Ryan entrenched under center, the Falcons' offense is in good hands no matter who's hired to call plays.
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Falcons have requested permission to interview Patriots OC Josh McDaniels for it's head-coaching vacancies. McDaniels is a hot name for coaching vacancies now that the stink has worn off from his two seasons as the Broncos' head coach from 2009-2010 when he composed an 11-17 record. McDaniels will certainly be looking for the perfect fit since he can't afford another mess-up. The next head-coaching job he takes may be his last. In Atlanta, he'd have 2-3 dynamite building blocks in Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and potentially LT Jake Matthews. McDaniels also has a history with GM Thomas Dimitroff and assistant GM Scott Pioli from their New England days.
-- The Jets and Falcons will interview Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancies this weekend. The Jets get Quinn on Friday, with the Falcons having their meeting with him on Saturday. Quinn is expected to receive interest from all of the head coach-needy clubs after leading the Seattle defense to back-to-back No. 1 finishes in terms of points allowed in his two seasons as defensive coordinator.
-- The Bucs are interested in hiring in-limbo Falcons OC Dirk Koetter for the same position. The Bucs don't currently have an offensive coordinator after Jeff Tedford developed a heart ailment shortly before the season. QBs coach Marcus Arroyo called plays the entire year, guiding the Bucs to a 30th-place finish in yards. Koetter would be a huge upgrade and a hot name should he be let go in Atlanta. There were rumblings last week that the Falcons wanted to bring in Rex Ryan as head coach and force him to keep Koetter on staff to run the offense.
Carolina Panthers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
-- The Bucs are interested in hiring in-limbo Falcons OC Dirk Koetter for the same position. The Bucs don't currently have an offensive coordinator after Jeff Tedford developed a heart ailment shortly before the season. QBs coach Marcus Arroyo called plays the entire year, guiding the Bucs to a 30th-place finish in yards. Koetter would be a huge upgrade and a hot name should he be let go in Atlanta. There were rumblings last week that the Falcons wanted to bring in Rex Ryan as head coach and force him to keep Koetter on staff to run the offense.
NFC North
Chicago Bears
-- After a disastrous season, it seems the Bears are ready to completely clean house. Coach Marc Trestman already has one foot out the door, GM Phil Emery's position appears perilous at best and Phillips could get the axe despite being with the team for almost 16 years. Ironically, the one person who may survive is Jay Cutler because his Emery-negotiated contract makes him a headache to trade.
-- Back in July, Shanahan said he'd like to return to the NFL in a "situation where there was a realistic opportunity to win a Super Bowl." The Bears were billed as contenders for the Lombardi heading into the season, mostly because of their offense. Shanahan drafted Cutler in Denver and had a very strong relationship with the quarterback. Cutler almost landed in Washington when Shanahan went to D.C. If the Bears are interested in keeping Cutler around, expect Shanahan to emerge as a favorite for head coach.
-- Bears fired coach Marc Trestman and GM Phil Emery. Trestman got just two years in Chicago, going 13-19 while sustaining his reputation as an elite offensive mind that's not NFL head coaching material. Perhaps that's fair, but there aren't many people we'd rather have running our offense. Trestman showed his quarterback guru ways last season when he coaxed a white-hot performance out of career journeyman Josh McCown and his system also made Jimmy Clausen look like a serviceable spot-starter this season. Unfortunately, Jay Cutler couldn't hear Trestman's whispers and the defense was inept again. Trestman will be one of the hottest offensive coordinator candidates available over the next month. Emery took over for Jerry Angelo in 2012. In the three years since then, the Bears have fired Lovie Smith, given Jay Cutler a $126M contract and gone 23-25 with zero playoff appearances. Emery has to take the heat for negotiating the Cutler contract.
-- Bears fired OC Aaron Kromer.Kromer was fired along with head coach Marc Trestman and GM Phil Emery. His biggest impact on the season was leaking a story to the NFL Network that disparaged his team's $126M quarterback, Jay Cutler.
Detroit Lions
-- CBS' Jason La Canfora reports the Falcons are interested in Lions DC Teryl Austin for their head-coaching vacancy. The Falcons wisely appear to be leaning toward a defensive mind.
Green Bay Packers
Minnesota Vikings
NFC West
Arizona Cardinals
-- ESPN's Josina Anderson reports the 49ers have requested permission to interview Cardinals DC Todd Bowles for it's head-coaching vacancy. The 49ers are starting out within the division as they look to replace Jim Harbaugh. Bowles' unit wildly overachieved this season. It appears the 49ers are looking to make a defensive hire after bringing aboard an offensive mind in Harbaugh four years ago.
-- CBS' Jason La Canfora reports the Falcons have requested permission to interview Cardinals DC Todd Bowles for their head-coaching vacancy. Bowles is in high demand after coaxing dominating play out of a Cardinals defense that was undermanned all season. The Arizona Republic reports "every team with a head-coaching opening" has requested permission to interview Cardinals DC Todd Bowles. To summarize, that's the Jets, Bears, Raiders, 49ers and Falcons. Bowles has only been in Arizona two seasons, but overseen two vastly overachieving units. There's a good chance he's tabbed to take the next step.
San Francisco 49ers
-- A Michigan alum, Jim Harbaugh wound up spending four seasons as the 49ers' head coach before a falling out with GM Trent Baalke, compiling a record of 43-19-1 entering Sunday's season finale against Arizona. Harbaugh was the head coach at Stanford in the prior four years and knows the college game. It's believed Baalke will now pursue a coach willing to accept less power. In-house candidates will be DC Vic Fangio and DL coach Jim Tomsula. Together, Harbaugh and Baalke turned around a 49ers organization that had previously missed the playoffs in eight straight years. Their divorce was known to be inevitable entering the 2014 season.
-- And so ends a highly disappointing 2014 season for Kaepernick, where he finished with a 19:10 TD-to-INT ratio and 60.5 completion rate. Kaepernick definitely isn't getting better and may actually be getting worse, especially as a passer. He was more effective when the 49ers began running him more late in the year, but as a thrower Kaepernick consistently shows poor touch and is too quick to abandon his progressions when his first read appears covered. With Jim Harbaugh expected to go to Michigan, we suspect the 49ers will try to maintain some semblance of system continuity, perhaps retaining OC Greg Roman.
-- The 49ers are refusing to call the transaction a firing, but instead a "(mutual agreement) to part ways." Whatever they want to call it, the 49ers are pushing out a coach with one year left on his contract. Harbaugh was a revelation in his first go-around as an NFL head coach, posting a 44-19-1 record across four seasons while reaching the NFC Championship Game three times. Harbaugh's squad lost Super Bowl XLVII to the Ravens, and were one play away from being world champions. It seems absurd that Harbaugh has lost his power struggle with GM Trent Baalke, but it's no secret that his personality is a grating one. Despite the winning, he just couldn't get along with his bosses. Harbaugh is widely rumored to be returning to the college ranks, and his alma mater Michigan. We should have official word some time in the next 48 hours. Whomever the 49ers hire next will be a downgrade, and likely a steep one.
-- A source tells the Cleveland Plain Dealer that Browns OC Kyle Shanahan is on the 49ers' list of head coaching candidates. Shanahan is going to be on the list for a lot of HC vacancies. A talented game-planner and offensive schemer, Mike Shanahan's son was handcuffed this year by Brian Hoyer. The Browns still averaged 23.2 points per game for the first nine weeks before myriad issues and injuries torpedoed them. Kyle has also had mostly successful stints guiding the offenses of the Texans (2008-09) and Redskins (2010-13). His experience with pre-injury Robert Griffin III would be interesting for the Niners as they try to get Colin Kaepernick pointed upward again.
-- The 49ers have requested permission to speak with Broncos OC Adam Gase about it's head coaching vacancies. Under league rules, Gase can interview with teams this week because the Broncos are on a bye. It's unclear if he'll do so however, as he declined to talk to anyone last year until his team's playoff run was over. Gase has overseen a bit of a transformation in the Broncos offense this season, shifting from massive reliance on Peyton Manning to a balanced attack that features the run game and a quick-hitting pass attack. Gase, just 36 years old, has never been a head coach at the NCAA or NFL level.
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the 49ers are expected to request an interview with Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancies. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, the 49ers have already reached out. Quinn has overseen an absolutely smothering unit since former DC Gus Bradley left for Jacksonville in 2013, and is as good a bet as any coordinator to take the next step.
-- ESPN's Josina Anderson reports the 49ers have requested permission to interview Cardinals DC Todd Bowles for their head-coaching vacancy. The 49ers are starting out within the division as they look to replace Jim Harbaugh. Quinn has overseen arguably the best unit in the league since predecessor Gus Bradley left for Jacksonville, while Bowles' unit wildly overachieved this season. It appears the 49ers are looking to make a defensive hire after bringing aboard an offensive mind in Harbaugh four years ago.
-- The 49ers will interview DL coach Jim Tomsula for their head-coaching vacancy. The Niners are widely believed to be pursuing a replacement for Jim Harbaugh who won't cause any front-office friction. 46-year-old Tomsula may fit the bill after taking orders from Harbaugh and DC Vic Fangio the past four seasons. Tomsula was a holdover from the Mike Singletary regime. He's been the 49ers' defensive line coach since 2007 and was a head coach in NFL Europe in 2006.
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the 49ers have requested permission to interview Patriots OC Josh McDaniels for it's head-coaching vacancies. McDaniels is a hot name for coaching vacancies now that the stink has worn off from his two seasons as the Broncos' head coach from 2009-2010 when he composed an 11-17 record. McDaniels will certainly be looking for the perfect fit since he can't afford another mess-up. The next head-coaching job he takes may be his last.
-- The Raiders are scheduled to interview 49ers TEs coach Eric Mangini for their head-coaching vacancy. After being fired by the Jets, Mangini spent a few years at ESPN and recently reentered the coaching ranks as a 49ers assistant. He was the Niners' tight ends coach in 2014. It's worth noting the Niners' tight ends had an absolutely awful season as a unit, though we wouldn't necessarily blame Mangini. Either way, Mangini would certainly be an outside-the-box hire for the Raiders.
-- The 49ers will interview Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancy on Tuesday. The 49ers are looking toward their arch-rivals for their first attempt at finding their replacement for Jim Harbaugh. Quinn is also drawing interesting from the Jets and Falcons, so the 49ers may be compelled to act quickly if they like what they hear on Tuesday.
Seattle Seahawks
-- NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Falcons, Jets and 49ers are all expected to request interviews with Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancies. According to ESPN's Josina Anderson, the 49ers have already reached out. Quinn has overseen an absolutely smothering unit since former DC Gus Bradley left for Jacksonville in 2013, and is as good a bet as any coordinator to take the next step. The Jets will interview Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancy on Saturday. Owner Woody Johnson and consultants Ron Wolf and Charley Casserly will fly to Seattle to do the interview. With the Seahawks still in the playoffs, Quinn can do interviews through next weekend, but won't be allowed to do so again until Seattle is eliminated. Quinn may be the gem of this year's coordinator-to-head coach class. He's been running Seattle's defense the past two years.
-- The Jets have requested to interview Seahawks director of pro personnel Trent Kirchner for their general-manager vacancy. Jets fans will scream and moan that "we got John Idzik from the Seahawks!" and question why they'd go back to Seattle for their next GM. But unlike Idzik, who was a mere "salary-cap guy" in Seattle, Kirchner is GM John Schneider's right-hand man as a personnel guy. He's viewed as an up-and-comer in personnel.
-- The Jets and Falcons will interview Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancies this weekend. The Jets get Quinn on Friday, with the Falcons having their meeting with him on Saturday. Quinn is expected to receive interest from all of the head coach-needy clubs after leading the Seattle defense to back-to-back No. 1 finishes in terms of points allowed in his two seasons as defensive coordinator.
-- ESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Jets have requested to interview Seahawks OL coach Tom Cable for it's head-coaching vacancy. With the Seahawks on a bye this week, Cable's interview will take place over the weekend. Cable would be an interesting hire.
-- The 49ers will interview Seahawks DC Dan Quinn for their head-coaching vacancy on Tuesday. The 49ers are looking toward their arch-rivals for their first attempt at finding their replacement for Jim Harbaugh. Quinn is also drawing interesting from the Jets and Falcons, so the 49ers may be compelled to act quickly if they like what they hear on Tuesday.
St. Louis Rams
A list of top GM candidates put together by Rich Cimini of ESPN:
Chris Ballard, Kansas City Chiefs, director of player personnel -- He'll be a hot commodity. Ballard is bright and personable, with a background in scouting and coaching. He spent 12 years in the Chicago Bears' organization before joining the Chiefs' front office in 2013. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers came after him last year, but he withdrew from consideration because he wasn't going to have final say on personnel.
Scott Pioli, Atlanta Falcons, assistant general manager -- He has the most complete resume of anyone on the list. Pioli was Bill Belichick's right-hand man from 2000 to 2008, helping to build three Super Bowl winners. Bill Parcells' son-in-law was a two-time NFL Executive of the Year. He left the nest to become the Chiefs' GM from 2009 to 2012. The team was only 23-41, but he drafted or re-signed nine Pro Bowl players. His football acumen is top notch; his managerial style reportedly chafed people in the Chiefs' organization.
Nick Caserio, New England Patriots, director of player personnel -- He became the new Pioli in Belichick's kingdom, helping restock the Patriots' roster. This is his 14th year with the Patriots, and there are those who believe Cesario wouldn't cross Belichick by jumping to the rival Jets. He interviewed for the Dolphins' general manager job last year.
Brian Gaine, Houston Texans, director of pro personnel-- He interviewed for the Jets' vacancy in 2013. Gaine is a Parcells disciple who played briefly for the Jets and worked his way up as a scout. He has held front-office positions with the Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins. Gaine is well-respected in scouting circles, regarded as a rising star.
Ryan Pace, New Orleans Saints, director of player personnel -- He worked his way up from the bottom of the organization. Pace has spent most of his time in pro personnel; he's never been a college area scout. A year ago, the Saints denied a request by the Dolphins to interview Pace for their general manager vacancy.
Tom Gamble, Philadelphia Eagles, vice president player personnel -- Gamble was thought to be the early frontrunner in the Jets' search in 2013, but he didn't knock the interview out of the park. It's hard to quibble with his resume. He has worked under Bill Polian and current San Francisco 49ers general manager Trent Baalke.
Duke Tobin, Cincinnati Bengals, director of player personnel -- There's no traditional general manager in Cincinnati, so he works closely with coach Marvin Lewis. The Bengals are notoriously cheap -- see the skeleton scouting staff -- but the roster is filled with talent.
Jerry Angelo, former Chicago Bears general manager -- He has been out of the NFL since being fired by the Bears after the 2011 season, but Angelo is a highly respected football man who built an NFC Championship team in Chicago. He interviewed for the Jets' job in 2013.
Eric DeCosta, Baltimore Ravens, assistant general manager -- It wouldn't be a list of candidates without DeCosta. The Jets sought permission to interview him in 2013, but he declined. He's had many suitors over the years, but he's considered the heir apparent to Ozzie Newsome.
Eliot Wolf, Green Bay Packers, director of pro personnel -- It's just a matter of time before Wolf, only 32, becomes a general manager. You can't beat the DNA; his father is former Packers general manager Ron Wolf, who could serve as a consultant during the Jets' search.
As of now....the Draft Order for 2015:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tennessee Titans
Jacksonville Jaguars
Oakland Raiders
Washington Redskins
New York Jets
Chicago Bears
Atlanta Falcons
New York Giants
St. Louis Rams
University Moves:
-- Former 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh has agreed to take the University of Michigan job. Just a few days after "mutually parting ways" with the 49ers, Harbaugh will be announced as the next head coach at Michigan -- his alma mater. Harbaugh was a star quarterback during his playing days there, winning Big Ten Player of the Year honors and finishing third in Heisman voting as a senior in 1986. Initial reports said Michigan made a six-year, $49M offer to Harbaugh, which would mean he's college football's highest paid coach.
Out of Retirement Moves:
-- Ex-Raiders HC Dennis Allen is "eyeing a return" to the NFL as a defensive coordinator. At very least, Allen should land a defensive backs coach job somewhere. He spent just one season as a defensive coordinator -- in 2011 with Denver -- before failing as the Raiders' head coach 2012-2014. Allen spent 2006-2010 on the Saints' staff and could be an option when/if New Orleans fires DC Rob Ryan.