As the NFL coaching carousel picks up serious momentum, which jobs should potential hires appreciate more than others?
As mentioned everywhere, the NFL news cycle neither stops nor slows for anything. After the regular season ended, you saw a flood of coaches ousted. On top of that, names of hot candidates flood the airwaves and social. Yet, through all of this, has anyone objectively looked at as preferred destinations as opposed to where fans/media think a candidate should go? For argument’s sake the New England Patriots merit a spot on this list. While nothing about Bill Belichick’s future exists as of this writing.
1. Washington
Pros: 86 million dollars in cap space, new owner, the second-overall draft pick.
Cons: Situated in the tough NFC East where the Cowboys and Eagles will wage a never-ending brawl each season.
When Josh Harris purchased the team from Daniel Snyder, the Commanders immediately became better. If you know a Commanders fan, buy them a drink, they’ve earned it. Under the tyrannical rule of Snyder, this once-proud franchise floundered on the field and embarrassed themselves off it. Now, with eighty-six million to spend and draft capital to restock, any smart head coach would head to DC (never, ever, call it the DMV). Plus, with Magic Johnson in the ownership group, expect to spend millions to quickly improve. One of the oldest teams in the NFL needs to be better.
2. Las Vegas
Pros: Location, facilities, ready-made defense with cornerstone (Maxx Crosby), potentially tradeable asset in Davante Adams
Cons: Atrocious recent history, many subpar offensive components.
The Raiders may surprise many by ranking so high but look at what they offer. First, coaching a team in the entertainment capital of the world alone possesses merits. Second, the Raiders play in a state-of-the-art NFL stadium and practice in another. Third, Davante Adams remains an elite receiver. A new coach can either build the offense around him or ship him off for draft picks. Lastly, Maxx Crosby is a top-flight edge rusher. He is the heart and soul of the Raiders right now and his energy reverberates throughout the franchise. If you can overlook the two decades of mostly miserable results, Vegas could become a factor.
3. Los Angeles
Pros: Young franchise quarterback, sound receivers, and capable pass rush.
Cons: suspect back seven and lack of offensive identity, -34 million in cap space
For employing Justin Herbert alone, the Chargers grab the third spot. Since his drafting, the braintrust failed to assemble competent pieces all over the field for him. Meanwhile, they need a bruising running back, linebackers and secondary improvements. Under those circumstances, the new general manager and head coach must smartly construct a team around Herbert. On a superficial note, the Chargers rent stadium use for the Rams. Tough respecting their tenant status.
Around Full Press Coverage
OPINION: Morten Andersen: The Toughest Place To Kick? For Me, It Was This Place
NFL: NFL 2022: Five Key Statistics for Week 2
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs Stock Report: Week 2 2022
FULL PRESS BETS: NFL MVP Odds: Patrick Mahomes Leapfrogs Josh Allen For Top Spot
FANTASY FOOTBALL: Fantasy Football Value Picks In Every Round
PODCAST: Full Press NFL Podcast Ep 54: Chargers At Chiefs Preview
4. New England
Pros: Championship owner, 75 million dollars in cap space, third pick in a quarterback-top heavy draft.
- Feed has no items.
Cons: Sky high expectations, zero offense, and worst local media in the NFL
Why are the Patriots here? On what planet should the greatest coach in league history not write his own ticket? Granted, every dynasty eventually ends, but after six rings, Bill Belichick could be moving on. Now, without any definitive world, we can still look at what New England keeps in cupboard. For example, Bob Kraft cares about winning. He will spend money to win ball games. While that make seem basic, many NFL owners will spend just enough to look competitive. Additionally, that seventy-five million doillars in cap space and third overall pick pays dividends. On the negative side, does any coach want to follow Belichick? Plus, they will contend with the Boston media, who’ve shown themselves incapable of coherent though, seemingly wishing for a new head coach.
5. Seattle
Pros: Young wideouts and corners, along with decent offensive line, excellent general manager, $254,494 in dead cap space.
Cons: Placeholder at quarterback, aging defensive centerpiece
Today, word leaked that Pete Carroll would step down. After fourteen seasons, the Hawks will have another coach roam the sidelines. In the NFL, that type of longevity isn’t common. The Seahawks won over the last two years with a placeholder in Geno Smith at quarterback. Meanwhile, the wideout trio of Njigba, Metcalf and Lockett give the prospective coach with an offensive foundation. On the defense, Bobby Wagner, as solid a linebacker you can find, enters his age-34 season. Now, here’s the tough part: who steps up when the time comes? A secondary teaming with talent in Witherspoon, Woolen and Love could soften the blow. That, and the fact that John Schneider runs a tight financial ship could draw interest.
6. Tennessee
Pros: 78 million dollars in cap space, third youngest team in the NFL (26.09), soon-to-be-built stadium, excellent sports market
Cons: Questions at quarterback, atrocious offensive line, franchise back leaving
When the Titans ran Mike Vrabel off, it felt like a surprise. Then, if you look deeper, one thing stands out. General Manager Ran Carthon did not hire Vrabel. In fact, Carthon hasn’t been on the job long. As a result, lackluster efforts allow him to hire his own coach. With 78 million dollars to speed and youth on their side, the future looks bright for the Titans. In contrast, the porous offensive line and no answer at quarterback can throw any NFL team for a loop. Carthon takes his swing and assembling thew squad in his image.
7. Atlanta
Pros: $533,101 in dead cap, young, talented backs, excellent secondary, winnable division help. Fo
Cons: Murphy’s Law, no answer at quarterback, aging pass rush
Under any other circumstances, the Atlanta Falcons would rank higher on the list. Sporting one of the best young NFL backfields in Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, the Falcons can win on the boundary with both. Also, their secondary just needs a consistent pass rush to be one of the league’s premier position groups. On the contrary, bad luck and a series of unfortunate events follow this snakebit franchise. Unfortunately, history shows the Falcons will inevitably find a way to struggle. Not to mention, their quarterback room is a mess. Neither Taylor Heinicke or Desmond Ridder provides a long-term solution under center. Furthermore, Bud Dupree and Calais Campbell are on the other side of thirty and the Falcons need. In their defense, the Falcons do play in the closest division in the NFL.
8. Carolina
Pros: quarterback with upside, pass defense, strong market
Cons: The worst owner in the NFL
On a team with Bryce Young and Brian Burns, why are the Panthers dead last? Without a doubt, David Tepper is the worst owner in the NFL. His meddlesome ways hurt the Panthers in a myriad of ways. To say nothing of his tantrums, regardless of being public or private, sully the image of the franchise and make Carolina a less-than-desirable destination. With this in mind, the Panthers will need to overpay a head coach due to the headaches caused by the owner.