3 NFL teams still without an HC for 2022 NFL season
The NFL head coach hiring cycle remains ongoing as we near the end of the first week of February. Nine teams in total needed a new head coach and so far six have made a decision. The Jacksonville Jaguars became the latest team to do so Thursday night by appointing Doug Pederson as their head coach.
The annual hiring cycle is always hectic in nature. That became even more evident this year when Brian Flores filed a class-action lawsuit against the NFL and several teams. Flores alleges he was discriminated against during his interview process. It has been interesting to note that he filed the lawsuit despite still being a finalist for multiple head coaching jobs around the league.
As it stands now, three NFL teams still need a head coach. Each of the three find themselves in very different situations.
3 NFL teams still searching for a head coach
#3 - Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins needing a new head coach in the first place remains a shock to many. It also points towards why Flores' lawsuit seems to make so much sense. He was fired by the team after a 9-8 finish, and one imagines candidates will be wondering if working for owner Stephen Ross is even a good idea.
The job appears to be down to two young offensive minds in San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel and Dallas Cowboys offensive coordinator Kellen Moore.
49ers’ offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel arrived in South Florida last night for his HC interview with the Dolphins today.🏈49ers’ offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel arrived in South Florida last night for his HC interview with the Dolphins today.
🏈Cowboys’ offensive coordinator Kellen Moore scheduled for his HC interview with the Dolphins on Saturday.
The Dolphins want to shake things up with a play-calling head coach, copying a formula that works around the league. They can also land someone who can work hand-in-hand with Tua Tagovailoa to help the quarterback take a giant leap forward in 2022.
#2 - Houston Texans
The Houston Texans are in a fascinating spot. Flores is one of their finalists, along with Josh McCown and Jonathan Gannon. If the job goes to McCown in particular, who has no coaching experience, it would likely bolster Flores' case.
Nothing but good things would happen if the #Texans hired Brian Flores.
- Good coach
- Free Agents will want to come to Houston and play for him.
- The Texans have been ripped apart by the media for years and this could be the first step to rebuilding that awful reputation.
The Houston job still has many question marks around it because of the unknown status of star quarterback Deshaun Watson. There is also the fact the team just fired head coach David Culley after just one season. Do these other candidates believe they can avoid a similar fate?
Texans fans were frustrated with former head coach Bill O'Brien, but he was still able to take the team to the playoffs on a regular basis.
#1 - New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints vacancy seemingly came out of nowhere. as head coach Sean Payton decided to step away from the NFL after 16 years. The Saints now find themselves looking for another long-term figure to lead the team.
#Saints GM Mickey Loomis promised an extensive coaching search and the organization has certainly delivered.
Dennis Allen
Brian Flores
Aaron Glenn
Darren Rizzi
Eric Bieniemy
Brian Daboll (interest before NYG)
Byron Leftwich (interview requested)
The options include Flores, defensive coordinator Dennis Allen and offensive coordinators Eric Bieniemy and Brian Leftwich. They have a great list of candidates and really can't go wrong with any choice.
The key for the franchise will be figuring out who the long-term option will be at quarterback as they try to replicate some of that former Payton-Brees magic in New Orleans.
Also Read: Dez Bryant backs Brian Flores by claiming Cowboys intentionally "sabotaged" 2017 NFL season