My initial list of preferred options is:
- John Harbaugh, HC, BAL (if fired)
- John Defilippo, OC, MIN
- Bruce Arians, HC, FA (if he comes out of retirement)
- Dan Campbell, AHC/TE, NO
- Dave Toub, AHC/ST, KC
- Eric Bieniemy, OC, KC
I’m not sold on the college options with zero NFL background. Scuh-ROOOOO McDaniels— he’s a worthless snake and BB’s coaching tree is a dumpster fire. I’m not enamored of the other Harbaugh brother— he seems fairly insane. David Shaw has that NFL background, but he’s way too conservative to me (one of the reasons I think MM needs to go is his insistence on old school decision making). LaFleur is a popular name, but I don’t see that he’s done enough in Tennessee to merit consideration. Todd Monken is another name that doesn’t make a lot of sense to me— are we really looking to hire off of the Dirk Koetter tree?
Funny isn’t it how unproductive the BB “coaching tree” has been? BB IS the stick that stirs the drink. Still, it’s odd that all those ex-Pat coaches wouldn’t have learned something.
I hadn’t thought about John Harbaugh. I like that. He is, IMO, more focused on the defensive side of the game, but that’s why HC’s have OCs, DCs, and STCs. Bruce Arians is also intriguing, but I think it’s too soon to expect him to come back, although the HC job in GB will be coveted. I do like Jim Harbaugh. I lived in Nor Cal when he coached the Niners and he turned that ship around. He does seem to be nuts, but I’d welcome the energy on the GB sideline. His problem in SF was that he couldn’t get along with the Yorks, hardly a demerit. And let’s face it, he’s produced wherever he’s gone. I wouldn’t be disappointed if he were to replace MM.
As far as a coach straight out of the NCAA with zero NFL experience, no thanks. Let them learn somewhere else. I’m not sold on Defilippo. Seems like the gains in Minnesota have come from the defense, not the offense, but I honestly don’t know enough about the guy to have an opinion.
The other guy on your list I like is Campbell. Anyway, thanks for putting this together. This will be a BIG topic on the forum in the coming months.