In the aftermath of Black Monday, the NFL coaching rumors are beginning to pick up.
The Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Houston Texans are all searching for their next head coach. Here’s the latest on the vacancies:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Times reported former Bears coach Lovie Smith is “interested” in the Bucs job, and ESPN considers him the favorite to get the gig.
In addition, NFL.com reported Smith could join the Bucs alongside some notable alum, including former Bears and Bucs general manager Jerry Angelo.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns used to employ Bill Belichick. Now, their eyes are reportedly set on another Patriots coach.
NFL.com reported the Browns are pushing to interview Patriots offensive coordinator and former Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels. General manager Mike Lombrdi is a fan of McDaniels, who should be considered to favorite to land the gig.
Detroit Lions
It’s been mum on the Lions’ head coaching vacancy since Jim Schwartz was fired Monday. Among candidates rumored to be targets are Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and Stanford coach David Shaw, as well as Bill O’Brien, Lovie Smith and Jon Gruden.
Many consider the Lions’ gig the most coveted opening of the five teams with vacancies.
Houston Texans
It appears the Texans are close to luring Bill O’Brien away from Happy Valley and into Houston, according to the Houston Chronicle.
O’Brien, who was New England’s offensive coordinator prior to joining Penn State, would certainly add a new element to the Texans’ struggling offense. O’Brien is considered the hot candidate from the college ranks.
Minnesota Vikings
ESPN’s Monday Night Football analyst Jon Gruden has no interest in the Vikings job, nor any coaching gig in the league, the St. Paul Pioneer-Press reports.
Gruden said he doesn’t want to be considered for any jobs despite being a target for almost every vacancy in the college and pro ranks since being fired by Tampa Bay back in 2008.
