Latest News, Rumors and Analysis from the NFL Coaching Carousel

It's certain to be a great time if you're looking to be an NFL head coach. That is, if you haven't already been fired this season.

The Miami Dolphins, St. Louis Rams, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all looking for new coaches. And, before everything is all said and done, it would not be surprising to see a few more teams have vacancy.

So, here's some of the latest in the NFL coaching carousel.

Jeff Fisher

The main man everyone is hoping for, former Titans head coach Jeff Fisher has been a pretty busy man recently.

In an article by Omar Kelly of the Sun Sentinel, Fisher's meeting in Miami had some optimism for Dolphins' fans:

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Dolphins owner Steve Ross has made his best sales pitch to Fisher, who intends to coach in 2012.

Sources say Fisher left South Florida with a favorable impression of Ross and the Dolphins' organization. It wasn't specified if an offer was made, but Fisher made it clear before Tuesday's visit, his first, that he was interested in exploring all his options.

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Kelly added at the end of the article:

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Fisher is reportedly meeting with Rams owner Stan Kroenke and Chief Operations Officer Kevin Demoff, the son of Fisher's longtime agent Marvin Demoff, on Thursday. Miami and St. Louis appear to be his only suitors, and it is possible Fisher could make a decision as early as this weekend.

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By that token, it's clear we will see Jeff Fisher on the sidelines in 2012. But where, remains to be seen. Nonetheless, with both Miami and St. Louis needing a legitimized NFL coach, Fisher is a great fit for either franchise.

Mike McCoy

According to Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post, Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy is of interest to the Jacksonville Jaguars:

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According to an NFL source, the Jaguars formally asked the Broncos via letter for permission to interview McCoy for their head coaching job.

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That being said, McCoy isn't a bad candidate by any means for Jacksonville. The Jaguars have a young QB that needs to develop in Blaine Gabbert and arguably the NFL's best running back in Maurice Jones-Drew.

And it's not a bad fit for McCoy either.

He would get to start his NFL coaching career with an offense capable of moving the ball and a solid defense to fall back on. This past season, Jacksonville finished in the top 10 against the rush and pass, so it's clear the offense needs to improve.

With McCoy at the helm molding Gabbert and the opportunity to draft a stud receiver this spring, the Jaguars can make some big strides in 2012. Not to mention, they lost five of their 11 losses by seven points or less.

Bring in an offensive guy like McCoy and a few of those losses get turned around.

Jerry Gray

According to Roy Cummings of the Tampa Tribune, the Buccaneers have pursued Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray:

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Gray was expected to meet with the Bucs regarding their head coaching vacancy today or Thursday, according to an ESPN report.

Bucs officials would not confirm the report, but Gray told ESPN he talked to the Bucs on Tuesday and was scheduled to fly into Tampa today and would meet with the team later in the day or Thursday.

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As for whether this should happen, it's a good idea for Tampa Bay to bring in someone who knows defense. Gray was a four-time Pro Bowler for the Los Angeles Rams during his career (1986-89), has coached in the pros since 2001 and is ready to take the next step.

This past season, Tampa finished ranked No. 21 against the pass and No. 32 against the rush, respectively. All together, they allowed 395 total yards per game, which ranked No. 30.

The offense isn't so much the problem as Josh Freeman has potential provided he can get at least one legit receiver. And if running back LeGarrette Blount can become consistent, the Bucs' ground game will dominate the NFC South.

Todd Bowles

According to Jim Thomas of St. Louis Today, the Rams are interested in Miami interim head coach Todd Bowles:

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In terms of a new head coach, the Rams have expressed interest in Todd Bowles of the Miami Dolphins to replace Steve Spagnuolo, but they haven't as yet sent out a formal request to interview Bowles.

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Now, as Thomas stated, with the Rams having not sent out a formal request to the Dolphins, the likelihood of that rests in their interest in Jeff Fisher (as mentioned in the first slide).

That being said, Bowles did a great job in keeping the Dolphins focused after Tony Sparano was let go. After beginning 0-7, Miami managed to finish 6-3 and based on the late surge, there's quite a bit of hope for 2012.

Bowles definitely deserves a chance to prove himself as an NFL head coach; the question is just when and where. He played in the NFL from 1986-1993 and has coached in the pros since 2005.

Having served under Bill Parcells for two years in Dallas and then Wade Phillips for two more, the man knows defense and has seen how to succeed as a head coach.

There's a reason why he was named the interim coach. So, giving Bowles a shot needs to at least be considered by anyone needing a new head coach.

Joe Philbin

According to Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star, the Chiefs have interest in Green Bay Packers coach Joe Philbin:

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Multiple reports on Wednesday had Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin interviewing in Kansas City on Wednesday night for the Chiefs’ head coaching position.

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Teicher added there may be another team interested in Philbin as well:

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The Journal Sentinel cited an unnamed source Wednesday in saying that he has another interview lined up later this week with an undisclosed team, possibly the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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All this being said, there's still a lot at stake for Philbin this season. Like a second straight Super Bowl and having his quarterback finish arguably the best single season in NFL history.

In turn, that will only up his status as a coach and draw more attention. Obviously we can't expect anything to happen until Green Bay's season concludes, but it feels like Philbin's ready to take that next step.

Kansas City would be a perfect place, as they have a solid receiving core, a good QB in Matt Cassel (when healthy) and a potentially dominant ground game.

Include the defense which should be led by Romeo Crennel, and the Chiefs would quickly move back atop the AFC West.

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