NFL Rumors: Latest Gossip Surrounding League's Head Coaching Vacancies

At this time every year, the head coaching carousel around the NFL begins to move at warp speed, as franchises with a vacancy at the position begin to scramble to acquire their most coveted prospects.

This year, we've already seen Jim Harbaugh leave the San Francisco 49ers and quickly join the college ranks as the new head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. Now, several days into the offseason, there have been several other instances of teams and coaches parting ways, leading to an abundance of gossip around the Web.

With rumors continuously swirling and seemingly growing by the day, we can begin to speculate on the landing spots for some head coaching candidates and how certain teams will be filling their own vacancies.

Doug Marrone to New York Jets?

Charles Krupa/Associated Press

So, this really needs to be prefaced with how Marrone became available.

Due to the change in ownership for the Buffalo Bills, Marrone was awarded a three-day opt-out clause in his contract, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport:

Well, despite seemingly having the Bills in a good position moving forward, the head coach decided to abandon ship and become a free agent, according to ESPN's Chris Mortensen, Adam Caplan and Adam Schefter.

Following that news was a quick rumor from Rich Cimini of ESPNNewYork.com regarding mutual interest between the Jets and Marrone:

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The Jets, searching for Rex Ryan's replacement, have interest in the Bronx native, according to sources. And the feeling is mutual. Marrone is a coaching free agent, meaning he has the ability to go wherever he wants. The Jets are expected to schedule an interview with Marrone.

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Since the firing of Rex Ryan, some analysts have speculated the Jets would be after an offensive-minded head coach due to New York's struggles in that department. A former offensive lineman during his playing days and an experienced offensive coordinator, Marrone fits the bill.

It certainly doesn't hurt that the coach grew up in the Bronx, either.

Adam Gase Making Rounds

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It comes as no surprise Gase is being highly coveted by teams in search of a new head coach. The Denver Broncos offensive coordinator for the past two years, Gase has helped mold one of the league's most productive and prolific units.

Having Peyton Manning at quarterback certainly helped Gase's success in Denver, but the future Hall of Famer is also helping in his coach's job search as well. Manning has been endorsing Gase to inquiring teams, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com:

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I don't think you need me to sit up here and campaign for him, I guess. Last year I talked to a couple teams on the behalf of him that reached out to me. That may happen again, so I'm certainly glad to share my thoughts, I mean it's pretty well documented my thoughts on him because I don't think he needs me to stand up here and campaign for him. I'm excited he has the opportunity he's going to have this week. He deserves it, I think teams that he talks to will be impressed.

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So, where is Gase headed in the immediate future? Michael Silver of NFL.com tweeted the details:

All three of those vacancies will ensure Gase is on a well-built team going forward, as each has a good amount of playmakers and won't need too many alterations to become a contender. With Denver still in the thick of the playoffs, we may not know where Gase will be headed for a little while yet, but chances are he'll find a home in a new city for next season.

San Francisco 49ers Interviewing Candidates

Matt Dunham/Associated Press

We shouldn't be surprised that the 49ers are already conducting interviews for their vacancy at head coach. After all, only Dennis Allen of the Oakland Raiders was dismissed before Harbaugh, and, let's face it, San Francisco boasts a far more coveted job.

Apparently, San Francisco isn't only looking at outside candidates, as Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk reported the team has already interviewed defensive coordinator Vic Fangio:

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According to multiple reports, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio interviewed for the head coaching job on Tuesday. Fangio made the move from Stanford to the 49ers along with Harbaugh in 2011 and has overseen one of the league's top defenses for the last four seasons. (NaVorro Bowman) thinks Fangio would do well in the top job.

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Although, Fangio wasn't the only candidate San Francisco interviewed. The team also brought in Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks, according to Mike Garafolo of Fox Sports 1:

Quinn has done a spectacular job during his tenure in Seattle, forming the league's most feared defense for the past two seasons. San Francisco has been a defensive-oriented team for several years now, so the fit is there. Being able to impart some wisdom about the team's heated rival is an added bonus.

It will be interesting to see where the 49ers go from here, as they've already interviewed two defensive-minded coaches but are scheduled to meet with an offensive guru next.