The NFL Coaching Carousel Continues To Go Round and Round

With much specualtion of NFL coaching jobs opening up after this season, there are many names being thrown out there as potential candidates for those jobs. Here is an overview of the jobs potentially opening up and who might make the most sense as the new head coach.

Cleveland: Mike Holmgren was just brought in as a new president. I don't expect to see him back on the sideline barring any unforseen surprises. A name that comes to mind here is Jon Gruden. He has said he will not be coaching next season in the NFL and he just signed an extension with ESPN. Many think that the right job could lure him back. Holmgren took Gruden with him from San Francisco to Green Bay in the early 90's to be the WR's coach. Gruden's NFL coaching career took off from there. It seems that Holmgren would like to bring in his own coach at his new gig but the chance he keeps Eric Mangini is still there. I would not be surprised to see Gruden land back in his home state though. Another Holmgren disciple to keep in mind is former 49ers and Lions head coach Steve Mariucci.

Carolina: There is speculation that John Fox may be out of the job after a disappointing follow up to last years 12-4 season. He has struggled to put together consecutive winning seasons while in Carolina. Many think that this would be a great spot for former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher to re-emerge. Right now he is an analyst for NFL Today but there is speculation that he could be back if the right job opened up. His family now lives in North Carolina so this could be an ideal sport for him.

Washington: With new president Bruce Allen in place, the search for a replacement for Jim Zorn has already started. Mike Shanahan was an early candidate according to many sources. Another name that has come up for this job is Jon Gruden because of Gruden's connection's with Allen from Oakland and Tampa Bay.

Chicago: Since the Bears Super Bowl appearance in 2006 the Bears have struggled and coach Lovie Smith may be let go because of it. It has been reported that Mike Shanahan is interested. This job would be very appealing to him because he Shanahan reunited with Jay Cutler in Chicago.

Buffalo: Mike Shanahan recently took his name out of the candidacy for the Bills head coaching job. Perry Fewell has gone 2-3 since taking over for Dick Jauron as head coach. He will probably get a look for the head coaching position but this job is going to be tough one for the next few years. It is going to be a big rebuilding job for whoever takes over.