Green Bay Packers have significant competition in head coaching search
The Green Bay Packers need to gain an edge in the head coaching search as more opportunities become available.
As Joe Philbin went through his season-ending press conference Monday more and more head coaching vacancies piled up around the NFL. Six head coaches have already been fired on a dreaded day following the regular season known as “Black Monday,” however, there are eight legitimate openings up for grabs. The Green Bay Packers and Cleveland Browns are expected to interview interim’s Philbin and Greg Williams respectively before making a final decision. While the influx of head coaching opportunities is exciting for teams who missed on the postseason, it also means Green Bay could miss out on their most coveted candidate if he agrees to a deal elsewhere.
Currently, here are the known franchises who are in the market for a new head coach:
Arizona Cardinals- Steve Wilks (fired)
Cincinnati Bengals- Marvin Lewis (fired)
Cleveland Browns- Gregg Williams (interim)
Denver Broncos-Vance Joseph (fired)
Green Bay Packers- Joe Philbin (interim)
Miami Dolphins- Adam Gase (fired)
New York Jets- Todd Bowles (fired)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Dirk Koetter (fired)
All the franchises listed above have multiple selling points to attract any and every kind of suitor. Thankfully, though, the Packers have a leg up on the cream of the crop.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Green Bay has requested permission to interview members of the New England Patriots coaching staff in offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and defensive coordinator Brian Flores. McDaniels is considered a front-runner for the Packers’ opening and Flores would satisfy the league’s Rooney Rule if they had not already done so by interviewing former head coach Jim Caldwell.
CEO Mark Murphy and general manager Brian Gutekunst who are heading up the search are trying to get a head start before any candidates become unavailable. Green Bay’s former coach Mike McCarthy is expected to join a team with a promising young quarterback such as the Jets or Browns which would eliminate one potential buyer.
The Packers should only be somewhat concerned about missing out on their top target considering they have a talented young roster, three draft picks in the first two rounds of the 2019 NFL draft, and Aaron Rodgers as their signal caller. The only thing that may turn candidates away is perhaps trying to manage the temperament of an MVP quarterback like Rodgers. If that does become a prevalent deterrent during the interview process hopefully Murphy and Gutekunst are smart enough to look elsewhere.
This team is hoping for a quick turnaround after back to back years of no playoffs. Most coaches should be jumping at the chance to work with one of the most talented quarterbacks in history, but sometimes not all egos can be set aside. If that is the case, then the Packers may have to settle for their second or third option who may have already drawn significant interest.
Next. 3 Packers coaches that are gone after the season. dark
The hiring process sometimes takes as long as a few weeks following the regular season but Green Bay may not have time to waste.