The NFL coaching carousel is about to spin – and it may spin wildly this offseason. The changes could number in double figures with several coaches on the hot seat and others about to retire.
Detroit already fired coach Steve Mariucci, and Houston seems certain to oust Dom Capers early next week. That could affect the Broncos because offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak might be a candidate for the Texans job.
Several factors could work in Kubiak’s favor. He is from Houston and played at Texas A&M, so he might create excitement there. He played for Dan Reeves in Denver, and Reeves is a consultant for the Texans. Reeves could become coach or general manager but has said he is working with Texans ownership in a transitional phase.
Kubiak’s success in Denver might entice the Texans, too. They have some offensive talent and could be in line to draft Southern California running back Reggie Bush.
Major improvements by Denver quarterback Jake Plummer and the Broncos’ consistent running game might make Kubiak hot again. He was a hot commodity when Denver won back-to-back Super Bowls in the late 1990s, and this season’s 12-3 record might propel his name into the spotlight again.
Any team making a run at Kubiak would have to wait. NFL rules mandate an assistant can’t be hired from a playoff team until that team’s season is over. An interested team would be allowed to interview Kubiak once before the Broncos’ first playoff game. Kubiak, professional and private, routinely turns down opportunities to comment on openings.
Daunte could land in Miami
Dolphins: Injured Minnesota quarterback Daunte Culpepper could end up with Miami next year. Culpepper has been grumbling in recent months and could use a change of scenery, like his former star receiver Randy Moss got this year when he was traded to Oakland. The fact Culpepper was one of four players charged with a misdemeanor stemming from an October sex scandal during a boat party may cause new ownership to make a move.
Going to Miami makes sense. The Dolphins will be in the market for a quarterback, and Culpepper could be the most talented veteran available. Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan held the same job in Minnesota during Culpepper’s best years there, and the two have a strong relationship. One caveat: Culpepper may not be ready to play at the start of the 2006 season. But getting a talent like Florida native Culpepper may be worth the wait.
Brooks looking for work
Saints: The New Orleans franchise’s future home is to be determined, as is the future of coach Jim Haslett. But one thing is clear in the Saints’ scheme: Quarterback Aaron Brooks is out.
Brooks was replaced two weeks ago by backup Todd Bouman, and there already is talk Brooks could end up trying to win the starting job in Miami next season. Bouman is not in the mix to be the Saints’ starter of the future.
The team could look at Adrian McPherson, a rookie from Florida State who played in the Arena Football League last season. Or perhaps New Orleans will make a run at a quarterback in the draft. With a likely top-five pick, the team might be in position to move up a slot or two to take Southern California’s Matt Leinart or Vince Young of Texas. With many changes on the horizon, it might be a good time to try to pick off a franchise quarterback.
Martz in silver and black?
Raiders: Some around the league think Raiders owner Al Davis may turn to lame-duck Rams coach Mike Martz as a replacement for Norv Turner. It’s almost a foregone conclusion Turner will get fired.
Although a younger man such as UCLA coach and former Broncos assistant Karl Dorrell could interest Davis, Martz could be just as attractive for other reasons.
Martz, who soon will be cleared to coach after suffering heart trouble this fall, is a respected offensive mind who loves the vertical passing game. Davis, of course, is an aficionado of that style of offense and can’t be too happy with the anticlimactic first year of the Moss era in Oakland.
It could be a good fit for Martz as well. After his ailments, he may not get a lot of other opportunities. Plus, he is known as a free spirit. So perhaps he can deal with being part of the Raiders’ zoo.
Shell could interest St. Louis
Rams: An interesting name is gaining steam as a replacement for Martz in St. Louis: former Oakland coach Art Shell.
Several former Rams players are pushing the organization to give Shell a chance. He was highly respected by his Raiders players. Shell, an executive with the NFL, could get a look in Detroit as well.
After the uncertainty of the final couple of years of the Martz era, perhaps a steady, no-nonsense hand such as Shell could work in St. Louis.
Rivers on the block
Chargers: The Chargers must make a major decision about their quarterback. It’s all but certain they will sign Drew Brees to a long-term contract. Thus, Philip Rivers, the fourth player chosen in the 2004 draft, likely will be dealt before the 2006 draft. San Diego would like to get a first-round pick for him.
Ramsey could get audition
Redskins: Former starting quarterback Patrick Ramsey may play against Philadelphia, with a playoff spot on the line for the Redskins. If he plays well today in place of injured starter Mark Brunell, Ramsey could generate interest elsewhere.
Ramsey’s days are all but numbered in Washington. The team is grooming this year’s No. 1 pick, Jason Campbell, to take over for Brunell. Ramsey’s last chance in Washington may give him another opportunity with another team.
Houston, we have a coaching candidate list
Potential candidates for the expected head coach opening of the Houston Texans:
GARY KUBIAK
Denver offensive coordinator
Hometown boy and renowned offensive mind could be attractive.
MACK BROWN
University of Texas coach
Has toyed with other jobs, but it’s highly unlikely he would leave Austin. But if he did, he could stay in state.
BUTCH DAVIS
Out of football
The man who rebuilt the Miami Hurricanes wants to get back into the NFL. Kansas City also could be interested.
DAN REEVES
Houston consultant
There are mixed opinions on whether Reeves wants to stand on the sideline again. If he does, the job is his.
TIM LEWIS
New York Giants defensive coordinator
Lewis has the demeanor of a head coach.
WADE PHILLIPS
San Diego defensive coordinator
A favorite of Reeves’, with head coaching experience.
RON RIVERA
Chicago defensive coordinator
A hot name who runs the NFL’s hottest defense.
GREGG WILLIAMS
Washington defensive coordinator
He will get another chance to be a head coach soon.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
