There has been a lot of chatter surrounding the Redskins collapse against the Chargers this past Sunday. Many are calling for the head of Jay Gruden once the season has concluded.
If the Redskins decided it was time to move away from Jay Gruden as head coach in 2018 (and I am not yet advocating such a move), who would be some possible replacements for him here in D.C.?
Below is a list of some possible candidates that could be enticing to Dan Snyder.
The Usual Suspects:
Josh McDaniels OC Patriots: McDaniels is the hot name this time of year - but he’s already failed once as a HC. Can the second time be a charm?
Jim Schwartz DC Eagles: The Eagles defense is nasty. Schwartz is a well-respected coach. He has head coaching experience as well.
Todd Haley OC Steelers: Another guy who has head coaching experience but failed.
Pat Shurmur OC Vikings: He’s done amazing things with the Vikings offense. His time as a HC of the Browns needs to be overlooked.
Dave Taub Special Teams Coordinator Chiefs: A great teacher, and well-respected coach.
The Trendy Picks:
Mike Vrabel DC Texans: This guy is one of the best young DC’s in the NFL who is on the rise.
Steve Wilks DC Panthers: Another rising defensive mind who should get his shot very soon.
Matt Patricia DC Patriots: His intelligence is off-the-charts. His people skills are a tad less desirable. b
Paul Guenther DC Bengals: May be in line in Cincinnati if Lewis moves to the front office.
Teryl Austin DC Lions: Aggressive defensive coordinator whos time will come very soon.
Kris Richard DC Seahawks: Yet another Seahawks DC who should get a shot to become a HC soon.
Russ Grimm OL Titans: One of the most well respected offensive line coaches in the NFL.
The Up-and-Comers:
Harold Goodwin OC Cardinals: Bruce Ariens right-hand man, who will get looks this off-season.
Jim Bob Cooter OC Lions: He may need another year or two before he’s ready, but I’d take him for his name alone.
Frank Reich OC Eagles: He’s done an amazing job with Carson Wentz in Philly.
The college guys:
Jim Harbaugh HC Michigan: He may not mesh well with ownership, but he’s a great X’s and O’s guy who loves to run the football.
Nick Saban HC Alabama: He’s done about all he can at Alabama. Another shot at the NFL may be in the cards.
David Shaw HC Stanford: Well respected teacher and motivator. Would do well wherever he went.
Chris Peterson HC Washington: This guys just wins wherever he is. He is well respected among the coaching community; both college and pro.
Brian Kelly HC Notre Dame: His arrogance proceeds him, but the guy knows his football, and just may be a better fit in the NFL.
Jim Mora Jr. Former HC UCLA: His past NFL experience can’t be overlooked. He may want another shot at a head gig at the highest level.
Pat Fitzgerald HC Northwestern: Fitzgerald has done an outstanding job at NW with inferior talent compared to many of his peers.
If the Redskins decided to move on from Jay Gruden in 2018, who would be your choice to take over in D.C.?