Who Could be the Redskins Next Head Coach?

The rumors are swirling about a possible Redskins front office shake-up, many surrounding current team president Bruce Allen. If fans had their way (and we know they obviously don’t) Allen would have been forcefully removed, along with his mini-fridge full of Coors Light, years ago.

The fact remains that for the moment, he’s still here. Another fact that remains is that the Redskins have to find a new coach this offseason. While we all fist-fight over who will be the person in charge of picking that new head coach, let’s take a look at some of the options who may be available to an owner willing to open up his checkbook.

The Hot Names:

Greg Roman(OC Ravens) - Roman is a disciplinarian who learned under Jim Harbaugh in San Francisco. He’s well regarded for his ability to mold an offense around the strengths of his quarterbacks. He’s known for being a great in-game adjuster, and his innovative style and approach simply can’t be overlooked any longer.

Eric Bieniemy(OC Chiefs) - Bieniemy is blooming into yet another branch of the Andy Reid coaching tree, which has had great recent success in the NFL. He’s been a hot name on the coaching circuit for a few years now, and 2020 looks to be the year he’ll finally get his shot.

Ron Rivera (former Panthers HC) - Respect. This is the word you hear most often associated with Rivera. He’s a defensive-minded coach and former Super Bowl champion. Players love playing for this guy and he’s well known for having his teams prepared to take the field each week. He’s the type of coach players will run through a wall for.

Mike McCarthy (Former Packers HC) - Mike McCarthy has been out of the league for one year, but in that time, he’s assembled a staff, and intends to be back in the NFL in 2020. A disciple of the Bill Walsh tree, McCarthy is an aggressive offensive mind who has Super Bowl ring and .618 winning percentage on his resume. He’ll be highly sought after in January.

John Defilippo (Jaguars OC) - Defilippo is another offensive coach who is known for his ability to work with and mold young quarterbacks. His father was a former college coach and athletic director, so his roots in coaching run deep. He played quarterback for James Madison in the late 1990’s, so he does have some ties to the area.

David Shaw (Stanford HC) - Shaw is an offensive-minded head coach who learned his craft under Jim Harbaugh while at Stanford. He’s been an NFL assistant with the Eagles, Raiders and Ravens, and now may just be the right time for him to make a jump back into the NFL as a head coach. He’s well regarded both in the collegiate and professional ranks as a detail-oriented teacher who gets the most out of his players.

Urban Meyer (former Ohio St. HC) - Meyer has never held a coaching position in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean he’s not qualified. He has three national championships to his name, and the chatter is growing louder by the day that 2020 could be the year he tries his hand at the professional level. The only question is how his offensive mindset can be adapted to the league, and whether his health can withstand the daily rigors of NFL life.

Under the Radar Guys:

Matt Rhule (Baylor HC) - Matt Rhule is a true leader of men. He opened the eyes of the entire collegiate world by leading the perennial doormat, Temple, to a 10-2 record in just his third season, and won a conference championship the following year. He then took over the reigns at Baylor amidst NCAA sanctions, and in three seasons had the Bears back to being competitive. He was named Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2019.

Dave Toub (Chiefs Special Teams Coordinator) - Toub may not be a sexy hire, but his resume as an NFL assistant is impressive. He’s lauded for his passion, professionalism and attention to detail. He has the NFL connections to surround himself with excellent lieutenants.

Kevin Stefanski (Vikings OC) - Stefanski, just 37, has been with the Viking coaching staff in one form or another since 2006. He’s only been an offensive coordinator for a full season, but if trendy young OC’s are the new fad in the NFL, look for Stefanski to be on a few teams’ wish lists.

Robert Saleh (49ers DC) - Saleh may be a year removed from being a serious head coaching candidate, but the talent and leadership can’t be denied. If a hungry owner wants to get in before the rush, 2020 may just be his year.

Kevin O’Connell (Redskins OC) - The 34 year old is certainly a name on the rise in many coaching circles. The question is, has he been tainted by this organization already?

The Guys No One Wants:

Jim Harbaugh - Ok, there may be SOME who would be ok with this hire, but let’s look at the big picture here...this guys can’t even get along with himself! How in the world does anyone expect he could co-exist with a meddling owner like Dan Snyder?

Marvin Lewis (former Bengals HC) - Lewis was the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2003-2018 where he posted a .518 winning percentage, but never won a playoff game, despite playing in seven. He’s a defensive minded head coach who is 61 years old.

Jack Del Rio (former Raiders HC) - Del Rio had a long stint as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-2011. He was given another opportunity with the Raiders in 2015, after he had been successful as the defensive coordinator with the Broncos for three seasons, but that lasted only three years before he was fired. He’s at his best running the defense.

Jason Garrett (Current Cowboys HC) - Jason Garrett is on his way out...unless the Cowboys make a miraculous run deep into the playoffs this year. Even then, he may have worn out his welcome in Big D.

Gregg Williams (Jets DC) - Williams may want another shot as a head coach. I just hope it’s not here.

Bill Callahan (Redskins Interim HC) - I’ve seen enough to know I don’t want the interim removed from Bill Callahan’s title.

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So, who’s your choice for head coach? Is it someone from this list, or would you look elsewhere?