The Buffalo Bills may soon commence an unexpected search for a new offensive coordinator.
Current Bills’ offensive play-caller Brian Daboll is reportedly one of three finalists for the Cleveland Browns’ head coaching vacancy, impressing Cleveland brass with a “strong interview,” per ESPN.
Though Buffalo’s offense largely struggled under Daboll’s watch, his departure would leave a glaring hole on the team’s coaching staff. Quarterback Josh Allen impressed under Daboll’s tutelage, evolving from a project into a serviceable NFL starter with an incredibly high ceiling.
Replacing Daboll would be no easy task for the Bills. Here are seven candidates they should look at, should the Browns ultimately poach Daboll.
Chad Hall
Though unknown to a large portion of the Buffalo faithful, Chad Hall would perhaps be a front-runner for the team’s potential vacancy at offensive coordinator.
A former NFL wide receiver, Hall has been part of head coach Sean McDermott’s coaching staff since his arrival at One Bills Drive in 2017. Hall initially joined the staff as an offensive assistant, primarily aiding in the wide receivers room.
He retained that title in 2018 before being promoted to wide receivers coach in 2019, helping the Bills’ receiving corps construct an overall productive year in which John Brown caught a career-high 72 passes for 1,060 yards and six touchdowns.
With just three years of NFL coaching under his belt, Hall is still relatively inexperienced. He’s yet to call a play in the NFL, and at just 33 years of age, he’d be the league’s third-youngest offensive coordinator.
Yet, there’s something to be said for continuity. He’s well-liked within Buffalo’s front office, this made evident by his promotion to wide receivers coach last offseason. He’s also been around throughout McDermott’s entire stint as Bills’ head coach, already understanding his demands and offensive preferences.
Though the leap to offensive coordinator after just one year as a position coach could be steep, it’s one that Buffalo may be confident that Hall could handle.
It's Dallas Week, so here's Kevin Kolb throwing a TD to Chad Hall.#FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/GixSzHVy7N
— Booze (@BarstoolBooz) December 20, 2019
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