Tag: Coaching Search

Ravens associate head coach/DL coach Anthony Weaver interviews with Commanders

Coaching interviews begin for the Commanders.

The Washington Commanders appear close to finding a new head of football operations. On Thursday, several outlets reported the Commanders had narrowed their choices to 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters and Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham.

While Washington looks to wrap up its head of football operations/GM search soon, it began the first round of interviews for the head coaching position on Thursday.

According to Ben Standig of The Athletic, Baltimore Ravens associate head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver wrapped up his virtual interview with the Commanders.

The Commanders requested permission to interview Weaver and Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald earlier this week. It’s believed that MacDonald also interviewed with Washington, but not confirmed. At least five of the eight teams with coaching vacancies have requested permission to interview MacDonald.

Only coaches with a bye week in the NFL wild-card round were allowed to interview virtually this week. That means the San Francisco 49ers and the Ravens.

For teams that have coaches in the wild-card round this weekend, they can begin interviewing virtually next week — three days after the conclusion of their games.

In-person interviews can begin after the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.

Weaver, 43, was a second-round pick of the Ravens in 2003. He played seven seasons in the NFL and began his coaching career in 2010 as a graduate assistant at Florida. He moved to the NFL in 2012 as an assistant defensive line coach for the New York Jets. After stints with the Bills and Browns as the defensive line coach, Weaver returned to Houston in 2016, where he spent five seasons as the defensive line coach.

He joined Baltimore in 2021 and is viewed as a potential future head coach.

What Alabama HC Nick Saban’s retirement means for Wisconsin football

What Alabama HC Nick Saban’s retirement means for Wisconsin football

If you haven’t been living under a rock during the last 24 hours, Alabama head coach Nick Saban — arguably the greatest college coach in the sport’s history — announced his retirement yesterday.

If unfamiliar, you can google Saban’s resume. It is second to none.

Historically, these massive coaching transitions didn’t mean much for Wisconsin football and the Big Ten West bubble. The Badgers still operated the same way, nobody was entering to take their recruits or coaches and matchups with the top powers were seldom scheduled.

Well, that bubble is gone as the Big Ten welcomes Oregon, USC, Washington and UCLA and the sport moves toward a two superconference structure. Wisconsin, whether ready or not, must exist on the same plane as the sport’s powers.

So, Saban’s retirement has several effects on the present and future of Wisconsin football. Here they are, succinctly:

Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik focused on playoffs, not head coaching jobs

The Commanders want to interview Slowik for their head coaching vacancy.

Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik emerged as one of the hottest head-coaching candidates for 2024 after his outstanding work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.

Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft, had an outstanding season, passing for over 4,000 yards with 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions. But most importantly, Stroud led an amazing turnaround for the Texans, who went from last to first place. Houston won the AFC South in Stroud and head coach DeMeco Ryans’ first year.

Stroud’s success, of course, shined a spotlight on Slowik. The 36-year-old is in his first season as an NFL offensive coordinator, following Ryans from San Francisco, where he served as Kyle Shanahan’s passing game coordinator in 2022.

With the NFL season over for 18 teams, the offseason has begun. That means coaching changes. And thus far, seven teams are looking for a new head coach — a number that could still grow. So, it was no surprise that other teams have requested permission to interview Slowik. The Washington Commanders are one of those teams.

Slowik began his NFL career in 2011 as a defensive assistant under Mike Shanahan, where he spent three seasons. After three years out of coaching, Slowik returned to the NFL with the 49ers in 2017, where he was promoted multiple times over his six years there.

As the Texans prepare for Saturday’s AFC wild-card game against the Cleveland Browns, Slowik was asked about receiving interest from teams with head coaching vacancies.

“It’s really easy to handle right now; we’re locked in on Cleveland,” Slowik said. “All that stuff, I’m very grateful, you know, I’m thankful to the Lord for giving me this opportunity. I’m thankful to Nick (Caserio) and DeMeco (Ryans) and the Texans organization for putting me in this position. But right now, I’m a Houston Texan. I’m part of this organization, and I’m going to do everything I can to help us in Cleveland. Everyone’s energy right now in this organization is devoted to how do we play one more game? How do we keep just playing one more game? We really have what I believe is a special group of individuals. I know, offensively, there’s guys in that room that I just can’t imagine having to do this without right now. As much as we can, just find a way to get four more games out of this. That’s really what all of us are devoted to.”

That’s a strong answer from Slowik. He’s laser-focused on the Cleveland Browns.

As of now, the Panthers are the other team that has formally requested permission to interview Slowik, with the Titans a possibility, too.

If the Texans lose on Saturday, Washington — or anyone else — could hire Slowik next week.

 

Local Oregon CBS News reporting that Dan Lanning is in Tuscaloosa amidst Alabama’s head coaching search

CBS Sports reports that big-time CFB coach is in Tuscaloosa interviewing for the Alabama job

The day that we have all dreaded has finally arrived. Alabama head coach [autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag] announced his shocking decision to retire from the sport.

Saban retires as the greatest college football coach of all time and ends on a high note that included an Iron Bowl victory, SEC championship and Rose Bowl (college playoff) appearance.

The natural reaction is to be in disbelief and mourn. However, even Alabama football must go on without coach Saban, so the prevailing question is who is next? The leading candidates out of the gate are Oregon’s Dan Lanning, Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin and Washington’s Kaleb DeBoer.

CBS affiliate KVAL, in Eugene, Oregon, is reporting Lanning is in Tuscaloosa and might be the man for the job.

If Lanning is the guy that Alabama chooses, know that he was hand-picked by Nick Saban and fully vetted. Lanning is only 37 years old and arguably one of the best coaches in the country alongside Steve Sarkisian, Kirby Smart and DeBoer.

There is no next Nick Saban or replacing him, but Lanning would be dang near as good as it could get. Whether the report is accurate or not, one thing is certain: Life in Tuscaloosa is going to be crazy for the next month.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow Sam Murphy on X @SamMurphy02.

Saban Retiring: Marcus Freeman an Alabama target?

Say it ain’t so!

The college football world was rocked Wednesday by the news that Nick Saban is retiring from coaching, creating an opening for what has always been one of the biggest jobs in the sport.

The list of potential candidates will be lengthy and headlined by Dabo Swinney from Clemson, Kirby Smart from Georgia and Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss.

Could Marcus Freeman be a potential candidate at Alabama?

As much as we’d like to think not, one national college football reporter is already mentioning him. Here is what Pete Thamel, senior college football writer at ESPN, put on social media right after the news broke:

Alabama may not simply have the pick of the litter for its next head coach, but it is going to be really hard for any coach — especially one with ties to Alabama — to say no to.

With that in mind wouldn’t Marcus Freeman or James Franklin, both of which Thamel mentioned, feel like reaches?

Stay tuned as we continue to cover this blockbuster story on what happens to be Marcus Freeman’s 38th birthday.

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PFT’s Mike Florio criticizes Commanders owner Josh Harris

Some absolutely ridiculous criticism of Harris.

Mike Florio didn’t waste any time criticizing new Commanders majority owner Josh Harris.

Florio, the man behind Pro Football Talk, took aim yesterday at the comments from Josh Harris during the Monday press conference announcing Ron Rivera’s firing and the hiring of Rick Spielman and Bob Myers.

Florio opened “PFT Live” by suggesting that when Harris said, “I’m going to really be somewhat flexible around talent,” that he was signaling “if I decide I want Bill Belichick to be my head coach and I have to give him the keys, though there will be someone who is called the head of football operations, Bill Belichick will still be in charge if that is what it takes.”

Florio went further and questioned the integrity and honesty of Harris.

“Josh Harris is in charge. Is he setting up this network, this table of people who will be advising him to truly, objectively advise him? Or is this all just a way to make it look like what he wants to do anyway, is the right thing to do?” Florio asked.

He then concluded: “It just looks like a meddling owner who’s coming in saying, ‘This is what I want to do.’ ”

Florio expressed a warning to future Washington coaches.

“I don’t know that it’s real attractive to me as a coach if I got to go to a place where I am answering to this person, this person, that person, then I got this person over here, this person over here. That makes it harder not easier for me. There are more people I’ve got to worry about. Who’s on my side? Who’s behind me? Who’s working against me?”

Why is Florio attributing improper motives to Harris like this? Doesn’t this allow Florio to interpret everything negatively that Harris says, painting a very pessimistic, oppositional portrait?

Harris has remained mostly quiet all of his first NFL season. Doesn’t he deserve a more fair hearing? Has Harris, up to this point, done anything to warrant such skepticism, suspicion and mistrust?

Commanders 2024 head coaching search tracker

Follow along here for the latest in Washington’s head coaching search.

The Washington Commanders fired Ron Rivera on Monday after four seasons. Owner Josh Harris immediately announced he had formed an advisory committee consisting of minority owners David Blitzer, Magic Johnson, Mitch Rales, former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers, former Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Speilman, and himself.

Harris made it clear during his press conference on Monday that the head of football operations/GM would be a separate role from the head coach. Rivera had served both roles during his time in Washington.

Shortly after Harris announced Rivera’s dismissal, the Commanders requested permission to speak with head coaching candidates.

To keep track of all of Washington’s head coaching moves, follow along here for the latest news.

Commanders request head coach interviews with Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn

The Washington Commanders have requested head coaching interviews with Lions coordinators Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson

The Washington Commanders fired Ron Rivera this morning and it has taken them just a few hours to make their first interview requests. Both coordinators for the Lions, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson, have been requested by the Commanders to interview with their group assigned to finding the new head coach.

Both men were expected to see their names in the mix for head coaching vacancies after the team won the NFC North and finished 12-5. Johnson has been a hot coaching name in circles all year as he morphed the Lions’ defense into something not many expected. For Glenn, the Lions’ break defense also garnered attention specifically with his development and usage of defensive linemen and edge rushers.

Washington is expected to be seen as the best coaching vacancy for potential new hires. The team is projected to have over $70 million in salary cap space, they also have the second overall pick in the NFL draft, and the new leadership group has brought renewed energy to the franchise.

If Johnson and Glenn do interview for the job they will do so with their group created by owner Josh Harris will include Magic Johnson, David Blitzer, Mitch Rales, Bob Myers, and former NFL general manager Rick Spielman.

Report: Commanders interested in Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh

The Michigan coach has won everywhere he’s been.

The Washington Commanders fired head coach Ron Rivera on Monday morning, and owner Josh Harris announced an advisory committee, consisting of minority owners Magic Johnson, David Blitzer and Mitchell Rales, along with former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers and Minnesota Vikings GM Rick Spielman.

It didn’t take long for Myers to get to work.

According to a report from Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, Myers has already reached out to Jim Harbaugh’s agent, Don Yee, to express interest in the current University of Michigan head coach.

Michigan plays Washington in the NCAA championship on Monday, but reports have indicated he’s ready for a return to the NFL, with multiple teams interested, such as the Raiders and Chargers.

Harbaugh was a first-round pick of the Chicago Bears in the 1986 NFL draft, where he played quarterback for seven seasons. Harbaugh would enjoy a 15-year playing career, also playing for the Colts, Ravens, Chargers, Lions and Panthers.

He quickly jumped into coaching, beginning that phase of his career with the Oakland Raiders in 2002. He spent two years in that role before accepting the head coaching position at the University of San Diego. He was head coach there for three seasons before being named head coach at Stanford in 2007. He coached the Cardinal for four seasons before returning to the NFL as head coach of the 49ers in 2011.

Harbaugh immediately turned around San Francisco, enjoying a 44-19-1 record in four years, leading the Niners to the playoffs in three seasons, including losing in Super Bowl XLVII to the Baltimore Ravens and his brother John. Harbaugh played a critical role in turning around the career of quarterback Alex Smith.

In his nine seasons at Michigan, Harbaugh has a record of 88-25.

Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda initially reported Washington’s interest in Harbaugh.

BREAKING: Auburn fires offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery

Auburn is moving on from offensive coordinator Philip Montgomery after just one season.

After just one season at Auburn, [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and the Tigers are moving on from offensive coordinator [autotag]Philip Montgomery[/autotag]. The team announced the move Friday afternoon.

“I informed Philip today he would not be retained as our offensive coordinator,” Freeze said. “Philip is a good coach and a good man. Decisions like this are never easy, however, I decided this is best for our program moving forward. I’m appreciative of his efforts this past year and wish him nothing but the best.”

Freeze hired Montgomery in December to be his offensive coordinator and play caller after he spent the past eight seasons as Tulsa’s head coach. The move allowed Freeze to focus more on recruiting but as the offense struggled he became more involved in the process.

Auburn’s offense struggled with consistency throughout the 2023 season, ranking 11th in the SEC in points per game (26.2) and yards per play (5.5). The biggest struggles were through the air where the Tigers ranked last or second to last in the SEC in QBR (126.05), yards per attempt (6.7), yards per game (162.2) and touchdowns (18).

Auburn now has an opening at both offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach, Freeze will have to decide if he wants to hire another play caller or take full contol of the offense himself and hire an assisstant coach to help.

Montgomery is the second coach that Freeze will have to replace from his first staff after cornerback coach Wesley McGriff moved to an off-the-field role during the season. McGriff has now moved on to Texas A&M and has been replaced by Charles Kelly.

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow JD on Twitter @jdmccarthy15