First and Ten is ten quick thoughts on what’s going on in the football world. Today’s focus is Black Monday.
By John Sarianides
1. Normally I would have an issue with a team firing a coach after one season but Jed York had to fire Chip Kelly. He was a bad hire and a bad fit. The Niners needed to move on.
2. Speaking of the 49ers. Owner Jed York wants to hire a general manager and coach from a winning organization. Are there two better candidates than the Patriots Nick Caserio and Josh McDaniels? Both are interviewing with York. It makes sense.
3. Mike McCoy did a better job than he gets credit for in San Diego but with the Chargers more than likely moving to L.A, they needed to start over.
4. John Elway will want to hire a veteran coach with a winning track record but unless he trades for Sean Payton, he should hire Kyle Shanahan.
Elway played for his father, he knows Kyle and he wants to shift to more of a West Coast Offense next season.
5. The Buffalo Bills job is Anthony Lynn’s to lose but if I were Lynn, I’d be leery to work for the Pegula’s. I’m not sure they have a long term vision for the Bills.
Are they willing to give Lynn four years? I don’t think so.
6. I mentioned Josh McDaniels earlier. He is scheduled to interview with the 49ers, Jaguars and Rams. Of those three jobs, I think the Jaguars is the best job of the three.
Think about it. In Jacksonville, you have an owner who is willing to spend, he’s patient and you have a good core in place. Plus, I think McDaniels can fix Blake Bortles.
If McDaniels has his choice between the three, he should take Jacksonville.
7. I’m perplexed as to why Jim Schwartz and Mike Smith’s aren’t being mentioned for some of these head coaching openings?
I think their names will be mentioned but not right away. Owners love offensive coaches and want to interview them first.
8. The Saints are going to trade Sean Payton. It’s just a matter of when and where. I think he ends up in L.A for a fourth and a sixth round pick. That’s my prediction. The Rams need to make a splash and Payton makes sense.
9. Some owners around the league are still intrigued by Jaguars assistant Doug Marrone. I could see him ending up in New Orleans if Payton leaves.
10. I can’t see why the Texans would move on from Bill O’Brien but it’s the NFL. You never know. O’Brien and general manager Rick Smith don’t see eye to eye so it is quite possible that O’Brien could be gone especially if the Texans lose to the Raiders.