Rumor Has It: Rumors From the World of Football

We are tapping into our inner Adele with our Rumor Has It page. We will tell you what we are hearing and what else is swirling around out there in the world of football. Here is our first installment. 

1.Multiple sources are reporting that Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan thinks the Broncos opening is the best job available. John Elway is intrigued by Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph but several league insiders believe the connection with Kyle and his Mike might be too much to pass up for Elway.

2. According to Joe Schmidt of KSTP in Minneapolis, Western Michigan coach P.J Fleck met with Minnesota AD Mark Coyle and school president Eric Kaler yesterday in Chicago.

3. Fleck will be in play at Minnesota but don’t forget about former Oregon coach Mark Helfrich. He is on Minnesota’s radar as well.

4. Former 49ers quarterback Jeff Garcia has expressed an interest in the head coaching job with the Niners. We’re hearing that owner Jed York likes and respects Garcia but doesn’t think he has nearly enough experience to be a head coach right now.

5.  Anthony Lynn could be named the Bills new head coach as early as this weekend. The Bills interviewed Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott yesterday and were impressed by him.

6. Dave Toub is a legit candidate in San Diego. Toub is well respected around the league and is seen as a players coach with a commanding presence.

7. The Redskins are rumored to be interested in Wade Phillips to be their defensive coordinator but Phillips would prefer to stay in Denver. Gus Bradley is a name to watch in Washington as well.

8. The Philadelphia have denied quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo the opportunity to interview with the Jets for their offensive coordinator position. Word is he could be the next in line in Philly if Frank Reich leaves for a head coaching job.

9. The Jets are also rumored to be interested in Ken Whisenhunt for their offensive coordinator opening. If Whiz doesn’t land a head coaching gig, he is rumored to be interested in the job as well.

10. Cowboys offensive coordinator Scott Linehan is seen as a fall back plan by the teams that have coaching vacancies. Age could be a factor. Owners want to go younger. Linehan isn’t old at 53 but he’s older than most of his competition.

11. Lions offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter could be hitting the interview circuit as soon as the Lions are eliminated from the playoffs. We are told owners around the league like the job he’s done with Matt Stafford.

12. Former Browns head coach Mike Pettine is rumored to be a prime defensive coordinator candidate for some of the head coaching candidates who want to run a 3-4 defense.