Man, it has been a long time since I’ve written an article. Feels good to be back. Anyway let’s get into the Coaching changes. Arguably the most fantasy relevant piece given they control the plays called and reps given to players. We had 19 teams change coaches one way or another. It really puts Bill Belichick’s and Mike Tomlin’s coaching careers into perspective. Literal unicorns.
*Parentheses () denotes previous roles held.
Seven teams opted to replace the whole crew. As we discussed during the show (S03E26) we prefer the Raiders crew over most of the others. Many of these coaches are getting their first starts as Head Coach. Several of them also have very little play calling experience given they’re associated with Sean McVay (LAR), Kyle Shanahan (SF) and Matt LaFluer (GB). Personally I’m curious about Jacksonville as Doug Pederson has previous experience with winning a Super Bowl for Philadelphia. That should bring long needed stability to that org. The Giants are switching things up again by bringing the Buffalo offense with them. Finally I’m not sure what the Texans are doing but I do not envy Lovie Smith and I wish him the best.
Whole Crew:
Chicago Bears
HC Matt Eberfus (IND DC)
OC Luke Getsky (GB QB)
DC Alan Williams (IND DB)
Denver Broncos
HC Nathanial Hackett (GB QB)
OC Justen Outten (GB TE)
DC Ejiro Evero (LAR DB)
Houston Texans
HC Lovie Smith (HOU DC)
OC Pep Hamilton (HOU Pass Coordinator)
DC No one - HC Calls plays
***Jacksonville Jaguars*** 2nd time in a row
HC Doug Pederson (PHI HC)
OC Press Taylor (IND Off Ass) Doesn't call plays.
DC Mike Caldwell (TB LB)
Las Vegas Raiders
HC Josh McDaniels (NE OC)
OC Mick Lombardi (NE WR)
DC Patrick Graham (NYG DC)
Minnesota Vikings
HC Kevin O’Connell (LAR OC)
OC Wes Phillips (LAR TE)
DC Ed Donatell (DEN DC)
New York Giants
HC Brian Daboll (BUF OC)
OC Mike Kafka (KC QB)
DC Don Martindale ( BAL DC)
Moving on to the next block we find teams that went with a new HC and a coordinator. But someone from the old crew also stayed. It does tend to lend itself to more stability and an easier transition. I’m concerned for the Dolphins and whether Mike McDaniel has the experience needed to grow this team. Especially given the controversy around Brian Flores. The Saints have really only promoted the Defensive side up the ladder. Pete Carmichal has been the OC for 17 years so expect the same type of offense. Although Sean Peyton used to call all the plays.
*Update* Bruce Arians has “retired” as HC of the Bucs. Todd Bowles has been promoted. I’m not currently aware of a DC role that has been filled on that team.
Head Coach + Coordinator:
Miami Dolphins
HC Mike McDaniel (SF OC)
OC Frank Smith (LAC Run Coordinator)
New Orleans Saints
HC Dennis Allen (NO DC)
Co-DCs Kris Richards AND Ryan Nielsen (NO DB and DL respectively)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
HC Todd Bowles (TB DC)
DC ?
Now onto the replacements. This is the fills and promotions from teams snatching away their other coaches. Buffalo, Detroit and Green Bay all promoted from within. Ken Dorsey will actually be calling plays so this will be interesting what he changes or keeps from Brian Daboll. Carolina is giving Ben McAdoo the former Giants coach and Dallas consultant another chance. Not sure that’s the best move. Finally the Rams bring in an OC but it doesn’t matter since Sean McVay calls the plays. But in a year or two we’ll see Liam Coen being offered a HC job.
Offensive coordinator:
Buffalo Bills
Ken Dorsey (BUF QB) First time calling plays
Carolina Panthers
Ben McAdoo (DAL Consultant)
Detroit Lions
Ben Johnson (DET TE) may not call plays
Green Bay Packers
Adam Stenavich (GB OL/TE) Not Calling Plays
Las Angeles Rams
Liam Coen (OC Kentucky) Doesn’t call plays.
Not as prominent but ever important to Fantasy Football the DCs. Baltimore, Indy and Pittsburg all lost long term DCs. And Seattle continues to mix it up even though Pete Carrol handles that side of the ball.
Defensive Coordinator:
Baltimore Ravens
Mike McDonald (Michigan DC)
Indianapolis Colts
Gus Bradley (LV DC)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Teryl Austin (PIT DB)
Seattle Seahawks
Clint Hurtt (SEA DL)
What’s going on down here?
Missing Coordinator:
New England Patriots
OC
San Francisco 49ers
OC
Nothing to see here. Same as last year.
No Changes:
Arizona Cardinals
Atlanta Falcons (replaced everyone last year)
Cincinnati Bengals
Cleveland Browns
Dallas Cowboys
Kansas City Chiefs
Los Angeles Chargers (replaced everyone last year)
New York Jets (replaced everyone last year)
Philadelphia Eagles (replaced everyone last year)
Tennessee Titans
Washington Commanders