Black Monday fallout: Mike Vrabel, Arthur Smith and Ron Rivera out, Bill Belichick in limbo, Jim Harbaugh's NFL prospects, and more with Dianna Russini
Jan 8, 2024
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Former NFL coaches Mike Vrabel, Arthur Smith, and Ron Rivera are out, Bill Belichick's future is uncertain, and Jim Harbaugh's potential interest in the NFL is discussed with Dianna Russini. The hosts analyze recent head coach firings and the search for replacements, including the Chargers' possible interest in Harbaugh. They also speculate on coach firings, potential replacements, and the future of the Chicago Bears' head coach and quarterback. The New Orleans Saints' disappointing season and flashbacks to past plays are also discussed.
The Chargers are highly interested in hiring Jim Harbaugh as their head coach, viewing him as a catalyst for their franchise's transformation and valuing his coaching skills and opinion of quarterback Justin Herbert.
The Panthers are seeking an offensive-minded head coach to elevate their team, with their current top choice being Ben Johnson, the Bills' offensive coordinator, and considering candidates from other offensive coaching backgrounds as well.
The Chargers are conducting a thorough search for their next head coach, actively engaging with agents and interviewing both reported and unreported candidates, demonstrating their commitment to finding the right leader for their team.
Deep dives
Chargers Interested in Jim Harbaugh
The Chargers are reportedly very interested in hiring Jim Harbaugh as their head coach. They see him as a potential franchise makeover and someone who can set the stage for their future success. They value Harbaugh's coaching abilities and the high opinions he has of quarterback Justin Herbert. The Chargers are willing to do everything they can to bring him in, but it may come down to how much they're willing to spend.
Panthers Lean Toward Offensive Minded Head Coach
The Panthers are looking to hire an offensive minded head coach to help improve their team. They have a list of eight candidates and their top choice at the moment is Ben Johnson, the Bills' offensive coordinator. The Panthers are also considering other offensive coaches from teams like the Bengals and Texans. They want to find a coach who can not only develop their young quarterback, Sam Darnold, but also set the stage for a complete franchise makeover and get the fans excited.
Chargers Leaving No Stone Unturned
The Chargers are leaving no stone unturned in their search for a new head coach. They are actively speaking with agents and interviewing a wide range of candidates, even those that haven't been publicly reported. They are doing the work behind the scenes to find the right person to lead their team and take advantage of the current opportunity.
Concerns About Jim Harbaugh's Fit in the NFL
While there may be concerns about how Jim Harbaugh's personality and coaching style align with current NFL players and the changing dynamics of the league, he has a proven ability to connect with players and be a strong leader. Despite his unique approach, he can adapt and build relationships with his players. While there may be initial challenges, his experience and leadership qualities can help him succeed in the current NFL climate.
Uncertainty Surrounding Jim Harbaugh's Potential Coaching Role with the Raiders
There is uncertainty surrounding the Raiders' coaching search, with Jim Harbaugh being a potential candidate. Mark Davis, the team's owner, is reportedly struggling with the decision but is leaning towards hiring Harbaugh. Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach, is also in the mix, but Harbaugh's track record and star power seem to be appealing to the Raiders. The support for Pierce from players and football minds around him is strong, but the question remains whether Davis values the potential upside of hiring Harbaugh over the stability provided by Pierce.
Uncertainty Surrounding Mike Vrabel's Future with the Titans
The future of Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is uncertain as there have been no decisions made regarding his future. As of now, there has been no meeting between Vrabel and ownership to discuss his future with the team. The situation in Tennessee is described as bizarre and all eyes are on the organization to see what decision they will make. While Vrabel had been considered a part of the team's future just six weeks ago, the team's struggles and the lack of clarity indicate that his position may be in jeopardy. The support from players and the belief in Vrabel's coaching abilities are strong, but ownership's focus on the goal of reaching a Super Bowl may influence their decision.
While 14 NFL teams get ready for the playoffs, the other 18 have turned their attention to the offseason. At least six teams among those 18 will spend the immediate future looking for a new head coach. Robert Mays and Dianna Russini discuss all the Black Monday fallout on this episode of The Athletic Football Show.Follow Robert on Twitter: @robertmays
