Meet the O.C. Candidates
Since today is a huge day for the Presidential candidates, we’re going to do present a politically inspired alternative to griping about the departed (Mike Solari) and the retained (Herm Edwards and King Carl). Here’s the Arrowhead Addict list of potential offensive coordinators. These candidates have either been mentioned as possible candidates for Chiefs offensive coordinator, or mentioned as the top candidates for any open O.C. job.
Jim Caldwell/Colts (assistant head coach/quarterbacks coach): While it appears that Herm Edwards and Caldwell never coached together, they came close. Caldwell was the Buccaneers’ QB coach back in 2001 — the year Herm Edwards left Tampa Bay to take the head coaching job in New York — and followed Tony Dungy to Indianapolis. Both quarterbacks (Brad Johnson and Peyton Manning) and receivers (Keyshawn Johnson, Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne) have flourished under his coaching. Additionally, even though the Colts have a prolific offense, at times it can be both conservatively aggressive and a ball control offense. I agree with Peter King; If Dungy and Manning both vouch for this guy, it’s hard to overlook him. In fact, King also vouches for him, listing him as his No. 1 head coaching candidate. Caldwell has championship experience, and he understands how to beat the Patriots. If you ever want to come out of the AFC, those two areas of expertise are key. If he’s overlooked for a H.C. gig, he’d be a great fit — remember, Tom Moore is still the offensive coordinator in Indianapolis. The Herm-Dungy connection makes this hire feasible. Caldwell was the head coach at Wake Forest for eight years prior to joining Dungy’s staff. A.A. Outlook: Our No. 1 choice (bio here)
Josh McDaniels/Patriots (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach): McDaniels is a pretty obvious candidate, but also a sexy one. He could possibly be offered a head coaching job, and is a “hot” candidate, much like Lane Kiffin was last year. While we like him, we’re not sure he’s going to really be an option. A.A. Outlook: Our No. 2 choice (bio here)
Bill Callahan/unemployed - We really like him as a football coach, given that he wrecked two of our least favorite football entities — the Oakland Raiders and Nebraska Cornhuskers. We just don’t like him as a football coach for us. A.A. Outlook: Unapproved (bio here)
Jim Fassel/unemployed - There’s a split decision here, as Zach doesn’t want any former NFL head coaching retreads (I definitely see his point) and I actually like Fassel. I think Fassel’s demeanor would mesh well with Herm’s, and he’s known for developing quarterbacks. As stated in his Wikipedia bio, “he tutored prominent quarterbacks Phil Simms and John Elway.” Whether it’s Brodie Croyle or a rookie QB, Fassel could expedite our quarterback’s development. He also has enjoyed a lot of offensive success in the NFL. A.A. Outlook: Split decision (bio here)
Brian Billick/unemployed, Mike Martz/unemployed and Mike Tice/Jaguars -These are the other former NFL head coaches that have been linked to the job or could be. We really don’t think any of these guys would mesh well with Herm, especially Billick and Martz, who both seem to suffer from narcissism. Tice was just lucky enough to inherit the Culpepper-Moss connection for a few years. Still, quite a few people credit Tice for Jacksonville’s offensive efficiency this season. A.A. Outlook: Unapproved (Billick bio; Martz bio; Tice bio)
Paul Hackett/unemployed - This guy is the Hillary Clinton/Rudy Giuliani candidate — a lot of people loathe the idea of his candidacy, yet he’s possibly the frontrunner. We already brought back Gunther, and bringing back Hackett would be one retread too many. If we go this route, I’d prefer Callahan, actually. Callahan is from the same coaching tree, but he’s fresh to the Chiefs, younger and would command more respect from the players. A.A. Outlook: Can’t “hack it” (bio here)
Mike Shula/Jaguars (quarterbacks coach) - So, not only should we keep Croyle as our quarterback of the future after his dismal season, we should hire his old college coach and go “all in” on our Croyle investment? I don’t think so. He did coach alongside Dungy and Edwards in Tampa, though, so this is definitely a possibility. A.A. Outlook: Unapproved (bio here)
Eric Price/UTEP (offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach) - Some have this guy listed as the favorite, possibly because he has connections to both Herm (Jets) and Croyle (Alabama). The message board darling has done wonders with UTEP’s offense, elevating the unit to all-time highs (fifth-ranked NCAA passing offense last year). My biggest worry is the amount of spread and shotgun stuff run by the Miners. Is he really suited to direct a ball control offense, even an aggressive one? If you haven’t made the connection, Price is Mike Price’s son. No, I don’t believe that he frequents exotic clubs or takes scrippas back to the hotel. A.A. Outlook: Leaning towards approved (bio here)
All this is speculation right now, as are the rumors that the Chiefs will move to a zone-blocking scheme and the West Coast Offense.
Go ahead and let us know your thoughts on the candidates! Also be sure to vote, as we will update the post once we have received enough votes to choose a “Reader’s Choice.” And don’t be afraid to add write-in candidates in the comments either.
Recent Posts...
Back From the Bay: Raider Wrap-Up by Adam Best
Pop That Cork! by Double D
Merlin's Magic: Week 13 by Merlin
Black Hole, Son! Adam Does The Coliseum by Adam Best
AADQ: Tailgating Tips? by Adam Best
Caldwell will be the next coach of the Falcons.I don’t see McDaniels leaving the Pats OC job for the Chiefs. So far, my vote is for Billick or Price from UTEP. But neither of those two are getting me really excited…yet.
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:29 amWe all better hope and pray the loser from oakland/Nebraska stays away. He is not the answer we need. BYE BYE SOLARI!!
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:26 amLet’s not forget one thing…unless "The Offensive Herminator" is able to relinquish some control, it isn’t going to matter who we bring in. Hopefully, Herm will allow the new OC to run his own program without stifling it! Why don’t we just take a look at Hillary?!? It is time for change in the Red House!
January 3rd, 2008 at 8:52 amWhat about Cam Cameron now that he is no longer working for the big Tuna in Miami?
January 3rd, 2008 at 10:28 amI really have no clue as to who would be the best bet, but we cannot ignore Caldwell’s recent work history and the five years Cameron put in at San Diego. Cameron or Caldwell get my votes. GO CHIEFS!!!! By the way, the fact that Dick Curl is still on board should tell us that Herm is still planning on Croyle being the Number one QB, since Curl was Croyle’s hand holder.
January 3rd, 2008 at 12:42 pmTony Sparano in Dallas is another guy, but I think he’ll get a job pretty soon. I don’t think Bates in Denver is a real option either. It seems like Herm is ready to turn over the offense, just as I read Carl is going to turn over football personnel control (and has already started this) to Bill Kuharich, Herm and Ray Farmer
From Warpaint Illustrated:
According to our source, however, it appears that Edwards, Executive V.P. of Player Personnel Bill Kuharich and Director of Pro Personnel Ray Farmer will handle the decisions in regards to free agency and the NFL Draft.
Last year Peterson was not as active in the drafting process. Most of the recommendations made by Kuharich were executed on draft day. The Chiefs scouting department has been on their game the last two years as they’ve plucked nine starters out of the draft. That appears to be the direction this organization wants to go in rebuilding the team.
January 3rd, 2008 at 2:02 pmSteven I think it would be a good hire for Atlanta, but I have a feeling they will go with a more proven NFL Head Coach. They did interview him last year, but I have a feeling they want Saprano or Garrett from Dallas. I would say all three of them are at the top of the Falcons list for young potential coaches.
If we hire Billick or Callahan I might start blogging for another team. I think they are both bad hires for this team.
Nick, I like Cam Cameron and what he did with all the talent he had in SD. I think that he would be a good addition to this staff. Unfortunately for him he went to a team Nick Saban ruined and had a ton of injuries this season. So I still think he is a great OC.
Jeremy, I am shocked that Curl kept his job, for now. When a new OC is hired they might find a new position for him. We will see….
January 3rd, 2008 at 3:54 pmWow, it looks like the readers have our back on Caldwell.
January 3rd, 2008 at 5:12 pmI am not sure we can get him, but I would love it. He would be leaving an assistant head coach position for an OC position. I think he might just stick around in Indy till he gets that head spot. I might to if I had Peyton Manning.
January 3rd, 2008 at 6:50 pmTom Clements (QB Coach/Packers) would be a good choice.
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:21 pmNo question. We have to get Martz in. If you look at his history and what the chiefs should do in terms of future offence, he is a shoe in. Considering our up and coming wide recievers i think its certain that the chiefs will become a pass first/to set up the run rather than what we are now. Look what Martz did for the rams: great offence: guys like bruce, holt, curtis, and steven jackson as an all round back. Then look at detriot: who would of thought that kitna would actually get 4000 yars last season and 3000 odd this season. He turned roy williams from a would be disaster into an all-pro reciever. I think we need to get him in for atleast one year!!!
January 3rd, 2008 at 7:36 pmIt should be either Jim Caldwell or Cam Cameron. I am amazed that Teicher and all the other reporters for the Star haven’t thought of Cameron.
January 12th, 2008 at 2:31 pmI think everyone believes Cam will follow Marty.
January 12th, 2008 at 3:32 pmDoes anyone know if recently-fired Norm Chow fits in at all with Carl’s boys?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3197683&campaign=rss&source=ESPNHeadlines
-cw
January 15th, 2008 at 7:59 pm