NFL Coaching Rumors: Raiders Targeting Jon Gruden; Fox, Caldwell, Pagano Likely Out
Sunday marks the end of the NFL's regular season, which means the wheels of the coaching carousel are warming up. Each and every team that does not make the playoffs must decide whether to retain the coaching staff or bring in new blood in hopes of turning things around in 2018.
A few teams that won't be playing int he postseason are expected to bring back their guys: The Jets have already extended the contracts of coach Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan after exceeding many expectations this season and the Texans are expted to give the Bill O'Brien-Deshaun Watson tandem another chance next season.
On the other hand, the Giants have already terminated former coach Ben McAdoo and the Colts, Lions and Bears are expected to follow suit.
And no NFL season would be complete without a rumor linking Jon Gruden to a return to coaching. This time, Gruden is rumored to be a target to replace Jack Del Rio in Oakland. This particular Gruden rumor has some legs, as Gruden previously coached in Oakland from 1998-2001 and the Raiders have a very talented roster.
Check out the latest news and rumors surrounding the NFL coaching carousel below.
News and Rumors
• The Raiders are interested in bringing back Jon Gruden as head coach and could offer him an ownership stake. Gruden, who currently calls Monday Night Football games for ESPN, previously coached the Raiders from 1998-2001 and has been frequently linked with a return to coaching. (Adam Schefter and Chris Mortensen, ESPN.com)
• The Colts will likely fire coach Chuck Pagano. Pagano has been the head coach in Indianapolis for six years and went 11-5 in each of his first three seasons at the helm but has gone just 19-28 since. (Ian Rapoport, NFL.com)
• The Broncos are increasingly unlikely to retain first-year head coach Vance Joseph. It would be the first time in franchise history that a non-interim coach has lasted just one season in Denver. The Broncos were plagued by poor quarterback play this season, and most of Denver's stars have been vocally supportive of Joseph throughout the team's struggles. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)
• Bruce Arians is likely coaching his final NFL game, as the 65-year-old is expected to step away from the sport after the season. Arians is a two-time AP NFL Coach of the Year winner and has a 48-30-1 record in Arizona. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)
• The Texans are expected to retain coach Bill O'Brien, who guided the team to three straight 9-7 seasons before this year's disappointment. Deshaun Watson, who vitalized the team before his season-ending injury, said publicly that he wants O'Brien to be his head coach next season. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)
• Marvin Lewis is likely done with the Bengals when his contract expires after Sunday's game. Lewis has led Cincinnati to the playoffs seven times in his 15 season as head coach but has failed to win a single playoff game. (Ian Rapoport, NFL.com)
• Seahawks coach Pete Carroll "may" retire at the end of the season. Carroll, 66, has led Seattle to five straight playoff appearances, including a Super Bowl XLVIII victory. He is the oldest active coach in the NFL. Carroll tweeted early Sunday that he is "too young to think about retirement." (Jay Glazer, Fox Sports)
• With a loss to the Jaguars, Mike Mularkey could be fired by the Titans. Tennessee entered the season with hopes of winning the AFC South and looked in prime position to do so after starting 8-4, but they've lost three straight since and are in danger of missing the playoffs altogether.(Ian Rapoport, NFL.com)
• The three favorites to become the next Giants head coach are Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, Vikings offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur and Texans coach Bill O'Brien, should he be fired. Schwartz will be interviewed, as it will give new Giants general manager Dave Gettleman a chance to pick the brain of an NFC East rival, but if he gets the job it's because others turned it down. (Gary Myers, New York Daily News).
• Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has emerged as a favorite for the vacant Giants coaching job and is expected to interview for the position next week. Schwartz previously coached the Lions from 2009-13. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)
• The Lions will likely let go coach Jim Caldwell and could look to replace him with Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. The Lions were eliminated from playoff contention with a loss to the Bengals in Week 16. (Ian Rapoport, NFL.com)
• The Bears are expected to fire John Fox, who is just 16-33 in three seasons as Chicago's head coach. This could very well the last NFL head coaching job for Fox, who will be 63 by the time next season begins. (Ian Rapoport, NFL.com)
• Packers defensive coordinator Dom Capers is not expected to return to Green Bay for next season. Capers, who previously seved as head coach for the Panthers and Texans, has been with Green Bay since 2009. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)
• Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees is expected to retire after the season. Pees, 65, has been with Baltimore since 2010 and served as the Patriots defensive coordinator from 2006-09. (Adam Schefter, ESPN.com)
