The Seattle Seahawks fired Ryan Grubb shortly after the tip of the season. With that, the franchise started the method of looking for a brand new offensive commander.
The OC place in Seattle could be very attention-grabbing. Whoever takes over will most likely have complete management of the offense, as if he had been an Offensive Head Coach, one thing just like what Dan Quinn did with Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta. This freedom is one thing that coaches can actually want.
Let’s go!
The problem of being an offensive coordinator in NFL
Grubb appeared to fall into the flawed place on the flawed time, I imagine he has the potential to be a superb title within the NFL in a number of years. He wanted to adapt from school to the NFL whereas operating all the offense. That’s the issue; you might be a superb positional coach, however that doesn’t imply you’ll be an awesome OC.
Take Shane Waldron for instance. As a lot as some followers hate his time in Seattle, he was clearly a artistic man, with present offensive tendencies. Nonetheless, being an OC requires you to be a great communicator, to get the message throughout to your gamers. Additionally, the primary attribute is to learn the sport, provide you with a plan to adapt and implement it throughout a sport. What number of video games have we seen the Seahawks making the identical errors all through a sport, with none changes?
One other challenge is accountability. We frequently see a positional coach being appointed to the OC place, however calling performs is an advanced artwork. Additionally, if you see the success of a unit, you could know who deserves the credit score, so as to not be shocked by a Nathaniel Hackett. He grew to become Head Coach because of his good work as OC with the Inexperienced Bay Packers. His season with the Broncos was horrible, after which he was OC with the Jets and it was simply as dangerous. Clearly the credit score for the success of this offense ought to go to Matt Lafleur.
*Known as for an interview with Seattle
Good choices
Right here, I listing the choices that I imagine are one of the best for Seattle.
Klint Kubiak, Saints OC*
Texas A&M (2010–2011)
Offensive high quality management coach;
Texas A&M (2012)
Graduate assistant;
Minnesota Vikings (2013–2014)
Offensive high quality management coach;
Kansas (2015)
Extensive receivers coach;
Denver Broncos (2016–2018)
Offensive assistant;
Minnesota Vikings (2019–2020)
Quarterbacks coach;
Minnesota Vikings (2021)
Offensive coordinator;
Denver Broncos (2022)
Passing sport coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
Passing sport coordinator;
New Orleans Saints (2024–current)
Offensive coordinator;
Kubiak has the Shanahan model in his DNA. He’s the son of Gary Kubiak, who constructed a dominant NFL offense with Kyle’s father, Mike, for years, with what would grow to be the modern-day vast zone. Kubiak has in depth expertise in varied roles. completely different points of the offense as a WRs, QBs and Passing Sport Coordinator coach. I like that in an OC; it offers him the holistic view of how an offense works/ought to work. The expertise he had in a single 12 months with the 49ers as PGC can also be sturdy addition to his resume.
In his most up-to-date job with the Saints, Kubiak received off to a blistering begin. He used play motion at a really excessive charge, one thing we had been unable to do with Grubb. Nonetheless, as accidents and the season progressed, the Saints offense merely stalled and he was unable to search out options for it.
Additionally on the adverse facet, we’ve the truth that he was a part of Hackett’s teaching workers throughout a disastrous season for the offense. Kubiak even took over the offensive play-calling duties in November of that season.
Dave Ragone, Rams QB Coach
Hartford Colonials (2010)
Quarterbacks coach;
Tennessee Titans (2011–2012)
Extensive receivers coach
Tennessee Titans (2013)
Quarterbacks coach;
Washington Redskins (2015 )
Offensive high quality management coach;
Chicago Bears (2016–2019)
Quarterbacks coach;
Chicago Bears (2020)
Passing sport coordinator;
Atlanta Falcons (2021–2023)
Offensive coordinator;
Los Angeles Rams (2024–current)
Quarterbacks coach;
An alternative choice that has had varied roles on offense, together with being an OC. He has labored extensively with QBs, together with his present position with the Rams. Whether or not it’s to “repair” a few of Geno’s issues or to assist refine Seattle’s QB of the long run within the upcoming Drafts, this background is vital.
One level price noting is that he was Arthur Smith’s OC (though he didn’t name the performs). You could not bear in mind now, however Macdonald reportedly initially wished Smith to be his OC earlier than he ended up signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Additionally, in keeping with the Rams, Ragone introduced in Mike Munchak as a advisor. He had an impression on the Rams’ OL rebuild that has yielded some severe worth in free company and the draft. That is actually Seattle’s greatest want proper now. Munchak may even fill the footwear of the disappointing Scott Huff.
Marcus Brady, Chargers Passing Sport Coordinator
Montreal Alouettes (2009–2011)
Extensive receivers coach;
Montreal Alouettes (2012)
Offensive coordinator;
Toronto Argonauts (2013–2017)
Offensive coordinator;
Indianapolis Colts (2018)
Assistant quarterbacks coach;
Indianapolis Colts (2019–2020)
Quarterbacks coach;
Indianapolis Colts (2021–2022)
Offensive coordinator;
Philadelphia Eagles (2022)
Offensive advisor;
Philadelphia Eagles ( 2023)
Senior offensive assistant;
Los Angeles Chargers (2024–current)
Passing sport coordinator;
He’s a former CFL quarterback, so he is aware of the job on the sector, too. He grew up with the Colts, beginning as an assistant after which transferring as much as QB Coach. and at last OC. When he was with the Colts, he led a dominant operating unit with Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, and Braden Smith blocking for Jonathan Taylor.
He spent two years as a advisor for the Eagles earlier than being employed by Jim Harbaugh to be the Chargers’ PGC. I don’t must remind you of the connection Mike Macdonald has with the Harbaugh household. He shares the philosophy of a bodily crew within the trenches and Brady was concerned on this final 12 months.
Good choices, however no OC expertise within the NFL
Right here we proceed with good choices, however they’ve by no means been OC of their careers.
Hank Fraley, Lions OL Coach*
San Diego (2012)
Offensive line coach;
San Jose State (2013)
Offensive line coach;
Minnesota Vikings (2014–2016)
Assistant offensive line coach;
UCLA (2017)
Offensive line coach;
Detroit Lions (2018–2019)
Assistant offensive line coach;
Detroit Lions (2020–current)
Offensive line coach ;
This was the primary title Seattle requested for permission to interview. Final 12 months Seattle had curiosity in Lions PGC Tanner Engstrand. Nonetheless, with Ben Johnson’s imminent departure, he should both observe the Lions OC, or he might obtain a suggestion to be promoted in Detroit.
Desire a constructive about Fraley? He’s labored his complete life with the OL. Desire a adverse? He’s labored his complete life ONLY with the OL.
Fraley helped the Lions construct probably the greatest OLs within the league, if not one of the best. Along with getting one of the best out of excellent gamers, equivalent to Taylor Decker, Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow, Fraley helped develop gamers who didn’t have the elite label. Some examples are Jonah Jackson, Evan Brown (former Seahawk), Dan Skipper, and so forth.
The coach has a superb relationship along with his gamers. In actual fact, lots of them pleaded with Dan Campbell for a promotion to OL Coach.
One reservation I’ve is the shortage of expertise, apparently, within the offense outdoors of the OL. Usually some OL Coaches obtain the title of Run Sport Coordinator as effectively. That was not the case with Fraley. We’d clearly have a bodily offense, however Fraley would be capable of cope with the difficulties in the course of the season.
Tee Martin, Ravens QB Coach
Morehouse (2006)
Passing sport coordinator;
North Cobb HS (2007)
Passing sport coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
North Atlanta HS (2008)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
New Mexico (2009)
Quarterbacks coach;
Kentucky (2010)
Extensive receivers coach;
Kentucky (2011)
Passing sport coordinator & vast receivers coach;
USC (2012–2013)
Extensive receivers coach;
USC (2014–2015)
Passing sport coordinator & vast receivers coach;
USC (2016–2018)
Offensive coordinator & vast receivers coach;
Tennessee (2019–2020)
Assistant head coach & vast receivers coach;
Baltimore Ravens (2021–2022)
Extensive receivers coach;
Baltimore Ravens (2023–current)
Quarterbacks coach;
Martin was drafted within the fifth spherical and was a QB for the Steelers, Eagles and Raiders earlier than transferring to the CFL with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. This offers him a great take a look at completely different schemes as a participant. He additionally has in depth expertise in quite a lot of roles together with WRs, QB Coach, PGC and OC at USC. When Mike Macdonald was employed, I used to be fairly positive he would carry Martin in as his OC.
He was promoted to QB Coach with the Ravens from QB to QB coach for Lamar Jackson below Todd Monken. Jackson and the Ravens credit score Martin, in addition to Monken, for Jackson’s rise over the past two years.
Kevin Patullo, Eagles Passing Sport Coordinator
South Florida (2003–2004)
Graduate assistant;
Arizona (2004–2006)
Graduate assistant;
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (2007–2008)
Offensive assistant & offensive high quality management coach;
Buffalo Payments (2010–2011)
Offensive high quality management coach;
Buffalo Payments (2012)
Offensive assistant & assistant vast receivers coach;
Tennessee Titans (2014)
Assistant vast receivers coach;
New York Jets (2015–2016)
Quarterbacks coach;
Texas A&M (2017)
Senior offensive analyst;
Indianapolis Colts (2018–2019)
Extensive receivers coach;
Indianapolis Colts (2020)
Move sport specialist;
Philadelphia Eagles (2021–2022)
Move sport coordinator;
Philadelphia Eagles (2023–current)
Move sport coordinator/Affiliate head coach;
Has expertise teaching QBs, WRs, and PGCs. Works on a promising offense, and grew up in Philly, receiving the AHC title. The Eagles have had a superb OL and operating sport for a very long time. Patullo might be a key participant in that regard.
Patullo additionally appears to have a greater locker room really feel than Nick Sirianni.
Josh McCown, Vikings QB Coach
Carolina Panthers (2023)
Quarterbacks coach;
Minnesota Vikings (2024–current)
Quarterbacks coach;
It’s laborious to divide who deserves what credit score for Sam Darnold’s renaissance this season between Kevin O’Connell, McCown, and Darnold himself. You possibly can solely choose from afar, with out the prior data that the groups have. McCown was Darnold’s quarterback coach the 12 months he broke out.
McCown has even been getting presents for HC, despite the fact that he’s model new to the teaching workers. He’s solely in his second 12 months as a coach.
On the plus facet, he’s been with 13 completely different groups in his 18 years as a QB. That offers him an enormous data of offensive schemes, completely different cultures. Plus, McCown appears to be a superb communicator, simply watch a few of his interviews.
He could make two selections: make the most of all of the hype this 12 months and attempt to capitalize on it, or, pondering long-term, resolve to return for one more 12 months with the Vikings and set up himself on the teaching workers.
Good Choices with Caveats
Mike Kafka, Giants OC
Northwestern (2016)
Graduate assistant;
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (2017)
Offensive high quality management coach;
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (2018–2019)
Quarterbacks coach;
Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (2020–2021)
Quarterbacks coach & passing sport coordinator;
New York Giants (2022–2023)
Offensive coordinator;
New York Giants (2024–current)
Assistant head coach & offensive coordinator;
The Giants blocked the Seahawks from interviewing him to be OC. The Giants even added the title of Assistant Head Coach after that. With the Giants selecting to stay with Brian Daboll, Kafka isn’t more likely to go anyplace.
His greatest break was with the Chiefs, the place he rose from assistant to QB coach to PGC. Rising below Andy Reid’s tutelage is attention-grabbing.
Jake Peetz, Seahawks PGC
Santa Barbara Metropolis Faculty (2006)
Particular groups coordinator, safeties coach & energy & conditioning coordinator;
UCLA (2007)
Defensive assistant;
Jacksonville Jaguars (2012)
Assistant quarterbacks coach;
Alabama (2013)
Offensive analyst;
Washington Redskins (2014)
Offensive high quality management coach;
Oakland Raiders (2015)
Senior offensive assistant;
Oakland Raiders (2016)
Assistant quarterbacks coach;
Oakland Raiders (2017)
Quarterbacks coach;
Alabama (2018)
Offensive analyst;
Carolina Panthers (2019)
Working backs coach;
Carolina Panthers (2020)
Quarterbacks coach;
LSU (2021)
Offensive coordinator & quarterbacks coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2022)
Offensive assistant;
Los Angeles Rams (2023)
Move sport specialist;
Seattle Seahawks (2024–current)
Move sport coordinator;
Peetz was a reputation thought-about for the OC place final cycle. Seattle supplied him the Move Sport Coordinator job and he accepted. The large caveat right here is that regardless of his promise, Macdonald mentioned who wouldn’t have any promotions inside Seattle’s teaching workers.
Jake Peetz can be the obvious title for Seattle to attempt to get. After all, there’s the likelihood that MM is simply attempting to throw him off the scent, and even that Peetz doesn’t wish to be OC. His work in several offensive roles and particularly as a QB Coach is attention-grabbing.
Different Choices
Brian Fleury, 49ers TE Coach
Maryland (2003–2004)
Intern / graduate assistant;
Sacred Coronary heart (2005)
Secondary coach;
Sacred Coronary heart (2006–2008)
Defensive coordinator / secondary / outdoors linebackers coach;
Towson (2009–2012)
Particular groups coordinator/defensive backs coach;
Buffalo Payments (2013)
High quality management coach;
Cleveland Browns (2014)
Assistant linebackers coach;
Cleveland Browns (2015)
Outdoors linebackers coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2019)
Defensive high quality management coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2020–2021)
Offensive high quality management coach;
San Francisco 49ers (2022–current)
Tight ends coach;
Unknown outdoors the Niners, extremely valued throughout the franchise. He’s seen as a trusted operating sport authority Kyle Shanahan. He is aware of all points of the sport. Fleury has been a linebackers coach, defensive backs coach, director of scouting, high quality management coach and assistant place coach in his years within the NFL.
He most likely received’t get a lot consideration this cycle, however he’s an outsider.
Frank Smith, Dolphins OC
Miami (Ohio) (2004–2005)
Graduate assistant;
Butler (2006)
Offensive line coach;
Butler (2007–2009)
Offensive coordinator & offensive line coach;
New Orleans Saints (2010–2014)
Assistant offensive line coach;
Chicago Bears (2015–2017)
Tight ends coach;
Oakland / Las Vegas Raiders (2018–2020)
Tight ends coach;
Los Angeles Chargers (2021)
Run sport coordinator & offensive line coach;
Miami Dolphins (2022–current)
Offensive coordinator;
They introduced in Frank Smith as a head coach candidate however didn’t give him a second interview. Smith was the Chargers’ operating sport coordinator earlier than becoming a member of Mike McDaniel in Miami. He additionally has a background as a TE and Offensive Line coach. He beforehand labored for Jon Gruden and Sean Payton, who coached the Broncos to a league-leading run-blocking win charge this 12 months.
Smith has additionally been in a position to construct good relationships along with his gamers, together with Darren Waller highlighting his significance in his profession restoration. He doesn’t name the performs in Miami, so he might contemplate a lateral transfer to have that chance.
Dangerous Choices
Thomas Brown, Bears Interim Head Coach/OC *
Georgia (2011)
Energy and conditioning coach;
Chattanooga (2012)
Working backs coach;
Marshall (2013)
Working backs coach;
Wisconsin (2014)
Working backs coach;
Georgia (2015)
Working backs coach;
Miami (FL) (2016–2018)
Offensive coordinator & operating backs coach;
South Carolina (2019)
Working backs coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2020)
Working backs coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2021)
Assistant head coach & operating backs coach;
Los Angeles Rams (2022)
Assistant head coach & tight ends coach;
Carolina Panthers (2023)
Offensive coordinator;
Chicago Bears (2024)
Passing sport coordinator;
Chicago Bears (2024)
Offensive coordinator;
Chicago Bears (2024–current)
Interim head coach;
He was on the Rams’ teaching workers after they received the Tremendous Bowl. This was his greatest spotlight. He has a really lengthy resume and has held a number of completely different positions. Nonetheless, his previous couple of years have been fairly dangerous, epecially with the Bears in 2024. Keep in mind that his offense solely scored 3 factors towards Seattle and his remaining drive had horrible calls that did not put the crew in place to kick a FG to take the sport into additional time.
