NFL Head Coach And General Manager Tracker

The NFL’s annual head coach and general manager churn is nearing an end. With Sunday’s elimination of the Detroit Lions and the Baltimore from the Super Bowl chase, some of the most popular coaching candidates are now available to be hired. Perhaps the two teams still looking will finally find their new head coach.  

Teams that have hired their new head coach:

New England Patriots - Jerod Mayo

Las Vegas Raiders - Antonio Pierce

Tennessee Titans - Brian Callahan

Carolina Panthers - Dave Canales

Atlanta Falcons - Raheem Morris

Teams still looking for a new head coach:

Washington Commanders - Ron Rivera fired

Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll and the Seahawks may have decided on a separation 

Teams that have hired their new general manager:

Washington Commanders - Adam Peters

Carolina Panthers - Dan Morgan

Las Vegas Raiders - Tom Telesco

Los Angeles Chargers - Joe Hortiz

The teams still in need of a new head coach and the people that interest them:

Head Coach

Washington Commanders

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Eric Bieniemy, Washington Commanders OC

Seattle Seahawks

Interviews Requested

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers DC

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins OC

Mike Kafka, New York Giants OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

2024 NFL Draft Order

The first eighteen picks in the 2024 NFL Draft were set as soon as the regular season ended. The 12 teams eliminated in the Wild Card, Divisional, and Championship Rounds of the playoffs now have their place in the draft. That gives the order of 30 of the 32 teams. 

First Round Order 

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)

2. Washington Commanders

3. New England Patriots

4. Arizona Cardinals

5. Los Angeles Chargers

6. New York Giants

7. Tennessee Titans

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears

10. New York Jets

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Denver Broncos

13. Las Vegas Raiders

14. New Orleans Saints

15. Indianapolis Colts

16. Seattle Seahawks

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

18. Cincinnati Bengals

19. Los Angeles Rams

20. Pittsburgh Steelers 

21. Miami Dolphins 

22. Philadelphia Eagles 

23. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)

24. Dallas Cowboys

25. Green Bay Packers 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston Texans)

28. Buffalo Bills

29. Detroit Lions

30. Baltimore Ravens

Remaining Teams:

Kansas City Chiefs

San Francisco 49ers

Flea Flicker Conference Championship Predictions

It’s Championship Sunday! Here are some guesses at the games. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

In my perfect little world, this would be the Super Bowl. I’d rather neither of the NFC representatives be involved in the big game. I was probably leaning Chiefs until the Joe Thuney injury. A guard deciding the game? I can see the Ravens defensive front making the day long for Patrick Mahomes. 

Detroit Lions @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

The magical season of the Detroit Lions comes to an end. 

Minnesota Vikings 4-Round Mock Draft

Here’s another stab at a Minnesota Vikings mock draft. The various mock draft simulators out there make these too damn easy. This mock draft is done with the assumption that the Vikings re-sign Kirk Cousins.

1(15). Terrion Arnold, CB, Alabama

2(42). J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan

2(46). T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

4.       Austin Booker, Kansas

4.       Braden Fiske, DT, Florida State

In this mock, I traded the Vikings first round pick (11th) to the Indianapolis Colts for the 15th and 46th picks. The third round hole that the Vikings currently have bothers me. Sitting out an entire round isn’t fun. A second second-round pick would be nice. 

The Vikings have a variety of defensive needs. The front is probably the biggest need but a shut-down cornerback is also needed. I like the trio of Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, and Akayleb Evans but none is currently the lockdown corner that can push Brian Flores’ defense to another level. 

I doubt that J.J. McCarthy falls to the second round. If the does, the Vikings might luck into their quarterback of the future. In this scenario, McCarthy sits and learns behind Cousins and steps in to tremendous success when he’s ready. 

The remaining picks address the defensive front. T’Vondre Sweat is another player I doubt makes it to the second round. He would be a tremendous, huge, versatile, impactful presence in the middle of the Vikings defense. He’s a huge player that could be a menace for an offensive line. Austin Booker and Braden Fiske are a couple talented players that currently intrigue me. 

Until the next one. 

And Then There Were Two

This year’s head coach churn had eight vacancies. 

Carolina Panthers - Frank Reich fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Josh McDaniels fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Brandon Staley fired

Atlanta Falcons - Arthur Smith fired

Washington Commanders - Ron Rivera fired

Tennessee Titans - Mike Vrabel fired

Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll and the Seahawks decided on a separation 

New England Patriots - Bill Belichick and the Patriots decided on a separation 

It turned out the Patriots already had a Bill Belichick succession plan in place. Linebacker coach Jerod Mayo is the new head coach of the New England Patriots. 

After satisfying the Rooney Rule, the Las Vegas Raiders removed the “interim” tag and named Antonio Pierce their new head coach. 

Due to refined hiring regulations, the first couple weeks were filled with interview requests and virtual interviews. Currently employed candidates couldn’t meet face-to-face with teams until this week. That was all it took. This week, four of the teams looking for a new head coach decided on their new head coach. 

Tennessee Titans - Brian Callahan, now former Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator

Los Angeles Chargers - Jim Harbaugh, now former Michigan Head Coach

Carolina Panthers - Dave Canales, now former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Raheem Morris, former Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator 

And then there were two.

Washington Commanders

Seattle Seahawks

Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson has been the presumed favorite for the Commanders. He was a “hot” candidate last year but decided to spend another year directing the Lions offense. He’s only gotten “hottter.” 

The Seattle Seahawks have second interviews scheduled for the following coaches:

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers Defensive Coordinator

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders Defensive Coordinator

Mike Kafka, New York Giants Offensive Coordinator

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator 

They may also have interest in initial interviews with Ben Johnson and Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. 

As soon as the Seahawks and Pete Carroll decided to separate, it was impossible to ignore Dan Quinn’s history with the team. Connecting him with the Seahawks always felt too easy. It may happen. I wouldn’t be surprised if it did happen. For some reason, I’m leaning Ejiro Evero or Mike Kafka. Mostly Evero. 

My greatest fear for this year’s coaching churn was some team swiping defensive coordinator Brian Flores from the Minnesota Vikings. Seeing as no team reportedly requested an interview, it appears Flores is, thankfully, staying for in Minnesota for another season. Many have speculated that the lack of apparent interest is due to his lawsuit against the league. Well, he interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals last year with that same lawsuit in the works. I believe that he didn’t get any interest this year because he’s incredibly happy and content where he is. Skol!

Alan Page Community Award Finalists

The NFL Players Association announced the five finalists for the 2024 NFLPA Alan Page Community Award.

Harrison Phillips, Minnesota Vikings

Calais Campbell, Atlanta Falcons

Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills

Charles Leno, Jr., Washington Commanders

Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions

Each will receive a $10,000 donation from the NFLPA toward the foundation or charity of his choice. 

From the NFLPA Website:

The Alan Page Community Award is the highest honor that the NFLPA can bestow upon a player. The award annually recognizes one union member who goes above and beyond to perform community service in his team city and/or hometown. 

The award is named for former Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page. He was one of the greatest defensive tackles of his and any era. His post-playing career was even more remarkable than his playing career. He was the first African-American elected to the Minnesota Supreme Court, where he served until 2015. Through the Page Education Foundation, founded by him and his late wife Diane, minority students are provided with financial and mentoring assistance in exchange for the student’s commitment too engage in community volunteer work. 

While every player up for the various community service awards is deserving for the great work that they do, it would fitting for a current Vikings defensive tackle, Harrison Phillips, to receive an award named for a former Vikings defensive tackle, Alan Page. 

The winner of the 2024 Alan Page Community Award will be determined next week through a league-wide digital vote by their NFL peers. The winner will be announced on February 7 at the NFLPA’s Super Bowl press conference in Las Vegas. An additional donation of $100,000 will be made to the foundation or charity of his choice. 

Past winners of the Alan Page Community Award:

2023 - Damar Hamlin, Buffalo Bills

2022 - Rodney McLeod, Philadelphia Eagles

2021 - Hayden Hurst, Atlanta Falcons

2020 - Brandon Copeland, New York Jets

2019 - Andrew Whitworth, Los Angeles Rams

2018 - Chris Long, Philadelphia Eagles 

2017 - Malcolm Jenkins, Philadelphia Eagles 

2016 - Thomas Davis, Carolina Panthers

2015 - Chad Greenway, Minnesota Vikings

2014 - Anquan Boldin, San Francisco 49ers 

2013 - Charlie Batch, Pittsburgh Steelers 

2012 - Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints 

2011 - Tony Richardson, New York Jets

2010 - Nnamdi Asomugha, Oakland Raiders

2009 - Brian Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles

2008 - Warrick Dunn, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2007 - John Lynch, Denver Broncos

2006 - Steve McNair, Tennessee Titans

2005 - Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts

2004 - Derrick Brooks, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2003 - Troy Vincent, Philadelphia Eagles

2002 - Mark Brunell, Jacksonville Jaguars

2001 - Michael McCrary, Baltimore Ravens

2000 - Doug Pelfrey, Cincinnati Bengals 

1999 - Cris Carter, Minnesota Vikings 

1998 - Hardy Nickerson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

1997 - Chris Zorich, Chicago Bears 

1996 - Bill Brooks, Buffalo Bills

1995 - Derrick Thomas, Kansas City Chiefs

1994 - Mark Kelso, Buffalo Bills

1993 - Nick Lowery, Kansas City Chiefs

1992 - Reggie White, Green Bay Packers

1991 - Mike Kenn, Atlanta Falcons 

1990 - Ozzie Newsome, Cleveland Browns

1989 - Mike Singletary, Chicago Bears

1988 - Deron Cherry, Kansas City Chiefs

1987 - George Martin, New York Giants

1986 - Nat Moore, Miami Dolphins

1985 - Reggie Williams, Cincinnati Bengals

1984 - Rolf Benirschke, San Diego Chargers

1983 - Doug Dieken, Cleveland Browns

1982 - Franco Harris, Pittsburgh Steelers 

1981 - Ken Houston, Washington Redskins

1980 - Gene Upshaw, Los Angeles Raiders

1979 - Roger Staubach, Dallas Cowboys

1978 - Archie Manning, New Orleans Saints

1977 - Lyle Alzado, Denver Broncos

1976 - Jim Hart, St. Louis Cardinals

1975 - Rocky Bleier, Pittsburgh Steelers

1974 - Floyd Little, Denver Broncos

1973 - Andy Russell, Pittsburgh Steelers 

1972 - Ray May, Baltimore Colts

1971 - Kermit Alexander, Los Angeles Rams

1970 - Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears

1969 - Ed Meador, Los Angeles Rams

1968 - Willie Davis, Green Bay Packers

1967 - Bart Starr, Green Bay Packers

From Bart Starr to Damar Hamlin, NFL players have been making a positive impact on their communities for decades. 

2024 NFL Draft Order

The first eighteen picks in the 2024 NFL Draft were set as soon as the regular season ended. The ten teams eliminated in the Wild Card and Divisional Rounds of the playoffs now have their place in the draft. That gives the order of seven-eighths of the first round. 

First Round Order 

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)

2. Washington Commanders

3. New England Patriots

4. Arizona Cardinals

5. Los Angeles Chargers

6. New York Giants

7. Tennessee Titans

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears

10. New York Jets

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Denver Broncos

13. Las Vegas Raiders

14. New Orleans Saints

15. Indianapolis Colts

16. Seattle Seahawks

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

18. Cincinnati Bengals

19. Los Angeles Rams

20. Pittsburgh Steelers 

21. Miami Dolphins 

22. Philadelphia Eagles 

23. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)

24. Dallas Cowboys

25. Green Bay Packers 

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

27. Arizona Cardinals (from Houston Texans)

28. Buffalo Bills

Remaining Teams:

Kansas City Chiefs

Detroit Lions

San Francisco 49ers

Baltimore Ravens

Another Stab At Predicting The Head Coach Churn

We’re entering the third week of the annual head coach churn. In-person interviews with currently employed coaches begin this week. Here’s a stab at who lands where. 

Jobs already filled:

New England Patriots

Jerod Mayo

Las Vegas Raiders

Antonio Pierce

The guesses:

Carolina Panthers

Mike Vrabel, former Tennessee Titans Head Coach

This job is the most difficult to predict. It’s difficult to predict because I’m not sure any of the potential candidates will want to work for owner David Tepper. Being around this guy sounds like a nightmare. There’s only 32 NFL head coaching jobs. Even with an ass like Tepper as owner, every job will be in demand. Mike Vrabel is a terrific coach. Tepper’s immense amount of cash gets the deal done. If Vrabel isn’t interested in dealing with a nightmare owner, I like Tampa Bay Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales for this job. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach

If Jim Harbaugh jumps to the NFL, it feels like the Chargers are the team. If Harbaugh stays at Michigan, I’m probably leaning Mike Vrabel for the Chargers. 

Atlanta Falcons

Bill Belichick, former New England Patriots Head Coach

The Falcons appear to have finalists. Bill Belichick has had two interviews. Brian Callahan, Ejiro Evero, and Jim Harbaugh have their second interviews scheduled. Belichick must be the target. 

Washington Commanders

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator

I’ve felt since last year’s coaching churn that Ben Johnson was going to get a head coach opportunity as soon as he wanted one. He decided that he wasn’t ready last season. If he decides that he’s ready this season, he gets one of these jobs. All signs seem to point to Washington as the team. 

Tennessee Titans

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals Offensive Coordinator 

I was a day late in posting this prediction. Brian Callahan was named the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans yesterday. This was the second year of being a very in-demand head coach candidate. Atlanta and Carolina requested second interviews. It felt like he was getting one of these jobs. The Titans probably decided that they couldn’t let him leave the building. He didn’t. 

Seattle Seahawks

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator

Predicting Dan Quinn to the Seahawks is too easy. I feel like this is the year that Raheem Morris gets another shot at leading a team. He’s one of five candidates with a second interview scheduled for this job.

Raheem Morris

Dan Quinn

Ejiro Evero

Patrick Graham

Mike Kafka

It’s interesting that all but Kafka are defensive coordinators. 

NFL Draft Early Entrants

54 college football players have been granted special eligibility for the 2024 NFL Draft. Also, four underclassmen who have fulfilled their degree requirements with college eligibility remaining are also eligible for selection. A total of 58 football players are leaving college early for the 2024 NFL Draft. 

54 Early Entrants:

• Ajou Ajou, WR, Garden City C.C.
• Braelon Allen, RB, Wisconsin
• Joe Alt, OT, Notre Dame
• Kiran Amegadjie, OT, Yale
• Terrion Arnold, DB, Alabama
• Cole Bishop, DB, Utah
• Austin Booker, DE, Kansas
• Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia
• Jonathon Brooks, RB, Texas
• Arland Bruce, WR, Oklahoma State
• Javon Bullard, DB, Georgia
• Calen Bullock, DB, USC
• Keon Coleman, WR, Florida State
• Junior Colson, LB, Michigan
• Cooper DeJean, DB, Iowa
• Jonah Elliss, DE, Utah
• Audric Estimé, RB, Notre Dame
• Blake Fisher, OT, Notre Dame
• Troy Franklin, WR, Oregon
• Michael Hall, DT, Ohio State
• Marvin Harrison, WR, Ohio State
• Jaden Hicks, DB, Washington State
• Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon
• Kalen King, DB, Penn State
• Kamari Lassiter, DB, Georgia
• JC Latham, OT, Alabama
• Cam Little, K, Arkansas
• Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina
• J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan
• Amarius Mims, OT, Georgia
• Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas
• Malik Nabers, WR, LSU
• Ja'Lynn Polk, WR, Washington
• Jackson Powers-Johnson, C, Oregon
• Ennis Rakestraw, DB, Missouri
• Chop Robinson, DE, Penn State
• Roger Rosengarten, OT, Washington
• Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Texas
• Jaden Shirden, RB, Monmouth (N.J.)
• Maason Smith, DT, LSU
• Carson Steele, RB, UCLA
• Kingsley Suamataia, OT, BYU
• Leonard Taylor, DT, Miami
• Brian Thomas, WR, LSU
• Jeremiah Trotter, LB, Clemson
• Dallas Turner, LB, Alabama
• Sione Vaki, DB, Utah
• Trevin Wallace, LB, Kentucky
• Nate Wiggins, DB, Clemson
• Caleb Williams, QB, USC
• James Williams, DB, Miami
• Mekhi Wingo, DT, LSU
• Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
• Jaylen Wright, RB, Tennessee

Four players leaving early with their degree:

• Kamren Kinchens, DB, Miami
• Kool-Aid McKinstry, DB, Alabama
• Byron Murphy, DT, Texas
• Will Shipley, RB, Clemson

The pandemic years impacted college eligibility. The new NIL deals have changed college football and perhaps slowed the race to the NFL. For those reasons, and perhaps something cyclical, there has been a steady decline in the number of early entrants since 2022. There was a time when about 100 players leaving college early was routine. 

2018: 106

2019: 103

2020: 99

2021: 98

2022: 73

2023: 69

2024: 54

While the top prospects of the 58 players are among the top prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft, a few are taking a serious gamble in leaving college early. Best of luck to all of the early entrants. 

NFL Head Coach And General Manager Tracker

The NFL’s annual head coach and general manager churn continues. Unless the coach of interest isn’t currently employed by a team, only virtual interviews have been allowed. Tomorrow, teams can finally interview in person. Perhaps some hires will be made. 

Teams that have hired their new head coach:

New England Patriots - Jerod Mayo

Las Vegas Raiders - Antonio Pierce

Teams currently looking for a new head coach:

Carolina Panthers - Frank Reich fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Brandon Staley fired

Atlanta Falcons - Arthur Smith fired

Washington Commanders - Ron Rivera fired

Tennessee Titans - Mike Vrabel fired

Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll and the Seahawks may have decided on a separation 

Teams that have hired their new general manager:

Washington Commanders - Adam Peters

Teams currently looking for a new general manager:

Carolina Panthers - Scott Fitterer fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Dave Ziegler fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Tom Telesco fired

The teams in need of new leadership and the people that interest them:

Head Coach

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Brian Callahan, Bengals OC

Dave Canales, Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins OC

Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles OC

Chris Tabor, Carolina Panthers Interim Head Coach

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Kellen Moore, Los Angeles Chargers OC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens, OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams, DC

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Leslie Frazier, former Buffalo Bills DC

Giff Smith, Los Angeles Chargers Interim Head Coach

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders DC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach

David Shaw, former Stanford Head Coach

Mike Vrabel, former Tennessee Titans Head Coach

-15 candidates interviewed!

Atlanta Falcons

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers DC

Mike Macdonald,  Baltimore Ravens DC

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Bill Belichick, former New England Patriots Head Coach

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach 

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills Interim OC

-14 candidates interviewed!

Washington Commanders

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Eric Bieniemy, Washington Commanders OC

Tennessee Titans

Interviews Requested

Thomas Brown, Carolina Panthers OC

Mike Kafka, New York Giants OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles OC

Seattle Seahawks

Interviews Requested

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers DC

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins OC

General Manager

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Alec Halaby, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant GM

Khai Harley, New Orleans Saints VP of Football Administration 

Champ Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders Interim GM

Nick Matteo, Baltimore Ravens VP of Football Administration 

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Mike Disner, Detroit Lions COO

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Samir Suleiman, Carolina Panthers VP of Football Operations

Mike Greenberg, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Assistant GM

Las Vegas Raiders 

Interviews Requested

Trey Brown, Cincinnati Bengals Senior Personnel Executive 

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Tom Telesco, former Los Angeles Chargers GM

Kelly Kleine Van Calligan, Denver Broncos Executive 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears Assistant GM

Joe Hortiz, Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Personnel

Jeff Ireland, New Orleans Saints VP and Assistant GM

Jeff King, Chicago Bears Co-Director of Player Personnel

JoJo Wooden, Los Angeles Chargers interim GM

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Flea Flicker Divisional Round Predictions

Here are guesses at the Divisional Round games.

Houston Texans @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Ravens

The Ravens slow C.J. Stroud and the Texans.

Green Bay Packers @ San Francisco 49ers

Pick: 49ers

The 49ers roll.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Buccaneers

The Buccaneers somehow end the Lions magical season. Hopefully, Lions asshole Kerby Joseph sends no players to knee surgery and lengthy rehab. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Chiefs

The Chiefs find a way on the road. 

Minnesota Vikings Offseason Needs

The 2023 Minnesota Vikings season was a frustrating one. 

It started terrible.

1-4

That flipped into a strong run. 

5-0

The finish was terrible.

1-6

Injuries and turnovers were the theme of the season. 14 players spent time on injured reserve. Several others missed a couple games or more. No offensive player started every game. The defense was peppered with injuries throughout the season. If quarterback Kirk Cousins hadn’t snapped his Achilles on the spongy Lambeau turf in Week 8, the Vikings would’ve been in the playoffs. Despite all of the missing players, the Vikings remained in the playoff chase until the final weeks. Ultimately, it was a relentless storm of turnovers that closed the door the playoffs. 

Too damn many turnovers.

Somehow, the Vikings were a playoff quality team and a mess in the same season, the same game, and even on the same play. It’s rare to see a team do so much good and so much bad at the same time. That was the 2023 Minnesota Vikings. 

So, moving forward, do the Vikings just have to get healthy and stop giving away the football? Nope. There’s a lot of work to do. The team has a lengthy list of needs. Before those needs can be addressed, the Vikings must make a huge decision on their quarterback. Do they re-sign Kirk Cousins or do everything possible to bring in a young, rookie, hopefully franchise-changing, difference-making quarterback? 

The safest path is to re-sign Cousins. At the time of his injury, he was playing the best football of his five-plus years with the Vikings. He appeared to have full command of Kevin O’Connell’s offense. He was also doing this with all-everything receiver Justin Jefferson on the sideline. Assuming Cousins is fully recovered from the season-ending Achilles injury, a smooth-running offense is pretty much guaranteed for as long he’s under center. Whether through scheme or talent, a much improved running game would be nice. 

However, at some point, the Vikings have to transition from Cousins. This will be his age 36 season. He’s coming off the first significant injury of his career. The Vikings hold the 11th pick in a draft with three quarterbacks considered by most to be franchise-changers. There are a few more quarterbacks with intriguing traits. This feels like the time to make a big move and the draft in which to do it. 

What to do?

Beyond the big quarterback question, the Vikings have many holes to fill. Most are on defense. Moving from front to back:

Defensive Line

Edge

Cornerback

Linebacker 

Safety

That about covers it. The biggest need is on the defensive front. Harrison Phillips and Jaquelin Roy are the only notable returnees. Phillips is solid. In his second year, Roy is a breakout candidate. At edge, Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum are scheduled to be free agents. Whether to re-sign Hunter is the biggest decision outside of the quarterback decision. Hunter was brilliant last season. He’s been brilliant his entire career and he seems to be peaking as he approaches age 30. Last year was his best. Every play, every game, he was a season-long menace for opposing offenses. His next contract will be significant. The Vikings cornerback situation is tricky. I like the trio of Byron Murphy Jr., Mekhi Blackmon, and Akayleb Evans. All are good players but none are the lockdown corners that can push this defense, any defenes, to another level. It’s hoped that all three will be improved in their second year in Brian Flores’ defense. The most hope is probably with Blackmon as he was a rookie last season. I would put the defensive front as a much bigger need than corner. As for linebacker and safety. As an undrafted rookie, Ivan Pace Jr. played like a potential franchise cornerstone player. Jordan Hicks was very good but is a free agent and over 30. Brian Asamoah remains a young, talented player with potential. He must step up in his third season. The linebacker need is probably more depth than immediate impact. The same is true at safety. Harrison Smith is possibly pondering retirement. With or without Smith, Cam Bynum and Josh Metellus are impact players. Theo Jackson has done some good things with limited opportunities. If 2022 first-round pick Lewis Cine finally emerges as the player he was drafted to be, safety will again be a strength. 

Offense? It’s about the quarterback. It’s always about the quarterback. If left guard Dalton Risner isn’t re-signed, that position becomes a significant need. The offensive line was improved this season but the interior has plenty of room to get much better. The rest of the offense is mostly in need of depth upgrades. 

The Vikings offseason work starts with the big quarterback decision. After that, it’s on to a significant talent upgrade on the defensive side of the ball. The defensive front needs significant work. It’s questionable whether the Vikings could even field a functional group with the players currently under contract. Cornerback could also use some work. It’s going to be an active offseason. 

NFL Head Coach And General Manager Tracker

The NFL’s annual head coach and general manager churn continues. Interview requests are still being made. So far, only virtual interviews are allowed. On Monday, teams can finally interview in person. 

Teams looking for a new head coach:

Carolina Panthers - Frank Reich fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Josh McDaniels fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Brandon Staley fired

Atlanta Falcons - Arthur Smith fired

Washington Commanders - Ron Rivera fired

Tennessee Titans - Mike Vrabel fired

Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll and the Seahawks may have decided on a separation 

New England Patriots - Bill Belichick and the Patriots decided on a separation 

Teams looking for a new general manager:

Carolina Panthers - Scott Fitterer fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Dave Ziegler fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Tom Telesco fired

The teams in need of new leadership have started the interview request/interview process. 

Head Coach

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Brian Callahan, Bengals OC

Dave Canales, Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins OC

Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles OC

Chris Tabor, Carolina Panthers Interim Head Coach

Las Vegas Raiders

Interviews Requested

Leslie Frazier, former Buffalo Bills DC

Kris Richard, New Orleans Saints DB Coach

Interviewing Leslie Frazier and Kris Richard feels like the mandatory interviews required before interim head coach Antonio Pierce is hired. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Kellen Moore, Los Angeles Chargers OC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens, OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams, DC

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Leslie Frazier, former Buffalo Bills DC

Giff Smith, Los Angeles Chargers Interim Head Coach

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders DC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach

Atlanta Falcons

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers DC

Mike Macdonald,  Baltimore Ravens DC

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Bill Belichick, former New England Patriots Head Coach

Washington Commanders

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Tennessee Titans

Interviews Requested

Thomas Brown, Carolina Panthers OC

Mike Kafka, New York Giants OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles OC

Seattle Seahawks

Interviews Requested

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers DC

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins OC

New England Patriots

Hired:

Jarod Mayo

General Manager

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Alec Halaby, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant GM

Khai Harley, New Orleans Saints VP of Football Administration 

Champ Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders Interim GM

Nick Matteo, Baltimore Ravens VP of Football Administration 

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Mike Disner, Detroit Lions COO

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Samir Suleiman, Carolina Panthers VP of Football Operations

Mike Greenberg, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Assistant GM

Las Vegas Raiders 

Interviews Requested

Trey Brown, Cincinnati Bengals Senior Personnel Executive 

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Tom Telesco, former Los Angeles Chargers GM

Kelly Kleine Van Calligan, Denver Broncos Executive 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears Assistant GM

Joe Hortiz, Baltimore Ravens Director of Player Personnel

Jeff Ireland, New Orleans Saints VP and Assistant GM

JoJo Wooden, Los Angeles Chargers interim GM

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Head of Football Operations/GM

Washington Commanders 

Hired:

Adam Peters

First Minnesota Vikings 7-Round Mock Draft

It’s mock draft season. Here’s the first stab at a Minnesota Vikings 7-round mock draft. Many are sure to follow. 

1. Jer’Zhan Newton, DT, Illinois

2. T’Vondre Sweat, DT, Texas

4. Mike Sainristil, CB, Michigan

4. Zack Zinter, OG, Michigan

5. Steve Linton, Edge, Texas Tech

5. Dillon Johnson, RB, Washington

6. Xavier Thomas, Edge, Clemson

6. Elijah Jones, CB, Boston College

7. Tatum Bethune, LB, Florida State

First of all, the lack of a third-round pick is frustrating. T.J. Hockenson is definitely worth all of the picks that the Vikings sent to the Detroit Lions. There’s no questioning the deal or the missing picks. Come draft day, it’s frustrating to sit out an entire round. 

This is a defensive-centric draft. If this is the sort of draft that the Vikings pull, Kirk Cousins must have already been re-signed. With Illinois defensive tackle Jer’Zhan Newton and Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, this draft refreshes the defensive interior. It was in serious need of refreshing as the front was probably the biggest weakness of the defense. Pairing Newton and Sweat with incumbents Harrison Phillips and second-year Jaquelin Roy should push the group to a strength. 

I believe that I fell for Michigan cornerback Mike Sainristril in the National Championship game. He’s a versatile defender and should find an immediate role in Brian Flores’ defense. 

Zak Zinter is the wildcard of this mock draft. He suffered a brutal broken leg late in the season. If not for that injury, he’d be a first- or second-round pick. When he’s healthy, he should develop into a cornerstone player on the offensive line. 

Beyond the fourth round picks, it’s all blind fishing. It’s too early in the evaluation process to be familiar with most of the players. I was really just selecting positions. I’m intrigued by pass rushers Steve Linton and Xavier Thomas. 

I really like this mock draft. More accurately, I really like the four picks at the top of this mock draft. While the 2024 NFL Draft could be the draft in which the Vikings find their young, franchise quarterback, it doesn’t fall their way in this mock. So, Kirk Cousins must come back. With Cousins on the roster, focusing on the defense is the best route. 

2024 NFL Draft Order

The first eighteen picks in the 2024 NFL Draft were set as soon as the regular season ended. The six teams eliminated in the Wild Card round now have their place in the draft. That gives the order of three-quarters of the first round. ‘

First Round Order 

1. Chicago Bears (from Carolina Panthers)

2. Washington Commanders

3. New England Patriots

4. Arizona Cardinals

5. Los Angeles Chargers

6. New York Giants

7. Tennessee Titans

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears

10. New York Jets

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Denver Broncos

13. Las Vegas Raiders

14. New Orleans Saints

15. Indianapolis Colts

16. Seattle Seahawks

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

18. Cincinnati Bengals

19. Los Angeles Rams

20. Pittsburgh Steelers 

21. Miami Dolphins 

22. Philadelphia Eagles 

23. Houston Texans (from Cleveland Browns)

24. Dallas Cowboys

NFL Head Coach And General Manager Tracker

The NFL’s annual head coach and general manager continues. Interview requests are being made, virtual interviews have taken place, a general manager has been hired, a head coach was hired as soon as the position opened. 

Teams looking for a new head coach:

Carolina Panthers - Frank Reich fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Josh McDaniels fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Brandon Staley fired

Atlanta Falcons - Arthur Smith fired

Washington Commanders - Ron Rivera fired

Tennessee Titans - Mike Vrabel fired

Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll and the Seahawks may have decided on a separation 

New England Patriots - Bill Belichick and the Patriots decided on a separation 

Teams looking for a new general manager:

Carolina Panthers - Scott Fitterer fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Dave Ziegler fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Tom Telesco fired

The teams in need of new leadership have started the interview request/interview process. 

Head Coach

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Brian Callahan, Bengals OC

Dave Canales, Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins OC

Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles OC

Chris Tabor, Carolina Panthers Interim Head Coach

Las Vegas Raiders

Interviews Requested

Leslie Frazier

Interviewing Leslie Frazier feels like the mandatory interview before interim head coach Antonio Pierce is hired. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Kellen Moore, Los Angeles Chargers OC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens, OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams, DC

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Leslie Frazier, former Buffalo Bills DC

Giff Smith, Los Angeles Chargers Interim Head Coach

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders DC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach

Atlanta Falcons

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers DC

Mike Macdonald,  Baltimore Ravens DC

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach

Washington Commanders

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Tennessee Titans

Interviews Requested

Mike Kafka, New York Giants OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Seattle Seahawks

Interviews Requested

So far, none reported. 

New England Patriots

Hired:

Jarod Mayo

General Manager

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Will McClay, VP of Player Personnel

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Alec Halaby, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant GM

Khai Harley, New Orleans Saints VP of Football Administration 

Champ Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders Interim GM

Nick Matteo, Baltimore Ravens VP of Football Administration 

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Mike Disner, Detroit Lions COO

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Samir Suleiman, Carolina Panthers VP of Football Operations

Las Vegas Raiders 

Interviews Requested

Trey Brown, Cincinnati Bengals Senior Personnel Executive 

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Tom Telesco, former Los Angeles Chargers GM

Kelly Kleine Van Calligan, Denver Broncos Executive 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears Assistant GM

Jeff Ireland, New Orleans Saints VP and Assistant GM

Jeff King, Chicago Bears co-Director of Player Personnel 

JoJo Wooden, Los Angeles Chargers interim GM

Head of Football Operations/GM

Washington Commanders 

Hired:

Adam Peters

Predicting The Head Coaching Churn

The annual head coaching churn started last week. Interviews will continue through the rest of the month. Here’s a stab at who lands where. 

New England Patriots

Jerod Mayo

This one is a done deal. It was a done deal as soon as Bill Belichick left the building.

Carolina Panthers

Mike Vrabel

This job is the most difficult to predict. It’s difficult to predict because I’m not sure any of the potential candidates will want to work for owner David Tepper. Being around this guy sounds like a nightmare. There’s only 32 NFL head coaching jobs. Even with an ass like Tepper as owner, every job will be in demand. Mike Vrabel is a terrific coach. Tepper’s immense amount of cash gets the deal done. 

Las Vegas Raiders

Antonio Pierce

By the end of the season, it felt like Antonio Pierce was the only choice. 

Los Angeles Chargers

Jim Harbaugh

If Jim Harbaugh jumps to the NFL, it feels like the Chargers are the team.

Atlanta Falcons

Bill Belichick

When Billl Belichick became available last week, I was reminded that Falcons owner Arthur Blank had taken previous big swings at bringing in Bill Parcells and Joe Gibbs. Blank finally gets his big name head coach.

Washington Commanders

Ben Johnson

I’ve felt since last year’s coaching churn that Ben Johnson was going to get a head coach opportunity as soon as he wanted one. He decided that he wasn’t ready last season. If he decides that he’s ready this season, he gets one of these jobs. All signs seem to point to Washington as the team. 

Tennessee Titans

Raheem Morris

I was leaning Bobby Slowik simply because of his shared San Francisco experience with Titans GM Ran Carthon. It just feels a little early for the 36-year old Slowik. He’s only called plays for a single season. I feel like this is the year that Raheem Morris gets another shot at leading a team. The Titans have yet to request an interview but this feels like a fine spot for Morris. 

Seattle Seahawks

Dan Quinn

This prediction just feels lazy. It also feels natural. 

Six of the eight vacant head coach jobs feel easy to predict. 

New England 

Las Vegas

Los Angeles

Atlanta 

Washington 

Seattle

The New England job was filled as soon as it opened. The other five feel so easy to predict that they can’t possibly be right. A lot actually depends on whether Jim Harbaugh returns to the NFL. If he stays at Michigan, Bill Belichick might choose the Chargers. If that happens, perhaps Raheem Morris returns to Atlanta, Ran Carthon goes with the youngster Bobby Slowik in Tennessee, and Brian Callahan or Dave Canales has to deal with David Tepper. 

Flea Flicker Wild Card Predictions

The NFL Playoffs! Here are some guesses at the results of the Wild Card round. 

Cleveland Browns @ Houston Texans

Pick: Browns

The magical Joe Flacco ride continues. 

Miami Dolphins @ Kansas City Chiefs

Pick: Chiefs

If the Dolphins hadn’t lost their excellent edge rushers to injury, this would probably be a different result. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Buffalo Bills

Pick: Bills

No offense to Mike Tomlin and his plucky team but this is the easiest prediction of the Wild Card games. 

Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys

Pick: Cowboys

A rematch of a couple classic postseason games of the 1960s. This one won’t match the thrills of the previous two. The Cowboys roll. 

Los Angeles Rams @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Rams

Even if you ignore the Matthew Stafford-Jared Goff intrigue, this is the most interesting matchup of the Wild Card games. The Rams are rolling. The Lions secondary is a sieve. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Philadelphia Eagles

Pick: Eagles

Did the NFL really have to expand the playoffs to Monday? They did not! The Eagles backed into the playoffs. Despite their recent play, I don’t see their season ending against the Buccaneers. 

Coach and General Manager Vacancies

It’s the annual head coach and general manager churn. Three teams fired their leaders during the season. Three more teams fired their coaches soon after the end of the season. Then, after decades of success, the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots announced “amicable” separations with Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick. Interview requests and some interviews have started this week. 

Teams looking for a new head coach:

Carolina Panthers - Frank Reich fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Josh McDaniels fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Brandon Staley fired

Atlanta Falcons - Arthur Smith fired

Washington Commanders - Ron Rivera fired

Tennessee Titans - Mike Vrabel fired

Seattle Seahawks - Pete Carroll and the Seahawks decided on a separation 

New England Patriots - Bill Belichick and the Patriots decided on a separation 

While the Belichick-Patriots separation was expected by most, the head coach openings in Tennessee, Seattle, and New England still feel somewhat shocking. 

Teams looking for a new general manager:

Carolina Panthers - Scott Fitterer fired

Las Vegas Raiders - Dave Ziegler fired

Los Angeles Chargers - Tom Telesco fired

The teams in need of new leadership have started the interview request/interview process. 

Head Coach

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Brian Callahan, Bengals OC

Dave Canales, Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins OC

Brian Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles OC

Chris Tabor, Carolina Panthers Interim Head Coach

Las Vegas Raiders

Will Antonio Pierce have the interim tag tossed?

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Kellen Moore, Los Angeles Chargers OC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens, OC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams, DC

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Leslie Frazier, former Buffalo Bills DC

Giff Smith, Los Angeles Chargers Interim Head Coach

Patrick Graham, Las Vegas Raiders DC

Atlanta Falcons

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers DC

Mike Macdonald,  Baltimore Ravens DC

Washington Commanders

Interviews Requested

Aaron Glenn, Detroit Lions DC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens DC

Raheem Morris, Los Angeles Rams DC

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Anthony Weaver, Baltimore Ravens Assistant Head Coach/DL Coach

Tennessee Titans

Interviews Requested

Mike Kafka, New York Giants OC

Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions OC

Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders Interim Head Coach

Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboys DC

Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans OC

Brian Callahan, Cincinnati Bengals OC

Seattle Seahawks

Interviews Requested

So far, none reported. 

New England Patriots

The Patriots had a succession plan in place. Jerod Mayo is the next head coach of the New England Patriots. 

General Manager

Carolina Panthers

Interviews Requested

Will McClay, VP of Player Personnel

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Alec Halaby, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant GM

Khai Harley, New Orleans Saints VP of Football Administration 

Champ Kelly, Las Vegas Raiders Interim GM

Nick Matteo, Baltimore Ravens VP of Football Administration 

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Mike Disner, Detroit Lions COO

Brandt Tilis, Kansas City Chiefs VP of Football Operations

Samir Suleiman, Carolina Panthers VP of Football Operations

Las Vegas Raiders 

Interviews Requested

Trey Brown, Cincinnati Bengals Senior Personnel Executive 

Ed Dobbs, Indianapolis Colts Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Tom Telesco, former Los Angeles Chargers GM

Kelly Kleine Van Calligan, Denver Broncos Executive 

Los Angeles Chargers

Interviews Requested

Brandon Brown, New York Giants Assistant GM

Terrance Gray, Buffalo Bills Director of Player Personnel

Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears Assistant GM

Jeff Ireland, New Orleans Saints VP and Assistant GM

Jeff King, Chicago Bears co-Director of Player Personnel 

JoJo Wooden, Los Angeles Chargers interim GM

Head of Football Operations

Washington Commanders 

Interviews Requested

Mike Borgonzi, Kansas City Chiefs Assistant GM

Glenn Cook, Cleveland Browns Assistant GM/VP of Player Personnel

Ian Cunningham, Chicago Bears Assistant GM

Alec Halaby, Philadelphia Eagles Assistant GM

Adam Peters, San Francisco 49ers Assistant GM

-Ian Cunningham and Adam Peters have emerged as finalists for the job. 

Minnesota Vikings Offseason

The Minnesota Vikings 2023 season is in the books. It was a frustrating season. Injuries and turnovers can do that. The Vikings had an excess of both. 

The Vikings finished with a 7-10 record. 

Start: 1-4

Middle: 5-0

Finish: 1-6

14 of the 17 games were decided by a single score. If the Vikings had managed to avoid a handful of their avoidable turnovers, they are a playoff team. As it was, they didn’t and they aren’t. The 2023 Minnesota Vikings were a 7-10 team. That put them in a tie with the Chicago Bears for last in the NFC North. Tie-breakers put the Vikings in third. That finish gives them their schedule for next year.

2024 Opponents:

Home (9): Detroit, Green Bay, Chicago, San Francisco, Arizona, Houston, Indianapolis, Atlanta, New York Jets

Away (8): Detroit, Green Bay, Chicago, Los Angeles Rams, Seattle, Jacksonville, Tennessee, New York Giants

The schedule will show that the Vikings have nine home games. In reality, they will only have eight home games. One of the games will be played at Tottenham Hotspur. For the second time in three season the Vikings will be traveling to London. 

The Vikings will have the 11th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. 

First Round Order 

1. Chicago Bears

2. Washington Commanders

3. New England Patriots

4. Arizona Cardinals

5. Los Angeles Chargers

6. New York Giants

7. Tennessee Titans

8. Atlanta Falcons

9. Chicago Bears

10. New York Jets

11. Minnesota Vikings

12. Denver Broncos

13. Las Vegas Raiders

14. New Orleans Saints

15. Indianapolis Colts

16. Seattle Seahawks

17. Jacksonville Jaguars

18. Cincinnati Bengals

The Vikings 2024 Draft Picks:

First Round (11th)

Second Round (42nd)

Fourth Round (from Detroit)

Fourth Round

Fifth Round (from Kansas City)

Fifth Round (from Cleveland)

Sixth Round (from Jacksonville)

Sixth Round (from Las Vegas)

Seventh Round (from Arizona)

The Vikings are projected to have just under 40,000,000 in salary cap space. They’ll need a good chunk of that to handle the priority of the offseason: sign Justin Jefferson to the contract extension that he’s earned and deserves. After that, it’s their free agents. They have a sizable list of players scheduled to be free agents but only a few are priority re-signings. 

Kirk Cousins, QB

Danielle Hunter, OLB

Marcus Davenport, OLB

Joshua Dobbs, QB

Jordan Hicks, LB

Oli Udoh, OT

Chris Reed, G

Jonathan Bullard, DL

Brandon Powell, WR

Johnny Mundt, TE

Nick Muse, TE

Austin Schlottman, C

D.J. Wonnum, OLB

Cam Akers, RB

James Lynch, DL

Troy Dye, LB

Blake Brandel, G

Dalton Risner, G

K.J. Osborn, WR

Khyiris Tonga, DL

Theo Jackson, S

David Quessenberry, OT

T.J. Smith, DL

As with everything in the NFL, it starts with the quarterback. The Vikings have a big decision to make this offseason. Re-sign Kirk Cousins or go all in with a rookie quarterback? That will be the offseason’s biggest question until it’s answered. The Vikings must make their decision on Cousins by early March. After Jefferson’s contract and possibly Cousins’ contract, is there enough left over for a hefty deal for Danielle Hunter? He turns 30 in October but he’s coming off the best season of his great career. Those are the most high profile decisions in front of the Vikings decision-makers. Of the remaining free agents, a quick look finds the following as hopeful re-signings:

Dalton Risner

D.J. Wonnum

James Lynch

Troy Dye

Johnny Mundt

Dalton Risner is the priority here but D.J. Wonnum and James Lynch could be key re-signings. Wonnum ended the season on injured reserve. Before the Week 16 injury, he was finally becoming a nice edge compliment to Hunter. His ceiling might not be that of a high-end pass rusher but he’s a versatile defender and showed double-digit sack potential. His late-season injury complicates his free agency. Lynch spent the season on injured reserve after suffering a torn ACL in training camp. I feel that the Vikings defensive coaches had hopes for Lynch this season. One of the team’s weaknesses this season was an interior pass rushing presence. Lynch has the potential to provide that. As with Wonnum, his injury complicates his free agency. Perhaps a modest, one-year, prove-it-deal would be enough to keep both in Minnesota. Troy Dye is a key special teams player and provides solid linebacker depth. Johnny Mundt was and would be the third tight end. He proved on Sunday that he can make an impact when needed. K.J. Osborn would be on the re-sign list but I feel that he might look for bigger opportunities elsewhere. 

One of the first moves of each NFL team’s offseason is the signing of practice squad/young players to Reserve/Future Contracts. Earlier this week, the Vikings signed the following practice squad players to those contracts.

Trishton Jackson, WR

N’Keal Harry, WR

Dewayne McBride, RB

Joejuan Williams, CB

Jaylinn Williams, CB

Abraham Beauplan, LB

Coy Cronk, OT

Henry Byrd, G

Tyrese Robinson, G

Thayer Thomas, WR

Myles Gaskin, RB

The Minnesota Vikings offseason is here. 

Flea Flicker 2023 NFL Honors

It’s time for some awards. The real NFL Honors will be handed out the week of the Super Bowl. Here are  the Flea Flicker 2023 NFL Honors.

MVP

Christian McCaffrey, RB, San Francisco 49ers

Offensive Player of the Year

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills

Defensive Player of the Year

Quinnen Williams, DT, New York Jets

Offensive Rookie of the Year

C.J. Stroud, QB, Houston Texans

Defensive Rookie of the Year

Kobie Turner, DT, Los Angeles Rams

Comeback Player of the Year

Justin Jefferson, WR, Minnesota Vikings

Coach of the Year

Sean McVay, Los Angeles Rams

And, here’s a stab at an All-Pro Team

2022 All-Pro Team

Offense

Quarterback

Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Running Back

Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers

Fullback

Patrick Ricard, Baltimore Ravens

Wide Receivers

Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins 

Tight End

George Kittle, San Francisco 49ers

Offensive Tackles

Trent Williams, San Francisco 49ers

Lane Johnson, Philadelphia Eagles

Offensive Guards

Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis Colts

Shaq Mason, Houston Texans

Center

Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions

Defense

Defensive Ends

Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns

Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders 

Defensive Tackles

Quinnen Williams, New York Jets

Justin Madubuike, Baltimore Ravens

Linebackers-Edge

Danielle Hunter, Minnesota Vikings

T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers

Inside Linebackers

Fred Warner, San Francisco 49ers

Roquan Smith, Baltimore Ravens

Cornerbacks

Patrick Surtain II, Denver Broncos

Jaylon Johnson, Chicago Bears

Safeties

Jessie Bates III, Atlanta Falcons

Antoine Winfield Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Special Teams

Kicker

Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys

Punter

Jake Camarda, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kick Returner

Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos

Punt Returner

Derius Davis, Los Angeles Chargers

Minnesota Vikings Week 18 Superlatives

The Minnesota Vikings 2023 season came to end against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. 30-20. The two players that shined the brightest against the Lions are the two players that shined the brightest when they were on the field all season.

Offensive Player of the Game

Justin Jefferson, WR

Justin Jefferson was brilliant. Again.

12 catches 

192 yards

1 TD (38)

Through his four seasons, Jefferson has routinely taken apart the Lions secondary. He does that to a lot of teams. The 192 yards on Sunday bumped his season total to 1074 yards. He accumulated those yards in about 8.5 games of action. 1074 yards in half a season. Incredible. 

Justin Jefferson is incredible. Getting him signed is priority #1 this offseason. 

Defensive Player of the Game

Danielle Hunter, OLB

His numbers against the Lions:

6 tackles

1 sack

2 tackles for loss

It’s been a few weeks since Danielle Hunter collected a sack. Even when he’s not collecting sacks, he’s making an impact and disrupting the intentions and hopes of offenses. He’s been brilliant all season. Rushing the passer, corralling ball-carriers, in the backfield, sideline to sideline, he’s a complete edge player. This has been the best season of his career. 

Danielle Hunter is incredible. Getting him signed is priority #2 this offseason. 

Vikings - Lions

A very frustrating Minnesota Vikings season came to an end against the Detroit Lions.

30-20

It’s been a brutal season. Turnovers and injuries defined and derailed this season. It wasn’t too surprising that the final two possessions against the Lions ended with interceptions. The Vikings kept pace with the Lions through three-plus quarters partly because quarterback Nick Mullens avoided giving the ball away. Two weeks ago, he gave the ball to the Lions on four occasions. Those four interceptions were the difference in the 30-24 loss. The two late interceptions yesterday sealed yesterday’s 30-20 loss. When he wasn’t throwing the ball to the Lions, Mullens shredded the Lions secondary in the two games. He threw for 411 yards and two touchdowns two weeks ago. He threw for 396 yards and two touchdowns yesterday. If Jordan Addison hadn’t misjudged a 39-yard throw off a flea flicker, Mullens would’ve/could’ve thrown for 435 yards and three touchdowns. In both games against this year’s NFC North champs, Mullens and the Vikings pass-catchers took apart the Lions secondary. It’s a damn shame that Mullens threw six passes to the Lions. And, he literally threw six pass TO the Lions. They were horrible throws. And, he’s lucky that a couple others were dropped. 

Mullens is good to great about 90% of the time. He’s terrible 10% of the time. Turnovers are killers. That’s never been more evident to this Vikings fan than this season. Just brutal. 

Justin Jefferson. 

What can be said that hasn’t been said about Justin Jefferson? He’s the best receiver in the league. And it isn’t close. He’s ripped up the Lions secondary. 

Two weeks ago:

6 catches

141 yards 

1 TD (26 yards)

Yesterday:

12 catches

192 yards

1 TD (38 yards)

Season against the Lions:

18 catches

333 yards

2 TDs

At that pace, if Jefferson could play a season of games against the Lions, he’d post the following:

153 catches

2,830 yards

17 TDs

Not bad. 

Jefferson’s reality is still impressive. He’s said that this has been the most frustrating season of his football life. A hamstring injury in Week 5 against the Kansas City Chiefs put him on the sideline for seven games. He was forced to watch. For a person and player as competitive as Jefferson, that’s excruciating. Kirk Cousins was sidelined for the season with a snapped Achilles in Week 8. That opened a chaotic and unpredictable revolving door at quarterback. Jefferson caught passes from four quarterbacks. Through it all, Jefferson managed to catch 68 passes for 1,074 yards and five touchdowns. He appeared in ten games. He played in about 8.5 of those games. Jefferson gained 1,074 yards in half of a season. 

It’s a lot easier and more enjoyable to think about the brilliance of Justin Jefferson than the end to this frustrating season. Perhaps only the brutal Les Steckel 1984 season rivals this one for sheer frustration. At least this Vikings team competed to the end. 

The Minnesota Vikings finish the season with a 7-10 record. As has been the norm for the past two seasons, 14 of the 17 games were one-score games. Unlike last season, the Vikings lost most of the one-score games this season. The difference was the turnovers. And the injuries. This was the most injurious Vikings season of my six decades with the team. 

Next up:

The offseason. 

Minnesota Vikings 54-man Roster

It wouldn’t be a typical week in the Minnesota Vikings 2023 season if the roster isn’t tweaked for injury reasons. The following players have been ruled out for the Week 18 game against the Detroit Lions.

Brian O’Neill, OT

Byron Murphy Jr., CB

Mekhi Blackmon, CB

Theo Jackson, S

Jaquelin Roy, DT

Receiver Jalen Nailor was this week’s addition to the injured reserve list. He’s missed the three games since receiving a concussion in the Week 14 game against the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, he’s on injured reserve for that helmet-to-helmet hit. 

Cornerbacks Joejuan Williams and Jaylin Williams were promoted from the practice squad. They will supplement the cornerback depth with the losses of Byron Murphy Jr. and Mekhi Blackmon. Receiver Lucky Jackson was signed from the practice squad to the active roster to replace Nailor. 

The Vikings still have a slim shot at the playoffs. They must defeat the Lions and hope for a few other particular outcomes. But there is a chance. 

In advance of today’s big game against the Lions, here’s a look at the Vikings current roster. 

Minnesota Vikings 54-Man Roster

Offense (25)

Quarterback (3)

12 Nick Mullens

16 Jaren Hall

15 Joshua Dobbs

Running Back (3)

32 Ty Chandler

  2 Alexander Mattison

26 Kene Nwangwu

Fullback (1)

30 C.J. Ham

Wide Receiver (5)

18 Justin Jefferson

17 K.J. Osborn

  3 Jordan Addison

  4 Brandon Powell

81 Lucky Jackson

Tight End (3)

84 Josh Oliver

86 Johnny Mundt

34 Nick Muse

Offensive Linemen (10)

71 Christian Darrisaw

66 Dalton Risner

56 Garrett Bradbury 

67 Ed Ingram

75 Brian O’Neill

76 David Quessenberry

64 Blake Brandel

62 Chris Reed

65 Austin Schlottman

78 Hakeem Adeniji

Defense (26)

Defensive Line (6)

95 Khyiris Tonga

97 Harrison Phillips

93 Jonathan Bullard

78 Jaquelin Roy

52 Sheldon Day

50 T.J. Smith

Outside Linebacker (3)

99 Danielle Hunter

91 Patrick Jones

55 Andre Carter II

Inside Linebacker (4)

58 Jordan Hicks

40 Ivan Pace Jr. 

33 Brian Asamoah

54 Anthony Barr

Cornerback (7)

  7 Byron Murphy Jr.

21 Akayleb Evans

11 Mekhi Blackmon

23 Andrew Booth Jr.

36 Najee Thompson

38 Jaylin Williams  

29 Joejuan Williams

Safety (6)

22 Harrison Smith

24 Camryn Bynum

44 Josh Metellus

25 Theo Jackson

20 Jay Ward

  6 Lewis Cine

Special Teams (3)

Kicker (1)

  1 Greg Joseph

Punter (1)

14 Ryan Wright

Long Snapper (1)

42 Andrew DePaola

Practice Squad (12)

73 Junior Aho, DL

41 Austin Bryant, OLB

68 Henry Byrd, OL

63 Coy Cronk, OL

82 Troy Fumagalli, TE

37 Myles Gaskin, RB

13 N’Keal Harry, WR

  9 Trishton Jackson, WR

27 DeWayne McBride, RB

79 Tyrese Robinson, OL

48 Quincy Roche, OLB

89 Thayer Thomas, WR

Injured Reserve (TOO DAMN MANY)

  8 Kirk Cousins, QB

87 T.J. Hockenson, TE

98 D.J. Wonnum, OLB

  0 Marcus Davenport, OLB

31 Cam Akers, RB

45 Troy Dye, LB

83 Jalen Nailor, WR

94 Dean Lowry

81 Malik Knowles, WR

47 William Kwenkeu, LB

92 James Lynch, DL

74 Oli Udoh, OT

Flea Flicker Week 18 Predictions

The final week of the 2023 NFL season is here. There are a few games that mean something. Most don’t and too many teams are treating these games accordingly. Is this really what the league’s decision-makers wanted when they jammed a 17th game into the schedule? Here are guesses at the few games that mean something and the many games that don’t.

Minnesota Vikings @ Detroit Lions

Pick: Vikings

The Vikings still have a tiny shot at the playoffs. They need a lot of help. They’ll do their part in this game. 

Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens

Pick: Steelers

First of two bye weeks for the Ravens. 

Houston Texans @ Indianapolis Colts

Pick: Colts

The Colts surprising season continues. 

Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals 

Pick: Bengals

It’s a preseason game for the Browns. 

Jacksonville Jaguars @ Tennessee Titans 

Pick: Jaguars

Must win for the Jaguars. 

New York Jets @ New England Patriots

Pick: Patriots

Just going with the home team. 

Atlanta Falcons @ New Orleans Saints

Pick: Falcons

The Vikings need some help and this would help. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Carolina Panthers

Pick: Buccaneers 

Again. Some team has to win the NFC South and the Buccaneers have the best shot. 

Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers 

Pick: Bears

Just a hunch. Plus, it helps the Vikings. 

Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders

Pick: Raiders

Home team takes it. 

Philadelphia Eagles @ New York Giants

Pick: Eagles 

The Eagles are backing into the playoffs. 

Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals

Pick: Cardinals

Helps the Vikings. 

Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers

Pick: Chiefs

Preseason game. 

Los Angeles Rams @ San Francisco 49ers 

Pick: 49ers

Another preseason game. 

Dallas Cowboys @ Washington Commanders

Pick: Cowboys

Cowboys could use a win. 

Buffalo Bills @ Miami Dolphins 

Pick: Bills

Battle for the AFC East. 

It’s Nick Mullens Time. Again.

The Jaren Hall experiment again lasted a single game. Actually, it lasted half of a game. Minnesota Vikings head coach on Wednesday announced that Nick Mullens will start against the Detroit Lions on Sunday. 

This is the fifth quarterback change since Kirk Cousins was lost for the season when his Achilles snapped on the spongy Lambeau turf in Week 8. 

Week 9: @ Atlanta Falcons

-Jaren Hall - left game with a concussion on the second possession

-Josh Dobbs - saved the game

Week 10: New Orleans Saints

-Josh Dobbs

Week 11: @ Denver Broncos

-Josh Dobbs

Week 12: Chicago Bears

-Josh Dobbs

Week 13: Bye

Week 14: @ Las Vegas Raiders

-Josh Dobbs

-Nick Mullens - relieved Dobbs in the fourth quarter and did enough to pull out a 3-0 win

Week 15: @ Cincinnati Bengals 

-Nick Mullens

Week 16: Detroit Lions 

-Nick Mullens

Week 17: Green Bay Packers

-Jaren Hall

-Nick Mullens - relieved at the half

Week 18: @ Detroit Lions

-Nick Mullens

The Vikings are 3-5 since the injury to Cousins. There’s never a good time for a team to lose their franchise quarterback. When that Achilles tendon snapped on the spongy Lambeau turf, it was very bad timing. Mullens was rehabbing his back injury. The Vikings were without Cousins and his backup. Fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall was the only quarterback on the roster. The situation forced the Vikings to acquire Josh Dobbs from the Arizona Cardinals at the trade deadline. When he relieved Hall on a handful of practices and pulled out an improbable win against the Falcons, it felt like something special was happening. Dobbs played well in a win over the Saints. Suddenly and surprisingly, the Vikings were 2-0 without Cousins and 6-4 for the season. Then it all fell apart under a thundering number of turnovers. 

Dobbs kept giving the ball to the other team. Mullens replaced him. Mullens kept giving the ball to the other team. Hall replaced him. Hall looked overwhelmed against the Packers and kept giving the ball to the other team. Mullens replaced him. 

Now, here we are. 

Since the nice and surprising start to life without Cousins, it’s been a quarterbacking nightmare. The Vikings are 1-5 since the wins against the Falcons and Saints. Dobbs brought some exciting plays and thrilling moments. Other than the first half against the Saints there was never much offensive consistency. When he wasn’t giving the ball to the other team, Mullens consistently moved the offense. He was acquired last year and re-signed this year to back up Cousins and was probably the best option all along. Unfortunately, he wasn’t an option immediately after Cousins was lost for the season. The unfortunate quarterback situation became a revolving door. If Dobbs was benched for repeatedly giving the ball to the other team, Mullens had to be benched for doing the same. O’Connell made difficult quarterbacking decisions. Despite some exhilarating plays (Dobbs) and scattered offensive efficiency (Mullens), he had no good options. Turnovers are killers. 

Nick Mullens gets one more chance.