NFL Off-Season Preview: AFC East
QB and coaching changes
Patriots:
Status quo. Bill Belichik will walk away when he wants to, as will Tom Brady
Bills:
QB - Yes
Coach - Probably not
Word in pre-season and training camp was that Doug Marrone was on thin ice and had a very cocky attitude to him with front office officials. The Bills finally have a new owner who may decide to clean house. But with the possibility of finishing over .500, it is unlikely a major change is made.
The biggest change will be QB. The Bills drafted EJ Manuel in the first round of the 2013 draft and benched him one month into his second season. Manuel was replaced by Kyle Orton, who is as about average as there is. It's unlikely Manuel will be given another chance and it's highly unlikely Orton returns, especially at his current $5 million salary. The Bills may not risk using another high draft pick on a QB so they could look for one in middle of the draft or pursue a veteran to go with their stout defense.
The Bills will certainly have plenty of veteran options. Jay Cutler, RG3, Brian Hoyer are among some of their options.
Jets:
The Jets SHOULD clean house but likely won't. GM John Idzik is likely to remain in his current position, despite gutting a roster that was once a routine playoff contender. Rex Ryan is going to be fired next week and that's going to be a mistake. Rex was never give enough talent on offense and the GM gutted his defense, specifically in the secondary.
If Idzik remains as assumed, the Jets will probably pursue a coordinator or first time head coach. 1) Because Idzik is not much of a "splashy" kind of guy and 2) because hiring a first-time head coach buys him more time in his current role.
Head coach options: Adam Gase (Broncos OC), Kyle Shanahan (Browns OC), Pep Hamilton (Colts OC), Greg Roman (49ers OC)
Likely frontrunner: Darrell Bevell (Seahawks OC)
Bevell worked with Idzik in Seattle and has a strong background on offense. He has been credited with Russell Wilson's development and can work with a new, young QB in New York and focus on the running game.
Dolphins:
Miami should make a change at head coach. Joe Philbin has been in Miami since 2012 and is 22-24. A few years ago they went bananas in free agency spending millions on just about anyone who would listen. The Dolphins haven't gotten any better but haven't gotten worse. They are stuck on neutral and need to accelerate their progress.
Bringing in a new coach, with previous experience would be a good way to light a fire under the franchise. The Dolphins could make a major splash. The Dolphins have previously expressed interest in John Harbaugh and he is expected to be available and could be interested in Miami this time around. If Miami strikes out on Harbaugh, perhaps they can pursue Harbaugh disciples such as 49ers OC Greg Roman or DC Vic Fangio. Or even current Stanford head coach David Shaw.
If the Dolphins turn to college to make a splash, someone like Brian Kelly would be a fascinating hire.
Patriots:
Status quo. Bill Belichik will walk away when he wants to, as will Tom Brady
Bills:
QB - Yes
Coach - Probably not
Word in pre-season and training camp was that Doug Marrone was on thin ice and had a very cocky attitude to him with front office officials. The Bills finally have a new owner who may decide to clean house. But with the possibility of finishing over .500, it is unlikely a major change is made.
The biggest change will be QB. The Bills drafted EJ Manuel in the first round of the 2013 draft and benched him one month into his second season. Manuel was replaced by Kyle Orton, who is as about average as there is. It's unlikely Manuel will be given another chance and it's highly unlikely Orton returns, especially at his current $5 million salary. The Bills may not risk using another high draft pick on a QB so they could look for one in middle of the draft or pursue a veteran to go with their stout defense.
The Bills will certainly have plenty of veteran options. Jay Cutler, RG3, Brian Hoyer are among some of their options.
Jets:
The Jets SHOULD clean house but likely won't. GM John Idzik is likely to remain in his current position, despite gutting a roster that was once a routine playoff contender. Rex Ryan is going to be fired next week and that's going to be a mistake. Rex was never give enough talent on offense and the GM gutted his defense, specifically in the secondary.
If Idzik remains as assumed, the Jets will probably pursue a coordinator or first time head coach. 1) Because Idzik is not much of a "splashy" kind of guy and 2) because hiring a first-time head coach buys him more time in his current role.
Head coach options: Adam Gase (Broncos OC), Kyle Shanahan (Browns OC), Pep Hamilton (Colts OC), Greg Roman (49ers OC)
Likely frontrunner: Darrell Bevell (Seahawks OC)
Bevell worked with Idzik in Seattle and has a strong background on offense. He has been credited with Russell Wilson's development and can work with a new, young QB in New York and focus on the running game.
Dolphins:
Miami should make a change at head coach. Joe Philbin has been in Miami since 2012 and is 22-24. A few years ago they went bananas in free agency spending millions on just about anyone who would listen. The Dolphins haven't gotten any better but haven't gotten worse. They are stuck on neutral and need to accelerate their progress.
Bringing in a new coach, with previous experience would be a good way to light a fire under the franchise. The Dolphins could make a major splash. The Dolphins have previously expressed interest in John Harbaugh and he is expected to be available and could be interested in Miami this time around. If Miami strikes out on Harbaugh, perhaps they can pursue Harbaugh disciples such as 49ers OC Greg Roman or DC Vic Fangio. Or even current Stanford head coach David Shaw.
If the Dolphins turn to college to make a splash, someone like Brian Kelly would be a fascinating hire.
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