The NFL Network reported Tuesday that Ron Rivera has agreed to contract terms to be the next coach of the Washington Redskins.
That’s no surprise because it appeared as if Rivera was Washington’s main target for several days. Washington got the best coach out there. But did Rivera get the best situation out the? I don’t think so.
Washington, a marquee franchise back in the days of Joe Gibbs (the first time) and George Allen, has become a dysfunctional organization by all accounts. It’s well known that owner Dan Snyder is hands on and some would say meddlesome. Washington is not a very attractive situation for a coach. There are better jobs out there.
At the moment, the jobs for the Panthers, Giants and Browns are available. Dallas also could come open at any time, so we’re going to include the Cowboys in the following discussion.
Here’s how the three open jobs, plus Dallas, rank in terms of attractiveness.
4. Cleveland Browns
This is not a good job by any means. Owner Jimmy Haslam is not afraid to spend money, but it’s been widely reported that the organization has been dysfunctional throughout his tenure. Previous coach Freddie Kitchens was fired after just one season of 6-10. Haslam may have unrealistic expectations and a short fuse. Despite a die-hard fan base, Cleveland has long been a tough place to win. On the plus side, Baker Mayfield, a young quarterback with some promise, already is in place and so are running back Nick Chubb and receiver Odell Beckham Jr. But, still, this job shouldn’t be anyone’s first choice, unless they have no other choice.
3. Dallas Cowboys
Jason Garrett is still the coach – for now. But that could change at any moment. Owner and general manager Jerry Jones thought he had assembled a Super Bowl roster with the likes of Dak Prescott, Ezekiel Elliott and Amari Cooper this year, but the Cowboys didn’t even make the playoffs. Jones is very hands-on and can be difficult to work for. But he’s not afraid to spend money and he’ll pay big for the right coach. If Jones can re-sign Prescott and Cooper, this job would be very attractive. The Cowboys are a marquee franchise and the right coach could return them to glory in a hurry.
2. Carolina Panthers
Owner David Tepper fired Ron Rivera in early December and continues to distance himself from the franchise’s past with former owner Jerry Richardson. He’ll go outside on this hire and he needs to get it right. Indications are that Tepper will go with a coach with an offensive background, which would be a first in franchise history. General manager Marty Hurney’s job appears safe and that’s a plus for any new coach. Hurney is level headed and not on a power trip. He believes in sharing power with the coach. The big question with this job is the future of quarterback Cam Newton. He was the league’s Most Valuable Player in 2015, but has been injured most of the last couple years. He also could be expendable because of the salary cap. If Newton is healthy and stays, the new coach will land in a great situation. If Newton is gone or not healthy, the new coach will face a major rebuilding project.
1. New York Giants
Ownership is solid and supportive and veteran general manager Dave Gettleman is in place. Ben McAdoo and Pat Shurmur only got two years as coach, but that was because their records were pathetic. This job should be attractive for a new coach. First, it’s in the league’s biggest market and will pay well. There is a lot of work to be done on the field. But two crucial young pieces already are in place with running back Saquon Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones. A quick turnaround is possible here.
Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
