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Sports Debate: Anthony Lynn, Bills black offensive coordinator, against Rooney Rule hired by Rams
- Thread starter playahaitian
- Start date
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, who interviewed last offseason for the Miami Dolphins' and San Francisco 49ers' head-coaching vacancies, says he is opposed to the NFL's Rooney Rule, which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate.
"I think it's good to get in front of the decision-makers and let them hear what you have to say," he said Thursday. "But at the same time, I think some people take advantage of it. I'm not for it. Hire the best man for the job. That's all I want."
Lynn, who is black and has expressed interest in becoming a head coach, purposely avoided head-coaching interviews last offseason that he believed were simply arranged by teams to fulfill the Rooney Rule.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, the NFL established the rule in 2003 with the intention of giving minority coaches greater opportunity in the hiring process. The NFL expanded the rule in 2009 to include "lead personnel executives" such as general managers.
"I think sometimes people do that to check the box," Lynn said Thursday. "I don't agree with it."
The Bills promoted Lynn to offensive coordinator in September after firing Greg Roman. Lynn, a former running back for the 49ers and Denver Broncos in the 1990s, had served since 2003 as a running backs coach for various NFL teams. The New York Jets interviewed Lynn for their head-coaching vacancy that opened when Rex Ryan was fired after the 2014 season, but the Jets hired Todd Bowles.
"[The rule] has its pros and cons," Lynn said. "If I didn't do the interview in New York, maybe my name wouldn't be circulating right now, I don't know. But I think it's good to get in front of the decision-makers and let them hear what you have to say."
Bowles, according to an ESPN study published in July, is the only first-time minority head coach hired over the past five hiring cycles (2012-16).
"The good thing about the Rooney Rule was not that you had to interview a minority candidate but that it slowed the process down and made you do some research," former NFL coach Tony Dungy told ESPN. "But now it seems like in the last few years, people haven't really done what the rule was designed for. It has become, 'Just let me talk to a couple minority coaches very quickly so I can go about the business of hiring the person I really want to hire anyway.'"
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...-buffalo-bills-opposes-rooney-rule-hire-best#
"I think it's good to get in front of the decision-makers and let them hear what you have to say," he said Thursday. "But at the same time, I think some people take advantage of it. I'm not for it. Hire the best man for the job. That's all I want."
Lynn, who is black and has expressed interest in becoming a head coach, purposely avoided head-coaching interviews last offseason that he believed were simply arranged by teams to fulfill the Rooney Rule.
Pittsburgh Steelers owner Dan Rooney, the NFL established the rule in 2003 with the intention of giving minority coaches greater opportunity in the hiring process. The NFL expanded the rule in 2009 to include "lead personnel executives" such as general managers.
"I think sometimes people do that to check the box," Lynn said Thursday. "I don't agree with it."
The Bills promoted Lynn to offensive coordinator in September after firing Greg Roman. Lynn, a former running back for the 49ers and Denver Broncos in the 1990s, had served since 2003 as a running backs coach for various NFL teams. The New York Jets interviewed Lynn for their head-coaching vacancy that opened when Rex Ryan was fired after the 2014 season, but the Jets hired Todd Bowles.
"[The rule] has its pros and cons," Lynn said. "If I didn't do the interview in New York, maybe my name wouldn't be circulating right now, I don't know. But I think it's good to get in front of the decision-makers and let them hear what you have to say."
Bowles, according to an ESPN study published in July, is the only first-time minority head coach hired over the past five hiring cycles (2012-16).
"The good thing about the Rooney Rule was not that you had to interview a minority candidate but that it slowed the process down and made you do some research," former NFL coach Tony Dungy told ESPN. "But now it seems like in the last few years, people haven't really done what the rule was designed for. It has become, 'Just let me talk to a couple minority coaches very quickly so I can go about the business of hiring the person I really want to hire anyway.'"
http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/...-buffalo-bills-opposes-rooney-rule-hire-best#
I'd like to say the white Coach had the better interview and that's why he got the job. I wish I could say that...but the NFL is no fairytale world
We all know what it is.
I agree with this
He prob tires of being the fall guy for these teams wasting his time waiting to check the box... I aint mad at him... I hope he gets his shot as head coach after the Bills fire fire Rex...
that is the only part I kinda understood...
but FORCING them to engage and interact with other candidates helps the overall goal.
Seems he will be the new head coach....
Wonder how he will feel about the rule after this all develops...
What if he isn't retained?
Or what if he is?
Wonder how he will feel about the rule after this all develops...
What if he isn't retained?
Or what if he is?
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.co...-talk-to-frank-reich-about-head-coaching-job/
Report: Bills want to talk to Frank Reich about head coaching job
Posted by Josh Alper on January 3, 2017, 12:04 PM EST
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Frank Reich may get a chance to lead another comeback in Buffalo.
Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports that the Bills have reached out to the Eagles about speaking to Reich, who just wrapped up his first year as the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Per the report, no formal paperwork to set up an interview with Reich had been submitted as of Tuesday morning.
Reich spent 10 years as a quarterback with the Bills and served as Jim Kelly’s backup for much of that time. One famous exception came in January 1993 when Reich started in place of an injured Kelly and led the Bills to a playoff win over the Oilers in a game that Houston led 35-3 at one point.
That nostalgia didn’t help Reich get the job in 2015. He interviewed for the position before it went to Rex Ryan, leaving Reich to return to San Diego for one more season. He was dismissed by the Chargers early last year and landed on Doug Pederson’s staff with the Eagles.
Report: Bills want to talk to Frank Reich about head coaching job
Posted by Josh Alper on January 3, 2017, 12:04 PM EST
Frank Reich may get a chance to lead another comeback in Buffalo.
Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports that the Bills have reached out to the Eagles about speaking to Reich, who just wrapped up his first year as the offensive coordinator in Philadelphia. Per the report, no formal paperwork to set up an interview with Reich had been submitted as of Tuesday morning.
Reich spent 10 years as a quarterback with the Bills and served as Jim Kelly’s backup for much of that time. One famous exception came in January 1993 when Reich started in place of an injured Kelly and led the Bills to a playoff win over the Oilers in a game that Houston led 35-3 at one point.
That nostalgia didn’t help Reich get the job in 2015. He interviewed for the position before it went to Rex Ryan, leaving Reich to return to San Diego for one more season. He was dismissed by the Chargers early last year and landed on Doug Pederson’s staff with the Eagles.
The Buffalo Bills ended the season with a 30-10 loss to the New York Jets to finish 7-9. Here is a look at the season and what’s next:
Grade: C-minus
Season summary: Like in 2015, the Bills had the top-level talent to make a playoff run. However, injuries, a lack of depth and quest ionable coaching all eventually doomed the team. Some weeks, the Bills' biggest problem was an inept passing offense and a quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, who could not keep pace with opponents' quarterbacks. In other games, Rex Ryan's defense was a lifeless shell of the intimidating units he coached while with the Ravens and Jets. His defense reached an embarrassing low in a Week 16 loss to the Dolphins in which only 10 players were on the field for what was essentially a game-winning, 57-yard run by Jay Ajayi.
The Bills' only consistent performer was LeSean McCoy, who was unquestionably the team MVP. Buffalo entered Week 17 ranked first in the NFL by averaging 170 rushing yards per game, and the Bills' overall production in that area should help interim coach Anthony Lynn get attention for other teams' head-coach openings.
Injuries played a role in the Bills' downfall. The Bills lost a pair of games in October -- to the Dolphins and Patriots -- when McCoy was either hobbled or inactive because of a hamstring injury. Top receiver Sammy Watkins also missed nine games with a foot injury, safety Aaron Williams missed the final nine games with a neck injury and second-round pick Reggie Ragland missed the entire season with a torn ACL.
EJ Manuel did not need competition to be the starter. Picking up Cardale Jones in the fourth round in 2016 was a start, but the Bills need to continue to add talent at that position.
Can the Bills attract top coaching talent to their job opening? The Bills' final week of the season was a mess that included the early firing of Ryan, an announcement that Whaley would lead the coaching search, the benching of Taylor in a "business decision" and an awkward news conference in which Lynn had to answer for his bosses' decisions. Potential coaching candidates were surely paying attention. The Bills will have trouble hiring the most qualified candidates, such as former Giants coach Tom Coughlin or Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, because Whaley is unlikely to give up control over personnel decisions. Ultimately, the Bills might have to settle for a coach with less clout who will defer to Whaley on the roster and is comfortable being put in uncomfortable situations like the one Lynn faced upon being named the interim coach.
What sort of coach should the Bills target? If the Bills are sticking with Whaley as general manager and avoiding an overhaul of their football operation, they are narrowing the scope of their search to coaches willing to accept the current power structure in place. However, the team still must decide on what qualities are most important in its new coach. A disciplinarian could be the answer. Watkins said Thursday that the Bills are in need of a culture change, citing a lack of discipline on and off the field this season. The star receiver wants a coach who will be "hard on us" as players.
Where does Taylor fit in the Bills' future? After the Bills decide on a new coach, the organization's attention must turn to Taylor's future. The Bills have until March 11 to exercise Taylor's contract option for the 2018 through 2021 seasons, and whether or not they exercise the option, Taylor will be guaranteed $30 million by March 12. That means the Bills must cut Taylor by March 11, decide to keep him and pay him $30 million, or attempt to restructure his contract. It's a decision that must be made jointly by Whaley and whomever is serving as coach by March. Taylor's career-best outing against the Dolphins in Week 16, including a signature fourth-quarter rally, could help sway the decision. However, any new coach must first deem Taylor a fit for his offensive system.
Grade: C-minus
Season summary: Like in 2015, the Bills had the top-level talent to make a playoff run. However, injuries, a lack of depth and quest ionable coaching all eventually doomed the team. Some weeks, the Bills' biggest problem was an inept passing offense and a quarterback, Tyrod Taylor, who could not keep pace with opponents' quarterbacks. In other games, Rex Ryan's defense was a lifeless shell of the intimidating units he coached while with the Ravens and Jets. His defense reached an embarrassing low in a Week 16 loss to the Dolphins in which only 10 players were on the field for what was essentially a game-winning, 57-yard run by Jay Ajayi.
The Bills' only consistent performer was LeSean McCoy, who was unquestionably the team MVP. Buffalo entered Week 17 ranked first in the NFL by averaging 170 rushing yards per game, and the Bills' overall production in that area should help interim coach Anthony Lynn get attention for other teams' head-coach openings.
Injuries played a role in the Bills' downfall. The Bills lost a pair of games in October -- to the Dolphins and Patriots -- when McCoy was either hobbled or inactive because of a hamstring injury. Top receiver Sammy Watkins also missed nine games with a foot injury, safety Aaron Williams missed the final nine games with a neck injury and second-round pick Reggie Ragland missed the entire season with a torn ACL.
EJ Manuel did not need competition to be the starter. Picking up Cardale Jones in the fourth round in 2016 was a start, but the Bills need to continue to add talent at that position.
Can the Bills attract top coaching talent to their job opening? The Bills' final week of the season was a mess that included the early firing of Ryan, an announcement that Whaley would lead the coaching search, the benching of Taylor in a "business decision" and an awkward news conference in which Lynn had to answer for his bosses' decisions. Potential coaching candidates were surely paying attention. The Bills will have trouble hiring the most qualified candidates, such as former Giants coach Tom Coughlin or Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, because Whaley is unlikely to give up control over personnel decisions. Ultimately, the Bills might have to settle for a coach with less clout who will defer to Whaley on the roster and is comfortable being put in uncomfortable situations like the one Lynn faced upon being named the interim coach.
What sort of coach should the Bills target? If the Bills are sticking with Whaley as general manager and avoiding an overhaul of their football operation, they are narrowing the scope of their search to coaches willing to accept the current power structure in place. However, the team still must decide on what qualities are most important in its new coach. A disciplinarian could be the answer. Watkins said Thursday that the Bills are in need of a culture change, citing a lack of discipline on and off the field this season. The star receiver wants a coach who will be "hard on us" as players.
Where does Taylor fit in the Bills' future? After the Bills decide on a new coach, the organization's attention must turn to Taylor's future. The Bills have until March 11 to exercise Taylor's contract option for the 2018 through 2021 seasons, and whether or not they exercise the option, Taylor will be guaranteed $30 million by March 12. That means the Bills must cut Taylor by March 11, decide to keep him and pay him $30 million, or attempt to restructure his contract. It's a decision that must be made jointly by Whaley and whomever is serving as coach by March. Taylor's career-best outing against the Dolphins in Week 16, including a signature fourth-quarter rally, could help sway the decision. However, any new coach must first deem Taylor a fit for his offensive system.
Buffalo Bills’ head-coach search: Kris Richard
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The second-year defensive coordinator has continued Seattle’s excellent defensive record.
With the 2016 season officially behind them, the Buffalo Bills have transitioned into full-blown offseason mode. The team is looking at interviewing multiple candidates. Kris Richard, the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, is among the names who have been mentioned by different sources.
Richard has been on Seattle’s coaching staff since 2010. He served as assistant defensive backs coach that year, and was promoted to the defensive backs coach in 2011. He held that position until the 2015, when he was promoted to defensive coordinator after previous DC Dan Quinn left to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
As the team’s defensive coordinator, Richard has continued the Seahwaks’ reputation for defensive excellence. The team ranked 2nd and 5th in total defense in 2015 and 2016, respectively. They were 1st in points allowed in 2015, and 3rd this season.
The last two Seattle defensive coordinators (Quinn and Gus Bradley) have earned head coaching jobs of their own. While Quinn is about to coach in his first playoff game with Atlanta, Bradley was fired after going 14-48 in his tenure as Jacksonville’s head coach.
Richard was himself an NFL defensive back, drafted in the 3rd round by the Seahawks in 2002. He played four largely unproductive seasons in the NFL, registering 46 tackles, 0 interceptions, 1 pass defensed and 1 fumble forced in 39 games (1 start). He also coached at his alma mater, USC, in 2008 and 2009 as a graduate assistant.
http://www.buffalorumblings.com/201...ichard-seattle-seahawks-gus-bradley-dan-quinn
15
The second-year defensive coordinator has continued Seattle’s excellent defensive record.
With the 2016 season officially behind them, the Buffalo Bills have transitioned into full-blown offseason mode. The team is looking at interviewing multiple candidates. Kris Richard, the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, is among the names who have been mentioned by different sources.
Richard has been on Seattle’s coaching staff since 2010. He served as assistant defensive backs coach that year, and was promoted to the defensive backs coach in 2011. He held that position until the 2015, when he was promoted to defensive coordinator after previous DC Dan Quinn left to become the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
As the team’s defensive coordinator, Richard has continued the Seahwaks’ reputation for defensive excellence. The team ranked 2nd and 5th in total defense in 2015 and 2016, respectively. They were 1st in points allowed in 2015, and 3rd this season.
The last two Seattle defensive coordinators (Quinn and Gus Bradley) have earned head coaching jobs of their own. While Quinn is about to coach in his first playoff game with Atlanta, Bradley was fired after going 14-48 in his tenure as Jacksonville’s head coach.
Richard was himself an NFL defensive back, drafted in the 3rd round by the Seahawks in 2002. He played four largely unproductive seasons in the NFL, registering 46 tackles, 0 interceptions, 1 pass defensed and 1 fumble forced in 39 games (1 start). He also coached at his alma mater, USC, in 2008 and 2009 as a graduate assistant.
http://www.buffalorumblings.com/201...ichard-seattle-seahawks-gus-bradley-dan-quinn
How come the Bills haven't made a deal for Anthony Lynn 
How come the Bills haven't made a deal for Anthony Lynn
very very good question...
hmmmmmm.....
I don't like what it's used for cuz they just interview a black coach they have no intentions of hiring and keep it moving
Don't understand how African American dominated sports have so many white coaches nobody will be able to explain that to me logically so don't waste your time
Don't understand how African American dominated sports have so many white coaches nobody will be able to explain that to me logically so don't waste your time
Look at the owners and there's your answer
Makes no sense other than the rich, white owner wants a white guy in charge of his black players.
I'll put it this way! I understand what he's trying to say and why he doesn't agree with it. But I can't completely agree with him. If the rule wasn't in place, I think we all can agree, even less minorities would be getting interviewed. Secondly, I would add while many may, in fact, have been brought in just to check a box. That doesn't mean that's all that happens. Don't underestimate what a positive impression can do for one's career.
Honestly, IMO he's thinking "small" and not seeing the big picture.
Honestly, IMO he's thinking "small" and not seeing the big picture.
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NFL is nepotism on steroids. Friends, family, AND styles. So an additional barrier is in place. Cacs will come in and get rid of cacs from anther style of what they wanted to do. The Rooney rule can't overcome some of the factors that are in place, BUT IT NEEDS TO EXIST!!!
Watching a team like the Browns, I've seen how quick cacs turn on each other and will embrace black people if the style fits.
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000773571/article/chargers-will-hire-anthony-lynn-as-head-coach
Chargers will hire Anthony Lynn as head coach
An unprecedented day in Chargers history will end with a new head coach.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the Chargers will hire former Bills interim coach and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, according to a team source. Lynn's meteoric rise will land in Los Angeles, agreeing to coach the team that just announced Thursday morning that it was leaving San Diego after 56 seasons.
Just four months ago, Lynn was working under Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Rex Ryan promoted Lynn over Roman after two early losses, and then Lynn took over when Rex was fired before Week 17.
Lynn, who played in the NFL for six seasons, has earned his reputation as a running game guru. The Jets had strong rushing attacks in his time there and he brought one of the most versatile, complex running schemes to Buffalo. The Bills finished first among all NFL teams by a wide margin in part because of the diversity of their scheme and the excellent cohesion on the offensive line.
This will be a steep learning curve for Lynn, who has not been a head coach on any level before now. (His first time even running an offense was in Buffalo this season.) Not only will Lynn have to learn how to run an organization, he will have to do it as the Chargers pack up and move. The team has already announced it will play in the 30,000-seat StubHub Center in Carson, California for two seasons before it moves in with the Rams in Inglewood in 2019. In the meantime, the Chargers previously announced they will set up team headquarters in Costa Mesa, California.
While the idea of moving a franchise sounds daunting for a new staff, Lynn can smile when looking at his roster. As Chris Wesseling wrote Thursday, this is a playoff-ready roster. The Chargers have a legitimate franchise quarterback in Philip Rivers and considerable talent around him like pass rusher Joey Bosa, cornerback Jason Verrett, wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Melvin Gordon. The depth of talent is solid on both sides of the ball, especially if Lynn can turn around the offensive line.
The team's coaching staff looks just as promising. Rapoport reports Lynn hopes to retain Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and hire former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator. Having two former head coaches on his staff, both of whom have found success as coordinators, would make Lynn's transition easier. Rivers would certainly appreciate not having to learn a new offense at 35 years old. Lynn would presumably tweak some of the team's running concepts to fit his style of offense.
It is odd that the Chargers' head coach hire feels like an afterthought on a dizzying day in Los Angeles that also included the Rams hiring a new boss. But these are odd times in Southern California, with one great city mourning the departure of a franchise while Los Angeles tries to make room for another.
Chargers will hire Anthony Lynn as head coach
An unprecedented day in Chargers history will end with a new head coach.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported the Chargers will hire former Bills interim coach and offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn, according to a team source. Lynn's meteoric rise will land in Los Angeles, agreeing to coach the team that just announced Thursday morning that it was leaving San Diego after 56 seasons.
Just four months ago, Lynn was working under Bills offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Rex Ryan promoted Lynn over Roman after two early losses, and then Lynn took over when Rex was fired before Week 17.
Lynn, who played in the NFL for six seasons, has earned his reputation as a running game guru. The Jets had strong rushing attacks in his time there and he brought one of the most versatile, complex running schemes to Buffalo. The Bills finished first among all NFL teams by a wide margin in part because of the diversity of their scheme and the excellent cohesion on the offensive line.
This will be a steep learning curve for Lynn, who has not been a head coach on any level before now. (His first time even running an offense was in Buffalo this season.) Not only will Lynn have to learn how to run an organization, he will have to do it as the Chargers pack up and move. The team has already announced it will play in the 30,000-seat StubHub Center in Carson, California for two seasons before it moves in with the Rams in Inglewood in 2019. In the meantime, the Chargers previously announced they will set up team headquarters in Costa Mesa, California.
While the idea of moving a franchise sounds daunting for a new staff, Lynn can smile when looking at his roster. As Chris Wesseling wrote Thursday, this is a playoff-ready roster. The Chargers have a legitimate franchise quarterback in Philip Rivers and considerable talent around him like pass rusher Joey Bosa, cornerback Jason Verrett, wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back Melvin Gordon. The depth of talent is solid on both sides of the ball, especially if Lynn can turn around the offensive line.
The team's coaching staff looks just as promising. Rapoport reports Lynn hopes to retain Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt and hire former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley as defensive coordinator. Having two former head coaches on his staff, both of whom have found success as coordinators, would make Lynn's transition easier. Rivers would certainly appreciate not having to learn a new offense at 35 years old. Lynn would presumably tweak some of the team's running concepts to fit his style of offense.
It is odd that the Chargers' head coach hire feels like an afterthought on a dizzying day in Los Angeles that also included the Rams hiring a new boss. But these are odd times in Southern California, with one great city mourning the departure of a franchise while Los Angeles tries to make room for another.
the Rooney rule works
black coaches may not get the job they intially interview but it seems without fail they get fired the following year or so
whether it be simply getting put on the radar as a viable coach or improviing when they get the next interview.
its fucked up that these concessions have to be made to ensure minorities get oppurunities but i think its working
black coaches may not get the job they intially interview but it seems without fail they get fired the following year or so
whether it be simply getting put on the radar as a viable coach or improviing when they get the next interview.
its fucked up that these concessions have to be made to ensure minorities get oppurunities but i think its working
Eagles considered interviewing Josh McCown for head coach prior to hiring Nick Sirianni
McCown is viewed as a high-upside and likely has a bright future in coaching
www.cbssports.com
Eagles considered interviewing Josh McCown for head coach prior to hiring Nick Sirianni
McCown is viewed as a high-upside and likely has a bright future in coaching
https://www.cbssports.com/writers/jason-la-canfora/
By Jason La Canfora
9 mins ago1 min read
Getty Images
Texans back-up quarterback Josh McCown's interview for Houston's head coaching position came as a shock to many around the NFL, but they were not the only team to consider it. Sources said Philadelphia, where McCown wowed the staff and front office with his leadership, football acumen and people skills during his stint there as a quarterback, also gave very serious consideration to speaking to him as well. They view McCown as a future NFL head coach -- sooner rather than later -- and concocted a creative way to keep him on their practice squad to start 2020, despite him living in Texas and coaching high school football there, because he was such a valuable resource to the coaches and the quarterback room.
The Texans signed McCown to their active roster in midseason, with an eye toward him eventually staying with that organization in a coaching capacity after he retires from playing.
McCown was discussed as a potential interview and given consideration within the Eagles coaching search committee, sources said, but ultimately the fact he had no NFL coaching experience whatsoever led them not to formally request permission to speak to him. (Given how highly the Texans think of him, it's fair to presume that might not have been granted, regardless). The Eagles were intrigued by the prospect of a younger head coach on the offensive side of the ball and ended up hiring Colts assistant Nick Sirianni, 39, who is actually younger than McCown (41).
The Eagles were also very impressed by Patriots linebackers coach Jerod Mayo, who is just 34 and only two years into his coaching career (he retired from a distinguished playing career in 2015), but in the end, opted for a head coach with more sweeping coaching experience. The trend of players jumping from active player to head coach in a much faster period of time than has been the norm is something to watch in coming years, and it is only a matter of time before McCown is coaching an NFL team, whether it be in Houston or somewhere else.
Texans interview QB McCown, Caldwell for HC job
The Texans interviewed QB Josh McCown and Jim Caldwell for their head coach opening, the team announced Friday.
Sources: Texans hiring Culley as head coach
The Texans have hired Ravens assistant David Culley to be their next head coach, sources told ESPN, confirming a report by the Houston Chronicle.
Houston Texans hire Baltimore Ravens' David Culley as head coach, sources say
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- Sarah BarshopESPN Staff Writer
HOUSTON -- The Houston Texans have hired Baltimore Ravens assistant David Culley to be their next head coach, sources told ESPN, confirming a report by the Houston Chronicle.
Culley, 65, who has spent the past two seasons in Baltimore, just completed his 27th season as an NFL coach. Along with serving as the team's assistant head coach, Culley was Baltimore's passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach. The Ravens finished the 2020 season ranked last in the NFL in passing.
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"David is just a genuine guy," Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a text to ESPN's Ed Werder. "He will be who he is everyday. Has been that guy every day of his career. I'm thrilled for him. Great person. Genuine. Full of energy."
Harbaugh had previously called the Texans' opening a "great opportunity" and said he believed Culley "would be a tremendous hire for any team, maybe, especially, the Texans with Deshaun Watson."
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Culley will join Robert Saleh of the New York Jets, Brian Flores of the Miami Dolphins, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Ron Rivera of the Washington Football Team as active minority head coaches in the league.
Culley has never been an offensive coordinator at the NFL level. He was also an assistant head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs from 2013 to '16, and spent the 2017 and '18 seasons as the Buffalo Bills' quarterbacks coach. When the Ravens hired Culley in 2019, Harbaugh said the coach was highly respected "as a teacher, game-planner and motivator."
When the Texans fired head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien in October, Houston became the first team with an opening for either position. The Texans hired Nick Caserio as their new general manager earlier this month and gave him the reins to their head-coaching search.
David Culley's Prior Coaching Stops
�
| SEASONS | TEAM | ROLE |
|---|---|---|
| 2019-20 | Ravens | assistant head coach/passing game coordinator/WR coach |
| 2017-18 | Bills | QB coach |
| 2013-16 | Chiefs | assistant head coach/WR coach |
| 1999-2012 | Eagles | primarily WR coach, also senior offensive assistant from 2011-12 |
| 1996-98 | Steelers | WR coach |
| 1994-95 | Buccaneers | WR coach |
| -- ESPN Stats & Information |
Amid the Texans' coaching search, sources told ESPN that Watson was not happy with the process the organization used to hire Caserio. And sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen that regardless of whom the Texans hired as their next head coach, Watson's desire to be traded was not expected to change.
The Texans are coming off a 4-12 season, one in which Watson played the best football of his NFL career. The fourth-year quarterback set career highs in touchdowns, passing yards and completion percentage. He also threw a career-low seven interceptions.
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