NFL Player News

Even 10 years ago, a “reckless and dangerous” play style would be a positive. Big, aggressive hits were a defining trait for many safeties up until the past half-decade or so. Now, many of those hits can lead to penalties or missed tackles, and that is the exact concern the NFC scout Zierlein talked to had about Hawkins. That being said, Zierlein holds up Hawkins’ ability to even get in position for these plays, praising both his vision in coverage and quickness in his change of direction. Hawkins (6'1/208) is likely a late-round or UDFA prospect, but his aggression could be well served on special teams.

“Here’s the expected timeline,” Dehner Jr. writes, “Golden will spend today and early tomorrow wrapping things up at ND. Then Taylor looks to officially interview him Wednesday. From there, just what looks like an inevitable matter of when pen hits paper.” Patrick Graham was the other finalist for the job, and it appears the Bengals are leaning with Notre Dame’s defensive coordinator. Golden was Cincinnati’s linebackers coach in 2020-2021 under Lou Anarumo before leaving for the job. He also was the head coach at Temple from 2006-2010, and Miami from 2011-2015.

Hess worked with Josh Allen to refine Allen’s rough early-career throwing mechanics. The changes that stemmed from Allen’s work with Hess made him one of the NFL’s most efficient, accurate passers. Entering a phase of his career in which his viability as an NFL starter is in question, Richardson will reportedly look to refine “his throws on short and intermediate routes” and work on his short-area touch, which was severely lacking in 2024. Only Dorian Thompson-Robinson was more inaccurate than Richardson on passes between 0-10 yards last season. “I’ve just got to make sure I’m on point,” Richardson said, “doing everything I can to help this organization go in the right direction.” Holder reported this week that the Colts could pursue Justin Fields in free agency — a move that would likely create a Week 1 starting competition between Richardson and Fields.

Schottenheimer has been with the Cowboys for three years, serving as the team’s OC for the past two seasons under former head coach Mike McCarthy. This would be his first head coaching job in the NFL after being offensive coordinator for four teams over the past 18 years. Schottenheimer, 51, led the Cowboys to the second most points and the third most yards in 2023 before injuries doomed the team’s 2024 campaign. His work with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb could provide a seamless transition for the Dallas offense in the wake of McCarthy’s exit. Giving him the monumental task of replacing Mike McCarthy when he wasn’t even trusted to call offensive plays last year sounds like a dire idea.

Pompei said Johnson — as he did with Jared Goff in Detroit — will give Williams more control over the Chicago offense, including free reign to change plays at the line of scrimmage. “He gave Goff authority with protection adjustments that not all QBs have, and eliminated plays that Goff didn’t love,” Pompei said, adding that the Bears’ offense will be more aggressive on fourth downs with Johnson in charge. The Bears in 2024 were the fourth most aggressive offense in fourth down situations. Johnson has been complimentary of Williams following his down rookie campaign. Williams, according to Johnson, has “quite a fastball and has some creativity to him, can extend plays and is accurate down the field as well.” Williams ranked 27th out of 33 qualifying quarterbacks last season in downfield accuracy.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Jets’ “goal is to keep him from leaving the building” and to sign him to a deal. Glenn is also in the running for the Saints and Jaguars head coaching jobs after four years as Detroit’s defensive coordinator. The Lions defense over the past two seasons has given up the league’s 12th lowest offensive success rate and the 11th lowest EPA per play. Glenn would face a total rebuild in New York after the Jets’ Aaron Rodgers experiment went belly up. Adding fuel to the fire is the idea that Commanders executive Lance Newmark, who worked with Glenn in Detroit before taking his current gig, will also be interviewing and in the building today.

Kupp is still under team control through the 2026 season but the Rams worked an out into his three-year, $80 million contract signed prior to the 2024 season. He carries a $29 million cap hit with over $22 million in dead money into the 2025 season but the team could save over $20 million over the next two seasons by moving on now. Kupp started the season off hot before missing four games, never really appearing the same on the field following his absence. Injuries have been a common trend for Kupp in his advanced age, something that could factor into the equation this offseason.

Crow is linked to new head coach Mike Vrabel after coaching under him in Tennessee for six seasons. It appears Vrabel will have a big hand in selecting the rest of his coaching staff with his new franchise.

Rizzi has been linked to over a half-dozen teams in various capacities, with the report indicating he could be lured to the Bears to form a star-studded cast of new coaches under new head coach Ben Johnson in a complete turnover. The report comes after rumors swirled that Johnson was likely to bring on former Saints head coach Dennis Allen to serve as his defensive coordinator, potentially drawing another link to Rizzi, who previously served as the special teams coordinator under Allen in New Orleans. There are still many dominoes to fall in this year’s coaching cycle but top candidates appear to be flying off the shelf.

Coen clearly made a good impression in his first interview with the Jaguars and will now have a chance to sit down with them in person. The 39-year-old offensive coordinator shined in his first season with the Buccaneers, as his offense finished in the top five in both points and yards per game, while Baker Mayfield turned in his best season as a pro (4500-41-16) in his seven years as a pro. Coen has at least two more finalists to compete with in Robert Saleh and current Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, but he could be exactly what Trevor Lawrence needs to turn things around after a disappointing 2024.

Graham is one of at least three finalists to receive a second interview with the Jaguars. Former Jets head coach Robert Saleh and current Buccaneers offensive coordinator Liam Coen will also have second interviews with the team. Graham, who interviewed for the Seahawks’ and Chargers’ head coaching openings last offseason, is reportedly already a finalist for the Bengals’ defensive coordinator position. Even if he doesn’t land in Jacksonville, it sounds like his services will be in high demand for the 2025 season.