{"id":5399,"date":"2026-01-03T10:54:51","date_gmt":"2026-01-03T15:54:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gofootballanalytics.com\/statsblog\/?p=5399"},"modified":"2026-01-03T10:54:51","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T15:54:51","slug":"coaching-carousel-heats-up-jaguars-lock-down-key-lineman-geno-smith-out-for-finale","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gofootballanalytics.com\/statsblog\/coaching-carousel-heats-up-jaguars-lock-down-key-lineman-geno-smith-out-for-finale\/","title":{"rendered":"Coaching Carousel Heats Up, Jaguars Lock Down Key Lineman, Geno Smith Out for Finale"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>Coaching News<\/h2>\n<p>The NFL coaching carousel continues to spin ahead of Black Monday. According to reports, the Cleveland Browns have done preliminary research on head coaching candidates and are leaning toward parting ways with <strong>Kevin Stefanski<\/strong>. Executive VP <strong>Andrew Berry<\/strong> is expected to remain in his role, despite the potential coaching change. <strong>Myles Garrett<\/strong> commented on the uncertainty, stating he values winning, &#8220;however that looks.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p>Several candidates are starting to emerge as top interview targets. Chiefs offensive coordinator <strong>Matt Nagy<\/strong>, Colts defensive coordinator <strong>Lou Anarumo<\/strong>, and Commanders offensive coordinator <strong>Kliff Kingsbury<\/strong> are expected to be in the mix for jobs with the Giants, Titans, and others. However, Kingsbury\u2019s future in Washington is also in doubt, as internal tensions between him and GM <strong>Adam Peters<\/strong> have surfaced.<\/p>\n<p>On a positive note for coaching continuity, Tampa Bay plans to retain head coach <strong>Todd Bowles<\/strong> and GM <strong>Jason Licht<\/strong>. Meanwhile, in Cincinnati, <strong>Zac Taylor<\/strong> is expected to remain with the Bengals, bolstered by public endorsements from <strong>Joe Burrow<\/strong>, <strong>Ja\u2019Marr Chase<\/strong>, and <strong>Tee Higgins<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p>Young coaching talent continues to rise across the league. Notable names drawing interest for major promotions include Jaguars offensive coordinator <strong>Grant Udinski<\/strong>, Broncos quarterbacks coach <strong>Davis Webb<\/strong>, Panthers OC <strong>Brad Idzik<\/strong>, and Patriots passing game coordinator <strong>Thomas Brown<\/strong>. Former Giants HC <strong>Brian Daboll<\/strong> is also expected to land an offensive coordinator position soon.<\/p>\n<p>The Tennessee Titans have restructured their front office in a move that significantly shifts power. GM <strong>Mike Borgonzi<\/strong> will now lead the team\u2019s head coaching search and command final say over the 53-man roster while reporting directly to owner <strong>Amy Adams Strunk<\/strong>. <strong>Chad Brinker<\/strong> retains oversight over cap management, R&amp;D, and analytics, as part of a clarified split of duties between executives.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the New York Jets\u2019 handling of former DC <strong>Aaron Glenn<\/strong> and the controversial trade of standout CB <strong>Ahmad \u201cSauce\u201d Gardner<\/strong> are drawing sharp criticism. According to league insiders cited by Tony Pauline, Glenn\u2019s tenure is being described as \u201cdisastrous,\u201d and the Gardner trade is labeled as \u201cstupid and unnecessary.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Transaction News<\/h2>\n<p>The Jacksonville Jaguars secured a core piece of their offensive line by reaching a three-year, $51 million extension with <strong>Cole Van Lanen<\/strong>. The deal includes $32.5 million guaranteed and could reach up to $55.5 million with performance incentives, reflecting his growing importance in the team&#8217;s protection unit.<\/p>\n<p>In Baltimore, the Ravens extended a pair of key special teams and defensive veterans. Long snapper <strong>Nick Moore<\/strong> has re-signed on a four-year deal, while nose tackle <strong>John Jenkins<\/strong>, 36, received the first contract extension of his career\u2014a one-year agreement that reflects his value as a veteran presence along the front line.<\/p>\n<h2>Injuries<\/h2>\n<p>The Las Vegas Raiders ruled out quarterback <strong>Geno Smith<\/strong> for Sunday\u2019s regular-season finale against the Kansas City Chiefs. Smith\u2019s absence adds complications for a Raiders team already reeling from back-to-back seasons finishing at or near the bottom in rushing yards.<\/p>\n<p>Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher <strong>T.J. Watt<\/strong> announced he is &#8220;excited to play&#8221; in the team&#8217;s season-ending matchup with the Ravens after recovering from recent lung surgery. His return offers a significant boost to the Steelers\u2019 defense as they close out the regular season.<\/p>\n<h2>Player Movement &amp; Comments<\/h2>\n<p>Cornerback <strong>Trevon Diggs<\/strong> reflected positively on his fresh start in Green Bay, noting it \u201cfeels good\u201d to be in a new environment and focus on \u201cbeing a better me.\u201d Diggs\u2019 move from Dallas marks a turning point for a career that had grown increasingly turbulent in recent seasons.<\/p>\n<p>Minnesota Vikings star wideout <strong>Justin Jefferson<\/strong> publicly endorsed rookie QB <strong>J.J. McCarthy<\/strong> as the team&#8217;s starter in 2026, saying he \u201cwould love\u201d to continue playing with him. Jefferson\u2019s support may carry weight as the Vikings evaluate their quarterback situation heading into the offseason.<\/p>\n<h2>Team &amp; Front Office Dynamics<\/h2>\n<p>Cowboys owner <strong>Jerry Jones<\/strong> addressed recent remarks by linebacker <strong>Micah Parsons<\/strong>, who felt his name was &#8220;slandered&#8221; by the organization. Jones acknowledged Parsons\u2019 perspective and indicated he \u201ccan understand\u201d the player\u2019s frustrations, adding to ongoing tension and questions surrounding Dallas\u2019 locker room harmony.<\/p>\n<p>The Las Vegas Raiders continue to struggle on the ground, finishing last in rushing yards in 2024 and on track to repeat that performance in 2025. The team\u2019s chronic inefficiency highlights ongoing challenges with offensive balance and may influence offseason roster decisions.<\/p>\n<h2>Rookie Impact<\/h2>\n<p>NFL.com released its ranking of the top rookie classes of the 2025 season, with the Cleveland Browns and Seattle Seahawks earning top marks. The Browns&#8217; draft class stood out for immediate contributions on both sides of the ball, while Seattle benefited from key rookie performances that bolstered their playoff bid.<\/p>\n<h2>Team Announcements<\/h2>\n<p>Veteran broadcaster <strong>Greg Papa<\/strong> is set to return as the voice of the San Francisco 49ers for their Saturday matchup against the Seattle Seahawks. Papa had been away from the booth recently but will be back in time for the key late-season divisional clash.<\/p>\n<h2>Awards &amp; Recognition<\/h2>\n<p>The Pittsburgh Steelers named running back <strong>Kenneth Gainwell<\/strong> as their team MVP for the 2025 season. Gainwell\u2019s production and consistency provided a spark for the Steelers offense in a transitional year for the team.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Coaching News The NFL coaching carousel continues to spin ahead of Black Monday. According to reports, the Cleveland Browns have done preliminary research on head coaching candidates and are leaning toward parting ways with Kevin Stefanski. Executive VP Andrew Berry is expected to remain in his role, despite the potential coaching change. Myles Garrett commented&hellip;&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gofootballanalytics.com\/statsblog\/coaching-carousel-heats-up-jaguars-lock-down-key-lineman-geno-smith-out-for-finale\/\" rel=\"bookmark\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Coaching Carousel Heats Up, Jaguars Lock Down Key Lineman, Geno Smith Out for Finale<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"off","neve_meta_content_width":70,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[30],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5399","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO 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