By HCR Staff | Oct. 9, 2019
We’re a quarter of the way through the 2019 NFL season, and speculation already has begun on which head coaching jobs could open for the 2020 season.
Surprisingly, three jobs that could open would be among the most desirable in the NFL.
In Pittsburgh, head coach Mike Tomlin is under intense scrutiny. He already has served a long tenure in Pittsburgh, and based on what we have seen thus far this season, we believe that Tomlin’s methods have grown stale in Pittsburgh.
If this job opens, it is incredibly attractive for its stability. It is well documented that the Rooney family exhibits patience with its head coaches (only three since 1969), and if Tomlin were terminated, the talent cupboard also would not be completely bare. Additionally, any Steelers head coach enjoys a large and passionate fan base that truly provides a home field advantage.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones already has been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. He also owns the most valuable sports team in the world. Jerry’s reached the pinnacle in these areas, and this is what he is accustomed to.
However, in head coach Jason Garrett, he also is accustomed to a .500 coach. It’s as if Jones is accustomed to ordering the best steak in the house, and then proceeds to douse it with ketchup.
If Jones were to make a change at head coach, the job would be attractive because Jones would spare no expense in making his team competitive. However, one of the drawbacks to the job, is simply managing Jones. It’s a high maintenance job in this respect, and not every candidate will be suited for it.
Finally, Dan Quinn’s tenure as the Atlanta Falcons head coach may be nearing an end. Owner Arthur Blank has a difficult time hiding his impatience for a Super Bowl championship, and right now, he is witnessing a team that cannot perform to its talent level.
Blank has done an admirable job in elevating the quality of this organization. The Falcons organization is on sound financial footing, has a new stadium and other outstanding facilities, and is in a large market that also is desirable as a place to live.
We see only two downsides to this position. One, the fan base is fickle and doesn’t always provide a true home-field advantage. Second, the NFC South continues to be one of the NFL’s toughest divisions.
