Hiring Josh McDaniels as NFL Head Coach: A GM's Perspective

When it comes to making decisions for an NFL team, the choice of head coach is a critical one. Every stakeholder has a unique viewpoint on who is the right fit. In this article, we’ll explore a hypothetical scenario: would you hire Josh McDaniels as the head coach of your NFL team if you were the owner or general manager (GM)? We'll examine various perspectives and the reasons behind each decision.

Variable Perspectives

The decision to hire Josh McDaniels as the head coach varies greatly depending on the team and the current situation. Let's dive into some thoughts from different GMs and owners:

If I Was the GM of the Browns...

"Yes, I would definitely take Tom Brady," says an unnamed GM, suggesting a similar approach if he were in charge of the Browns. This implies that if the GM were willing to sign a legendary quarterback like Tom Brady, the position of head coach would be a secondary concern. The rationale here is that a proven quarterback can significantly improve a team's chances of winning, making the coaching choice less critical. However, this perspective might overlook other factors, such as the team’s offensive and defensive strategies and player development.

If I Was John Lynch of the 49ers...

John Lynch, the GM of the 49ers, has a more open mind. "If I was John Lynch of the 49ers, I’d have taken a chance on Tom Brady." This decision would involve pragmatic thinking, driven by the presence of a star player who can elevate team morale and performance. The long-term vision would focus on Brady mentoring younger players and potentially providing leadership through experience. However, the risk involved in betting on a player of Tom Brady’s age and condition would be significant.

If I Was the GM of the Chargers, Bears, or Bengals...

Other GMs, like my contemporaries for the Chargers, Bears, and Bengals, might take a different approach, considering the strategic importance of a strong quarterback position. For these teams, capturing a veteran quarterback like Brady would be a priority, and the choice of head coach would therefore be a secondary concern. This perspective ignores that a team needs a strong offensive coordinator to maximize the quarterback’s potential. Without a capable coach to develop and execute the game plan, even a great quarterback may not perform to expectations.

Why Not Hire Josh McDaniels?

Some GMs might hold back on hiring Josh McDaniels, citing past experiences and character issues. For instance, another GM states, "Probably not. He was a two-year starter with a fairly low completion percentage and an underwhelming TD-INT ratio. He was fairly slow in the 40 and not exactly Adonis in his shorts. I would have been wrong just like the other 198 picks before him but there you are."

This viewpoint underscores the importance of past performance and physical characteristics in the quarterback position. It also highlights a GM’s need to balance expectations with reality, understanding that each team has unique strengths and weaknesses. For a coach who may have struggled in the past, a GM might hesitate to take a chance, especially if their past decisions (like McDaniels in Denver) did not yield expected results.

Building with a Defensive Mindset

Another GM might argue that the best way to build a winning team is with a defensive-minded head coach. In this scenario, the idea is to focus on strengthening the defensive line, improving tackle play, and enhancing pass coverage. This approach would ensure that the defense remains robust, providing a solid foundation for any team. An offensive coordinator like Josh McDaniels, while valuable, would be considered icing on the cake. This perspective places a high premium on defensive resilience and overall team balance.

Competition and Trust

There's a viewpoint that suggests a positive relationship with the Patriots and Bill Belichick would positively influence the decision to hire McDaniels. This rationale hinges on the understanding that Bill Belichick has a strong track record of grooming and developing coaching talent. If a GM trusts this relationship and believes that McDaniels would bring similar expertise without the baggage of previous controversies, the decision to hire him might be more favorable. Conversely, if the GM has doubts about McDaniels' character, the risk of such past incidents might be deemed unacceptable.

"Sure, I would consider him but would need to know more intimate details for my particular franchise before making a decision," suggests another GM. This decision-making process highlights the need for detailed information and a thorough evaluation of McDaniels' past performance and current capacities. The GM acknowledges that past success does not necessarily guarantee future performance, and a deep understanding of the coaching candidate is crucial.

Overall, the decision to hire Josh McDaniels as the head coach of an NFL team is complex and multifaceted. It depends on the team's current situation, past experiences, and the overall strategic vision. While his coaching skills are undeniable, the character and recent controversies surrounding him might be a significant deterrent for some GMs. Each GM must weigh the risks and benefits meticulously to make an informed decision that aligns with their team's long-term goals.