The absence of a market for Bill Belichick to coach in 2024 can be attributed to various factors.
In Andrew Brandt's 10 insights on coaching moves and the playoffs, he highlights that NFL teams prioritize paying for future performance rather than past accomplishments. Additionally, he delves into the impact of the Taylor Swift–Travis Kelce connection on the league, shares impressions of the 49ers and Chiefs, and covers more aspects related to coaching changes and the playoffs.
During this season of change, where a quarter of the NFL's coaching staffs are undergoing transitions and players are leaving team premises, except for two teams in the next three months, Andrew Brandt shares 10 insights on coaching moves, or non-moves, and the 2024 NFL playoffs.
1. Contrary to expectations, Bill Belichick didn't find much of a market for a head coaching position this year, despite seven openings across the league. Brandt emphasizes that teams are focused on future performance rather than past accomplishments when hiring head coaches, similar to player signings. The current trend in hiring reflects a preference for younger coaches, aiming for continuity and sustained success. Belichick and Pete Carroll's lack of new opportunities aligns with their respective teams' decisions to seek fresh leadership, with teams looking to move "in a different direction." While some may argue ageism, teams would likely frame it as a desire for a new and innovative approach, not covered by the Rooney Rule.
2. Although I didn't closely follow the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this season, the image of offensive coordinator Dave Canales stood out during the games I watched. His calm and poised demeanor, coupled with the appealing "fresh-faced, good-looking" offensive coordinator look that NFL owners often favor, caught my attention. While Canales wasn't initially among the popular coaching candidates, Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has now appointed him as the team's seventh head coach in five years, offering him a notable six-year contract. It remains to be seen how many coaches Tepper will be paying by the end of that extensive deal.
3. The unexpected late-season and playoff struggles of the Philadelphia Eagles remain a perplexing mystery of the season. Andrew Brandt suggests that underlying stories, typically absent from the media, may shed light on issues such as player conflicts, player-coach tensions, or other undisclosed factors. While the Eagles are known for their assertive front office approach with coaches and players, General Manager Howie Roseman recognized the unfavorable optics of firing coach Nick Sirianni just eleven months after leading the team to the Super Bowl. However, it appears Sirianni is taking steps to strengthen his coaching staff by bringing in experienced and respected coordinators.
4. Jim Harbaugh's life seems to have a way of working out, as demonstrated by Michigan's College Football Playoff national championship victory amid investigations into an alleged sign-stealing scheme. Now, as he returns to the NFL, Harbaugh joins the Los Angeles Chargers with a young and talented quarterback secured for the long term. The Chargers, despite having a roster filled with talent and high salaries, have underachieved under various coaches and management. It remains to be seen if Harbaugh can maximize the potential of this roster and deliver more substantial results.
5. Despite witnessing the Dallas Cowboys' playoff disappointment against the Green Bay Packers, which led many to anticipate the dismissal of Mike McCarthy, the head coach remains in place. The Cowboys, along with the Baltimore Ravens, have now gained a reputation as teams to disregard until the playoffs. Even if they secure 12, 13, 14, or 15 wins next season, the prevailing sentiment will likely be indifference. The Cowboys face a dilemma with quarterback Dak Prescott; while they should and must re-sign him as they cannot easily replace him, he doesn't seem to be an elite player at the crucial quarterback position. Prescott is undeniably very good but falls short of greatness.
6. Reflecting on the San Francisco 49ers' recent playoff games, it was evident that the home team could have lost both matches. Nevertheless, the 49ers emerged victorious and secured a spot in the Super Bowl. The divisional playoff game against the Packers, where Green Bay controlled the majority of the match until the 49ers' final drive, stands out as a particularly heart-wrenching loss for the Packers. However, the defeat for the NFC North's Detroit Lions, despite initially having control, unfolded due to dropped passes, fortuitous catches, and some questionable decisions by head coach Dan Campbell. The 49ers, through a combination of luck and skill, managed to reverse their fortunes in successive weeks.
7. Regarding Dan Campbell, there is likely to be considerable scrutiny of his decision-making. While recognizing the value of analytics and a more aggressive approach on fourth downs, questions arise about whether Campbell's choices are driven by analytics or a more impassioned "Let’s F---ing Go!" mentality. Despite this, testimonials from his assistant coaches and players go beyond the usual clichés, suggesting that Campbell possesses distinctive leadership skills. His impact on players appears to be more about how he makes them feel rather than what he explicitly communicates.
8. It seems that the Kansas City Chiefs may have been intentionally downplaying their performance throughout the year, adopting a less-than-stellar style of play that culminated in a significant loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Christmas. While presented in jest, there is an element of truth in the adage of "playing best when it counts most." The playoff version of the Chiefs is markedly different from their regular-season counterpart, evident in their postseason encounters against the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Ravens. Particularly against the Ravens, the team displayed a notable swagger, especially on the defensive front, confronting a defense that is often considered the most confident in the league. In a league known for its unpredictability, the Chiefs making it to the Super Bowl has become one of the more foreseeable outcomes.
9. While dismissing any notion of a conspiracy, it is apparent that the NFL is capitalizing on the Taylor Swift–Travis Kelce romance. Unfolding each week in front of millions, including Swift's devoted fanbase (Swifties), some of whom may not have had prior interest in the NFL before Swift's appearance in an NFL luxury suite in September. This high-profile relationship has provided additional momentum to two of the world's most prominent brands—Swift and the NFL. Notably, the intrigue surrounding Swift's journey from a concert in Japan to the Super Bowl has added another layer of fascination. Looking back on the 2023 NFL season in the future, the Taylor and Travis relationship is likely to stand out as a defining feature.
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