Here's a look at some of the top rumors for Monday, Jan. 18:
Former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson officially became the Philadelphia Eagles' head coach on Monday, and as one of the later hires in the offseason coaching carousel, he's still putting his staff together. According to Anthony Gargano of 97.5 The Fanatic in Philadelphia, the Eagles reached out to the New York Giants for permission to interview defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo for the same position in Philadelphia, only to be denied. It's not surprising that the Giants would reject a division rival's request, especially because it's likely new Giants coach Ben McAdoo will want to keep Spagnuolo on his own staff. It's not clear where the Eagles will turn now, but Sports Illustrated's Don Banks heard last week that the team had interest in former Detroit Lions head coach and Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. Banks noted he wasn't sure if the interest in Schwartz is coming from the team or Pederson, but the interest makes sense. Even though hiring Schwartz would mean a change from a 3-4 to a 4-3 scheme, he's shown the ability to get the most out of a talented defensive line, which the Eagles certainly have.
Another potential suitor for Schwartz's services is the Jacksonville Jaguars, as Fox Sports' Alex Marvez reports the team has already conducted an interview with the 49-year-old coach. Jacksonville fired D-coordinator Bob Babich this offseason after taking a huge step back on defense, allowing 28.0 points per game, second worst in the league. Head coach Gus Bradley comes from a defensive background, so the unit's performance did not reflect well on him either, and a repeat in 2016 would certainly not be good for Bradley's job security. Schwartz and Bradley both like to play 4-3, zone-based defenses, so the fit would make sense, though Bradley might want Schwartz to incorporate more complicated defensive fronts into his scheme.
It sounds like the San Francisco 49ers might be keeping their defensive coordinator, Eric Mangini, on staff despite bringing in a new head coach in Chip Kelly. Marvez reports there's a "strong possibility" that Mangini returns, noting that his 3-4 background fits Kelly's plans. Despite the Niners' talent exodus last offseason and an extremely bare secondary, Mangini's unit performed well in 2015, particularly at home. In eight games at Levi's Stadium, the Niners allowed 16.9 points per game, giving up more than 20 points just once (24 to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 15). On the road, San Francisco gave up 31.5 per game and didn't hold a single opponent under 20 points. With an offseason to retool, it's fair to expect Mangini to coordinate an above-average defense in 2016.
The Chiefs' offense will also likely stick with the continuity route following Pederson's departure, as The MMQB's Peter King expects head coach Andy Reid to promote quarterbacks coach Matt Nagy to offensive coordinator. The move would make plenty of sense, as Reid isn't going to change his offense and Nagy is already very familiar with how Reid operates, having worked with him since 2008. Reid allowed Pederson to call plays at times during the 2015 season, perhaps in preparation for head-coaching opportunities he might receive. Nagy doesn't appear to be at that stage yet, but he may have chances to call the offense on occasion.
Every team faces plenty of change each offseason, and it should be no different for the Minnesota Vikings, who have a few veterans who may be on the chopping block. Matt Vensel of the Minneapolis Star Tribune suggests that wide receiver Mike Wallace, right tackle Phil Loadholt and linebacker Chad Greenway won't be back next season. Wallace's departure is a logical assumption, considering his lack of production (39 catches, 473 yards, two TDs in 2015), his hefty cap figure ($11.5 million) and no dead-money charge looming in the event of his release. Loadholt will be a tougher decision, but his situation is uncertain after tearing his Achilles and missing the full season. The mauling right tackle turns 30 on Jan. 21 and will cost $7.75 million this season in the final year of his contract, so it's possible the Vikings would rather release him -- saving $6 million on the cap -- and stick with 2015 fourth-rounder T.J. Clemmings. As for Greenway, his contract is up, and while the 33-year-old has said he wants to play another year in Minnesota, the drafting of Eric Kendricks last season may have sealed Greenway's fate. He could come back on a one-year deal, but we wouldn't be surprised if Greenway wound up retiring.
The Atlanta Falcons decided to keep general manager Thomas Dimitroff this offseason, but it appears one of the top employees in his department will be let go. Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports the team has parted ways with director of player personnel Lionel Vital, who was a candidate for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM job a few years ago. The move feels like a warning sign for Dimitroff, who made Vital one of his first hires when he took the job in Atlanta and could be on the hot seat if the Falcons continue to struggle. Many eyes will be on the team's moves in free agency and the draft this offseason.
