Fansided

5 potential replacements for Chip Kelly in San Francisco

By John Buhler

Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly walks the sideline during the second half against Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; San Francisco 49ers head coach Chip Kelly walks the sideline during the second half against Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium. The Dolphins won 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels smiles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels smiles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots. Josh McDaniels. 3. player. 47. . Offensive Coordinator

Like Shanahan, New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could get a few offers on this head coaching carousel in January. McDaniels has reinvented himself as one of the best offensive coordinators in the NFL in New England after failing as the Denver Broncos head coach.

He has shown in his second stint in Foxborough that he can adapt to adverse conditions on his offense. McDaniels successfully developed an offense with three starting quarterbacks this season, integrated a new tight end into the offense, and helped get its offensive line back on track after failing in 2015.

He looks to be keen on player development and in-game planning. McDaniels gets the most out of his offensive players in New England and might actually be ready for his second stint as an NFL head coach. He’s primed for a coaching job in 2017.

Like Shanahan, there are three reasons that McDaniels might be reticent to take the job in San Francisco: 1.) He doesn’t have the luxury to fail again as a head coach. Denver was a disaster and San Francisco is not a good entry point for a head coaching candidate on his second chance. 2.) Are we sure that McDaniels knows personnel? He could bring a guy with Patriots roots in the scouting department with him. That’s a major caveat that York may not agree to. 3.) McDaniels’ would take the Jaguars job if given it. He went to college with Jacksonville general manager David Caldwell. Expect to be a finalist for that gig.