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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Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith looks on prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith looks on prior to the game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Mike Smith. 1. player. 48. . Defensive Coordinator

With the NFL head coaching carousel about to really get into motion, one guy to keep an eye on is Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Mike Smith. Smith helped turn around the Buccaneers defense in his first year on the job. Before that, Smith was the greatest head coach in Atlanta Falcons history, taking the NFC South franchise to four NFC Playoffs.

Smith is outstanding in both game planning and in winning the locker room. Besides in Atlanta and Tampa Bay, Smith had success as the Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator and on his brother-in-law’s staff with the Brian Billick era of the Baltimore Ravens.

Not only does Smith know defense, he is aware enough to know how to attract top-tier offensive coaching talent. His offensive coordinators in Atlanta included Bill Musgrave, Mike Mularkey, and Dirk Koetter. Terry Robiskie was his wide receivers coach.

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There are only three criticisms of Smith: clock management, overly intricate defensive schemes, and is only as good as his locker room allows him to be. That being said, Smith would be the best hire the 49ers could get. Expect Smith and McDaniels to be finalists for the Jaguars job. San Francisco would be extraordinarily lucky to get a coach the caliber of Smith in 2017. Whoever gets him in 2017 wins.