Fansided

NFL coaching carousel: Ranking the most attractive openings

By Ian Wharton

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - DECEMBER 30: Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Cleveland Browns throws the ball in the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 30, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 8
Next
(Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Photo by David Kirouac/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

3. New York Jets

Similar to the Buccaneers, it makes little sense as to why the New York Jets are allowing incumbent general manager Mike Maccagnan to stick around after another abysmal year. Sure, Maccagnan addressed the quarterback position with Sam Darnold, but the team will have to take full advantage of their flush cap space this off-season to make them more competitive. The roster is lacking playmakers on both sides.

Darnold’s rookie season went as expected. He had a few very good games, but mostly bad ones plagued with turnovers and slow processing. He should improve and the team must ensure that happens. The team’s decision to extend Quincy Enunwa and early rumors of the team matching Le’Veon Bell’s contract demands are encouraging.

Prospective head coaches will have to love Darnold to take this job. The offensive line needs rebuilt, and Robby Anderson needs to be extended as well. Tight end Chris Herndon looks like a stud as well. The plan on offense has to be executed while Darnold is still on a rookie deal.

The roster needs significant help on the defense, though. Todd Bowles may have preferred to avoid edge rushers, but no other coach will. They need speed and athleticism on the edge and linebacker finally. That will be costly in both the draft and free agency.

The secondary needs help as well. Trumaine Johnson was mediocre in his first-year with the team, and Jamal Adams is a star. But the rest of the unit is replacement-level.

Having over $100 million to spend as well as Darnold could make this job as high as No. 2 or 3 if the coach really loves the possibilities with those assets. They also have the third overall pick, which could be an offensive lineman or edge rusher, filling a crucial hole.