Let’s take a look at some of the biggest news stories from around the National Football League.
Sean Lee Mulling Future
Dallas Cowboys linebacker Sean Lee told the media that he will speak with his family before considering retirement from the NFL. Lee struggled on defense in the Cowboys 30-22 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round. The veteran linebacker played in just seven games during the 2018 season, dealing with a variety of injuries. Lee has struggled with hamstring injuries throughout his career and was never able to play in more than 15 games in a single season. Lee made it to two Pro Bowl teams in his career and was named an All-Pro one time during his decorated career.
Cowboys Set to Extend Garrett
NFL insiders are reporting that the Dallas Cowboys plan to lock up Jason Garrett to a long term contract extension. Garrett just finished up his ninth season as head coach of the Cowboys and is currently under contract through the 2019 season. The Cowboys have gone 77-59 under Garrett in those nine seasons, but the team has made just three playoff appearances. The Dallas victory over the Seattle Seahawks in the NFC Wild Card Round was just the second career playoff victory for Garrett. Expect the news of a contract extension for Garrett to be announced in the coming days.
Bears Hire Chuck Pagano
The Chicago Bears have hired Chuck Pagano as defensive coordinator under head coach Matt Nagy. Pagano was brought in to replace Vic Fangio, who was hired as the head coach of the Denver Broncos. Pagano spent time as defensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens in 2011 before being hired by the Indianapolis Colts to be their head coach. He spent six seasons with the Colts and led them to an 11-5 record during his first three seasons. Pagano was fired by the Colts after a 4-12 season. The Bears were the top-ranked defense in several categories during the 2018 season en route to a first-place finish in the NFC North.
Browns Hiring Steve Wilks
Steve Wilks didn’t have to wait very long to find a new job. The recently fired coach of the Arizona Cardinals is set to join the Cleveland Browns as their defensive coordinator. Wilks spent just one season with the Cardinals, finishing the season with the worst record in the NFL. Wilks spent just one season as a defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers before being hired by the Cardinals. He will join Freddie Kitchen’s staff that will look to lead the Cleveland Browns back to the playoffs.
Adam Gase Hired By Jets
The New York Jets announced that they have hired Adam Gase as their new head coach. Gase was fired by the Miami Dolphins at the conclusion of the season but found a new job in the AFC East. The Jets were looking for a head coach with offensive experience after firing Todd Bowles after a disappointing 2018 season with rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. Gase has a history of working with quarterbacks having spent time with Peyton Manning and Jay Cutler. He led the Dolphins to a 10-6 record in his first season in South Beach but went just 13-19 in the next two seasons.
Ravens Promote New Offensive Coordinator
The Baltimore Ravens are making a change at the offensive coordinator position. Greg Roman has been promoted to that position, replacing Marty Mornhinweg. The Ravens hoped to keep Mornhinweg on staff, but he has decided to leave the franchise after the change. Roman was the Raven’s tight ends coach as well as assistant head coach but played a key role in the running game with rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Dolphins Eyeing Brian Flores
The Miami Dolphins are reportedly set to hire Brian Flores as their next head coach. Flores is currently the linebackers coach of the New England Patriots and an announcement is expected to be made after the Patriots are eliminated from the postseason. Flores has been with the Patriots since the 2004 season and took over the defensive play-calling duties this season. Miami finished near the bottom of the league in points allowed (27.1) and was looking for a defensive coach to lead their franchise moving forward.
