With rumors circulating that the Las Vegas Raiders may hire Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh, his assistants will be a major factor. As such, who would be a potential fit as offensive coordinator?
Matt Nagy
The much-maligned Chicago Bears head coach is expected to be fired at the conclusion of this season. While his Chicago Bears teams have struggled, and he is clearly not a head coach at this time, he has had extensive experience as an offensive coordinator. Prior to his stint in Chicago, he was Andy Reid’s offensive coordinator in Kansas City. While Harbaugh does not need much guidance as he has already been an NFL head coach, Nagy could likely offer some pointers due to how recently he has led a team. In 2021, Chicago’s offense struggled immensely in the passing game, ranking dead last in the NFL, but they currently have the eleventh-ranked rushing offense.
Joe Brady
Once considered an NFL head coach candidate, Brady was the first domino to fall on Matt Rhule’s coaching staff in Carolina. However, many of the issues the Panthers’ offense faced were beyond Brady’s control. A revolving door of quarterbacks that included Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and Phillip Walker, and injuries to star running back Christian McCaffery. In 2020, he oversaw an average NFL offense. However, in 2019, he oversaw the most explosive offense in college football history at LSU. As a young offensive coach, Brady deserves another chance.
Pep Hamilton
Perhaps the most likely option, Pep Hamilton, has been around the NFL since 2003. Aside from this, he already has experience working as Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator. When they worked together at Stanford from 2010 to 2012, they helped Andrew Luck become the number one pick in the draft. In 2021, Hamilton was the quarterbacks’ coach for the Houston Texans. While the offense has struggled in Houston, the team is barren of talent. He was also the Chargers’ QB Coach in 2020, where he helped develop star passer Justin Herbert. If Harbaugh gets hired, look for him to bring in old friend Pep Hamilton one more time.
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*Top Photo: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports