While it appears head coach Jay Gruden avoided the axe in Washington despite consistent public criticisms of the team's star quarterback Robert Griffin III, his defensive coordinator Jim Haslett wasn't so fortunate. Haslett spent the last five years guiding Washington's defense, only to see it bottom out in 2014 by allowing the third-most points per game in the league (27.4). If Gruden is to make it to a third year in D.C. he'll need his defense to improve considerably.
Wade Phillips rumored for Washington defensive coordinator job, re-signing Ndamukong Suh a top priority for Lions, and other NFL news
Elsewhere, Jim Caldwell calls re-signing Ndamukong Suh a top priority.
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According to CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora, it appears former Houston Texans defensive coordinator Wade Phillips is "well positioned" to replace Haslett and overhaul the defense.
Phillips has made numerous stops during his NFL career. In addition to serving as Houston's defensive coordinator, he was the head coach for the Dallas Cowboys, Buffalo Bills, and Denver Broncos. Phillips' teams have regularly fielded some of the best defenses in the NFL. He knows how to put players in positions to thrive and was instrumental in the early success of Texans defensive end J.J. Watt. While hiring Phillips doesn't solve all of Washington's issues -- the defense still lacks playmakers -- he should at least fix some of the schematic issues that foiled his predecessor.
Mike Holmgren closes book on coaching career
With six NFL head coaching positions available, many names have been floated around as possible hires. As in most years, successful former head coaches appear at the top of many teams’ wish lists. Mike Holmgren has seen his name pop up again this year, but according to the Contra Costa Times he is not interested in a comeback.
The former Packers and Seahawks headman hasn't coached since 2008. Still, like many former head coaches with Super Bowl rings, the temptation to return is always there. According to Holmgren, he had multiple offers to return. Still, the only job that piqued his interest was the vacancy with the San Francisco 49ers.
Holmgren previously served as offensive coordinator in San Francisco during the Joe Montana and Steve Young years and would have entertained a return. However, when he learned that 49ers general manager Trent Baalke was not interested in Holmgren’s services, he decided to end any chance of a return to coaching.
Retaining Ndamukong Suh a top priority for Lions
Less than a day after the Detroit Lions’ season-ending loss in Dallas, head coach Jim Caldwell was asked about pending free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. There have been conflicting reports about Suh’s future with the Lions for over a year. Some have the All-Pro skipping town for New York. Others give more credence to a Detroit return. According to Pro Football Talk, Caldwell didn’t mince words, calling Suh a “dominant, dominant player” and one of the team’s “highest priorities.”
Suh was Detroit’s best player in 2014, finishing with 8.5 sacks, 53 tackles, and consistently grading out as the team’s best pass rusher and run stopper. Suh has always made headlines for the wrong reasons, such as intentionally stepping on the leg of Aaron Rodgers. Still, he’s a player the Lions need if they hope to improve next season.
Brandon Marshall returns to practice for Denver
On Sunday, the Denver Broncos will face Andrew Luck and the Indianapolis Colts for the second time this season. The Broncos won the first matchup 31-24 in part due to their defense's ability to pressure Luck, resulting in three sacks and two interceptions. In the subsequent months, Denver lost several key defenders to injury, such as Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall, reducing the team's ability to slow down premier quarterbacks. However, NFL.com reports that Marshall returned to practice this week, creating optimism for a return this weekend.
Marshall hasn't played since the Broncos' Week 15 matchup with the San Diego Chargers. Prior to that, he amassed 113 tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and an interception. While he's not the most important member of Denver's defense, the alternative is starting one of several rookie linebackers. In a Divisional round playoff game, Marshall is the far superior option.
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