Seven teams fired their head coaches this last season and this off-season. All the positions have finally been filled, so here is a list of every new head coach, predicted win-loss record for every team, and a free agent / draft pick who could be a huge difference maker.
Mike Mularkey, Tennessee Titans
After taking over as interim head coach this season for the Titans, he went 2-7. The Titans hired him because the front office loves him, and it gives their quarterback Marcus Mariota some continuity going into next year.
2016 Win-Loss Record: 4-12. This team doesn't have much talent outside of Mariota and tight end Delanie Walker.
Who should they pick up? NFL Draft Laremy Tunsil, OT, Ole Miss. Mariota is looking like a pretty good quarterback. Delanie Walker is a very solid tight end, and their receivers aren't bad. Solidifying that offensive line is the first step to helping Mariota be able to win big games.
Dirk Koetter, Tampa Bay
Dirk was their offensive coordinator under Lovie Smith, who they fired this off season. Like with the Titans, the Bucs hired Dirk to give Winston some continuity going into next season. Winston had a solid year under Dirk, with 4,042 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. With Dirk now expanding his role in Winston's game plan, just imagine how much better he can be.
The 2016 win-loss record is 8-8. Outside of Carolina, the Bucs don't have much competition in the division. Give it one or two more seasons, and they could be a legit playoff contender.
Who should they pick up? NFL Draft Ronnie Stanley, OT, Notre Dame. They have some decent playmakers on offense, and beefing up their offensive line will do wonders for their running back Doug Martin and Jameis Winston.
Doug Peterson, Philadelphia Eagles
Doug Peterson was the Kansas City Chief's offensive coordinator under Andy Reid who was fired by the Eagles four years ago. Now, Doug Peterson is going to the Eagles as their head coach. Are they hiring him because they like his style, or do they think he'll bring a little bit of Andy Reid's style back to Philadelphia?
The 2016 win-loss record is 8-8. They have a decent roster, but what's wrong with Demarco Murray? Is Sam Bradford really the long-term answer at quarterback?
Who should they pick up? NFL Draft Connor Cook, QB, Michigan State. Free Agency Robert Griffin III, QB. Sam Bradford isn't going to take the Eagles anywhere. They need someone with the potential to win them more than seven or eight games.
Chip Kelly, San Francisco 49ers
49ers fans are hoping that Jed York and Trent Baalke finally corrected their mistake of letting go of Jim Harbaugh. Chip Kelly was a phenomenal coach at Oregon and looked pretty solid in his first two seasons in Philadelphia. Biggest downside was he didn't manage the Eagles roster well at all. Fortunately for the 49ers, Kelly has said he doesn't want that control; he just wants to coach.
The 2016 win-loss record is 9-7. The 49ers have some solid building blocks- Carlos Hyde, Vance McDonald, Torrey Smith, Navarro Bowman, Aaron Lynch, and their safeties. With around $50 million in cap space, the 49ers have the money to bring in some solid free agents and get back to winning form.
Who should they pick up? NFL Draft Laquon Treadwell, WR, Ole Miss. Muhammed Wilkerson, DE, Free Agency. The 49ers have lots of needs, but these two could be the most important. Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith are good receivers, but they will never be in the discussion for the best in the league, like Dez Bryant, Antonio Brown, and Odell Beckham. The 49ers need a true No.1 receiver if they ever want to return to the playoffs. The loss of Justin Smith hurts. But the 49ers can make up for the loss of his pass-rushing ability by signing Wilkerson.
Ben McAddo, New York Giants
The Giants moved on from the great Tom Coughlin this off season and promoted their offensive coordinator to head coach. Coughlin hasn't had a winning season since their last Superbowl win in 2012, but it's pretty hard to match the greatness he brought to the organization with 2 Superbowl wins.
The 2016 win-loss record is 7-9. I think he'll lead them to the playoffs some day, but even some people in the Giants organization question his ability to lead. It could take him a few seasons to get to a winning record.
Who should they pick up? NFL Draft- Shaq Lawson, DE, Clemson. Muhammed Wilkerson, DE, Free Agency. The Giants have a pretty productive offense, but their defense is horrid. I can't really point a finger at what position needs the most help, but I have a feeling Jason Pierre-Paul would be able to point it out.
Hue Jackson, Cleveland Browns
Hue Jackson is reportedly not hiring an offensive coordinator, for he plans on calling all the plays himself. Bold strategy. He's definitely an improvement on Mike Pettine, but is he good enough to turn an organization as bad as the Browns around?
The 2016 win-loss record is 5-11. There really isn't much hope for the Browns if you look at their current roster, especially since they're most likely moving on from Manziel and will most likely spend another first round pick on a quarterback. I feel bad for whoever that is. Cleveland seems to be where quarterbacks go to die.
Who should they pick up? NFL Draft Jared Goff, QB, California. Free Agency Robert Griffin III. They are not going anywhere without a quarterback. If they want to spend their draft picks on something other than a quarterback, they should target RGIII. If they want to attempt to draft yet another quarterback in the first round of the draft, then Goff is who they should target.
Adam Gase, Miami Dolphins
Gase helped Jay Cutler have a career this year, even in his first season as offensive coordinator. With a quarterback like Ryan Tannehill, who at times has flashed the potential of being a franchise quarterback, Gase could go big things in Miami.
The 2016 win-loss record is 8-8. Gase will face off against the NFC West and the AFC North in his first year as head coach. He'll face some tough battles but will find a way to squeak out eight wins.
Who should they pick up? Myles Jack, LB, UCLA. Miami needs some serious playmakers on defense. Myles Jack can be a dominate playmaker that will make a world of difference for the Dolphins.
