Coaching Rumors: Lions, Raiders, Seahawks, Texans

Albert Breer of TheMMQ.com runs down all of the head-coaching decisions worth keeping an eye on in the coming weeks and offers the latest on what he’s hearing from sources regarding each situation.

Lions

• Now that the Lions have missed the playoffs, Breer believes it’s likely HC Jim Caldwell will be fired next week.
• A potential replacement for Caldwell worth watching, according to Breer, is Patriots DC Matt Patricia, as this could allow them to keep Jim Bob Cooter and their offensive staff in place.

Raiders

• As for the Raiders, Breer says that there are problems on the team’s coaching staff that should lead to a “significant shakeup.”
• The question for Oakland is whether owner Mark Davis is willing to eat three years of HC Jack Del Rio’s contract and fire him.
• Breer adds that Davis has a long-standing fascination with Jon Gruden.
• Raiders OC Todd Downing could be out after the season and it’s also possible that they could move on from OL coach Mike Tice, who seen as a divisive force.

Seahawks

• Breer admits that this may sound crazy, but there’s a chance Seahawks HC Pete Carroll could decide to retire to southern California.
• The Seahawks have several big defensive stars in question and are nearing a possible overhaul of the roster.
  Breer says Carroll retiring is “not the wildest idea out there.“

Texans

• One really interesting situation to watch in the next few weeks is what happens in Houston with the Texans and HC Bill O’Brien.
• According to Breer, he’d be “floored” if O’Brien even considered signing an extension without changes to the way the football operation is aligned.
• This could set up a situation where ownership has to decide whether to move on from GM Rick Smith or allow O’Brien to become a free agent in 2019.