It’s that time of the year again when NFL news and rumors pick up steam around the league as coaches and executives get fired, hired, and move around the league.
We’re kicking it off on Sunday, Jan. 8, with news about Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay possibly stepping away and the Denver Broncos receiving permission to interview Sean Payton. Plus, lots of other tidbits that will be added throughout the day.
NFL News and Rumors
Lovie Smith Fired as Houston Texans Head Coach
Hours after Jay Glazer reported on the FOX pregame show that Lovie Smith might be on the way out in Houston, the Texans made it official late Monday night. They will now begin a search for a new head coach for the third time in three years.
Smith follows another one-and-done head coach in Houston after David Culley was fired after the season last year. Houston was 3-13-1 under Smith, including a victory over the Colts in Week 18 that saw them lose the number one pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Nck Caserio and/or Lovie Smith on the Way Out in Houston?
FOX’s Jay Glazer reported on the pre-game show that either one or both of Texans general manager Nick Caserio and head coach Lovie Smith will be fired in the days following their season finale against the Colts.
Smith being on the hot seat is not a surprise – we’ve covered it extensively in our hot seat updates for the past few weeks. Caserio, on the other hand, does come as a bit of a surprise. By all accounts, it seemed Caserio would be given the time needed to build a complete roster — but could this season have changed owner Cal McNair’s mind?
If Smith is fired, it will be the second Texans coach fired after one season — David Culley was fired last year. Caserio has been a part of both head coach hires.
Jim Harbaugh Set to Talk to Panthers and Colts?
We’ll hear a lot about Jim Harbaugh over the next several days and possibly weeks. Further below are details about the Broncos interviewing Harbaugh later this week. Now, the Colts and Panthers seem to be in the mix as well.
FOX’s Jay Glazer reported that Harbaugh has already talked to Panthers owner David Tepper. And while he hasn’t talked to anyone (that we know of) with the Colts, there are rumblings that it might happen in the coming days.
Frank Reich and Jim Caldwell to Interview for Panthers HC Vacancy
FOX’s Jay Glazer reports that former Colts head coach Frank Reich and former Lions and Colts head coach Jim Caldwell will interview for the Panthers’ head coach position. Josina Anderson reports that Caldwell’s interview will be on Monday, Jan. 9.
Reich was fired after nearly four seasons with Indianapolis, compiling a 40-33-1 record. The inability to select the right quarterback after Andrew Luck abruptly retired was his downfall. Caldwell last coached for the Lions from 2014-2017, leading them to a 36-28 record. With the Colts, he led them to a 26-22 record in three years. In his first season, he led them to Super Bowl XLIV but lost to the Saints.
Sean McVay To Step Away as Rams Head Coach?
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McVay’s future with the Rams is in doubt. Sources tell Schefter that McVay will take some time after Sunday’s regular-season games against the Seattle Seahawks to figure out if he will return for the 2023 season.
McVay has had several personal and professional circumstances arise in the past year, all of which are weighing on him during this process. McVay, at just 36 years old, would likely stun many by walking away.
FOX’s Jay Glazer said that many in the organization expect McVay to leave, and it won’t take too long after the conclusion of the regular season.
After winning the Super Bowl last year, the Rams were hit with a slew of injuries and do not have a first-round draft pick for the next several years. Plus, they are up against the 2023 salary cap, and changes to the coaching staff are expected. All of this will be in play as McVay considers his future.
Where could McVay land? Networks have courted him, as late as last offseason, to put him in the booth or studio on NFL shows. McVay has made no secret about his desire to do such a thing when the time is right.
If McVay walks away, the Rams will control his rights through the end of his contract, which is the end of the 2026 regular season.
Denver Broncos Set To Interview Sean Payton for Head Coach
Multiple reports, including this one from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, state that the Broncos have received permission from the New Orleans Saints to interview Payton for their head-coaching vacancy. Further, the two teams appear to understand and agree on what the trade compensation would look like.
According to Rapoport, the formal request is expected to be submitted as early as 9 a.m. ET on Monday, Jan. 9. NFL rules state that Jan. 17 is the first date an in-person interview would be permitted.
MORE: Where Will Sean Payton Coach in 2023?
There is no deal in place, but the Broncos are expected to meet the Saints’ asking price, which is rumored to be a first-round draft pick and more. Conversations are at their initial stages between the Broncos and Saints, but a prerequisite for the Saints granting permissions to teams to interview Payton was that the other team would need to agree to the compensation first.
Since Payton is under contract with the Saints, New Orleans controls his rights and, thus, will be a major player in the Payton sweepstakes. Here’s more on Payton and his coaching career.
Broncos To Interview Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh
The Broncos are swinging big as they are also set to interview Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. The discussion is expected to take place early this week.
Harbaugh has been a hot name on the NFL hiring circuit for the past several years, but he never expressed serious interest. While he did interview with the Vikings in the 2022 offseason, he returned to Michigan and led them to a spot in the College Football Playoff.
MORE: Jim Harbaugh Landing Spots
It’s been rumored that Harbaugh hasn’t been happy with the way the college football landscape is shifting, especially with the increase in NIL deals and the transfer portal. When asked about the reports of NFL interest, Harbaugh said, “As I stated in December, while no one knows what the future holds, I expect that I will be enthusiastically coaching Michigan in 2023.”
Kliff Kingsbury’s Status Uncertain in Arizona
NFL Media Ian Rapoport reports that while the Cardinals are preparing for a coaching search, it remains unclear if those preparations will lead to change. Rapoport states that Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has not given any indication to Kingsbury about his future entering Sunday’s final regular-season game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Complicating matters in Arizona is that general manager Steve Keim has taken an indefinite leave of absence for health-related reasons. Sources tell Pro Football Network, as well as others such as Rapoport, that Keim is not expected to return.
The Cardinals’ situation has been one the NFL has been watching for some time — it would be a surprise if Kingsbury returns for the 2023 season.