NFL head coaching changes often overshadow the coordinator hires that follow. This offseason, seven different teams made new head coaching hires, meaning seven different teams also made changes at either one or both coordinator positions.
Sometimes a change of scenery makes a difference. Sometimes it takes different personnel or just a long-awaited promotion.
Here are the four best coordinator changes this offseason in the NFL:
Hue Jackson
Everywhere Jackson goes, a productive offense follows. And yes, that includes the Oakland Raiders.
Jackson steps in for Jay Gruden, who’s now at the helm of the Washington Redskins. Jackson inherits a very mediocre quarterback in Andy Dalton, but he helped even Carson Palmer put up decent numbers.
Jackson gets the likes of Gio Bernard and A.J. Green and Marvin Jones, all of whom should be in store for strong seasons.
Bill Lazor
A Chip Kelly disciple, Lazor spent last season helping Nick Foles break out and LeSean McCoy become the NFL’s leading rusher.
Lazor is now with the Miami Dolphins, getting to work with an improving Ryan Tannehill, a talented Lamar Miller, and a speedy wide receiver in Mike Wallace who needs to start earning his salary.
All of the reviews out of Miami is that the offense is turning a corner, likely due to the up-tempo system being installed.
Ben McAdoo
Kevin Gilbride has held the New York Giants offense back for far too long, and McAdoo injects some excitement into a potential-laden unit.
McAdoo has been working with Aaron Rodgers in one of the most prolific systems in the NFL — one that has struggled with running games and protection. With the Giants, there’s more talent at wide receiver, offensive line, and in the backfield. McAdoo is set up very well.
If anyone can help Eli Manning bounce back, it’s McAdoo.
One of the most unheralded defensive coordinators in the league, Horton now finds himself with the Tennessee Titans under longtime buddy Ken Whisenhunt.
Horton has been overlooked for head coaching jobs the past few years, but once he can help this Titans D succeed, his name should again jump to the top of wish lists.
Last season, he helped the Cleveland Browns improve from the 23rd-ranked unit to the ninth-best. He also helped Joe Haden finally reach a Pro Bowl.
