When you think about offensive coordinators who are likely to be considered for head coaching positions next season, Josh McDaniels is usually the first name that comes to mind. However, one report claims the New England Patriots coach is not at the top of the list for most teams.
According to NFL reporter Benjamin Allbright, Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan is the “hot” name among head coaching candidates.
Everyone I've spoken to said Kyle Shanahan is the hot HC name, not Josh McDaniels.
— Benjamin Allbright (@AllbrightNFL) October 30, 2016
Shanahan, who is the son of three-time Super Bowl champion coach Mike Shanahan, has never been a head coach in the NFL. That may give him an advantage over McDaniels, as McDaniels already had one shot at it with the Denver Broncos from 2009 to 2010 and ultimately failed.
At age 36, Shanahan is four years younger than McDaniels. He joined the Falcons last season, and it’s under Shanahan’s lead that Matt Ryan is having by far his best season as a pro. That likely has a lot to do with the interest in him.
Interestingly enough, one former Falcon blamed Shanahan for the team’s struggles last season. A lot can change in a few months.
