Jaguars HC Search: Brian Schottenheimer
By Luke Sims
How much of a departure would Schottenheimer be from the approach Mike Mularkey brought to Jacksonville? Source: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
With Thursday’s firing of head coach Mike Mularkey, the Jacksonville Jaguars are in the market for a new head coach. While some teams, like the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns, have started filling their vacancies, the Jaguars are just beginning. Potential candidates range, but the proposed emphasis seems to be on offensive coordinators. Today we’ll look at current St. Louis Rams offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer.
Schottenheimer was identified as a candidate for the HC job by Adam Schefter and the Jaguars requested permission from the Rams to interview Schottenheimer. Schottenheimer served as the OC for the New York Jets for six seasons prior to spending this past season with the Rams. During his time as OC, Schottenheimer offenses have done a good job of establishing the run. He has had three top 10 seasons in yards rushing and has helped the Jets get to the playoffs multiple times.
During his time with the Rams, the team got noticeably closer to their potential and the players frequently outplayed their talent level. If you had said the Rams would finish the season at 7-8-1 and 6-1-1 in the division, I doubt I would have believed you. A large part of that is head coach Jeff Fisher’s approach to building a strong foundation the right way, but part of that is Schottenheimer helping players like Sam Bradford and Danny Amendola start to get on track toward reaching their potential.
All in all, Schottenheimer is a well respected OC in the NFL even if his team’s numbers are never so stellar that they jump off the page. Part of that is being part of rebuilding efforts in New York and St. Louis and part of that is being attached to Mark Sanchez with the Jets. With a clean slate, the ceiling will be terribly high with Schottenheimer at the helm.
Brian Schottenheimer’s father is legendary coach Marty Schottenheimer of the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers. Marty finished his career 200-126-1. If pedigree is part of the process, then give the nod to Schottenheimer. If it’s based on past experience, I don’t see the Jaguars taking a swing on him right now.
– Luke N. Sims
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