Of course, immediately you have to look at Vance Joseph if he's fired. He's the guy Adam Gase picked originally, which is important. Steve Ross also really likes him. I'm not saying I love it, or that I thought the 2016 defense was all that. But it's something that has to be on the forefront of discussions.
Todd Bowles and Jack Del Rio are some good 'names' for this list. And that will be Adam Gase's desire, to go out and pursue a guy. I do actually like Todd Bowles.
He wanted Vic Fangio. That ship may have sailed, but I'd keep an eye on it anyway. Sometimes, assistants will be let out of their deals if they just don't want to be there anymore.
Adam Gase has a relationship with Dennis Allen, or so I've heard. I wonder if the Saints could be interested in moving on after this year. I'm not saying I love the idea. But it's a possibility if it's true Gase has a relationship.
Speaking of relationships, Adam Gase's father in law is Joe Vitt, who is functioning in some sort of development role on the team. I don't think it would actually happen, and I wouldn't like it if it did, but I've seen weirder things.
Chuck Pagano is still out there.
If the Green Bay Packers continue to under-perform this year even with all that money tied up in Aaron Rodgers, then you could see Mike McCarthy fired. If that's the case, their defensive coordinator Mike Pettine could shake free. I'd absolutely pursue him.
But he's got some guys underneath him that could be in-line for promotions, including Winston Moss (AHC/Linebackers), Darren Perry (Safeties), and Joe Whitt (Corners). In particular, Perry interviewed for multiple spots last year.
If we're talking about promotions to assistants, I don't see why you wouldn't look into Josh Boyer (Corners) or Brendan Daly (Defensive Line) of New England,
I would love to give Rams Safeties Coach Ejiro Evero an interview, and wouldn't be shocked if he blows you away.
And quite frankly, I love the Don Brown idea.