Packers Thermometer: DC Candidate Takes

Today, I'm taking a thermometer and putting it on the forehead of some takes I have heard from various Packers media 

The thermometer reads as an error (Candidates that have mitigating circumstances)

Mike Vrabel, former Titans Head Coach

Background: When Matt LaFleur left LA, he was looking to be a playcaller, and Mike Vrabel gave him the opportunity; that opportunity turned into the Packers' head coach spot. Knowing how Matt operates, I believe he would return the favor. A former head coach working under one of his former coordinators doesn't happen often. Still, a couple of situations come to mind: Mike Martz in Chicago with Lovie Smith and Mike Nolan in Dallas with Mike McCarthy. Vrabel had a meteoric rise as a defensive mind before becoming Tennessees' head coach, and how defenses continued to show that same level of play throughout his tenure.

What makes this take read as an error: I'm not sure Vrabel takes the demotion. He's been getting interviews for head jobs this cycle and will still be getting paid by Tennessee this season, so he may take a year off. 

Mike Zimmer, Former Vikings Head Coach 

Background: My personal feelings for Mike Zimmer aside (believe me, swallowing my pride felt like swallowing a steak whole with a throat infection), Zimmer knows defense and how to be aggressive. Aaron Rodgers took every opportunity to praise Zimmer and give Zimmer credit. He was one of the few defensive playcallers that made Aaron uncomfortable 

What makes this take read as an error: LaFleur and Zimmer have shared a few icy handshakes after games, so I'm not sure what the relationship is like. Zimmer is also at 67 years old now. He may be retired 

Rex Ryan, Former Jets and Bills Head Coach, Current ESPN Analyst 

Background: You can't talk about aggressive defenses in the 21st century without discussing Rex Ryan. He demands his defenses play with the same swagger he displays. He rose to fame thanks to his background with the Ravens University of Defense. Leapt off that to bring that same Smashmouth brand to the Jets and the Bills. He is everything the Packers lack as a defense

What makes this take read as an error: He's been out of the league for six years. Does he want to leave that nice, comfy seat to be the defensive coordinator in Green Bay? Does Matt LaFleur want the bombastic personality in his program? 

Ron Rivera, Former Panthers, and Commanders Head Coach 

Background: One of the more beloved coaches in the last decade. I love Ron as a person and as a coach, and everyone will tell you the same 

What makes this take read as an error: a former coach of the year probably isn't interested in taking a defensive coordinator job, plus after beating cancer, Rivera may opt to retire. 

Jim Leonard, current advisor at Illinois 

Background: Wisconsin's prodigal son was a finalist for the job when the team ultimately hired Joe Barry. His defenses were constantly among the best in the nation when he was at Wisconsin 

What makes this take read as an error: Leonard already turned the job down once.

Ejero Evero, Current Panthers Defensive Coordinator 

Background: Evero remains a highly regarded mind and was the other finalist when Barry was hired. 

What makes this take read as an error: This situation is crazy. Thanks, David Tepper

Waking up with its piss hot 
Chris Hewitt Ravens Secondary Coach and Pass Game Coordinator 

Background: a longtime student at the Ravens University of Defense. Hewitt has been with the team since 2012 in various roles related to the defensive backfield. 

Why this take wakes up with its piss hot: He's been in Baltimore through three different coordinators, so the Ravens seem to like him. Hewitt has continued to take on a more significant and more prominent role in Baltimore and has thrived. I also prefer guys who have some sort of responsibility, such as pass game coordinator.

Aubrey Plesant, Defensive Back Coach and Pass Game Coordinator for the Rams

Background: Plesant struggled in Detroit, but from my perspective, he seemed like a convenient fall guy for Aaron Glenn. Pleasant graduated from college in 2009 and immediately went into coaching with jobs in college before becoming an intern with Cleveland in 2013, then later that year joined LaFleur on that now infamous 2013 Washington staff. Pleasant and LaFleur reconnected last season as well after Plesant was dismissed in Detroit 

Why this take wakes up with its piss hot: YOUTH. It's rare, bordering on unprecedented, to have a ten-year coaching veteran who is still under 40 plus has experience on both sides of the ball. He's young, he's versatile and has one of those coveted "extra" titles I talked about earlier. 

Anthony Weaver, Associate Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach for the Ravens

Background: Weaver was not only a coach at the Ravens University of Defense; he played during its first iteration. After playing, Weaver enjoyed post-graduate stops with Rex Ryan and Mike Pettine before getting work under another defensive mastermind, Romeo Crennel. Weaver returned to Baltimore in 2021

Why this take wakes up with its piss hot: Weaver has been around defensive masterminds most of his adult life. A track record like that is very enticing.

Lukewarm 
Don Martindale, former Ravens and Giants defensive coordinator 

Background: Martindale has been very respected for a while, which includes a stint at the Ravens University of Defense

Why this take is lukewarm: I like Wink, but I think the game has passed him by.

Vic Fangio, Former DC for seemingly a quarter of the league 

Background: Fangio has been one of the best DCs in the league for a while 

What makes this take lukewarm: Much like Wink, I think the games passing him by 

Al Harris, Assistant Secondary Coach in Dallas

Background: The former Packers legend has enjoyed a quiet but quick rise up the coaching ranks 

What makes this take lukewarm: I think many Packers fans are all in on Harris because of the name, but the lack of the "extra" title and seemingly overnight rise gives me pause. Good coach, but pump the breaks a bit 

Mike Rutenberg, Jets Linebacker Coach

Background: Been in the NFL since 2013, including stints under Gus Bradley and Robert Sallah.

Why this take is lukewarm: Rutenberg is my favorite under-the-radar name, but he doesn't have an extra title and was only elevated above assistant position coach in 2020

Colder than Frozen Tundra
Brandon Staley, former Chargers Head Coach 

Background: Staley spent one season as DC after just three seasons as a position coach, but that was enough for the Chargers to make him head coach 

Why this take is colder than the Frozen Tundra: Think Joe Barry, but only more incompetent 


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