• Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams: Once again Williams is bailing out the offensively challenged Washington Redskins. Williams had a chance in Buffalo and blew it, yet unlike so many others, he admits he was a totally different person with his first shot at coaching. This off-season, Williams met for about two hours with new 49ers head coach Mike Nolan and bared his soul as to how badly he messed up his opportunity, where he changed (for the worse) to impress his owner and how he became a different man from the coach that Ralph Wilson hired. The purpose was simply to teach Nolan where Williams went wrong so as not to make the same mistakes. He's back to being what he used to be and could go the same route as Bill Belichick, who made the most of his second head coaching stint.
• Eagles offensive coordinator Brad Childress: Childress is at the center of the Eagles' offense and while everyone believes it's all Andy Reid, Childress plays a major role in the Eagles' success. In an age when teams are looking for a no-nonsense kind of guy (i.e.: Nolan, John Fox, Jim Mora, Jr.) Childress has the toughness and demeanor of a Chicago cop. Plus, offensively he is the best option out there.
• Giants defensive coordinator Tim Lewis: The Giants defensive coordinator was a finalist for the Niners head coaching job last season as well as a final contestant for the Falcons job the year before. He is extremely cerebral and respected by other coaches around the NFL.
• Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel: Much of his marketability will be based upon the fortunes of the Ravens' offense. If Fassel can get something, anything, out of the Ravens' QB position he'll be a very hot commodity. His name has already been rumored in Minnesota due to the New York ties of new owner Ziggy Wilf. Not sure I believe that one but it's an entertaining tale.
• Steelers line coach Russ Grimm: Grimm has had a couple of interviews already and if he can find an owner who is looking for an absolute no-B.S. type of guy who could make any blue-collar city fall in love with him, Grimm is their guy. He doesn't come across the same as others in an interview so any hiring would consist of an owner seeing his potential and the need for a guy like Grimm taking over his locker room and pulling the trigger. A place with a discipline problem or a locker room that hates each other would be wise to hire Grimm. He would end whatever problems they'd have quicker than Dr. Phil could.
• Cowboys offensive coordinator Sean Payton: Now that Payton is getting some love for calling the plays in Dallas, his stock should rise again. He turned down the Raiders gig two years ago, knowing that such a job could be a graveyard for any head coaching career (just ask Art Shell, Billy Callahan, well, you get the idea). If he can keep it up with Drew Bledsoe at QB and sans a bona fide No. 1 receiver, Payton will find his way back onto lists.
• Miami offensive coordinator Scott Linehan: Working for Nick Saban could hurt Linehan as he's off-limits to the media. Look at how long Romeo Crennel and Charlie Weis were held back by not being able to get people to know them better on a national level. However, he's a very likable guy with a strong offensive system and very organized. He'll hit that next level, if not this year, then within the next two or three.
• Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz: He was mentioned on a bunch of the lists in my conversations. Schwartz comes across great when talking to him and has that young energy that so many owners are looking for in representing their team. If the Titans don't give up 44 points every week, he'll be in the running. He probably came in third last year for the Niners' gig.
• Jets defensive coordinator Donnie Henderson: One team executive went out of his way to mention he thought Henderson was intriguing as a potential replacement. You won't find a more intense cat in the NFL than this guy. However, his Jets defense, which has been fighting mad lately, must not implode in order for the second-year coordinator to get into the interview mix. My bet is that he gets AT LEAST two interviews this off-season. Whether or not he gets the gig is up to him.
• Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips: Has already been given three chances but he has so much respect from NFL executives and does such a good job defensively in San Diego that he'll earn some consideration again. He was mentioned by two executives I spoke to regarding possible future openings.
• Chiefs defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham: Gun Cun left this list for a while but if he can get the enigmatic Chiefs defense to thrive like it did in Week 1, he could get back on the radar. He was NOT on any of the lists that I discussed earlier but I threw him on mine as Cunningham will get a lot of attention if the Chiefs are a juggernaut this season.
• Jets offensive coordinator Mike Heimerdinger: Has to have a lot of success in the biggest media market in the country to get into major consideration. He interviewed for the Niners' gig last year and is always on lists but a good showing in the Big Apple will propel him to the upper echelon of "gotta get that guy" type of candidate.
• Falcons offensive and defensive coordinators Gregg Knapp and Ed Donatell: The one thing I heard throughout last year's interview process from city to city was, "I'm looking for that next Jim Mora." Well, you can't do much better than looking at the guys who coach under him in Atlanta right now. Both are extremely easy to get along with and have weathered ups and downs in different cities. Both are dudes' dudes, neither having any politician in them whatsoever. Also, scheme-wise both are obviously very talented.
