All articles tagged with #assistant coaches
The upcoming NFL coaching cycle may favor experienced head coaches over first-time assistants, as teams consider only those with prior head-coaching experience for open positions, leaving many promising first-time candidates potentially overlooked.
UCLA football head coach Bob Chesney announced the hiring of 10 assistant coaches for the 2026 season, including coordinators and position coaches, many of whom have previous experience with Chesney at James Madison and have contributed to successful seasons, such as James Madison's 2025 CFP appearance and Sun Belt Championship.
UCLA's new assistant football coaches, Demetrice Martin and Andy Kwon, have been highly competitive in recruiting, successfully securing top talent and building a strong 2026 recruiting class, which could lead to a successful season and potential playoff run, thanks to their relentless efforts and strategic approach.
Denver Nuggets are determined to keep Jonas Valanciunas despite his interest in Europe, facing challenges in finding a backup center due to free agency constraints. Meanwhile, Darvin Ham is sought after by Suns and Knicks but remains with the Bucks, and the Suns' pursuit of Naz Reid was impacted by his new contract with Minnesota. The article also touches on coaching moves and player contracts across the NBA.
Mark Pope is expected to announce his coaching staff for Kentucky men’s basketball in the coming days, with three of the five assistant positions reportedly close to being filled. Ray “Rock” Oliver will remain on staff, not counting toward the assistant coach positions. Rumors suggest BYU staff members may join Pope in Kentucky, and former Kentucky point guard Tyler Ulis could transition into a coaching role once he earns his bachelor’s degree this spring.
Bill Belichick reportedly defended his former assistants' struggles by stating that they were better soldiers than generals, implying that they were better suited as followers rather than leaders. The article criticizes Belichick for downplaying the skills of his former assistants, who struggled as head coaches, while overlooking his own influence in shaping their coaching styles. It suggests that Belichick's coaching methods only worked because of his early success, and his assistants' attempts to emulate his approach ultimately contributed to their downfall.
The Charlotte Hornets have been given the green light to interview top NBA assistant coaches for their head-coaching vacancy, as current coach Steve Clifford transitions to a front office role. The list of potential candidates includes David Adelman from the Denver Nuggets, Jordi Fernandez from the Sacramento Kings, Charles Lee from the Boston Celtics, and Kevin Young from the Phoenix Suns, with more candidates expected to be pursued in the near future.
The Philadelphia Eagles' offensive coaching staff will see minimal changes under new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, with several key position coaches, including Jeff Stoutland, Aaron Moorehead, Jemal Singleton, and Jason Michael, remaining with the team. The decision to retain these coaches signals a belief that the team's offensive struggles were more related to play calling and structure rather than coaching. Additionally, new additions to the staff include quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier and offensive assistant Kyle Valero, with assistant tight ends coach T.J. Paganetti transitioning to assistant offensive line coach.
Las Vegas Raiders' head coach Antonio Pierce has finalized his 31-person assistant coaching staff, which is believed to be the largest in the NFL. Notable inclusions are the return of passing game coordinator Scott Turner, the absence of former head coach Hue Jackson, and the presence of DeAndre Pierce and Marcus Lewis, the sons of Pierce and Marvin Lewis, on the staff. Additionally, Matt Sheldon and Deuce Gruden, son of former coach Jon Gruden, remain on the staff.
The Bears have hired Ryan Griffin as a coach for quarterbacks and receivers, and Bryan Bing as an assistant defensive line coach. Griffin, a former quarterback for the Saints and Buccaneers, and Bing, who previously worked with the Colts and at various colleges, bring their experience to the Bears' coaching staff.
The Seattle Seahawks have confirmed 15 more staff members, including former Michigan assistant Chris Partridge, who was fired in November for impermissibly discussing the Michigan sign-stealing scandal with players. The newly announced staff members include Rob Caprice, Brendan Nugent, Quinshon Odom, Chris Partridge, and Tyson Prince. Partridge's firing from Michigan has sparked controversy, but the Seahawks' coaching staff now totals 23 members, not including the strength and conditioning team.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have completed their offensive coaching staff with the addition of Pass Game Coordinator Josh Grizzard, Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon, and Assistant Offensive Line Coach Brian Picucci. The team also named Kevin Carberry as their new offensive line coach earlier in February. Grizzard brings seven seasons of experience with the Miami Dolphins, while McClendon has a background at the University of Georgia and Oregon. Picucci has 29 years of coaching experience, including a previous stint with Liam Coen at the University of Kentucky.
The New England Patriots have announced 17 new additions to Head Coach Jerod Mayo's coaching staff, including offensive and defensive coordinators as well as assistant coaches for various positions. The new additions include former players like Dont'a Hightower and Tiquan Underwood, as well as experienced coaches like Ben McAdoo and Jerry Montgomery. The coaching staff now features a diverse group of individuals with extensive experience in both collegiate and professional football.
The Atlanta Falcons have announced the hiring of four new assistant coaches, including Kevin Koger as tight ends coach, Nick Jones as assistant offensive line coach, Barrett Ruud as inside linebackers coach, and Chandler Whitmer as passing game specialist. The team also revealed that Steven King will be retained as special teams assistant.
The Carolina Panthers have added four offensive coaches to their coaching staff, including assistant head coach/run game coordinator Harold Goodwin, running backs coach Bernie Parmalee, wide receivers coach Rob Moore, and offensive line coach Joe Gilbert. The team also informed passing game coordinator Parks Frazier that he would not continue with the team.