I think previous HC experience is important.  Just because a guy is a great offensive or defensive coordinator doesn't mean he'll be a good HC. Gus was a great defensive coordinator in Seattle. For this reason, I'm leery of hiring McDaniels, based on what he did in Denver.   Mike Smith however, did an outstanding job with the Falcons.  They were in the playoffs for most of his tenure there.

 

I still love the idea of Coughlin coming back. In terms of head coaching experience, he's the gold standard. Won two Super Bowls with the Giants, took the Jags to the playoffs four times, including two conference champions. 

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