Redskins next coach odds: Bieniemy, Tomlin among early favorites
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Judgment day has finally come in Washington.
The keys to Jay Gruden's office work no longer after the Redskins fired their head coach five weeks into his sixth season in D.C. While the parting of ways felt like the biggest lock of the NFL season, his replacement - once interim Bill Callahan runs his course - is anybody's guess.
Given the Redskins' history of losing talented offensive minds - Sean McVay, Kyle Shanahan, and Matt LaFleur all slipped away - and owner Dan Snyder's affinity for splashy moves, expect an offensive-minded hire unless the team lures one of the big fish on the market. The bigger question might be which upstart coordinator or veteran head coach wants to start anew in Washington.
Here are the full odds for the Redskins head coach for Week 1 of the 2020 season, with five candidates to keep an eye on:
| COACH | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Eric Bieniemy | 7-2 |
| Byron Leftwich | 6-1 |
| Mike Pettine | 6-1 |
| Todd Bowles | 6-1 |
| Greg Olson | 8-1 |
| Josh McDaniels | 10-1 |
| Kevin O'Connell | 12-1 |
| Mike Tomlin | 14-1 |
| Joe Judge | 15-1 |
| Dennis Allen | 18-1 |
| Jim Caldwell | 18-1 |
| Mike McCarthy | 18-1 |
| Jim Schwartz | 20-1 |
| Ken Whisenhunt | 20-1 |
| Kris Richard | 20-1 |
| Matt Eberflus | 20-1 |
| Mike Munchak | 20-1 |
| Robert Saleh | 20-1 |
| Dan Campbell | 25-1 |
| Jim Harbaugh | 25-1 |
| Todd Monken | 25-1 |
| Brian Schottenheimer | 33-1 |
| John DeFilippo | 33-1 |
| Dave Toub | 33-1 |
| Chip Kelly | 50-1 |
| Gus Malzahn | 50-1 |
| Kellen Moore | 50-1 |
| Lincoln Riley | 50-1 |
| Ryan Day | 50-1 |
| Todd Haley | 50-1 |
| Jimbo Fisher | 100-1 |
| Lane Kiffin | 100-1 |
| Matt Campbell | 100-1 |
| Matt Rhule | 100-1 |
| Mike Gundy | 100-1 |
| Mike Leach | 100-1 |
| Rex Ryan | 100-1 |
| Tom Herman | 100-1 |
| Sean Payton | 150-1 |
| Brian Kelly | 200-1 |
| Chris Petersen | 200-1 |
| David Shaw | 00-1 |
| Urban Meyer | 200-1 |
| Dabo Swinney | 250-1 |
| Nick Saban | 250-1 |
| Bill Cowher | 500-1 |
| Norv Turner | 500-1 |
| Peyton Manning | 500-1 |
| Tony Romo | 500-1 |
Eric Bieniemy (7-2)
Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Bieniemy is arguably the hottest coaching name on the market thanks to his work with Patrick Mahomes and his relationship to head coach Andy Reid, whose coaching tree branches far and wide in the NFL. Kansas City's last two offensive coordinators - Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy - both have head coaching jobs, and Bieniemy appears to be the next one ready to make the jump.
He's one of the top targets for Snyder, according to ESPN's Ed Werder, and he isn't so qualified that he'd scoff at an offer from the Redskins. The value isn't great - betting any coach at shorter than 10-1 in a volatile field is risky - but he's a worthwhile front-runner this early in the race.
Kevin O'Connell (12-1)
O'Connell doesn't have a lot going for him outside of being young, offensive-minded, and a former quarterback. But in today's NFL, that's enough to lock him up to a long-term deal, especially since Washington can't afford to let the next McVay or Shanahan slip through the cracks again.
The 34-year-old has a reputation as a rising star within the organization, which earned him offensive coordinator duties this year under Gruden. He'll get a chance to prove his mettle now that Gruden is no longer calling plays. The incumbent should always get a bump in spots like this, and O'Connell fits the profile of what the team wants if he's up to the task.
Mike Tomlin (14-1)
Tomlin certainly qualifies as one of the big fish who would divert the team's focus from hiring an upstart. Pittsburgh's head coach would immediately be the best candidate on the market if he chooses to leave the Steelers, who are hurtling toward bottom-five territory with no first-round pick to ease the sting.
The 47-year-old is the first target named in Werder's report, and for good reason: he's won at least eight games in all 12 of his seasons as a head coach entering this year. He'd almost certainly be the guy if he wants the job. But does he?
Jim Harbaugh (25-1)
Harbaugh isn't the best name from the college ranks, but he'll likely be the most flashy one who would conceivably consider this job. The Michigan coach weathered a contentious relationship with the front office in San Francisco and still led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. He'd also be a short drive from his brother, John.
The 55-year-old is a big personality with a penchant for early success at his new stops, both of which could appeal to Snyder. Plus, how brilliant would it be if Harbaugh was forced to rely on Dwayne Haskins, a former Ohio State quarterback, as the franchise savior? This is the hire we should all be rooting for, even if it's probably a wasted ticket at semi-short odds.
Kellen Moore (50-1)
It's actually surprising to see such long odds on Moore, who, much like Bieniemy, fits the mold of a young offensive mind with future head coach written all over him. He'll also likely have fewer offers on the table post-2019 than Bieniemy will, which could make him an easier catch for the hapless 'Skins.
Moore has revitalized the Dallas Cowboys' offense in his first year as coordinator. Is he holding out for Jason Garrett's job? And is he ready for a top gig just two years into his career? Probably not, but he looks like the best long-shot value on a crowded oddsboard.
C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.