Schefter: Top GM Candidates

God knows (well, everyone old enough to speak) that the Cincinnati Bengals will never hire a General Manager as long as Mike Brown is President/Owner. And once he hands the reigns off to his children, it's unlikely they'll deviate from the lessons Mike Brown taught as owner and father.

So, essentially, we're posting in fantasy land.

NFL.com's Adam Schefter writes, in response to Matt Millen's firing from the Lions, who would be decent replacements. In a sense, we're assuming that Schefter is listing his top candidates for General Manager; and not for just the Lions.

But if they start to build a list of potential general managers to interview, executives agreed that these would be some of the names that would be on the list; and names to introduce you to so we can debate this not-ever-going-to-matter issue.

Ruston Webster, Seahawks’ VP/Player personnel — Has a great job with a great salary in Seattle, so might not be easy to hire.

Gene Smith, Jaguars’ executive director of college and pro scouting — Viewed as the heir apparent in Jacksonville.

Reggie McKenzie, Packers’ director of football operations — Nearly landed a general manager job last offseason.

John Schneider, Packers’ director of football operations — See McKenzie above.

Will Lewis, Seahawks’ director of pro scouting — Another qualified candidate if Detroit passes up Lewis’ Seattle teammate, Webster.

Mark Dominik, Buccaneers’ director of pro personnel — Does not get the recognition in Tampa that he deserves.

Tom Heckert, Eagles’ general manager — Has come close to leaving Philadelphia before and could be persuaded again.

Rich McKay, Falcons’ president — An intriguing choice that would bring more name value than other candidates.