As the NFL season has ended for 24 teams, six are still without a coach heading into the offseason. Preferably, every team likes to have their head coach and staff in place by the time the Super Bowl ends.
As it stands, several teams are poised to make a hire by the time the divisional round of the playoffs wrap up. The Atlanta Falcons are interviewing former Jets head coach Rex Ryan today, someone they've had their eye on since firing Mike Smith after their season ended.
Per Pro Football Talk, the Falcons could hire Ryan soon after interviewing him, saying, "don't be shocked if Ryan becomes the head coach in Atlanta not long after he talks to the Falcons." Ryan also reportedly interviewed with ESPN recently for an analyst job, so he already has a plan in place if he's not coaching in 2015.
As for the Buffalo Bills, they too are in search of their next head coach. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Bills have requested to interview Browns offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan for their head-coaching vacancy. The 49ers have done so as well.
Kyle worked as Mike Shanahan's offensive coordinator in Washington from 2010-2013. Prior to that, he was offensive coordinator for Houston in 2008 and 2009, following stints as their QB coach in 2007, and their WR coach in 2006. He's been a head-coaching candidate ever since leading the Browns to a resurgent 7-4 start before tailing off to end the year.
Other News:
Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports the Buccaneers have talked to ex-Bears head coach Marc Trestman about their vacant coordinator position.
CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reports Doug Marrone's head-coaching interview with the Jets over the weekend "did not go well."
The Falcons interviewed special teams coach Keith Armstrong for their head-coaching vacancy on Sunday.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles will interview with the Jets on Wednesday.