MINNEAPOLIS, MN – NOVEMBER 29: Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Carolina Panthers speaks with offensive coordinator Joe Brady in the fourth quarter of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
From LSU to Carolina to the head coaching ranks? Joe Brady’s rapid rise continues.
It was only a matter of time. Brady helped turn Joe Burrow into a college football legend, and then joined him in the pro ranks when both took their talents to the NFL. Burrow, of course, is now a Cincinnati Bengal, while Brady spent last season as the offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers.
While Carolina didn’t exactly run past the NFC South this season with Teddy Bridgewater at the helm, Brady is smart to take advantage of his momentum in the coaching ranks. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Falcons, Texans and Chargers are interested in his services.
Can Brady fully instill his system in the professional ranks?
Brady’s system likely makes more sense with a younger quarterback — such as Herbert or Deshaun Watson — rather than established veteran with limited mobility like Matt Ryan with the Atlanta Falcons.
Pairing Brady with Joe Burrow would be an easy win for the Cincinnati Bengals, but they appear willing to give current head coach Zac Taylor one more go-around for reasons beyond this writer’s comprehension.
Burrow and Justin Herbert have similar skillsets, though the former was more hyped when he entered the NFL. Scouts had legitimate doubts about Herbert’s makeup after his final season at Oregon, which caused him to drop to the Chargers with the sixth pick. One likely offensive rookie of the year award later, those scouts are now searching for answers.
An offensive-minded coach also makes some sense for Watson. However, given his skill-set and Houston’s thirst for a winning culture, it might make more sense for the Texans to pursue a more established veteran, rather than 31-year-old Brady.