San Francisco 49ers: 5 Big Name Head Coaches to Replace Harbaugh

4. Josh McDaniels (current New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator)

Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick and Tom Brady receive all the credit for the success enjoyed by the New England Patriots in the last decade, particularly in the offensive side of the ball. However, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels deserves equal commendation for the work he has done in orchestrating the Patriots’ offense, especially in their record-setting season of 2007.

In his single head coaching gig, however, McDaniels failed miserably. Hired by the Broncos in 2009, he was fired in the middle of the 2010 season after a miserable start to the season and an extremely unprofessional handling of a videotaping scandal within the organization.

McDaniels is one of the most gifted offensive minds in the league. The 49ers are looking to give that side of the ball a shot in the arm. On paper it seems like a match; however, McDaniels’ failures as a head coach may potentially sway the 49ers in a different direction.

Next: Candidate #5