Saratogian Among NFL’s Top Head Coach Candidates

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Anthony Weaver, a Saratoga Springs native and member of the Blue Streak Hall of Fame, is among the NFL’s top head coaching candidates, says Dianna Russini, senior NFL insider for The Athletic/New York Times.

“Expect these assistant coaches to garner serious looks in the upcoming coaching cycle,” Russini wrote before listing Weaver, who is currently the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator. “Since 2011, at least five head-coaching vacancies have popped up each cycle. Right now? Only two teams have openings: the Giants and Titans. That number will go up… Coaches have about a month left, maybe through the playoffs, to prove they can handle the big seat.”

The Dolphins are currently 6-7 this season but have won four straight games, keeping them on the brink of playoff contention alongside the Kansas City Chiefs, Baltimore Ravens, and Indianapolis Colts. Defensively, the team is roughly middle-of-the-pack in several key metrics: They’re ranked 19th in yards allowed per game, 15th in sacks, and 18th in turnover ratio. During their four-game winning streak, however, the Dolphins have limited their opponents to 17 points or less in each contest.  

Before being hired by Miami, Weaver attracted interest from several teams (including the New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears) for then-vacant head coaching jobs. His resume includes coaching stints with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, Houston Texans, and Baltimore Ravens.