What Is the Best Fit for David Shaw? Chicago? New Orleans? Where Else?
David Shaw, a name synonymous with success in college football, has been at the center of coaching speculation for years. Known for his consistent track record at Stanford University, Shaw’s ability to turn around programs and build successful, sustainable systems has earned him significant interest from NFL teams. As rumors swirl about potential NFL job openings, the question remains: Where is the best fit for David Shaw? Could it be Chicago? New Orleans? Or perhaps another NFL team entirely?
In this article, we will dive deep into Shaw’s coaching philosophy, his strengths as a coach, and evaluate where he might be the best fit in the NFL. We’ll look at the Chicago Bears, the New Orleans Saints, and several other potential suitors to determine the ideal destination for Shaw’s next chapter in coaching.
David Shaw’s Coaching Legacy
Before delving into potential fits, it’s essential to understand Shaw’s coaching legacy, which can shed light on why certain teams might be a better fit than others.
Shaw’s tenure at Stanford University from 2011 to 2022 was marked by consistent success, though not without its challenges. His teams were built on a foundation of tough, physical football with an emphasis on balanced offense and stout defense. Shaw’s coaching style has often been described as cerebral, relying on disciplined, smart players who execute fundamentals to perfection. Under Shaw’s leadership, Stanford became one of the premier programs in the Pac-12, consistently competing for conference titles and producing NFL talent.
However, Shaw’s success came at a cost. Recruiting to Stanford is always a challenge, as the university’s rigorous academic standards limit the pool of talent available to recruit. Despite this, Shaw’s Stanford teams were often among the best-coached in the country. His ability to develop quarterbacks—such as Andrew Luck, one of the NFL’s most successful quarterbacks in recent history—has been another hallmark of his success. Shaw is known for his offensive schemes that combine power football with the intelligence of a passing game that adapts to the skill set of his quarterback.
Shaw’s biggest strengths lie in his ability to develop talent and build long-term success. His teams are consistently competitive, but they often lack the flashy, high-profile nature of some other programs. This is partly due to his focus on fundamentals and discipline over sheer athleticism.
This emphasis on long-term stability and development could make him an ideal candidate for several NFL teams looking to build a successful culture over time.
The Chicago Bears: A Natural Fit?
The Chicago Bears are a team in the midst of a rebuilding project. After years of inconsistency and underachievement, the Bears are looking for a head coach who can bring order and discipline to a franchise that has lacked both in recent years. Could David Shaw be the answer?
Chicago’s current situation is one where stability and structure are essential. The Bears are home to Justin Fields, a quarterback with immense potential but still in need of development. Fields is a dynamic athlete, capable of making plays with his legs as well as his arm, but his progression as a passer has been uneven. This is where Shaw’s expertise could prove invaluable. Throughout his career, Shaw has demonstrated a unique ability to develop quarterbacks, and his work with Andrew Luck at Stanford is one of the most notable examples. Shaw’s background in teaching a pro-style offense, combined with his emphasis on quarterback development, could be the perfect fit for Fields as he continues to grow into his role as the face of the Bears’ franchise.
Moreover, Shaw’s commitment to building a strong defense—coupled with his emphasis on power football and ball control—could work well in Chicago, where weather conditions often make for a more physical brand of football. The Bears, traditionally known for their defense, would benefit from a coach who prioritizes both sides of the ball and values physicality and discipline. Shaw’s expertise in these areas would likely resonate with a franchise that has long prided itself on being tough and hard-nosed.
However, the Bears’ ownership has been known for making hasty decisions when it comes to coaches. If Shaw were to be hired, he would need time to implement his system and philosophy. The question remains whether Chicago is patient enough to allow Shaw to build the team in his image, or whether the franchise would expect immediate results in a competitive NFC North division.
The New Orleans Saints: A Strong Option?
Another potential fit for Shaw is the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are a team in transition, with the retirement of long-time quarterback Drew Brees leaving a significant void. Head coach Dennis Allen, currently overseeing the team, has faced challenges since taking over the top job, especially with the inconsistent play at the quarterback position.
Shaw’s track record as a quarterback whisperer makes him a compelling candidate to help stabilize the Saints’ offensive situation. New Orleans has a solid roster with key pieces on both offense and defense, but they are missing a quarterback who can elevate the play of those around him. Shaw’s offensive system could be an ideal fit in New Orleans, especially considering his ability to work with a wide range of quarterbacks, from the strong-armed Andrew Luck to mobile quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, who played under Shaw during his time at Stanford.
New Orleans’ offensive line and running game are strengths, and Shaw’s penchant for physical football and a balanced attack could align well with the Saints’ existing personnel. Moreover, New Orleans has a talented defense, and Shaw’s ability to bring balance to both sides of the ball would be a great asset to a team looking to return to its competitive ways.
The biggest challenge for Shaw in New Orleans might be managing expectations. The Saints are accustomed to winning and have high aspirations, especially after Brees’ legendary tenure. Shaw’s coaching style is more methodical and patient, and the team might expect faster results than Shaw typically delivers. However, the Saints’ stability at the ownership and management levels could allow Shaw to implement his system without facing the pressure that other teams might impose.
Other Potential Fits for David Shaw
While Chicago and New Orleans are compelling options, other NFL teams could be equally suited to Shaw’s skill set. Here are a few additional teams that might offer the right environment for Shaw to succeed:
- Washington Commanders: Washington is a franchise in need of a culture shift. Shaw’s discipline and structured approach could be exactly what the team needs. The Commanders have an uncertain quarterback situation but possess a solid defense and a strong roster. Shaw could provide the leadership and long-term vision Washington needs.
- Indianapolis Colts: The Colts are in the midst of a rebuild and have already shown interest in developing young quarterbacks. Shaw’s experience with quarterbacks like Andrew Luck gives him a unique ability to develop a signal-caller and lead a team through a rebuilding phase. Indianapolis’ ownership tends to be patient, which could give Shaw the time he needs to build a successful team.
- Arizona Cardinals: The Cardinals have an intriguing young quarterback in Kyler Murray. Shaw’s experience developing quarterbacks would be beneficial here, as Murray needs guidance to evolve his game and reach his full potential. Shaw’s balanced approach could complement the team’s existing strengths.
- Las Vegas Raiders: The Raiders have a solid roster with pieces on both sides of the ball but have lacked consistency at the quarterback position. Shaw’s ability to craft a pro-style offense could help a team like the Raiders find their footing again. His leadership could be key in helping the Raiders regain their competitive edge.
Conclusion
David Shaw is a highly regarded coach with the experience and expertise to lead an NFL team. His strengths in quarterback development, disciplined football, and building a sustainable program make him a natural fit for several NFL teams. Chicago and New Orleans stand out as two of the most logical destinations for Shaw, but there are other teams—like Washington, Indianapolis, Arizona, and Las Vegas—that could also benefit from his skill set.
Ultimately, the best fit for David Shaw will depend on a variety of factors, including the team’s current roster, ownership philosophy, and long-term vision. Regardless of where Shaw lands, one thing is clear: his coaching acumen will have a lasting impact wherever he goes.