2014 NFL free agents: Connecting the dots with coaching changes

There are still multiple teams in need of a head coach, but when we finally do see coordinators change teams for head coaching positions, will we also see free agents follow?

Leslie Frazier will be the defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, under new head coach Lovie Smith. Frazier was ousted from his job with the Minnesota Vikings once the offseason hit, but was with the team for seven years before he found himself without a job.

That's a good amount of time, and as Ira Kaufman of The Tampa Tribune notes, Frazier's time in Minnesota could help his new team lure a particular free agent to Tampa Bay ... defensive end Jared Allen. Frazier was the defensive coordinator from 2007 through 2010 before he took over as head coach, and Allen flourished under his schemes.

It's unclear if the Vikings will truly let Allen out of their grasp, but if they do, smart money is on Frazier having some sway with the four-time first-team All-Pro.

Only two new coaches have been hired thus far -- Smith to the Buccaneers and Bill O'Brien to the Houston Texans.

There's not many other names that can be tied to coaches who have already been hired -- guys like Lance Briggs and Devin Hester come to mind due to Smith's long-time tenure with the Chicago Bears prior to this past season -- but there are plenty of coaching candidates who have interviewed around the league who could have particular sway with some big players. We're going to take a look at them below.

Jim Caldwell, Baltimore Ravens

Teams Interested: Lions, Redskins, Titans

Former Indianapolis Colts head coach and current Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell has received interest from at least three teams, going by the various reports since the conclusion of the regular season. Now, the Ravens struggled on offense this season, but there were a ton of factors in that, including injuries and a down year for Ray Rice.

On the offensive side of the ball, there are three names of note set to hit the open market: tight end Dennis Pitta, offensive tackle Michael Oher and kick returner/wide receiver Jacoby Jones.

Pitta is a big name based solely on his huge potential. When Caldwell took over, Pitta has a solid season with 61 receptions for 669 yards and seven touchdowns. He was particularly effective in the red zone, where Caldwell let him flourish. Jones has been solid, with 37 receptions for 455 yards and two touchdowns this season. Given the right situation -- such as the one currently brewing in Washington, a team with a great quarterback and few receiving options -- Jones could really come into his own.

Then there's Oher, who should command a solid contract this offseason. All three of the teams that have been linked to Caldwell could certainly use a player like him.

Ken Whisenhunt, San Diego Chargers

Teams Interested: Lions, Redskins, Vikings, Titans

San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt has been a hot commodity this offseason. He hasn't agreed to go elsewhere just yet, as the Chargers are in the playoffs. The biggest reason for that: Whisenhunt has done very well helping quarterback Philip Rivers get back on track, and that offense has been among the top offenses in the league this season.

San Diego doesn't have very many big name free agents this season, but there is one interesting candidate: wide receiver Danario Alexander. The Chargers were expected to roll with Alexander as one of their top receivers this coming season, and many were excited about what he could bring as a deep threat. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in August and had to have surgery, missing the entirety of the 2013 season.

But Alexander was building up a lot of hype in Whisenhunt's offense and the wide receiver might be in the business of trusting Whisenhunt to lead him to where he was supposed to go this season. The Lions could definitely use another option outside of Calvin Johnson, the Vikings are always looking for receiving help, and neither the Redskins nor the Titans have much to work with, either.

Sean McDermott, Carolina Panthers

Interested Teams: Redskins

Sean McDermott has been in charge o the Carolina Panthers defense for three seasons, and they've been solid. This year, the defense has carried the team straight into the playoffs and now he's been considered a candidate to take over the Redskins' head coaching vacancy. Of course, it seems difficult NOT to be considered for that job from what we can see, but it's still worth noting.

There is one big-name player on the Carolina defense set to hit the open market: defensive end Greg Hardy. The team failed to get him signed to an extension after the 2012 season when he had 11 sacks, but his value is even higher now that he's been named to his first Pro Bowl. Hardy is an excellent player who really should get the franchise tag if the Panthers can't get him signed to a long-term deal.

But if that doesn't happen, Hardy could definitely follow McDermott to Washington, where Dan Snyder is not afraid to spend big for the big-name free agents.

Darrell Bevell and Dan Quinn, Seattle Seahawks

Teams Interested: Redskins, Vikings, Browns

The Redskins and Vikings are interested in bringing in Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, while the Cleveland Browns have already spoken to defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. There are some solid names on this list, including wide receiver Golden Tate, defensive end Michael Bennett and cornerback Brandon Browner.

Browner is one of the top cornerbacks in the game, though he is dealing with an indefinite suspension. When he'll return is anybody's guess, but when he is ready to sign with another team, Quinn could easily bring him along. Pairing with Joe Haden in Cleveland would be big. Cleveland is always looking for more defensive linemen as well, and Bennett will want a bigger chance than the one he got in Seattle.

Lastly, we've already talked about how the Redskins and Vikings need a receiver. This season, Tate has caught 64 passes for 898 yards and five touchdowns. He's certainly worth a look as a No. 2 in either city.

Vic Fangio and Greg Roman, San Francisco 49ers

Teams Interested: Redskins, Vikings

The Redskins are interested (seems like we've said this a lot) in both defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and offensive coordinator Greg Roman, while the Vikings have their eyes on Roman as well. There are multiple big-name players who could hit the open market and all of them could make a difference.

For Fangio, safety Donte Whitner and cornerbacks Tramaine Brock and Tarell Brown are set to be free agents. Whitner has revitalized his career under Fangio and likely wants to stick with him wherever he goes to hold onto that, while Brock is playing out of his mind and Brown has been consistent in recent seasons. All three players will command solid contracts, and all three cold help the Redskins.

For Roman, there's wide receivers Anquan Boldin and Mario Manningham. Boldin has only been with the team for one season, but he's been incredible under Roman and could follow him somewhere else for what might be the last season of his career. Manningham has been solid when he's not hurt, and could try to capture that play elsewhere, possibly with Roman on a team with more room for him.

Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots

Teams Interested: Browns

McDaniels is not very well-regarded by fans these days, but he's an excellent offensive coordinator and has had a tendency to prefer his guys in the past. There are two names that immediately jump out when glancing over New England's list of pending free agents: wide receiver Julian Edelman and running back LeGarrette Blount.

Edelman is going to be a priority for the Patriots this offseason. But if the Patriots can't get him signed, the Browns are always looking for more offensive firepower. Edelman has flourished under McDaniels and should be rewarded with a big contract. Blount has been solid this season, better than anybody expected, really. He's got 772 yards and seven touchdowns splitting time with Stevan Ridley.

Cleveland is in desperate need of some help at running back, and Blount must like the idea of working with McDaniels as the featured back, so the fit is definitely there. It's possibly the best fit imaginable for Blount.