Green Bay Packers: Ranking Mike McCarthy’s potential replacements

1. Kyle Shanahan: Much like his dad, Mike, the younger Shanahan features a zone-blocking scheme that requires athletic blockers to move laterally to a spot with the intent of clearing up wide-open creases for running backs to run through.

Countless ball carriers have had success in the Shanahan system, including both Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, both of whom have become arguably the best one-two punch at the position this year and have had a major hand in turning the Falcons into a legitimate Super-Bowl contender.

Not only can Shanahan come in and revive an almost non-existent Packers’ running attack, but he’s also been known to coax career years out of his “X” receivers by continually peppering them with targets as he’s done with Josh Gordon and Pierre Garcon in his previous stops.

Can the rising star among NFL coaches do the same with a rapidly improving Davante Adams? That remains to be seen.

Shanahan has encountered his share of pitfalls over the years, but in his defense, the 36-year-old had never worked with a true franchise quarterback until his arrival in Atlanta.

Mike’s boy has also proven resourceful in recognizing the reasons for Matt Ryan’s struggles last season and is calling more plays that his less-than-mobile signal caller can prosper in by keeping him in the pocket.

Shanahan will be the hot name that general managers will be standing in line for once the regular season comes to a close. His youth, bloodlines and recent work will make him hands-down the most desirable head-coaching candidate.

Who knows if Kyle will consider bringing in the elder Shanahan as an advisor or assistant coach? Now that would something that any distressed franchise can get excited about. Probability: 50 percent