Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 2016 Head Coaching Vacancies

By Bryan Knowles

How coveted is Jim Tomsula's old job? Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
How coveted is Jim Tomsula's old job? Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Four games a year against these two is a tall order for a new head coach. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Four games a year against these two is a tall order for a new head coach. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

Strength of Competition and Salary Cap

The strength of the division isn’t as major a deal for prospective head coaches, as teams fluctuate so much in the parity-driven NFL. They’d focus more on the pieces the teams already have in place, and let the rest of the division take care of itself.

Still, in the results-driven NFL, would you rather have six games against the likes of Seattle, Arizona and St. Louis, or get to play Indianapolis, Jacksonville and Houston six times a year? Only the Browns, stuck in the AFC North with two playoff teams and a recent Super Bowl winner, seem likely to have a harder schedule year in and year out than the 49ers will.

Verdict: At Least They’re Not Cleveland?

As for the salary cap, the 49ers can’t even claim a victory here. According to Over the Cap, they have $50.9 million free for the 2016 season—but they’re pipped to the line by Tampa Bay’s $51.9 million, and they’re only just ahead of New York’s $46.1 million and Tennessee’s $43.3 million. Still, that’s a lot of room to work with—the 49ers are in position to make massive changes this offseason thanks to tons of open cap space.  At least they’re not in Miami’s shoes, as they only have $2.4 million available and only 42 players under contract.

Verdict: Plenty to Spend, but Not Unique

Next: What's the Final Verdict?