Predicting Outcomes for the Six Remaining NFL Head Coach Positions
As of this week, there are six NFL teams in search of head coaches: the Baltimore Ravens, Pittsburgh Steelers, Buffalo Bills, Arizona Cardinals, Cleveland Browns, and Las Vegas Raiders. This emerged after the Miami Dolphins secured Jeff Hafley as their new head coach and the Tennessee Titans appointed Robert Saleh. Meanwhile, former Kansas City Chiefs coach Matt Nagy chose to let his contract expire, possibly opening doors for new opportunities.
Remaining Head Coach Candidates
The race for head coaching positions is competitive, with a list of 14 notable candidates emerging. Here are the top contenders still in the mix:
- Jesse Minter – Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
- Vance Joseph – Defensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos
- Brian Flores – Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
- Grant Udinski – Offensive Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Davis Webb – Passing Game Coordinator, Denver Broncos
- Nate Scheelhaase – Passing Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
- Mike LaFleur – Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
- Chris Shula – Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
- Brian Daboll – Former Head Coach, New York Giants
- Jim Schwartz – Defensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns
- Klint Kubiak – Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
- Mike McDaniel – Former Head Coach, Miami Dolphins
- Kliff Kingsbury – Former Offensive Coordinator, Washington Commanders
- Ejiro Evero – Defensive Coordinator, Carolina Panthers
Coaching Market Insights
The ongoing playoff presence of several teams has tightened the coaching market. Teams are likely to be patient this year due to a shallow candidate pool. Assistant coaches from the Rams, Seahawks, and Broncos remain in play for several interviews scheduled after January 26.
Former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel has also attracted attention, particularly from teams in need of an offensive coordinator. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are emerging as a prime candidate due to their competitive division and available talent.
Predictions for the Six Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers
For the Steelers, potential candidates include:
- Chris Shula – Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
- Brian Flores – Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
- Nate Scheelhaase – Passing Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Cleveland Browns
Cleveland’s top options are expected to be:
- Grant Udinski – Offensive Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Nate Scheelhaase – Passing Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
- Jim Schwartz – Defensive Coordinator, Cleveland Browns
Arizona Cardinals
Key candidates for the Cardinals position include:
- Vance Joseph – Defensive Coordinator, Denver Broncos
- Mike LaFleur – Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Las Vegas Raiders
The leading prospects for the Raiders are:
- Jesse Minter – Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
- Davis Webb – Passing Game Coordinator, Denver Broncos
Buffalo Bills
With uncertainty following the firing of Sean McDermott, the top candidates are:
- Brian Daboll – Former Head Coach, New York Giants
- Davis Webb – Passing Game Coordinator, Denver Broncos
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens’ finalists might include:
- Jesse Minter – Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
- Klint Kubiak – Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
- Nate Scheelhaase – Passing Game Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
With these coaching vacancies, the NFL’s coaching landscape is poised for significant changes as teams seek to build the most effective leadership possible. The next few weeks will be crucial in determining the future of these franchises as they finalize their coaching choices.
