Top NFL Head-Coach Prospects to Watch in Sunday’s Conference Titles
The NFL conference championships present an exciting opportunity for various head-coach prospects to showcase their skills. As top teams face off, numerous candidates are simultaneously trying to impress franchises still in search of a head coach. With five coaching vacancies remaining, attention turns to potential hires during the Sunday matchups.
Key Coaching Prospects to Watch
1. Chris Shula – Rams Defensive Coordinator
- Age: 39
- Teams Interested: Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers
Chris Shula, grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, has rapidly progressed in coaching. He joined the Rams’ staff in 2017 and became the defensive coordinator in 2024. Shula led the Rams’ defense to rank ninth in scoring defense over the last two years, demonstrating great red zone efficiency.
2. Nate Scheelhaase – Rams Passing Game Coordinator
- Age: 35
- Teams Interested: Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers
Nate Scheelhaase has quickly elevated his coaching career since joining the Rams in 2024. Under his guidance, the Rams boasted the top passing offense, averaging 268.1 yards per game. His future as a head-coaching candidate looks promising, despite the challenge of separating his success from head coach Sean McVay’s influence.
3. Klint Kubiak – Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
- Age: 38
- Teams Interested: Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders
Klint Kubiak, son of former NFL coach Gary Kubiak, has had a diverse coaching experience. He led the Seahawks to a top 10 scoring offense this season, highlighting his ability to maximize a talented roster. Kubiak’s past roles have included stints with the Broncos and Vikings, indicating a strong coaching lineage.
4. Davis Webb – Broncos Quarterbacks Coach
- Age: 31
- Teams Interested: Las Vegas Raiders
Davis Webb is entering the spotlight as a potential head-coaching prospect. He has contributed to the Broncos reaching the AFC title game after transitioning from player to coach. Webb’s strategies helped improve the team’s offensive performance significantly this past season.
5. Vance Joseph – Broncos Defensive Coordinator
- Age: 53
- Teams Interested: Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders
Vance Joseph has made a strong comeback as Denver’s defensive coordinator after a challenging head-coaching tenure with the Broncos. His defense has been among the top in the NFL, ranking fourth for points allowed per game this season.
6. Mike LaFleur – Rams Offensive Coordinator
- Age: 38
- Teams Interested: Arizona Cardinals
Mike LaFleur has been a key figure in the Rams’ offensive success. His prior experience includes working with Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco, where he honed his reputation as a promising offensive mind. This past season, the Rams’ offense ranked high in multiple categories.
7. Thomas Brown – Patriots Passing Game Coordinator
- Age: 39
- Teams Interested: Arizona Cardinals
Thomas Brown’s coaching path has included successful tenures in college before entering the NFL. His work with the Patriots has helped elevate quarterback Drake Maye, contributing to a top-five ranking in scoring offense. Brown’s recent advancement in the NFL has garnered attention.
8. Aden Durde – Seahawks Defensive Coordinator
- Age: 46
- Teams Interested: Cleveland Browns
Aden Durde has ascended through the coaching ranks in a short period. As the Seahawks’ defensive coordinator, he has led a unit that ranked first in total defensive efficiency this past season, showcasing his strategic abilities.
As these games unfold, all eyes will be on these coaching candidates to see who emerges as the next head coach within the NFL. The conference championships not only determine playoff contenders but also highlight future coaching stars.
