The NFL head coaching hiring cycle lacks a clear Ben Johnson-type candidate for the first time in years, creating one of the most wide-open markets in recent memory, according to dozens of conversations with NFL executives and coaches. Mike McCarthy, veteran coordinators with head coaching experience, and younger position coaches are all expected to receive serious consideration.
Unlike last offseason when Johnson and Mike Vrabel emerged as slam-dunk candidates, this cycle could favor older and experienced coaches. McCarthy, who owns a .608 career winning percentage and a Super Bowl title, figures as a strong candidate alongside former head coaches like Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, Robert Saleh and Arthur Smith.
Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady leads the younger candidate pool after Buffalo\'s offense ranks second in yards (387.4) and fourth in scoring (29.2 points per game) this season. Brady received five head coaching interviews in 2021 and four more last cycle after struggling with the Carolina Panthers.
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has emerged as a top defensive candidate with Los Angeles ranking fourth in yards allowed and fourth on third downs. Minter worked under John Harbaugh with the Baltimore Ravens and Jim Harbaugh at Michigan before returning to the NFL.
Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb represents the rising position coach tier at age 30. Sean Payton let Webb call plays in the preseason, and those close to him believe he will become an NFL head coach soon.
New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka has interviewed for eight head coaching jobs over the past three cycles, earning second interviews with four teams. New England Patriots passing game coordinator Thomas Brown could also receive looks after impressing Mike Vrabel during interviews.
More than half of all head coaching hires since 2017 (29 of 57) have come from coordinators under 45 with no previous NFL head coaching experience. Bill Belichick and Jon Gruden could also enter the conversation at some point.
Top Head Coaching Candidates
Offensive Coordinators:
• Joe Brady (Bills, 36)
• Jim Bob Cooter (Colts, 41)
• Declan Doyle (Bears, 29)
• Josh Grizzard (Bucs, 35)
• Mike Kafka (Giants interim HC, 38)
• Klint Kubiak (Seahawks, 38)
• Mike LaFleur (Rams, 38)
• Kevin Patullo (Eagles, 44)
• Drew Petzing (Cardinals, 38)
• Dan Pitcher (Bengals, 38)
• Zac Robinson (Falcons, 39)
• Frank Smith (Dolphins, 44)
• Adam Stenavich (Packers, 42)
Defensive Coordinators:
• Anthony Campanile (Jaguars, 43)
• Ejiro Evero (Panthers, 44)
• Jesse Minter (Chargers, 42)
• Nick Rallis (Cardinals, 32)
• Kelvin Sheppard (Lions, 37)
• Chris Shula (Rams, 39)
Position Coaches/Specialists:
• Thomas Brown (Patriots passing game coordinator/TE coach, 39)
• Nate Scheelhaase (Rams pass game coordinator, 35)
• Bubba Ventrone (Browns AHC/STC, 43)
• Davis Webb (Broncos offensive pass game coordinator/QB coach, 30)
College Head Coaches:
• Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame, 39)
Former Head Coaches with Coordinator Experience:
• Brian Flores (Vikings DC)
• Jeff Hafley (Packers DC)
• Vance Joseph (Broncos DC)
• Kliff Kingsbury (Commanders OC)
• Mike McCarthy (former Cowboys/Packers HC)
• Todd Monken (Ravens OC)
• Matt Nagy (Chiefs OC)
• Robert Saleh (49ers DC)
• Arthur Smith (Steelers OC)
