The
NFL head-coaching vacancies are filling up fast. The
Chicago Bears scooped up Ben Johnson, the
New England Patriots hired Mike Vrabel, the
New York Jets got Aaron Glenn, the Jacksonville Jaguars landed Liam Coen and most recently, the Raiders reeled in Pete Carroll. That's five of the seven openings filled. The
New Orleans Saints and
Dallas Cowboys still have head-coaching vacancies, and both of them have discussed at least one of the top eight candidates remaining.
8. Steve Spagnuolo
The 65-year old Spagnuolo is getting interviews to become a head coach again after winning three Super Bowls commanding the Chiefs defense. Spagnuolo is one of the greatest defensive coordinators in
NFL history, but his track record as a head coach is a lot to be desired. Spagnuolo is 11-41 in his career as a head coach, and is a much better fit as a coordinator. Perhaps a second opportunity would benefit Spagnuolo.
7. Brian Schottenheimer
The Cowboys have a second interview with Schottenheimer, who would be a first-time head coach if hired. The 51-year-old Schottenheimer wasn't the play caller in Dallas, yet helped the Cowboys have the top-ranked scoring offense in 2023 and had a top-10 scoring offense in four of the past five seasons he's been an offensive coordinator. The son of Marty Schottenheimer, Brian has the pedigree and experience to succeed in the league (been coaching in
NFL for 25 years). All the years as a coordinator -- was one for four different teams -- may be a deterrent at this stage of his career.
6. Kellen Moore
Moore has been the play caller for the Eagles for just one season, and has orchestrated a historic season from
Saquon Barkley and the Eagles offensive line. The passing game struggles and coordination with
Jalen Hurts are a concern, but the 35-year-old Moore has a top-10 offense in four of his six seasons as an offensive coordinator. Moore is one of the top young assistants in the game, yet may need some more seasoning in Philadelphia.
5. Brian Flores
Flores is likely to get another opportunity as head coach, based on his track record as the Vikings defensive coordinator and his success in turning the
Miami Dolphins around before his controversial firing. The Vikings became a top-five scoring defense in just two years under Flores, who is one of the most aggressive play callers in the game.Flores was 24-25 in Miami with two winning seasons before his firing, not bad for a coach who accelerated a rebuild that looked dire for the franchise in 2019. He's on the verge of landing another job.
4. Kliff Kingsbury
In just one season in Washington, Kingsbury's work as the offensive play caller and development of
Jayden Daniels has him in line to become a head coach again. The Commanders had a top-five scoring offense while Daniels had one of the best rookie seasons in history -- at any position. Kingsbury was 28-37-1 in his four seasons with the
Arizona Cardinals, but has proven he's an innovator on offense and avenged the narrative his offenses struggle in the second half. A second head coaching opportunity may be coming, as Kingsbury is a hot candidate.
3. Mike McCarthy
The former Dallas Cowboys head coach is one of the top candidates available, and has one of the most accomplished track records of the candidates. McCarthy is 174-112-2 in his 18 seasons as a head coach, with an 11-11 playoff record and a
Super Bowl title. The Bears passed on McCarthy in favor of Ben Johnson, but the Saints are interested in bringing McCarthy in. Is McCarthy's offense a thing of the past? Has McCarthy's play calling become stale? Perhaps, but his culture building has been paramount toward getting franchises to the playoffs. He'll have his pick of where he wants to go.
2. Todd Monken
Monken should be getting even more recognition as a head coaching candidate based on his work with
Lamar Jackson over the last two years. Jackson won league MVP last season and is on the verge of winning the award again after throwing for 41 touchdowns to just four interceptions this year. The Ravens had a top-five scoring offense in both years under Monken, along with the top rushing offense. The 58-year-old Monken is one of the best play callers in football.
1. Joe Brady
The best candidate on the board is the one who turned
Josh Allen from a turnover machine to one of the smartest quarterbacks in the game. Working with less talent on offense than most of the candidates, the Bills had the No. 2 scoring offense in 2024 -- putting up 30.9 points a game. At just 35 years old, Brady is the play caller that would be the top get for any of the head coaching vacancies. His offense isn't innovative, but Brady calls a great game and is excellent with quarterbacks.
