2026 NFL Head Coaching Candidates

[RaiderFan1]

Overview of 2026 NFL Head Coaching Candidates

Experienced Coaches

Mike McCarthy Former NFL Head Coach Super Bowl winner, high career winning percentage
Vance Joseph Broncos Defensive Coordinator Former head coach with experience in the NFL
Brian Flores Vikings Defensive Coordinator Known for strong defensive strategies

Rising Coordinators

Jeff Hafley Packers Defensive Coordinator Strong defensive performance, head coaching experience in college
Klint Kubiak Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Innovative offensive strategies, young talent
Jesse Minter Chargers Defensive Coordinator Successful tenure at Michigan, championship experience

Young and Innovative Candidates

Joe Brady Bills Offensive Coordinator Previous success at LSU, known for developing quarterbacks
Thomas Brown Patriots Passing Game Coordinator Experience with Super Bowl-winning teams
Jim Bob Cooter Colts Offensive Coordinator Proven track record of improving offenses

College Coaches to Watch

Marcus Freeman Notre Dame Head Coach Rising star in college football
Lincoln Riley USC Head Coach High-profile offensive mind
Dan Lanning Oregon Head Coach Strong recruiting and coaching background

[Attyla]

Yeah but if he fails here the “Cooter” jokes will be so annoying after the first 2 pages.

and the stupid ass "depends" jokes were not?

[LayneStaley]

and the stupid ass "depends" jokes were not?

They definitely were, that’s my point. Cooter is even lower hanging fruit.

[andreas9109]

I’d love to have Kubiak or Joe Brady at the team.

[Hellbound]

Watch some Indy ball and that might change course. He recreated Daniel Jones and his run concepts would really help Jeanty. His play calling is also very good.

He had the Lions offense doing pretty well in his time there. His leading rbs were Theo Riddick and Ameer Abdullah in consecutive yrs. Then the Patricia disaster happened. As far as his hc ability, he certainly can't be any worse than the AP or Pete

[Xramfan]

They definitely were, that’s my point. Cooter is even lower hanging fruit.

The kids from the Mickey Mouse Club enjoy the petulant name calling

[Raidernation1979]

They definitely were, that’s my point. Cooter is even lower hanging fruit.

I just think dukes of hazzard.

[TruR8r]

Jesse Minter

[Dr Death]

Lincoln Riley's name seems like it's been out their for decades.

Pass.

[SkullCrusher]

Indiana QB and Coaching Staff?

[KillerRaider30]

No, let Pete build the team.

[rcraider]

I’m not usually a fan of college coaches stepping up to the big time but I do like Dan Lanning - a lot.
I’m also a fan of Steve Sarkisian. He’s battled alcoholism and seems to have a grasp on it these days, I believe since 2015. He has some experience in the NFL also.
Having gone through the battle myself, I’m admittedly a bit bias because if you can come out the other side there’s literally nothing you can’t do.

Recent history wise college coaches have not done well making the move to the pros, don't count Harbaugh because he had already had NFL experience. Nick Saban, Chip Kelly, Steve Spurrier, Matt Rhule, and Urban Meyer, Petrino, Schiano. Coaching kids as opposed to grown men is a different dynamic.

[WolfRaider]

Shula, Weaver, LaFleur, Minter and Kubiak are the guys I want to interview.

Dream world it’s Shula with Lafleur as OC

[Sir Raider Duck, OMS]

Is or is not "Jim Bob Cooter" the most redneck name ever?

No way Lanning is leaving his secure job at Oregon to come to this circus.

No on Flores. Belichick assistants never work out as head coaches.

[SuperRaider]

Promote Deuce Gruden to HC…then he can bring his dad back to be the OC….

[WolfRaider]

Is or is not "Jim Bob Cooter" the most redneck name ever?

No way Lanning is leaving his secure job at Oregon to come to this circus.

No on Flores. Belichick assistants never work out as head coaches.

On Flores, don’t want him around a rookie QB… don’t want any DC who hates QBs around young QBs