Raiderstation

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

RaiderFan1 wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 9:34 am Are there any other candidates that aren't on this list that you like ?

I love Sarkisian.

Attyla wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:23 am I want Cooter, he seems like a QB whisperer.

He sounds great to me too.

Dukes of Hazzard

You know the craziest thing is, you could randomly select someone from this forum and I would bet money we would have had a better record than this year. The second crazy thing is a coach gets millions regardless of any performance requirements. I am OK with anyone as long as it is not Pete. It is too risky to let him try again. If you lose the first 4 games, MD would have to fire him, and all the fans would be in am uproar. We will have no patience for him next year, so he has to go! We have seen no progress and he seems so clueless. I officially nominate Attyla from the forum.

Attyla wrote: Mon Dec 08, 2025 8:23 am I want Cooter, he seems like a QB whisperer.

Doesnt everyone?

“Get them Duke boys! Coo Coo Coo!”

Willmark wrote: Tue Dec 09, 2025 11:36 am “Get them Duke boys! Coo Coo Coo!”

Calm down Roscoe P Coltrain

When you have a top 2 pick, and QB is the likely pick, you probably going to pick from the Top OC candidates, this year, Kubiak, Cooter or Brady.

Let's see if Cooter can win some games with grandpa Rivers

Offensive or Defensive I like the idea of poaching someone from the Rams and McVay.

Does Spytek have ties with any of the coaching candidates?

DanKD wrote: Tue Dec 09, 2025 2:06 pm Let's see if Cooter can win some games with grandpa Rivers

considering Rivers retired 5 years ago, if Cooter can just get him in game shape for the playoffs I would consider that a win

Scheelhasse…Rams passing game coordinator..

Hire Chris Shula as HC and let him bring Scheelhasse for the OC.

LayneStaley wrote: Tue Dec 09, 2025 6:59 pm Hire Chris Shula as HC and let him bring Scheelhasse for the OC.

I have thought about that…