An intense recruiting cycle is currently unfolding in the NFL.
This past week marked the beginning of a significant phase, with both John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin finding themselves without jobs. Presently, there are nine vacancies for head coaching positions, and names for potential interviews are being added all the time.
The spotlight is on offensive coaches with play-calling backgrounds, although that’s not a universal requirement. For instance, teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons might consider different paths.
Here are twelve assistant coaches who could be ready to step up to a head coaching role.
Clint Kubiak, Offensive Coordinator, Seattle Seahawks
Clint Kubiak has gained attention due to his stint as the passing game coordinator in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan and Brock Purdy, along with his recent role as offensive coordinator in Seattle.
With the growing demand for offensive-minded head coaches who can also manage play-calling, Kubiak is emerging as one of the top candidates this season. He might be on the brink of a breakthrough.
Thomas Brown, Passing Game Coordinator, New England Patriots
Thomas Brown has been named interim head coach for the Chicago Bears after the dismissal of Matt Eberflus midway through the 2024 season. He quickly rose to the position of offensive coordinator, marking his second promotion after initially serving as running backs coach.
Although the Bears struggled under his leadership, going 1-4, some felt he could still be a strong candidate. This season, he worked as New England’s passing game coordinator, helping transform Drake Maye into an MVP contender, and he’s previously collaborated under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, even serving as assistant head coach for two years.
Brown has already lined up interviews with the Arizona Cardinals, and considering New England’s success this year, further interviews could be on the horizon. His prospects for a head coaching position will depend on future developments.
Chris Shula, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Another name to watch in this recruiting cycle is 39-year-old Chris Shula from the Los Angeles Rams. He has received interview requests from several teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Raiders, and New York Giants.
Bringing Shula on board offers a couple of advantages. For one, teams can access the efficient defensive system he helped build in Los Angeles. They might also benefit from insights into Sean McVay’s offensive strategy, which he experienced firsthand, potentially even recruiting assistants from there.
Kelvin Shepard, Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Kelvin Shepard could find himself in a head coaching position sooner than anticipated. Following Aaron Glenn’s decision to join the New York Jets as head coach, Shepard stepped up as defensive coordinator. Although the Lions’ defense has seen some decline, Shepard’s enthusiasm and team spirit could position him as a promising head coaching candidate, now and later.
The Dolphins have already requested an interview with him, and it seems others might follow suit. It’s not uncommon for teams to go after candidates early if they believe they’re a perfect fit.
Jesse Minter, Defensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Chargers
Jesse Minter has been involved in numerous interviews this cycle, recently speaking with the Titans and Cardinals.
This indicates that Minter is likely to secure a head coaching job eventually. He entered the NFL as a defensive assistant with John Harbaugh, then became the Ravens’ defensive backs coach. After a year at Vanderbilt as defensive coordinator, he was brought on by Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, where he contributed to a national championship win.
Now with the Chargers, Minter has established a solid defense, making him one of the most pursued prospects this season.
Joe Brady, Offensive Coordinator, Buffalo Bills
With the focus on offensive-minded head coaches, especially those who have play-calling experience, Joe Brady’s name is likely to surface again during this recruiting cycle.
Brady has been linked to various jobs previously, even interviewing with the Jacksonville Jaguars last year, and has secured an interview with the Baltimore Ravens this season. His successful stint with Joe Burrow at LSU, which led to a national title, has kept him on the radar as a candidate.
With two years of play-calling experience at the Buffalo Bills, he has a strong offensive strategy influenced by Sean Payton, and it may finally be time for him to be considered for a head coaching role.
Davis Webb, Quarterbacks Coach, Denver Broncos
Davis Webb’s name has been circulating in the coaching conversation for some time now. Following his release from the New York Giants after the 2022 preseason, it was apparent he would soon find a coaching pathway.
In early 2023, he began delving into coaching options and took on the role of quarterbacks coach under Sean Payton in Denver. After two years, he was promoted to offensive passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach last season. One of his significant advantages is being labeled as a “QB Whisperer,” which holds considerable weight in the NFL.
Mike LaFleur, Offensive Coordinator, Los Angeles Rams
Mike LaFleur seems on track to become a head coach soon, especially with his connections to prominent figures like Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay, and Matt LaFleur.
He has experience as a play-caller from his two years with the New York Jets. However, his time there, particularly with Zach Wilson, raised questions about his effectiveness. On the flip side, his recent tenure with McVay has provided him with valuable experience.
Nathan Schielhaas, Passing Game Specialist, Los Angeles Rams
Another former quarterback on the rise is Nathan Schielhaas.
After his playing days concluded at the University of Illinois, he initially joined as director of football operations before climbing the ranks. He transitioned to Iowa State as running backs coach, ultimately holding the position of offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 2023, before joining the NFL as an offensive assistant under Sean McVay.
Last season, he was the team’s passing game coordinator, and he is already lined up for interviews with teams like Baltimore, Miami, and Las Vegas. Recently, Pittsburgh expressed interest too. Despite a lack of formal play-calling experience, he has helped veterans like Matthew Stafford achieve impressive seasons.
Anthony Weaver, Defensive Coordinator, Miami Dolphins
Now, let’s shift gears from offensive candidates to defensive coordinators who might also take that leap.
Anthony Weaver has been making his mark since transitioning into coaching right after his playing career. He served as defensive coordinator in Houston, then held the same position briefly in Baltimore before settling in Miami for the last couple of years.
His strength lies in communication, and he has engaged with various teams post-season for job opportunities. Weaver has already interviewed in Baltimore and Atlanta, making him a noteworthy candidate for several openings.
Jeff Hafley, Defensive Coordinator, Green Bay Packers
Now, we might be stretching things a bit with Jeff Hafley since he does have head coaching experience.
After spending four years as Boston College’s head coach, he returned to the NFL and became the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers. He specializes in defensive strategies, particularly in the secondary, and has accumulated diverse experience throughout his career. A team like the Ravens may find him an appealing option, especially if they don’t require that “offensive play-caller” profile.
Anthony Campanile, Defensive Coordinator, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lastly, we have Anthony Campanile, the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who might just be slightly early for the head coaching conversation.
His coaching journey started as an assistant at a high school in New Jersey, eventually leading to his position in the NFL after several college roles. Now, while this is his inaugural year as a defensive coordinator in the NFL, he’s already been approached by the Dolphins for an interview. That seems a bit ahead of the curve, but it’s also likely considering his previous relationships with the franchise.
