With Black Monday only a few days away, there could possibly be as many as 10 head-coaching vacancies within the NFL by the point the playoffs begin.
Whereas a number of up-and-coming assistants like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson or Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will probably have their share of suitors, there are a handful of former head coaches who’ve made a robust case for getting one other crack on the job.
Listed below are 4 HC candidates who could possibly be worthy a second probability:
1. Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator, Cleveland Browns
Schwartz made it known he’d prefer to be a head coach once more, and after what he’s achieved with the Browns protection in 2023, a group can be smart to take him up on it. Cleveland is permitting the fewest yards per sport (266.6), the fewest passing yards per sport (165.9) and the Tenth-fewest dashing yards per sport (100.6) with the fourth-most interceptions (17) and seventh-most sacks (46).
The Browns even have the bottom completion proportion (56.4), passer ranking (72.7) and third-down conversion proportion allowed (29.4), and so they’ve allowed the fewest receptions (286) and first downs (231) and second-fewest receiving yards (2,973) and yards per cross (5.9). Schwartz clearly has a pointy defensive thoughts, and he could possibly be on the high of the brief checklist for groups like Atlanta Falcons or Los Angeles Chargers.
2. Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator, Dallas Cowboys
Quinn has achieved some superb work with the Cowboys protection, most notably turning cornerback DaRon Bland, who leads the league in interceptions (eight) and defensive touchdowns (5), right into a Defensive Participant of the Yr front-runner. He’s additionally answerable for Dallas permitting the fourth-lowest completion proportion (59.9), fifth-fewest passing yards allowed (3,055) and sixth-lowest passer ranking towards (81.1).
Quinn had two playoff appearances and one Tremendous Bowl look throughout his four-plus years because the Falcons head coach, and his 43-42 file is considerably deceiving in telling the complete story of what sort of HC he was. Quinn was rumored to be the favorite to interchange Mike McCarthy in Dallas if the group missed out on the postseason, however now, Quinn could land a job elsewhere.
3. Brian Flores, defensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
Flores really had a strong three-year run because the Dolphins HC from 2019 to 2021. That coupled with how a lot he’s turned the Vikings protection round this season ought to be sufficient to earn him a number of head-coaching interviews this offseason.
Underneath Flores’ tutelage, Minnesota jumped from thirty first to sixteenth in complete protection and thirtieth to twelfth in scoring protection this season. The Vikings protection is permitting 330 yards and 20.8 factors per sport this 12 months — each drastic enhancements from the 388 yards and 25.1 factors per sport they averaged in 2022.
4. Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator, Kansas Metropolis Chiefs
With Patrick Mahomes tied for the fifth-most turnovers amongst QBs within the NFL, together with an uncharacteristic 14 interceptions, an argument might be made that Spagnuolo’s protection is definitely what’s carried the Chiefs to their eight straight division title and ninth consecutive playoff look.
Kansas Metropolis ranks second total in complete protection and third in scoring protection, permitting 285.5 yards and 17.3 factors per sport. Underneath Spagnuolo’s steering, the Chiefs have the second-most sacks (54) whereas surrendering the second-fewest passing yards per sport (172.9), the sixth-fewest landing passes (19) and permitting the eighth-lowest passer ranking towards (84.4). Spanuolo’s defensive prowess could possibly be a slot in Los Angeles (Chargers), Las Vegas or Washington.
