[max]

There are a ton of candidates and only a handful of HC job openings. So I'm not sure we should be very worried.

Open jobs so far are:
Lions
Texans
Falcons

Also almost certain to be open are:
Jets
Chargers
Jags

Maybes:
Bears
Bucs
Cowboys

So anywhere from 6 to 9 openings. My guess is that most teams with a young QB would prefer an offensive guru, so hopefully that helps us.

Here are 22 top candidates (in alphabetical order) and some comments on each of them.

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl- ... r-in-2021/

NFL head coaching candidates to consider in 2021
ByAJ SchultePublishedNovember 28, 2020

Note: These coaches are presented in alphabetical order so as not to reflect any sort of inherent rankings of these candidates.

Dennis Allen, New Orleans Saints Defensive Coordinator
While Dennis Allen’s tenure with the Raiders did not go as planned, Allen had a limited stock of picks to work with during his first few years and inherited a quarterback situation of Terrelle Pryor and Matt McGloin. His return to the New Orleans Saints helped spark the turnaround on their defensive play, going from historically bad to a consistent top-10 defense since his arrival.
Allen interviewed for the Miami Dolphins job after the team fired Adam Gase in 2019, but ultimately stayed with the Saints. Allen’s resounding success in New Orleans should put him in prime position for a job with a team looking for a culture rebuild.

Eric Bieniemy, Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
As one of the most-discussed head coaching candidate for 2021, Eric Bieniemy has been part of the explosive fireworks show that is the Chiefs’ offense. While Andy Reid is the ultimate mastermind behind the operation, Bieniemy has been a key cog in the game planning and installation of the offense.
There are a few risks with Bieniemy that could explain why he hasn’t been hired yet. Bieniemy’s last stint as the true offensive coordinator of a team occurred at the collegiate level at the University of Colorado. His Colorado teams in two years combined for four wins and were ranked 109th and 120th in the country. The Colorado offense was largely defunct under his tenure. Add in off the field red flags and arrests in his past, and Bieniemy doesn’t seem like such a sure thing. There’s a gamble to be had, but it could pay off in a big way if he can replicate the Chiefs’ success.

Joe Brady, Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator
Joe Brady was the hottest name in football last offseason after producing a historic offense at LSU and guiding quarterback Joe Burrow to a national title. Now he’s returned to the NFL to lead the Carolina Panthers’ offense, of which he’s done an excellent job. The Panthers are 12th in total offense and are 14th in offensive efficiency, as well as leading the league in third-and-long conversions, despite Christian McCaffrey and Russell Okung getting hurt early. He’s highly regarded around the league and comes from a successful coaching tree. With his continued success, Brady’s name will start to build up momentum for a head coaching job sooner rather than later.

Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator
Bowles’ first tenure as a head coach with the Jets didn’t exactly go as planned, but the former defensive back hasn’t let that stop him. He rejoined Bruce Arians in Tampa Bay and has engineered a defensive turnaround that has the Buccaneers primed to make a Super Bowl run. He has been a stellar defensive mind at every stop in his career, so this should not be news. If a team is looking for a stable coach at the helm to help rebuild a culture, Bowles makes a lot of sense.

Matt Campbell, Iowa State Head Coach
The first and one of two college coaches to make this list. Matt Campbell’s name has consistently popped up in NFL coaching searches since his turnaround of the Iowa State Cyclones. Campbell’s defensive success and innovation against the Big 12’s top offenses has led the Cyclones to stymie the likes of Lincoln Riley numerous times. With their most recent upset over the Oklahoma Sooners, Campbell’s star has never been as bright. It would not surprise me to see him follow Kliff Kingsbury and Matt Rhule from the collegiate ranks to the NFL. If a team needs a coach for the long rebuild, Campbell would be an outstanding target.

Pete Carmichael, New Orleans Saints Offensive Coordinator
Pete Carmichael would seem to be one of the biggest no-brainer hires in the NFL. Working under Sean Payton and helping guide the New Orleans Saints’ offense for so long would seem to be an appealing option for teams. Carmichael’s tenure as a quarterbacks coach was extensive before joining Sean Payton in New Orleans in 2006. Carmichael mentored Tim Rattay at Louisiana Tech, who set multiple school records before becoming a quarterbacks coach. Every time Carmichael has called plays, the Saints’ offense has put up numbers.
Fun fact: Pete Carmichael was the one who initially brought Joe Brady into the Saints program. What a historic decision that turned out to be.

Brian Daboll, Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
Wherever Brian Daboll has gone, success has followed. Daboll comes from an outstanding coaching tree, working under both Bill Belichick and Nick Saban throughout his career. As the offensive coordinator of the Bills, Daboll has developed Josh Allen into an MVP candidate and has engineered one of the most explosive offenses in the NFL. With his coaching pedigree and his success in Buffalo, a team that needs an offensive mind at the helm to take advantage of their talent should make a run for Daboll in the 2021 head coaching search.

Matt Eberflus, Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator
Matt Eberflus has over a decade’s worth of experience as an NFL coach, and his tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Colts has been nothing short of exemplary. Eberflus was a guiding mentor for Demarcus Ware, Sean Lee, Jaylon Smith, and Anthony Hitchens while at Dallas, and has helped rebound Xavier Rhodes’ career this season in Indianapolis.
He’s shown he is willing to adapt his scheme for the players and has done an excellent job developing players throughout his career, as the results speak for themselves. The Colts are at the top of the charts in virtually every defensive category this season and are comfortably in first place in defensive efficiency. From the buzz building around the league, expect Eberflus to be a highly-sought option in the 2021 head coach cycle.

Leslie Frazier, Buffalo Bills Defensive Coordinator
Leslie Frazier has previous head coaching experience, working with the Minnesota Vikings, but was let go in his third year with the team, following an 18-29 record. After that, Frazier spent two years as the defensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and then became the secondary coach with the Baltimore Ravens for a season before joining Sean McDermott in Buffalo. His Buffalo tenure has been a big reason why the team’s rebuild has been so successful. He has helped develop Tre’Davious White into one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. Being lauded as a high culture coach, Frazier could be a great install for a team that needs stability and a leader at the top.

Nathaniel Hackett, Green Bay Packers Offensive Coordinator
The son of long-time coach Paul Hackett, Hackett’s name has popped up more and more due to the success the Packers have had on offense this season. Hackett was recently connected to the Atlanta Falcons job search and many teams will come inquiring about Hackett as the season moves on. Hackett has had a rough resume as the Offensive Coordinator of the Buffalo Bills and the Jacksonville Jaguars, but when your quarterbacks are EJ Manuel and Blake Bortles, it’s tough to really build anything. Still, Hackett did his best work as OC when the Jaguars made the AFC Conference Championship in 2017. He’s viewed as a key part in the Packers’ success by both Matt LaFleur and Aaron Rodgers. He’s still a young candidate who is viewed as “energy bringing” and he plays a big role in the Packers’ offensive identity despite not calling the plays.

Byron Leftwich, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator
Byron Leftwich has followed Bruce Arians all over the NFL and his tenure as the offensive coordinator for the Buccaneers might put Leftwich up at the top of coaching searches come the end of the 2020 season. Bruce Arians has praised Leftwich’s abilities numerous times in the past, and the Buccaneers are flying high. As a young minority coach, Leftwich would be an opportune hire for a team looking to take advantage of a young quarterback and establish an offensive identity.

Don Martindale, Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator
While offensive coaches have become the increasingly hot commodity in the hiring process of coaches, there are several quality defensive coaches out there that have had just as successful of a career. Martindale is one such candidate. Martindale was the defensive coordinator for the Josh McDaniels’ Denver Broncos before becoming the Baltimore Ravens’ linebackers coach in 2012 and finally defensive coordinator in 2018 after Dean Pees left.
Martindale has helped the Ravens become one of the NFL’s best teams, as the Ravens are currently ninth in defensive DVOA. Martindale was interviewed for the Giants’ head coaching job last season, and another banner year leading the Ravens’ defense could see him as a hot commodity in the 2021 head coach search.

Josh McDaniels, New England Patriots Offensive Coordinator
Josh McDaniels has been brought up in every coaching carousel since his return to New England, and this season is no different. The way the Patriots offense has adapted from Tom Brady to Cam Newton and built a new identity has been one of the most impressive changes this season. With the number of connections between the Patriots and Texans, I wouldn’t be surprised if McDaniels isn’t heavily considered for their head coach job in the 2021 NFL offseason.

Todd Monken, Georgia Bulldogs Offensive Coordinator
Monken has years of experience as an NFL offensive coordinator, most notably in Tampa Bay and Cleveland. He’s well-regarded as a straight-shooter as a coach and has long excelled in putting his players in the best positions for success. Monken was the offensive coordinator of the Brandon Weeden-Justin Blackmon offenses in Oklahoma State before turning Southern Miss around as their Head Coach. He took over an 0-12 Golden Eagles’ program and had them finishing 9-5 by his third season. His stint with the Bulldogs has produced excellent results despite numerous opt-outs and injuries. It wouldn’t surprise me to see Monken become a hot name for an NFL team looking for a rebuild with an emphasis on offense.

Jack Del Rio, Washington Football Team Defensive Coordinator
Jack Del Rio’s return to the NFL has been excellent with the Washington Football Team. The Washington defense has been one of the NFL’s best since he was hired, despite playing the Ravens, Browns, Eagles, and Cardinals to open the season, they currently rank fourth in defensive DVOA. His tenure as the head coach of the Oakland Raiders was a roller coaster towards the end, but his ability to build a culture and add some stability to a program should appeal to a franchise with issues at the top. Experience could give Del Rio the upper hand over all the other NFL head coaching candidates this season.

Greg Roman, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Greg Roman has been around John Harbaugh for a long time, and his successful record with quarterbacks goes back longer than his recent success with Lamar Jackson. Roman’s devastating pistol-oriented offensive attacks have helped transform each team he’s been a part of. Roman would be an excellent hire for a team trying to build around a young mobile quarterback. He’ll be one of the hottest head coach candidates in 2021.

Robert Saleh, San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator
Robert Saleh has been one of the architects of the 49ers’ turnaround from the bottom of the league to one of the best teams in the league. Saleh interviewed for the Browns’ head coaching job last year and lost several assistants to the Browns, but his defense has still been excellent.
He has been instrumental in unlocking DeForest Buckner, Arik Armstead, and Fred Warner in San Francisco. His track record of player development, dating back to the Seattle Seahawks and Houston Texans, is impressive. Kyle Shanahan has mentioned that Saleh will be an NFL head coach, potentially even as soon as the end of the 2020 season. With his resume, it seems inevitable.

Brian Schottenheimer, Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
Prior to this 2020 season, seeing Brian Schottenheimer on this list might have surprised just about everybody. However, this season’s results cannot be disputed, as Schottenheimer has seemingly opened up the playbook and is letting Russell Wilson cook his way to an MVP season. His offense has put up huge numbers in the passing game, with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett slicing up defenses on the outside. There’s a risk to be had here with this hire, as this has been Schottenheimer’s most successful season bar none. Outlier or a sign of growth?

Nick Sirianni, Indianapolis Colts Offensive Coordinator
Sirianni isn’t a hot and trendy name, but there is a lot of support behind him from inside circles. His time with the Colts under Frank Reich has produced some excellent offensive gameplans, despite average quarterback play. The Colts did not have a single three-and-out this season until their fourth game of the season, which is ridiculously impressive. He’s helped shape the Colts’ identity on offense, and he’s been an excellent positional coach in the past, including helping develop Keenan Allen into one of the game’s best receivers with the Chargers. Sirianni is a “sleeper” 2021 NFL Head Coach candidate.

Arthur Smith, Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator
Arthur Smith has seemingly come out of nowhere in the past two seasons, going from tight ends coach to offensive coordinator, but his success has been phenomenal. After turning to Ryan Tannehill as his quarterback, Smith’s offense has taken off and ranks among the NFL’s best in explosive plays and efficiency.
This season has seen a resurgence of Corey Davis’s production as well, further showing Smith’s ability to get the most out of his players. His name has begun creeping up in NFL circles, and it shouldn’t come as a surprise if he ends up as an NFL head coach in 2021.

Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
This name shouldn’t come as a surprise to many either as one of the many NFL head coaching candidates to watch for. Given the league recently went through a phase where they practiced contact tracing on Sean McVay to find their next head coach, a successful defensive coordinator who has worked with both McVay and Vic Fangio will be an appealing target for many teams.
His defensive scheme has helped the Rams turn around their poor performance from 2019, despite numerous departures throughout the lineup. Staley might be a little young, but he’s got a bright future as an NFL coach. He could be a guy to watch on the 2021 NFL head coach circuit.

Dave Toub, Kansas City Chiefs Special Teams Coach
Dave Toub has been in the league as a special teams coach since Andy Reid brought him into his Philadelphia Eagles team in 2001. Toub left Philly to take the Chicago Bears special teams coordinator, where he coached Robbie Gould, Devin Hester, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Johnny Knox, and Corey Graham. Toub stayed with Chicago for eight years before reuniting with Reid in Kansas City. His special teams’ units have always been at the top of the league, ranking second in DVOA last season as the Chiefs won the Super Bowl.
Special Teams coaches are rarely hired but have consistently performed well throughout the NFL’s history. Toub is regarded as one of the league’s best, and as a head coach would likely look to bring young, quality coordinators with him and start an overhaul of a team. He could be a darkhorse candidate in the 2021 NFL head coach search.

[AvengerRam]

This year: moderately
Within 3 years: very

[PARAM]

Sure Staley is the hottest new coordinator but if we were to "rank" them by body of work and how often they've been mentioned in the past as a candidate?

Dennis Allen
Byron Leftwich
Greg Roman
Brian Daboll
Eric Bienemy
Wink Martindale
Robert Saleh

Then you have ex-head coaches:

Leslie Frazier
Jack DelRio
Josh McDaniel

Wishful thinking? Perhaps. The McVay factor might come into play.

Lions, Texans, Falcons. I think there are 2 OC's going in that group, maybe 3 if the Falcons do also.

Jets, Chargers, Jags? A safe bet would be Jet's would go OC, especially with Trevor Lawrence on board but are they going to need a new head coach? Chargers? Same thing with their young stud. Jags? Who knows?

So if any DCs get hired, Robert Saleh and Dennis Allen would be logical choices. Staley if you're going for the McVay Effect. I'm with AvengerRam.....not too nervous about this year. Next year? Especially if Staley's D has a repeat performance? For sure.

[snackdaddy]

You would think teams want someone with more than a year's experience as a coordinator. But when he's in been in both the Fangio and McVay coaching trees, I could see why some teams would be interested. Plus, how well the defense is doing. I hope we get another year with him. But I wouldn't be shocked to see him being snapped up by a team wanting to match McVay's energy. The one thing we have going is, this is a league of offense and points. More teams might want offensive coaches.

[max]

This year: moderately
Within 3 years: very

No doubt in my mind that Staley is gone in 3 years if he keeps this up.

A little hard to believe he’s gone next year. I just think for a DC to get a HC job nowadays he needs more than a year as a Coordinator. An OC is different. It’s a QB centric league.

[Hacksaw]

Given the league recently went through a phase where they practiced contact tracing on Sean McVay to find their next head coach, a successful defensive coordinator who has worked with both McVay and Vic Fangio will be an appealing target for many teams.

[aeneas1]

alas, life of an nfl fan, perpetually worried about losing something, a player, a coach, hell even a team in some cases....

[Hacksaw]

alas, life of an nfl fan, perpetually worried about losing something, a player, a coach, hell even a team in some cases....

Longing for the days (at least youthfully perceived days) of loyalty and stability.

[Hacksaw]

The Rams give these young guys a shot and get rewarded by being the young guys stepping stone / spring board. Consistency is what can take a team to an élite level (see NE). Revolving doors in the coaches room is the opposite of consistency.

[snackdaddy]

alas, life of an nfl fan, perpetually worried about losing something, a player, a coach, hell even a team in some cases....

As long as you have a good head coach and GM, you will always be a good team as assistants and players come and go. I think with McVay and Snead we will always be a contender.

On another note, we're seeing how good someone like Josh Daniels is when he doesn't have a Hall of Fame quarterback. Or isn't. Its almost always about that guy under center.