NFL coaching candidates we’d hire: ESPN experts rank their choices
Adam Schefter reports the latest on the interest former Packers coach Mike McCarthy has been receiving from other teams. (0:30)
The ground rules are simple: We asked a panel of our NFL experts — reporters, analysts, former players — to play general manager and rank five candidates who aren’t currently head coaches in the NFL whom they’d try to hire for hypothetical franchises.
In other words, voters could nominate Mike Leach (current head coach at Washington State) but not Matt Nagy (current NFL head coach). Got it? In total, 25 names were nominated on our ballots, with a certain coach from the college ranks topping five of them.
Point system explained: First-place votes are worth 5 points, second-place worth 4, third-place worth 3 and so on. Full results of all coaches who received votes can be seen at the bottom of this story.
Current job: Head coach, Oklahoma Sooners
NFL experience: None
The 35-year-old just pulled off a top-10 recruiting class, but could the lure of the NFL — and potentially coaching his former quarterback in Cleveland — make him think about leaving OU? Riley said Tuesday that he’s not interested in the NFL “right now.”
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Current job: Offensive coordinator, New England Patriots
NFL experience: Former Broncos head coach (2009-10)
After jilting the Colts at the altar last offseason, is McDaniels ready for another go with a different team? Are other teams ready to commit to him?
Current job: Defensive coordinator, Chicago Bears
NFL experience: Defensive coordinator for five NFL teams since 1995
A popular candidate years ago, Fangio has seen his stock rise again thanks to the Bears’ throwback “Monsters of the Midway” defense in 2018.
Current job: Waiting for next gig
NFL experience: Former Packers head coach (2006-18)
A 135-85-2 career record — and Super Bowl XLV title — lend credence to the idea that McCarthy won’t be unemployed for long.
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Current job: Head coach, Michigan Wolverines
NFL experience: Former 49ers head coach (2011-14)
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Current job: Head coach, Stanford Cardinal
NFL experience: Former assistant for Ravens (2002-05), Raiders (1998-2001) and Eagles (1997)
Shaw’s work at Stanford is exemplary, and he has been a rumored NFL target for years. His background is on offense, which is where teams could look again this offseason after the Rams, Bears and Colts found success the past two seasons after hiring from that side of the ball.
Current job: Special-teams coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
NFL experience: 18 years of experience as an NFL coordinator
Under Toub, the Chiefs (and previously the Bears) have held a distinct advantage on special teams. Is he the next coordinator from “the third side of the ball” to get a shot at a head-coaching gig?
Current job: Defensive coordinator, Indianapolis Colts
NFL experience: Linebackers coach for Browns (2009-10) and Cowboys (2011-17)
Having just ascended to a coordinator-level job, Eberflus is one of the more inexperienced coaches on this list. But teams looking for the next rising hotshot might have seen enough, as Eberflus worked wonders with the Colts this season.
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Current job: Offensive line coach, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL experience: Titans head coach (2011-13), NFL Hall of Famer as a player
Notice how the Steelers’ running game hasn’t missed a beat as they went from Le’Veon Bell to James Conner to Jaylen Samuels this season? Munchak’s work with the O-line has a lot to do with that.
Current job: Offensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
NFL experience: Running backs coach for Vikings (2006-10) and Chiefs (2013-17)
Like Eberflus, Bieniemy is another hotshot coach on the rise in his first year with a coordinator title at the NFL level, and could be the next Andy Reid protégé to level up to head coach. The Chiefs’ offense is humming under his watch, leading the league in total yards and points.