There have been plenty of popular names thrown around for next year’s anticipated head coach vacancies. With only 32 NFL Head Coach positions, there is always a candidate that might deserve a shot that has to wait years to get it. Seasoned former head coaches like Bill Belichick and Mike Vrabel are top names on many fans list to go along with Ben Johnson and former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores. There are many great coaches though that may be getting overlooked with so many other big names dominating the media.
Vance Joseph
The Denver Broncos defensive coordinator and former head coach, Vance Joseph should be considered a top candidate for a team looking to improve their defense. Low expectations were set for the Broncos coming into 2024, but especially on the defensive side of the ball.
When in fact, it’s been that Denver defense that has carried the offense through many of the first games of the season. They currently hold a top five defense and sit firmly in the playoff picture with a record of 7-5. Joseph has had a short stint of head coach experience but has shown he is more than deserving for another chance.
Landing Spot: Jacksonville Jaguars
Joe Brady
The Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady has worked wonders for their offense, especially stars Josh Allen and James Cook. Buffalo currently has the third ranked scoring offense in the NFL and is in position to challenge for the top seed in the AFC playoffs. Quarterback Josh Allen has had one of his best seasons of his career, placing him as a front runner for the MVP award. This isn’t the first magic Brady has worked with a quarterback.
Joe Brady was the offensive coordinator for Joe Burrow while at LSU during their historic undefeated and National Championship season. There is no question Brady should be getting plenty of attention and interviews for the upcoming head coaching openings. Especially for a team hoping to develop a young quarterback.
Landing Spot: Chicago Bears
Jesse Minter
Jesse Minter was the defensive coordinator for the National Champion winning Michigan Wolverines, he then followed Jim Harbaugh to the Los Angeles Chargers for the same role. Minter has turned the Chargers into one of the best defenses in the NFL this season, currently ranked as the number one scoring defense.
Last night against the Baltimore Ravens was the first time the Los Angeles defense has allowed a team to get over 30 points, and just the third time a team has scored 20 or more. Being a first-time coordinator at the NFL level may work against Minter this year, but he is a name worth keeping an eye on in the head coach carousel.
Landing Spot: New York Jets
Aaron Glenn
Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has often been overshadowed by their offensive coordinator Ben Johnson when it comes to head coaching rumors. Glenn deserves some recognition though; many thought the Lions defense would drop off a cliff after star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson went down with a season ending injury.
This hasn’t been the case; the Detroit defense has continued its dominance this year. Glenn’s unit hasn’t allowed a single touchdown over the last two games, in fact they haven’t allowed a touchdown in the last 10 quarters of football. Head Coach Dan Campbell has praised the work Glenn has done on the defensive side of the ball and is very deserving of a head coaching opportunity of his own.
Landing Spot: Cincinnati Bengals
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