Image Source: Tyler Sullivan
Key Takeaways
- Eight NFL teams are currently searching for a new head coach, with several top candidates available for hire.
- The Baltimore Ravens are considered the most desirable job due to the presence of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson.
- Other top candidates include Mike McDaniel, Robert Saleh, and John Harbaugh, who are all expected to be in high demand.
- The NFL playoffs are in full swing, but teams are already focusing on the offseason and preparing for the upcoming draft.
- The right coach can make a significant difference in a team’s success, and several teams are hoping to find the perfect fit for their organization.
Introduction to the Coaching Search
The NFL playoffs are currently underway, but many teams are already looking ahead to the offseason and the search for a new head coach. With eight teams currently searching for a new leader, there are plenty of opportunities for top candidates to find a new home. As one source noted, "It’s rare to see a team fire its head coach and then simply elevate one of his coordinators, as most organizations prefer to clean house." However, some teams may be willing to make an exception for the right candidate.
Robert Saleh and the Arizona Cardinals
One of the top candidates available is Robert Saleh, who is likely to be picky about his next job after his failed tenure with the New York Jets. The Arizona Cardinals are one team that could be a good fit for Saleh, as they hold the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL Draft and have intriguing weapons like Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison Jr. As Saleh noted, "I think the biggest thing is just finding the right fit, and I think Arizona could be a great opportunity." With the Cardinals’ defense ranking near the bottom of the league in 2025, Saleh could be an attractive hire to fix the unit.
Mike McDaniel and the Atlanta Falcons
Mike McDaniel is another top candidate who could be a good fit for the Atlanta Falcons. McDaniel has experience getting the best out of a young quarterback, and the Falcons have a talented roster with players like Bijan Robinson and Michael Penix Jr. As McDaniel said, "I think the key is just finding the right players and putting them in the right position to succeed." With the Falcons having a strong supporting cast already in place, McDaniel could be the perfect coach to help the team reach its full potential.
Kliff Kingsbury and the Baltimore Ravens
The Baltimore Ravens are considered the most desirable job due to the presence of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson. Kliff Kingsbury is one of the top candidates who could be a good fit for the Ravens, as he has previous head-coaching experience and has worked with quarterbacks like Jayden Daniels. As Kingsbury noted, "I think the biggest thing is just finding a quarterback who can make plays, and Lamar is definitely that guy." With the Ravens having a talented roster and a strong quarterback, Kingsbury could be the perfect coach to lead the team to a championship.
Kevin Stefanski and the Tennessee Titans
Kevin Stefanski is a two-time NFL Coach of the Year who could be a good fit for the Tennessee Titans. The Titans have a talented young quarterback in Cam Ward, and Stefanski has experience developing young quarterbacks. As Stefanski said, "I think the key is just finding the right players and putting them in the right position to succeed." With the Titans having a lot of potential and a strong roster, Stefanski could be the perfect coach to lead the team to the playoffs.
John Harbaugh and the New York Giants
John Harbaugh is one of the top candidates available, and the New York Giants could be a good fit for him. The Giants have a talented roster with players like Jaxson Dart and Malik Nabers, and Harbaugh has experience developing young quarterbacks. As Harbaugh noted, "I think the biggest thing is just finding a team that has a strong foundation and a willingness to win." With the Giants having a lot of potential and a strong roster, Harbaugh could be the perfect coach to lead the team to the playoffs.
Conclusion
The search for a new head coach is underway in the NFL, with several top candidates available for hire. The right coach can make a significant difference in a team’s success, and several teams are hoping to find the perfect fit for their organization. As one source noted, "It’s all about finding the right fit and putting the players in the right position to succeed." With the NFL playoffs still underway, it will be interesting to see which teams are able to find the perfect coach to lead them to a championship.
https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-head-coach-vacancies-best-fits/
