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Plenty of "Help Wanted" signs are being put up around the NFL.
The 2023 regular season concluded on Sunday, and while some more fortunate franchises are gearing up for a postseason run, others have turned their attention to the future. "Black Monday" has so far resulted in the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders firing head coaches Arthur Smith and Ron Rivera, respectively. Five head coaching spots are now vacant in the league. The Las Vegas Raiders, Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers all axed their leaders during the campaign.
So as the league's hiring cycle is about to kick off, who are some of the names to monitor for potentially filling these openings (and any others that could pop up)?
Newsweek compiled a list of 10 assistant coaches around the league—or in one case, a college coach—who will inevitably be mentioned over the next few weeks. If Bill Belichick does part ways with the Patriots (or maybe it's the other way around) or if the Raiders fail to lock up interim coach Antonio Pierce, feel free to add them to the group.
But as things currently stand, here are coaches to keep an eye on.
Eric Bieniemy, Commanders Offensive Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach
The NFL has reached its yearly "Will Eric Bieniemy get a head coaching job?" portion of the calendar. This time around, though, circumstances are a bit different.
Rather than coordinating a potent Kansas City Chiefs offense, Bieniemy is coming off his first—and likely only—season as Washington's offensive coordinator. And the results left something to be desired. The Commanders finished 25th in the league in scoring and 29th in turnovers, with Sam Howell running things at quarterback.
If Rivera was on the chopping block, the franchise could have fired him earlier in the season and given the keys to Bieniemy for a few weeks as a head coach audition of sorts. But it didn't. And now Bieniemy's future is uncertain, though he will inevitably have plenty of interviews to prepare for. Whether that's as a coordinator or head coach remains to be seen.
Brian Flores, Vikings Defensive Coordinator
Flores could return to the head coaching ranks after two seasons as an assistant coach, including the 2023 campaign he spent coordinating an ultra-aggressive Vikings defense. The former Miami Dolphins coach went 24-25, with two winning seasons over a three-year stretch, leading the team from 2019 to 2021.
While Flores' defensive acumen and leadership skills are unquestioned, he will likely have to present an offensive vision better than what was displayed during his time in Miami if he wants to get another shot at a top job.
Aaron Glenn, Lions Defensive Coordinator
The Lions are division champions for the first time in three decades, and Glenn had a big role to play in making that happen. But he could be gone soon. Glenn was recently named the defensive coordinator players most enjoyed playing for in a National Football League Players Association survey, certainly a glowing endorsement from his players. And this well-respected defensive mind is already drawing interest.
The Commanders requested interviews with both of Detroit's coordinators on Monday, according to NFL Media, as they look to fill Rivera's spot.
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan Head Coach
Speculation about a possible return to the NFL has been rampant throughout Harbaugh's tenure at Michigan. And that's no different going into Monday night's national championship game against Washington. The former 49ers head coach has repeatedly been asked about his coaching future heading into the game—a question he has so far deflected by saying he hopes "to have one."
The 60-year-old reportedly hired a new agent recently, possibly teasing a job change. If Harbaugh is interested in turning pro (again), there will likely be plenty of takers.
Ben Johnson, Lions Offensive Coordinator
And now to the other Lions coordinator who could be a head coach soon.
Johnson's name is perhaps the most widely discussed by pundits leading into this offseason's hiring cycle. Detroit's play caller was also a big name last year, although after taking some interviews he opted to return to the Lions. The 37-year-old has revived Jared Goff's career and orchestrated top five scoring offenses in both of his seasons as a coordinator.
The Panthers have a young quarterback, the Falcons can't seem to make the most of their offensive repertoire, and the Chargers need a coach to pair with Justin Herbert. Johnson could be the solution to any of those situations, among others.
Mike Macdonald, Ravens Defensive Coordinator
One of the top coaching lieutenants under both Harbaugh brothers could soon be an NFL head coach himself. Macdonald is in his second year back on Baltimore's staff after a one-season stint as Michigan's defensive coordinator. And the results speak for themselves. The Ravens led the NFL in points allowed, sacks and turnovers (tied for most) forced during the 2023 regular season, an unprecedented accomplishment for a professional defense.
That should garner some job interest, to say the least.
Raheem Morris, Rams Defensive Coordinator
Add Morris to the list of candidates the Commanders are already interested in interviewing for their head coaching job. This was largely viewed as a rebuilding year for the Rams coming off a down season, but Los Angeles won seven of its last eight games to grab a Wild Card spot. Morris led the Rams defense during the 2021 Super Bowl season and rebuilt it this year with a combination of proven veterans and young, largely unknown players.
The 47-year-old already has head coaching experience from his three-year stint with the Buccaneers, from 2009 to 2011, plus his time as Atlanta's interim coach in 2020.
Dan Quinn, Cowboys Defensive Coordinator
The former Falcons head coach seems poised to get a top job somewhere around the league this offseason—if he wants one.
Quinn is in this third season leading Dallas' dominant defense despite significant interest around the league in previous offseasons. One of the architects of Seattle's "Legion of Boom" went 43-42 in nearly six seasons in Atlanta, and he memorably led the Falcons to a Super Bowl (and hey, he even had a 28-3 lead). Expect a number of interviews to be lined up for Quinn if he decides he's ready to part with this Cowboys' defense.
Bobby Slowik, Texans Offensive Coordinator
Slowik has sure made an impression during his first season as an NFL coordinator.
The 36-year-old product of the always-popular Shanahan coaching tree, in his debut as a play caller, worked wonders in tandem with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud and has Houston back in the playoffs. Sure, Slowik is not as experienced as many other candidates around the league. And there are more good candidates than there are job openings. But what he did with the Texans this season is bound to grab attention.
Steve Wilks, 49ers Defensive Coordinator
Former 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans left his post last offseason to take the Texans job, and San Francisco may have another opening soon enough.
Wilks has kept San Fran's defense just as dominant in his first year on the job. The 49ers finished the regular season third in points allowed and top 10 in the league in various other categories. Wilks didn't exactly get a chance to prove himself during a lone season leading the Cardinals in 2018 (which resulted in a 3-13 season). But the 54-year-old did go 6-6 as Carolina's interim coach a year ago. And considering the Panthers went 2-15 this season, that was more than an admirable job.
Bonus Names to Watch: Lou Anarumo (Bengals DC), Brian Callahan (Bengals OC), Dave Canales (Buccaneers OC), Ejiro Evero (Panthers DC), Brian Johnson (Eagles OC), Jerod Mayo (Patriots linebackers coach), Kellen Moore (Chargers OC), Frank Smith (Dolphins OC).
About the writer
Robert Read is a Life & Trends Reporter at Newsweek based in Florida. His background is primarily in sports journalism ... Read more