NFL assistant coaches who could be head coaches soon

Austin has a long coaching track record, including stints as defensive coordinator of the Lions, Bengals, and now Steelers. Pittsburgh's defense has been elite since he took over in 2022.

The 35-year-old Brady helped guide the historic LSU offense in 2019 as passing game coordinator and has since served as offensive coordinator of the Panthers and Bills. Buffalo's offense continues to prosper under his watch.

Brown has been an NFL coach since 2020, serving with the Rams, Panthers, and Bears. He was Carolina's offensive coordinator last season and has been seen as a fast-rising NFL assistant at age 38.

Coen is only 38 but has extensive experience as an assistant coach at the college and pro level. He was Sean McVay's offensive coordinator in 2022, a role that usually leads to bigger things, and has done well replacing Dave Canales as Tampa Bay's offensive coordinator this year.

Evero has received head coaching interviews, garnering attention as the defensive coordinator of the Broncos in 2022 and the Panthers over the last two years. Despite shaky talent in Carolina, Evero has produced strong defenses.

Flores was Miami's head coach from 2019-2021, and got a surprise pink slip despite exceeding expectations. He helped revive Minnesota's defense since being hired as coordinator last year, and could get another shot as head coach soon.

Foerster has a long track record as an NFL offensive line coach dating back to the mid-90s. He's one of Kyle Shanahan's most trusted assistants on offense and seems deserving of a bigger role after paying his dues for so long.

Detroit's defense has shown consistent improvement under Glenn, who became coordinator in 2021. Also, as an excellent former NFL cornerback, Glenn has the credibility to lead a team.

A former assistant in New England, Graham has experience as the coordinator of the Dolphins, Giants, and Raiders. His defenses have regularly played beyond their talent, though he's overseen defenses on some bad teams.

One of the most highly sought after coaches in the league, Johnson has already turned down bigger opportunities. The Lions offense has been elite since he became coordinator in 2022.

The 36-year-old Johnson is on the fast track as the quarterbacks coach for C.J. Stroud and company in Houston. With Stroud continuing to develop well, Johnson could see more looks and interviews.

Kafka comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree as the former Chiefs quarterbacks coach, and was promoted to assistant head coach by the Giants this year along with his offensive coordinator title. He's received head coaching interviews, and it seems like only a matter of time before the 37-year-old gets his shot.

The former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, Kingsbury has revitalized his stock with the development of Washington's offense this season. Still highly thought of for his offensive system, Kingsbury could get a chance with a young team soon.

The younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Mike has served as offensive coordinator of the Jets and Rams. The success of his brother along experience under Sean McVay makes LaFleur a likely head coaching candidate.

Minter followed Jim Harbaugh from Michigan to the Chargers, and has shown elite ability as a coordinator already. At age 41, he's a prime candidate for either a college or NFL head coaching position.

Moore has held high-profile offensive coordinator positions with the Cowboys, Chargers, and Eagles. The success of the Eagles' offense this season after struggling in 2023 puts Moore back on the head coaching radar.

Pleasant has extensive NFL coaching experience and has held multiple positions with the organization. His experience coaching on both sides of the ball and as an understudy of Sean McVay makes him an intriguing candidate.

Richard received head coaching consideration when he was an assistant on the Cowboys defense, and has since served as an assistant for the Saints and Jaguars. Still only 45, he has time to find his first head coaching position.

A former offensive assistant with the Rams, Robinson has hit the ground running as the Falcons offensive coordinator. His experience under Sean McVay is a bonus for his head coaching candidacy.

Slowik worked under Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco before becoming Houston's offensive coordinator last year. The Texans offense has been excellent under his watch, with C.J. Stroud developing quickly.

Spagnuolo has won four Super Bowls as a defensive coordinator, according three with the Chiefs. He struggled as the Rams head coach from 2009-2011, but could be deserving of another opportunity with his success as a coordinator.

Weaver has over a decade of coaching experience in the NFL, including defensive coordinator jobs with the Texans and Dolphins. He could get consideration as a head coach next offseason.

Webb went straight from the bench to the sideline as Broncos quarterback coach, and has helped develop Bo Nix this season. Impressing offensive guru Sean Payton says a lot for Webb's coaching potential, and he's still only 29.