Ranked: The top 10 head coaching candidates in the NFL

The NFL season is in full swing, but the end is now much closer than the beginning. We have already seen multiple head coaches fired before the conclusion of the regular season, and you have to assume there are more to come, so let's take a look at who could be in line to replace them!

Kubiak had the Saints flying in the first two weeks of the season before losses to the Eagles and Falcons brought them back down to earth. Kubiak is the latest offensive mind from the Shanahan school to make an impact on the NFL and could be seen as an ideal head coach for 2025 and beyond. Since Dennis Allen's firing, the Saints have played with more freedom and Kubiak has re-found some of his early-season magic.

The Eagles have the fifth-ranked offense in the NFL, per Sumer Sports EPA/Play rankings. In large part this is down to the elite players they have across the offensive lineup, but this is not the first time Moore has overseen an elite offense, potentially making him one of the more in-demand coaching hires come of the off season.

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We tend to think Belichick’s time as an elite NFL coach is behind him, but if a team comes calling, he would be straight back in his cut-off hoody, headset on, ready to go. As Dallas Robinson pointed out recently for Pro Football Network, the former Pats head coach desires personnel control, which will limit the opportunities he had available to him. 

Flores could be the best defensive coach in football currently. The Vikings’ defensive play-caller is aggressive, innovative, and already has head coaching experience after a spell in Miami. If Flores gets another shot, he could be an excellent head coach.

Vrabel’s time as the Titans head coach was mostly successful, leading Tennessee to the playoffs multiple times, now he’s gone, the talent deficit in Nashville is even more obvious. If a talented team is looking to take the next step, Vrabel could be the guy to help get them there. 

C.J. Stroud had one of the best rookie seasons of all time in 2023 and a big reason for that was Bobby Slowik’s excellent coaching. Per Pro Football Network, his contract runs out in 2025 making him primed to make the step-up to head coach in the offseason. 2024 hasn't been as smooth for the Texans and their offense, but they are still heading to the playoffs and the offense is putting up good numbers once again.

Arizona is having an up and down year as a whole, but their offense is still performing well, sitting 10th in EPA/Play despite some erratic play from Kyler Murray. Petzing was an out-of-nowhere hire by the Cardinals, but so far it has paid off. Expect him to be in demand soon.

Per CBS Sports, Glenn is, “an integral locker-room component of Dan Campbell's staff,” which is a huge endorsement considering how united and together Detroit has seemed since Campbell’s hiring. Glenn's impact on Detroit's defense cannot be overstated, as they continue to play at a high level despite suffering injuries all over the field.

Plenty of you will see Joe Brady this high and immediately disagree, but his resume is exemplary. Aged just 35 he is also the young, bright offensive mind that has been so in vogue in recent hiring cycles. If there are openings across the league, Brady could well be one of the first head coaches hired in 2025.

Johnson turned down the Washington Commanders last off season, per Sports Illustrated, wanting to try and take the Lions to the Super Bowl after falling short last year. That sets him up to leave this off season as the consensus top candidate, allowing him to be picky with where he ends up. There are going to be multiple openings featuring young quarterbacks that would be perfect for Johnson. Wherever he ends up, it'll be fun to watch.

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