This is a time when a handful of NFL teams are, or will be, looking for their next leader on the sideline.
Finding a new coach who will make an immediate positive impact is not easy. Just ask the New England Patriots. They hired Jerrod Mayo before this season, only to fire him after the season ended with a 4-13 record.
But New England has already acquired Mike Vrabel, and the Chicago Bears are also starting to plan for the future by hiring former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next coach.
Still, there are many strong candidates for the position. Here are three of the best.
Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator
Philadelphia is gearing up for the NFC Championship Game thanks to Moore, who has maximized nearly all of the Eagles’ weapons on offense.
running back Saquon Barkley revived his career During the regular season, he rushed for a league-leading 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns. Quarterback Jalen Hurts’ two-way ability was on full display (32 total TDs), and Philadelphia averaged 27.2 points per game.
Moore is the perfect option for a team in need of offensive reinforcements. His name has been thrown around in head coaching talks since serving as the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator from 2019 to 2022, but it may finally be time for the 36-year-old to take on more responsibility.
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is on the field before a game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Required Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Unlike Moore, Monken already has experience as a head coach. It only reached the college level.
Monken spent three seasons at Southern Miss (2013-2015), leading the Golden Eagles to a 13-25 record. He has not been in the NFL since then, except for serving as OC and quarterbacks coach at Georgia from 2020-2022.
Monken, 58, one of the most experienced names, likely gained considerable traction with the Bears before they acquired Johnson. Jacksonville appears to be where Monken could be headed if he chooses to move on from the Ravens. The Jaguars fired coach Doug Pederson on January 6th.
Mike McCarthy, former Dallas Cowboys coach
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy leaves the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Required Credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Dallas firing McCarthy earlier this month was a move everyone expected for years.
The Cowboys often underperformed during McCarthy’s five seasons at the helm, especially once the playoffs began. Dallas advanced to the Divisional Round only once, losing, and was eliminated twice in the Wild Card Round.
Everyone seems to have a strong opinion of McCarthy, most of them not positive, but the 61-year-old won 174 games in the regular season, 11 in the postseason, and won a ring in the Super Bowl. Also plays a role.
Like it or not, Mr. McCarthy won’t remain unemployed for long. It’s only a matter of time before a team comes and grabs him, but you never know. Maybe a fresh start could improve his reputation.
