We’re halfway through December, so you know what season it is. That’s right, kids! Happy NFL coaching-cycle season to all those who celebrate.
Coaching carousel is actually a better term, since the merry-go-round after round of interview requests, interviews, second interviews, courtesy interviews and Rooney Rule interviews often creates a circus atmosphere.
Besides, “coaching cycle” sounds more like another term for the spin bike pedaled by Peloton instructor Cody.
Before we gather around the coaching tree, let’s see what jobs are likely to be available and identify the candidates most likely to fill them. As always, they come from three places: the recycle bin, the coordinator pool and the collegiate ranks. The list is certain to include a handful of buzzworthy young hotshots in the never-ending quest for the “next Sean McVay.”
Remember, there have been at least five head coaching vacancies every year since 2011, a streak that almost certainly will reach a 15th consecutive year this winter.
We are already 40 percent there with the firings of two Brians. The Titans canned Callahan in October and the Giants dumped Daboll in November, replacing them on an interim basis with two Mikes — McCoy in Tennessee and Kafka in New York. Entering Week 15, McCoy and Kafka are a combined 1-9 and are both long shots to stick around.
Other teams shopping in the coaching aisle may include Arizona, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Miami and Las Vegas. At least one unexpected guest could join the party. Perhaps Mike Tomlin will part with Pittsburgh, or recent playoff failures may catch up with Baltimore’s John Harbaugh or even Buffalo’s Sean McDermott.
Those three and the Browns’ Kevin Stefanski would be at the top of many wish lists if they become available.
Others with NFL head coaching experience who could get a call include Mike McCarthy, Jon Gruden, Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Nagy, Leslie Frazier, Brian Flores, Arthur Smith, Steve Spagnuolo and … wait for it … the 73-year-old Bill Belichick.
That brings us to an intriguing pair of hybrid candidates: currently successful coordinators with NFL coaching gigs on their résumés.
Coordinators that could become coaches
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh walks off of the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Robert Saleh went 20-36 with the Jets from 2021-24 but has turned around a 49ers defense despite injuries to Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, and he’s only 46. Vance Joseph went 11-21 with the Broncos (2017-18) but his current Denver defense ranks third in total defense and fourth in scoring defense.
Two NFL assistants to keep an eye on who were head coaches in college are Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley (Boston College) and Lions passing-game coordinator David Shaw (Stanford). Hafley interviewed for the Jets’ job last offseason and Shaw has met with multiple teams in the past few years.
Three current coordinators who are members of NFL coaching trees and family trees will warrant serious looks.
Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur is the younger brother of Packers coach Matt LaFleur and a Kyle Shanahan disciple. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula is the grandson of Hall of Famer Don Shula and a branch from the McVay tree. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is the son of Gary Kubiak and worked for his dad in Denver and for Mike Zimmer in Minnesota. All three are in their late 30s.
Other coordinators and college coaches
Jul 25, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach ??Dan Lanning speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports Other current coordinators who should get their interview suits dry-cleaned and update their LinkedIn profiles include offensive coordinators Joe Brady (Bills), Jim Bob Cooter (Colts), Josh Grizzard (Buccaneers), Todd Monken (Ravens), Adam Stenavich (Packers) and 29-year-old Declan Doyle (Bears); and defensive coordinators Anthony Campanile (Jaguars), Matt Burke (Texans), Jesse Minter (Chargers), Anthony Weaver (Dolphins), Lou Anarumo (Colts) and Ejiro Evero (Panthers).
Names to know from the college campuses as interview season commences include Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Dan Lanning (Oregon), Lincoln Riley (USC) and P.J. Fleck (Minnesota).
‘Tis almost the season of leadership change for at least a half-dozen teams. Time to make their lists, check them twice and pray they don’t end up here again in two or three years.
