Top NFL Head Coach Candidates to Watch for 2025 and Beyond
It’s only 2023, but many in NFL circles are already buzzing about who might be the next big thing in head coaching for the 2025 season and beyond. There are a handful of clear standouts currently working their way up through the ranks, assistant coaches and coordinators gaining recognition for their leadership, strategy, and innovation. Some of these names are familiar to avid NFL fans, while others are newer to the national stage, but all are thought to have the potential to become the kind of franchise-altering head coaches that teams are desperate for.
The fascinating thing about the NFL is that the landscape is constantly evolving, and with success often being so fleeting, organizations are always on the lookout for fresh-faced leaders who can make a quick impact. Some of these candidates have a proven track record already, while others have emerged as wunderkinds whose potential feels limitless. Let’s take a deep, insider look at some of the top names to keep an eye on if you’re thinking about where your team’s next head coach might come from.
Kellen Moore: The Young Offensive Mind to Watch
Kellen Moore is a name that NFL fans should already be quite familiar with. Currently serving as the Offensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore’s rise has been nothing short of meteoric. Before landing in L.A., Moore made his mark with the Dallas Cowboys as their OC, where he ran one of the league’s top offenses. Moore’s offense was efficient, scoring high, and structured around maximizing quarterback Dak Prescott’s strengths.
At just 35 years old, Moore is one of the youngest coordinators in the game, which adds to his appeal as a head coach candidate. His youth not only resonates with players but also signifies the potential for long-term success if hired. Teams are constantly looking for the next head coach who can bring energy, innovation, and a new vision to their franchises, and Moore checks all those boxes. Adding to that is his ability to develop quarterbacks—something that NFL teams are always fixated on when choosing a leader.
DeMeco Ryans: A Defensive Specialist With Leadership Qualities
Another name making waves in coaching circles is DeMeco Ryans, who has already embarked on his head coaching journey with the Houston Texans in the 2023 season. But Ryans’ meteoric rise began long before that. As the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator, Ryans turned a good defense into a great one, and in 2022, the 49ers fielded one of the NFL’s most dominant defensive units under his leadership.
Ryans, a former player himself, was always known for his intelligence and leadership skills on the field. Transitioning those qualities into coaching has been seamless, and his ability to connect with players on an emotional and strategic level has been highly praised. Defensive-minded head coaches don’t always get the same headline-grabbing attention as their offensive counterparts, but Ryans is changing that narrative with his rapid rise.
Brian Johnson: The Hidden Gem in Philadelphia’s System
A bit under the radar but deserving of more attention, Brian Johnson is currently the quarterbacks coach for the Philadelphia Eagles. His development of Jalen Hurts has been nothing short of remarkable, helping Hurts evolve into an MVP candidate and leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl appearance.
Johnson’s stock continues to rise not only because of his work with Hurts but also due to his natural football IQ. Known for his leadership skills and calm demeanor, he’s impressed many around the league with his attention to detail and the way he approaches player development. With the hefty task of being able to develop top-tier quarterbacks successfully, Johnson seems primed to take the next leap to offensive coordinator or even head coach soon.
Ejiro Evero: A Name to Remember From Minnesota
Ejiro Evero, the current defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, has been a rising star in the coaching ranks. Evero’s climb up the coaching ladder includes previous stints as a secondary coach for the Los Angeles Rams, and in his first season as a coordinator with the Denver Broncos in 2022, the defense finished inside the top 10 rankings in yards allowed.
Evero has been recognized for his scheming and leadership style, allowing aggressive plays while keeping discipline intact. His philosophy blends fundamentals with the freedom to adjust during the game—a perfect balance in modern football. Like Brian Flores before him, Evero’s rise is being closely watched by team owners searching for defensive-minded tacticians to get their franchises back on track.
Jarod Mayo: A Born Leader With Potential to Spare
Jarod Mayo is a guy with head coach stamped all over him; the only real question seems to be when he will make the jump. Currently a linebackers coach for the New England Patriots, Mayo has long been seen as the next in line for a high-tier coaching role. His time in New England has served him well, learning under one of the greatest coaching minds in Bill Belichick, which means he’s no stranger to discipline, structure, and high expectations.
Mayo brings a player’s perspective to the coaching ranks, having had a successful playing career of his own before venturing into coaching. His charisma and ability to motivate the players around him have made him a standout among his peers. At some point soon, his defensive acumen and leadership will take center stage as he makes the leap to head coach.
Brian Flores: Returning Soon to the Big Chair?
Brian Flores is a name NFL fans already know after he spent three seasons leading the Miami Dolphins as their head coach, from 2019 to 2021. Flores transformed Miami from a struggling franchise to a tough defensive unit and led them to consecutive winning seasons in 2020 and 2021, something the Dolphins hadn’t accomplished since 2003.
Currently serving as an assistant on Mike Tomlin’s staff with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Flores finds himself in an interesting position. Though his exit from Miami was clouded by controversy, teams are unlikely to overlook his undeniable coaching talent for too long. Flores’ hard-nosed, defensive style of coaching resonates with teams looking to instill discipline and toughness. It might only be a matter of time before Flores gets another opportunity to run his own team again, and when he does, expect him to bring that same fiery intensity we saw in Miami.
Other Potential Names to Keep an Eye On
While those are some of the more headline-grabbing names, there are a slew of coaches lurking in the wings who could be the next breakout stars. Whether they’re lower-level assistants now or simply waiting for the right opportunity, here are a few more candidates to be aware of:
- Lou Anarumo – Cincinnati Bengals Defensive Coordinator
- Ben Johnson – Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator
- Shane Waldron – Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
- Mike Kafka – New York Giants Offensive Coordinator
What’s Next?
As 2023 unfolds, these head coach candidates should keep working their magic, maintaining momentum, and preparing for the multitude of head coaching vacancies we usually see during any typical NFL offseason. With teams ready to re-evaluate, pivot, and start fresh, the next generation of great leaders is already preparing behind the scenes for their moment in the spotlight. And when they get that opportunity, you can be sure that NFL fans will be watching closely to see who becomes the next coaching sensation.
The dynamic nature of the NFL coaching landscape means that there will always be a demand for those who can change the trajectory of a franchise. Whether they come from offensive backgrounds, defensive minds, or unique leadership philosophies, one thing is certain—fans will be debating these names for years to come.
Keep your eyes on these names, because the future of the NFL’s head coaching fraternity is bright, and one of these coaches might just be the one to turn your favorite team into the next Super Bowl contender.
Originally Written by: Conor Orr
