NFL coaching carousel: The top head coach candidates for 2026

As the 2025 NFL season winds toward its conclusion, the coaching carousel is about to start turning.

With multiple teams expected to be looking for fresh leadership ahead of the 2026 season, coordinators across the league are suddenly in high demand.

Here's a rundown of eight of the most intriguing names poised for head-coach interviews – men whose current success, past roles and stylistic traits make them logical next steps for franchises seeking change.

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Chris Shula – Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator

Chris Shula, grandson of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, has quietly built a strong reputation as the defensive architect of the Rams’ unit under Sean McVay.

Promoted to defensive coordinator in early 2024 after years as an assistant in various roles with Los Angeles, Shula’s defense sits among the NFL’s best in defensive EPA and points allowed this season.

Known for his schematic flexibility and ability to adapt to personnel, Shula is drawing significant interest on the head-coaching circuit and sits near the top of many early boards.

Jeff Hafley – Green Bay Packers Defensive Coordinator

Jeff Hafley’s journey to the NFL’s coordinator ranks has been unconventional. After a stint as the head coach at Boston College, he moved to the Packers as defensive coordinator before the 2024 season.

Under Haflley, Green Bay’s defense ranks near the top of the league in yards per play allowed and has shown notable improvement in takeaways and third-down resistance.

Hafley’s reputation as a players’ coach who blends collegiate positional development with pro scheming has made him a sought-after name in coaching discussions.

Klint Kubiak – Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator

Klint Kubiak has steadily risen through the NFL coaching ranks and emerged this year as a key offensive mind for the Seahawks.

Seattle’s balanced, creative attack has flourished under his play calling, and his work with young stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba has drawn positive reviews.

Kubiak’s offensive philosophy – blending timing concepts, zone runs, and quarterback-friendly reads – has helped elevate the Seahawks to genuine Super Bowl contenders, and his stock is rising accordingly.

Jesse Minter – Los Angeles Chargers Defensive Coordinator

Jesse Minter’s defensive acumen has been one of the Chargers’ quiet strengths.

With a scheme rooted in aggression and disguise – a stylistic nod to mentors from the Harbaugh family coaching tree – Minter has engineered a unit that ranks well in key defensive metrics, including yards allowed and timely takeaways.

League insiders view Minter as a cerebral, head-coaching-capable mind with a strong grasp on both strategy and personnel management.

Joe Brady – Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator

Once tagged as one of the NFL’s brightest offensive minds during his tenure with the Panthers and later with LSU in college football, Joe Brady has thrived as the offensive coordinator in Buffalo.

Tasked with maximising a potent Bills roster while refining Josh Allen’s decision-making and reducing turnovers, Brady’s balanced attack has kept Buffalo in the playoff picture.

His offensive schemes – blending play-action with explosive shot plays – have put him firmly in the head-coach conversation.

Lou Anarumo – Indianapolis Colts Defensive Coordinator

Lou Anarumo has carved out a reputation as a stout defensive coordinator with the Colts.

Known for his emphasis on discipline, gap integrity and situational awareness, Anarumo’s units have been among the more consistent against varied offensive approaches. His NFL résumé also includes time with the Giants and Dolphins, where his defenses often exceeded expectations relative to talent.

As multiple franchises look to shore up defensive identity, Anarumo’s name surfaces regularly.

Kliff Kingsbury – Washington Commanders Offensive Coordinator

A checkered head-coaching past has complicated Kliff Kingsbury’s NFL narrative, but his current offensive coordinator role with the Commanders has seen him refine his air-raid roots into a more diverse and controlled scheme.

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Washington’s offense has shown improved rhythm and situational efficiency, helping Kingsbury rehabilitate his image as an offensive innovator. Teams looking for creativity with structure may well consider his experience.

Vance Joseph – Denver Broncos Defensive Coordinator

Vance Joseph brings something many candidates lack: prior NFL head-coaching experience. Now the Broncos’ defensive coordinator, Joseph has shepherded a stout front that combines pressure with disciplined coverage.

Denver’s pass rush ranks among the league’s most disruptive, and Joseph’s ability to blend veteran savvy with young talent will have impressed front offices.

His previous head-coach stint with the Broncos (2017–18) may have been rocky, but his growth since then makes him a compelling second-chance candidate.