In the coming weeks, the NFL is expected to see several head coach openings, prompting teams to begin interviewing candidates who are not associated with playoff teams. As the focus remains on quarterback development, there will be a significant demand for top offensive coordinators. Additionally, teams such as the Houston Texans and Washington Commanders have illustrated that defensive-minded head coaches can also instigate successful turnarounds within organizations. While the exact number of head coaching vacancies remains uncertain as the league approaches Week 17, several coordinators have distinguished themselves as strong candidates for these opportunities. Below are profiles of eight coordinators likely to draw interest during the offseason.

Todd Monken is in the midst of a productive third tenure as an NFL offensive coordinator. His previous experiences included shared play-calling duties alongside former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter and a season without play-calling responsibility during Freddie Kitchens' tenure with the Cleveland Browns. Currently with the Baltimore Ravens, Monken has been beneficial for quarterback Lamar Jackson, who has improved his passing productivity during Monken's time on the staff. Already in 2023, Jackson has surpassed his passing yard totals from each of his first five seasons and currently leads the league in passer rating at 120.6. Baltimore's offense has displayed greater balance compared to previous years, ranking in the top four for both passing and rushing. Monken's successful stint in Baltimore could position him favorably for his first head coaching role.

Joe Brady assumed play-calling duties for the Buffalo Bills midway through the 2023 season, following a midseason shakeup that saw the team promote him from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator. Since this transition, the Bills have shown a renewed commitment to their run game with James Cook becoming a key factor in the offense. Quarterback Josh Allen is enjoying a strong season, demonstrating exceptional efficiency without a primary receiving target after the offseason trade of Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans. Allen has not thrown an interception in his initial seven games and boasts a career-low interception rate of 1.2 percent. He has accounted for 37 total touchdowns and leads the league in QBR at 79.3. Brady's successful collaboration with Allen positions him as an attractive candidate for future coaching vacancies.

Under the guidance of Aaron Glenn, the Detroit Lions defense has steadily progressed, evolving from a unit that struggled in 2021 to a top-seven scoring defense this season. Key players such as Aidan Hutchinson, who was in the early conversation for Defensive Player of the Year before his injury, and Jack Campbell, who leads in tackles, exemplify this improvement. The Lions' defensive back Kerby Joseph has emerged with seven interceptions, while versatile players like Brian Branch have excelled. The defense ranks in the top six for pressure rate, rushing yards allowed, and passing touchdowns allowed. While the demand for offensive coordinators may be greater, Glenn’s success with the Lions may still attract interest as defensive coaching candidates are also sought after.

Ben Johnson stands out as a prime candidate in the coordinator pool for head coaching positions. Under his leadership, the Detroit Lions have consistently ranked among the top five in total yards and scoring during his tenure. Currently, the Lions boast the No. 1 scoring offense, with Jared Goff experiencing a notable resurgence under Johnson’s play-calling. Goff has achieved a career-high completion percentage of 71.4 this season and has thrown for over 30 touchdowns in consecutive years for the first time in his career. Given his successful tenure in Detroit, Johnson is anticipated to attract significant interest from organizations seeking a head coach should he decide to pursue opportunities outside of his current position.

Brian Flores is another strong candidate on the defensive side of the ball. With head coaching experience from his time with the Miami Dolphins, where he posted two winning seasons within three years, Flores brings valuable insight to any organization. Despite his tenure concluding with a 24-25 record, Flores made improvements that doubled the franchise's wins in his inaugural season. He has demonstrated considerable prowess leading top-tier defenses, prominently with the Dolphins and now the Minnesota Vikings, where the defense ranks second in points, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns allowed. If teams can overlook any past concerns regarding his relationship with former Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, Flores may well earn another opportunity to lead an NFL team as head coach.

Kellen Moore’s experience as an offensive coordinator could position him for a head coaching opportunity as he has consistently been associated with top-performing offenses. His prior stint with the Dallas Cowboys showcased his ability to manage a top-six scoring offense before he was let go following the 2022 campaign. Currently working with the Los Angeles Chargers, Moore has played a vital role in Jalen Hurts’ successful season, contributing to impressive passing efficiency. As his current offense leads the league in rushing yards, McCarthy's decision-making in hiring Moore could ultimately yield another coaching opportunity in the near future. Moore's prior experience with leading productive offenses will be viewed favorably by organizations considering head coach vacancies.

Liam Coen has emerged as a rising candidate amid the coaching landscape. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, under his leadership, have achieved notable improvement, currently ranking fourth and third in scoring and total yards, respectively, their best performance in several seasons. Quarterback Baker Mayfield has achieved a career-high in touchdown passes during Coen’s time as offensive coordinator, and the Buccaneers have made significant gains in their rushing attack, moving into the top-four as a rushing offense this season. Coen’s ability to orchestrate a top unit despite personnel challenges has made him an attractive candidate for teams seeking an offensive-minded coach.

The Washington Commanders have become one of the league's surprises this season, boasting a sixth-ranked scoring offense led by play-caller Kliff Kingsbury and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Entering Week 16, Daniels has showcased impressive efficiency, ranking fifth in QBR and tenth in passer rating. His performance has been commendable amidst limited receiving options, with veteran Terry McLaurin leading the receiving core. Moreover, Daniels has demonstrated versatility by contributing significantly to the team's rushing totals. Kingsbury’s focus on developing rookie quarterbacks, combined with his previous success with Kyler Murray, positions him as a compelling candidate for head coaching opportunities, particularly with NFL teams looking to utilize high draft picks on quarterbacks. Although Kingsbury holds a losing overall record, his potential to guide young quarterbacks should not be underestimated.