2026 NFL Head Coaching Candidates

[RaiderFan1]

Overview of 2026 NFL Head Coaching Candidates

Experienced Coaches

Mike McCarthy Former NFL Head Coach Super Bowl winner, high career winning percentage
Vance Joseph Broncos Defensive Coordinator Former head coach with experience in the NFL
Brian Flores Vikings Defensive Coordinator Known for strong defensive strategies

Rising Coordinators

Jeff Hafley Packers Defensive Coordinator Strong defensive performance, head coaching experience in college
Klint Kubiak Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Innovative offensive strategies, young talent
Jesse Minter Chargers Defensive Coordinator Successful tenure at Michigan, championship experience

Young and Innovative Candidates

Joe Brady Bills Offensive Coordinator Previous success at LSU, known for developing quarterbacks
Thomas Brown Patriots Passing Game Coordinator Experience with Super Bowl-winning teams
Jim Bob Cooter Colts Offensive Coordinator Proven track record of improving offenses

College Coaches to Watch

Marcus Freeman Notre Dame Head Coach Rising star in college football
Lincoln Riley USC Head Coach High-profile offensive mind
Dan Lanning Oregon Head Coach Strong recruiting and coaching background

[Attyla]

I want Cooter, he seems like a QB whisperer.

[RickRyb]

I hope The Raiders have already made the decision, 1) Carroll is gone at season's end, and 2) They're keeping Spytek as their GM and he can begin the evaluation and interview process for a new HC starting Monday January 5

[RaiderFan1]

Are there any other candidates that aren't on this list that you like ?

[Xramfan]

I want Cooter, he seems like a QB whisperer.

From wiki: Cooter is from Fayetteville.[13] He was arrested for driving under the influence in June 2006, and was suspended from the Volunteers as a result.[6] In 2009, he was charged with aggravated burglary after climbing into a window and getting into a woman's bed.[13] The charges were later dropped."



Now that is some old Raider mystique.......I`m in ;)

[Raidernation1979]

What qb did Brady develop? At this point crazy cooter seems solid. He clearly knows how to get a run game going.

[DeathStar24]

Lincoln Riley's name seems like it's been out their for decades.

[Trainnvain]

I hope The Raiders have already made the decision, 1) Carroll is gone at season's end, and 2) They're keeping Spytek as their GM and he can begin the evaluation and interview process for a new HC starting Monday January 5

Hopefully they have started the evaluation process already. I wouldn’t mind them canning Carroll right now so they can get a jump on the interview process as well

[heavyD]

-Minter and Kubiak are intriguing and lack of experience would be my only pause.
-Flores to me is boom/bust. He’s either going to turn the team around or it’s going to explode with him butting heads with others in the organization.
-Is Vance Joseph one of those guys that’s a better coordinator than head coach? He got two full seasons in Denver and won 11 games combined. Not overly inspiring.

[RaiderFan1]

From wiki: Cooter is from Fayetteville.[13] He was arrested for driving under the influence in June 2006, and was suspended from the Volunteers as a result.[6] In 2009, he was charged with aggravated burglary after climbing into a window and getting into a woman's bed.[13] The charges were later dropped."



Now that is some old Raider mystique.......I`m in ;)

Sounds like a tuesday for Stabler

[Viper]

Are there any other candidates that aren't on this list that you like ?

I’m not usually a fan of college coaches stepping up to the big time but I do like Dan Lanning - a lot.
I’m also a fan of Steve Sarkisian. He’s battled alcoholism and seems to have a grasp on it these days, I believe since 2015. He has some experience in the NFL also.
Having gone through the battle myself, I’m admittedly a bit bias because if you can come out the other side there’s literally nothing you can’t do.

[LayneStaley]

Shula should be on that list.

[DanKD]

I don't understand the Cooter love. He seems meh with nothing particularly exciting on his resume.

[Attyla]

I don't understand the Cooter love. He seems meh with nothing particularly exciting on his resume.

Watch some Indy ball and that might change course. He recreated Daniel Jones and his run concepts would really help Jeanty. His play calling is also very good.

[LayneStaley]

Yeah but if he fails here the “Cooter” jokes will be so annoying after the first 2 pages.