NFL assistants who could soon become head coaches

Brady continues to operate an elite offense in Buffalo after coming on board as the quarterback's coach in 2022. Josh Allen has taken his game to the next level under Brady, who also served as OC for the Panthers in 2020-21 and passing game coordinator for the historic LSU team of 2019.

Evero has a long history as an NFL assistant and has served as the defensive coordinator of the Broncos and Panthers. He's faced an uphill battle for the rebuilding Panthers' defense recently, but has been well-regarded for his work as a long-time NFL assistant.

Flores served as the Dolphins head coach from 2019-21, exceeding expectations at 24-25 during the regular season. He's helped revive the Vikings' defense since being named coordinator in 2023, but his lawsuit against the NFL and multiple teams, alleging racial discrimination, could stand as an obstacle for a future head coaching job.

A long-time defensive assistant for the Patriots, Giants, Packers, Dolphins, Giants, and now the Raiders, Graham is well-respected throughout the league. The Yale alum has plenty of time to get his first head coaching job at 46, but his time could come sooner than later if the Raiders defense improves this year.

The Buccaneers offensive coordinator job has become a launching pad for head coaches recently, with Dave Canales and Liam Coen going from Tampa Bay OC to head coach in the last two years. Grizzard hopes to be next, ascending from pass game coordinator last year to coordinator this season. The Yale alum has been an NFL assistant since 2017, previously working with the Dolphins.

Hafley left his job as Boston College head coach to take the Packers defensive coordinator job last season. The defense has made progress under his watch and has the upside to be an elite defense in 2025 after adding Micah Parsons. Previously a defensive backs coach in the NFL, Hafley could be a hot commodity if the Packers are able to make a playoff run this season.

Joseph rejoined the Broncos as defensive coordinator alongside Sean Payton in 2023, having previously served as the team's head coach from 2017-2018. He's helped turn the team's defense around, and his proven track record as a coordinator could net him another head coaching opportunity.

A former quarterbacks coach with the Chiefs under Andy Reid, Kafka was named offensive coordinator for the Giants when Brian Daboll was hired in 2022. He's since taken on the role as assistant head coach, and could be promoted if New York fires Daboll this season.

Kingsbury has successfully revitalized his head coaching stock after helping turn around Washington's offense in Jayden Daniels' rookie season. Previously, he served as the head coach at Texas Tech and the Arizona Cardinals. The offensive mastermind could see another opportunity if Washington's offense continues to shine.

The son of former Texans and Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak, Klay has been an assistant in San Francisco since 2021 and was named offensive coordinator this year. His pedigree and the successful 49ers offense put Kubiak in position for a head coaching job down the line.

The son of former NFL head coach Gary Kubiak, Klint has been an offensive coordinator for three different franchises and joined the Seahawks this year. The job brings plenty of upside, as Sam Darnold came over to prove his breakout season in Minnesota wasn't a fluke. A strong offensive season from the Seahawks could allow Kubiak more head coaching consideration.

The younger brother of Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Mike has served as an NFL offensive coordinator since 2021, working with the Jets and Rams. He doesn't call plays for Los Angeles, but his status as an understudy of Sean McVay puts him on the fast track to a head coaching job.

McCown had a long career as a journeyman NFL quarterback, retiring following the 2020 season. He's been a quarterbacks coach for the Panthers and Vikings over the last three seasons, and has made an impression around the league for his coaching prowess. Helping develop J.J. McCarthy could allow McCown some head coaching consideration.

Jim Harbaugh brought Minter from Michigan, where he also served as defensive coordinator. He also has a history as a defensive assistant for the Ravens, and the Chargers' defensive improvement under his watch could make him a hot candidate next offseason.

Morton had big shoes to fill, replacing Ben Johnson as Lions offensive coordinator, but the early results have been impressive. The 56-year-old Morton has been a pro and college assistant since 1998, but has yet to see a head coaching job at any level.

Robinson arrived in Atlanta in 2024 by way of the Rams, where he previously served as an offensive assistant. The development of the Falcons' young offensive players, led by quarterback Michael Penix Jr., has been promising, leading Robinson to a head coaching candidacy.

Saleh is back in San Francisco this year after serving as the Jets head coach from 2021-2024. His teams in New York were disappointing, though he didn't receive much help from his offensive personnel in three-plus seasons. Returning the 49ers defense to glory could allow Saleh another opportunity.

Schwartz's years as the Lions head coach from 2009-2013 aren't exactly thought of fondly, but he's helped his stock as one of the top defensive coordinators in football recently. Schwartz led the Lions to the playoffs in 2011 and won a Super Bowl as the defensive coordinator of the Eagles.

The Lions lost former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to a head coaching job, but might have hit on another future head coach in Sheppard. The former NFL linebacker was promoted from linebackers coach to the coordinator role this season, and the Lions have seen strong results from their defense early this year.

The Rams defense hasn't lost much of a step over the last year despite the retirement of Aaron Donald, and Shula could be a big reason. He took the coordinator job in 2024, and has been an assistant with the team since 2017. He's also the grandson of former Dolphins head coach Don Shula.

Spags struck out in his one opportunity as an NFL head coach with the St. Louis Rams from 2009-2011, but he's provided every reason to get another opportunity. A four-time Super Bowl champion as an assistant, he's helped build an elite defense in KC as the coordinator since 2019.

Weaver has been an NFL assistant since 2012 after a playing career in Baltimore and Houston. He was named defensive coordinator in 2024, and could get an opportunity in Miami if the team moves on from Mike McDaniel during the season.