NFL assistants who could soon become head coaches

Credited with turning around the Bengals defense in recent seasons, Anarumo was a finalist for the Cardinals job during the offseason. His job in Cincinnati is becoming more challenging as the team deals with personnel losses, but his unit has shown relative consistency.

It seems to be only a matter of time before Bieniemy finally gets his chance as an NFL head coach after multiple interviews over the last few years. The former NFL running back moved from Kansas City to Washington in the offseason so that he could get the opportunity to call plays and more out from under Andy Reid's shadow. The early returns have been positive for the Commanders.

Brown was anointed the Rams' assistant head coach in 2021, but moved on to Carolina in the offseason to coordinate the offense. Working under Rams head coach Sean McVay has been a recipe for head-coaching opportunities, and the 37-year-old Brown could find his in short order.

The son of former Raiders head coach Bill Callahan, Brian has been offensive coordinator of the Bengals offense since Zac Taylor came on board. His influence on the offense is overshadowed by Taylor, but his success in Cincinnati has still caused teams to take notice.

Flores served as head coach of the Dolphins for three seasons before his surprising firing, despite rebuilding the squad and leading them to two winning seasons. He's been tasked with rebuilding the Vikings defense this season. His class-action lawsuit against the NFL and several teams for racial discrimination could make his immediate head-coaching candidacy cloudy, but there's little doubt Flores has earned another opportunity.

Johnson turned down head-coaching interviews last offseason despite reported interest from teams. The Lions offense continues to perform well under his guidance, so it seems only a matter of time before the 37-year-old gets a head-coaching opportunity.

Kafka was credited with boosting Daniel Jones' career upon taking over as Giants offensive coordinator in 2022. The former Chiefs quarterbacks coach is likely boosted by formerly coaching under Andy Reid.

Macdonald worked his way through the ranks from coaching intern in Baltimore to defensive coordinator after a one-year stop at Michigan. Baltimore's defense had a strong year in his first season and continue to perform well.

Morris was a surprise hire as Bucs head coach in 2009. He served in the role for three seasons, and was also interim head coach of the Falcons in 2020. Morris has done an exemplary job as Rams defensive coordinator since taking over in 2021, and at age 47, has plenty of time for another opportunity as a head coach.

One of the most acclaimed offensive coordinators in the NFL while running the Cowboys offense from 2019-2022, Moore moved on to the Chargers this year after Mike McCarthy opted to call plays. Moore's offense struggled this season in LA, but he could still garner head coaching consideration.

Quinn served as Falcons head coach from 2015-2020, and would likely already have another head-coaching job if not for turning down several chances. He's served as Cowboys defensive coordinators since 2021, and has been credited with completely turning around the unit.

The Kyle Shanahan coaching tree continues to grow, and Slowik could be the next former Shanahan assistant to get a shot as a head coach. His impact in Houston early this year has been clear, as rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has developed faster than many anticipated. Slowik was an assistant in San Francisco since 2017 prior to taking the Texas offensive coordinator job.

Schwartz had a disastrous time as head coach of the Lions from 2009-2013, but his success turning the Browns defense into one of the best in the league this year could put him back in head-coaching conversations. He's done a terrific as defensive coordinator in several other stops as well, including with the Eagles from 2016-2020.

Smith has been Dolphins offensive coordinator under Mike McDaniel since 2022. While Smith doesn't call plays, he's helped architect one of the most revolutionary and productive offenses in the league, and also has significant experience as a coach with the Saints, Bears, Raiders and Chargers.

A long-time assistant under Doug Pederson in Philadelphia and Jacksonville, Taylor has started to gain play-calling duties under his mentor. Taylor's development of the offense, including Trevor Lawrence and Travis Etienne, could provide him some attention as a head-coaching candidate.

Ulbrich has coordinated the Jets defense since 2021. Over that time, the unit has become one of the best in the league. Head coach Robert Saleh has gained some of the credit for the defense's performance given his history as a defensive coordinator, but Ulbrich's contributions could also put a head-coaching opportunity in his future.

Waldron was hired away from the Rams in 2021 to be Seattle's offensive coordinator. During that time, the transition from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith has gone smoothly, and the team's skill-position players have also developed well. Waldron's history under Sean McVay is another feather in his cap.

Wilks had one very forgettable season as the Cardinals head coach in 2018, though he had very little to work with during that lone season. He's repeatedly demonstrated his prowess as a defensive coordinator, including with the 49ers this season. After serving as interim head coach for the Panthers last season and seeing the team perform well, Wilks is lined up for another chance.