Predicting Every NFL Head Coach Hire

It is reported that the Falcons are looking for an offensive mind to pair with QB Michael Penix Jr. Additionally, owner Arthur Blank, who is 83 years old, has gradually lost his patience with the team’s lack of success, implying reluctance towards hiring an unproven younger coach. Those desired traits eventually lead to Kliff Kingsbury. Kingsbury’s air-raid style of offense goes hand-in-hand with what Penix specialized in college. Furthermore, the absence of Jayden Daniels has allowed his efficient run-game to garner some attention, showing the evolution of his scheme and the potential mesh with Bijan Robinson. With former head coaching experience being under his belt as well, Kingsbury fits what the Falcons want.

Las Vegas Raiders: Joe Brady

The Raiders have a desperate need for an infusion of offensive brilliance. Otherwise, Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers and their soon-to-be first overall pick QB will go to waste. Joe Brady’s given Buffalo two and a half consecutive years of top-two EPA per play offensive units. Of course, Josh Allen does a lot of the heavy lifting there, but Brady’s work in the run has been a big part of why. James Cook has emerged as a top-tier rusher, and that likely wouldn’t happen without Brady’s scheme. If you put a rookie QB in that same scheme with Ashton Jeanty as the workhorse, positive growth feels inevitable. Granted, the offensive line will need reshaping, but Brady’s knack for offense will be beneficial for Vegas’ young signal-caller.

Arizona Cardinals: Brian Flores

Going from one defensive minded coach to another may feel like a lateral move. Regardless, Brian Flores’ experience, scheme, and leadership can take the organization to the next level. First of all, and most obviously, he’d upgrade the defense and establish a clear identity for the unit, something Jonathan Gannon lacked. Furthermore, his coaching style that hinges on accountability and toughness would boost the sluggish performance from the previous years. The uncertainty surrounding QB would be a tough problem to solve, but Flores has likely learned a thing or two from his time with Kevin O’Connell.

New York Giants: Kevin Stefanski

Following the news of Stefanski’s departure from Cleveland, he immediately became a hot name for head coaching gigs. With the plethora of options available, joining the Giants is probable. His offensive scheme is his biggest draw, which could do wonders for Jaxson Dart. Furthermore, the talent already in-place can serve Stefanski’s vision much better than in Cleveland.

Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter

In order to bring back their identity of a dominant defense, the Ravens would benefit from the hire of Jesse Minter. Minter has a clear connection with the organization through John Harbaugh. His first job in the NFL was with the Ravens, working three years as a defensive assistant before being promoted to DB coach. Now, Minter’s game has evolved, and his units punch up their own weight and see their potential reached. There is no clear home-run offensive minded candidate, so pivoting to someone with experience in a winning system and a top-tier defense would be a great pivot for Baltimore.

Cleveland Browns: Mike McCarthy

Most promising young candidates will likely shy away from the Browns job. Sure, there’s a ton of pieces that can be the foundation for something special. Regardless, ownership meddling and a key hole at QB would make this opening unforgiving. This creates a need for experience, and that is exactly what McCarthy brings to the table. Above all else, McCarthy is a calming presence within an organization. Perhaps the ceiling may be limited, but the former Super Bowl winner specializes in course-correction. Additionally, his offenses in his final years with Dallas proved he could adapt to the league’s changes. He would be one of the few coaches eager to be in Cleveland, and maybe even one of the only ones who could actually find a degree of success.

Tennessee Titans: John Harbaugh

Tennessee is not the best landing spot for a first time head coach. The roster does have a good nucleus of players, namely Cam Ward and Jefferey Simmons. However, the rest of the team needs to be built from the ground up. Couple that with the power struggles that have manifested under owner Amy Adams Strunk, a promising first-time coach may struggle under the pressure. John Harbaugh has the experience necessary for the undertaking of fixing the Titans. He would also establish the culture, and get the ball rolling with the roster.