Updated: August 16, 2025
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In the high stakes of professional football, there is a win-now mentality that hovers over every head coach in the league. Win now or you’re out. When teams falter, and teams will fail, head coaches are cast aside like the trash at your backyard barbecue. An exit for one head coach though means an opportunity for another and there are several quality coaches who make up the next wave of NFL head coaching candidates.
These Guys fit the bill for the next NFL Head Coaching candidates
[su_shadow][su_note note_color=”#ffffff”]Matt Patricia, Defensive Coordinator, New England Patriots
When teams win, there has to be reasons why and many of those reasons are the assistant coaches on the staff. Patricia, who has been on the Patriots staff since 2004, has been behind the team’s success on defense despite a roster lacking in superstars. Patricia, who graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a degree in aeronautical engineering (yes, he is a rocket scientist), has served in his current role since 2012. His name has come up over the past few years in connection with other NFL head coaching jobs. At some point in the near future, the 42-year-old Matt Patricia, will likely take the reins of a franchise and become head coach.
Patricia has been instrumental in strengthening the Patriots' defense. Under his guidance, the Patriots defense ranked among the top teams in points allowed in the 2016 season. His strategic mind has been essential in various playoff games, including the decisive stop that led to a Super Bowl win.
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Teryl Austin, Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions
Over the past two offseasons, Austin has sharpened his interviewing skills. His name has been associated with almost every opening the past few years. A former defensive back, Austin has been the Lions defensive coordinator since 2014. He won a Super Bowl as an assistant in Baltimore and is considered one of the best defensive minds in the game. Austin’s time is coming soon as one of the next NFL head coaching candidates.
Austin's defensive schemes have been noted for their flexibility and aggression. Since taking over the Lions' defense, he has improved their secondary significantly. In 2016, the Lions were notably better at creating turnovers, a direct result of Austin's emphasis on opportunistic play.
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Josh McDaniels, offensive coordinator, New England Patriots
Like Patricia, McDaniels received a lot of interest after the Patriots Super Bowl victory last year. Many figured he would be out the door, but the 41-year-old decided to stay in his current position. And why not? He has the best quarterback in the league and a nice set of weapons to work with. He has served as a head coach previously, a failed stint in Denver in 2009 and 2010. McDaniels is more mature now and will become a head coach when he wants.
McDaniels has introduced innovative play designs that exploit mismatches. His use of pre-snap motion and varied formations helped the Patriots maintain one of the league's most potent offenses. These tactics were instrumental in their comeback victory in Super Bowl LI.
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Mike Vrabel, defensive coordinator, Houston Texans
Vrabel was an All-American at Ohio State and played 14 years in the NFL. Immediately following retirement, Vrabel became an assistant at Ohio State then moved on to the NFL in Houston in 2014. The Texans have been very good defensively over the past few years and Vrabel was part of the reason why. After coaching linebackers for three seasons, Vrabel will serve as the defensive coordinator in Houston in 2017. He makes the list of definite NFL head coaching candidates.
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Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator, New York Giants
Another great defensive mind, Spagnuolo was the architect of one of the greatest upsets in NFL history. In the 2007 Super Bowl, it was the Giants that beat favorite New England. That win helped Spagnuolo land the head coaching job in St. Louis. While his three years there were far from a success, Spagnuolo’s defensive prowess will likely earn him another shot at leading a franchise.
Spagnuolo emphasizes resilience and adaptability in his defensive philosophy. His approach with the Giants focuses on building a tough-minded defense capable of making key stands. This philosophy helped the Giants clinch a playoff spot in the 2016 season with a strong defensive effort.
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