It’s that time of year when a number of NFL teams are looking for—or are about to—their next leader on the sidelines.
Finding a new coach who will make an immediate positive impact is no easy task. Just ask the New England Patriots, who hired Jerod Mayo before this season but fired him at the end of the campaign following a 4-13 finish.
New England already went out and got their guy in Mike Vrabel, however, and the Chicago Bears also started planning for the future by bringing in former Detroit Lions coordinator Ben Johnson as their next coach.
However, there are plenty of powerful trainers out there. Here are three of the best:
Kellen Moore, offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia is preparing for the NFC Championship Game thanks in large part to Moore, who has brought out the best in all of the Eagles’ offensive weapons.
Running back Saquon Barkley revived his career by rushing for a league-leading 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns during the regular season; Quarterback Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat power was on full display (32 TDs) and Philadelphia averaged 27.2 points per game.
For any team that needs a lift offensively, Moore is the perfect choice. His name has been thrown around in head coaching conversations since he became the Dallas Cowboys’ coordinator from 2019-22, and it may be time for the 36-year-old to take on other responsibilities.
Todd Monken, offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Images by Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Unlike Moore, Monken already has some head coaching experience under his belt; it just got to the college level.
Monken was at Southern Miss for three seasons (2013-15), leading the Golden Eagles to a 13-25 record. He has been in the NFL since his tenure at Georgia, where he served as OC and quarterbacks coach from 2020-22.
One of the more experienced names out there, Monken, 58, had to establish a solid relationship with the Bears before he landed on Johnson. Now it looks like Jacksonville could be where Monken is headed if he chooses to leave the Ravens. The Jaguars fired coach Doug Pederson on Jan. 6.
Mike McCarthy, former coach of the Dallas Cowboys
Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy leaves the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Photos by Bob Donnan-Imagn Dallas letting McCarthy go earlier this month was a move everyone saw coming for years.
The Cowboys often underperformed during McCarthy’s five seasons at the helm, especially when the playoffs rolled around. Dallas reached the divisional round once and lost, and twice in the wild card round.
Everyone seems to have a strong opinion of McCarthy—and many disagree—but the 61-year-old has 174 regular season wins and 11 postseason wins and a Super Bowl ring.
Like it or not, McCarthy won’t be out of a job for long. It’s almost time for the team to come and pick him up, who knows? Perhaps a fresh start allows him to improve his reputation.