With the NFL season more than half over, teams are starting to look at their coaching staff as they prepare to make offseason changes. A number of college and professional head coaching jobs are soon to be vacant. Of course, everyone is eyeing other coordinators and even former head coaches who could fill these vacancies. Notable candidates include Kevin Stefanski, Arthur Smith, and others, each with unique qualifications and connections within the league.
Kevin Stefanski, now coach of the Cleveland Browns, is one of the hottest commodities on the coaching carousel. His legacy is notably unscathed, even in light of the challenges that have engulfed quarterback Deshaun Watson and the violent ruptures that followed. Everyone around the league understands that this continuing quarterback crisis is no comment on Stefanski’s talent or command. His impressive credentials might put him in the best position if the Browns decide to go in a new direction.
Notable Candidates in the Running
Arthur Smith has done a helluva job since taking over as the head honcho of the Atlanta Falcons prior to the 2023 season. His record-setting play has captured the world’s imagination. He was most recently the offensive coordinator under Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, and his connection to the Titans organization is still tinged with gold. Smith’s spirit allows him to connect effortlessly with both players and coaches. This quality makes him an appealing candidate for those teams in search of new voices at the helm.
Along with Smith, Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley has become a name to monitor closely. Hafley is incredibly well-liked by both players and fellow coaches, demonstrating an extraordinary knack for engaging a wide range of different personalities. This unique skill set is what makes him a dream fit for any NFL team. Along with his leadership qualities, he’s been the guy to establish the right type of locker room environment.
Rising Stars with Strong Connections
Another name producing a lot of chatter is Jesse Minter, who is currently Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Minter’s stock has skyrocketed due to his ties with Jim Harbaugh. His success with the Chargers as well as his record at Michigan has played into this upsurge. Most impressively, he replaced current Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald when Macdonald departed for the Ravens in 2022. His understanding of what makes effective defensive systems tick and his experience with some of the best ones make him appealing for teams looking to build their coaching department.
Former Saints offensive coordinator Kliff Kubiak found himself in the spotlight early in the 2024 season. New Orleans continued to put on display one of the league’s most prolific offenses. After a spate of injuries crippled their chances and their performance, Kubiak’s long-term potential as a head coach came under serious question. His early success cannot be denied and should not be ignored in conversations over who might make a better candidate.
Experienced Coaches with Proven Track Records
Joe Shula, defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams, is another name creating a stir in this coaching cycle. He’s already one of the most respected coordinators in the game after leading a young Rams defense to a brilliant 2021 season. His ability to develop talent and implement effective defensive strategies could make him a coveted pick for teams searching for experienced leadership.
Robert Saleh of the Jets is another top favorite in this complicated coaching tapestry. Saleh has an extremely strong reputation as a defensive coach. He interviews extremely well and has valuable prior head coaching experience. In the event that the Browns choose to move on from Stefanski, Saleh would almost certainly be the favorite to land the job. His track record and evident ability to lead means he’s extremely hard to get.
On the offensive side, Arthur Smith is an intriguing outlier. He carries with him deep experience from his time working with rookie starting quarterbacks across his long career. His time as an OC and HC in Tennessee, Atlanta, and now Pittsburgh has given him a loaded toolbox of knowledge. Future teams may access this in-house expertise when recruiting for a new leader.
Lastly, Vance Joseph’s experience as a former head coach of the Denver Broncos from 2017 to 2018 adds to his appeal. His previous experience of team management and collaboration on complex deliverables would suit you as an ideal candidate. Moreover, his defensive acumen makes him a choice target for franchises looking to refresh their coaching department.
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