Eight NFL Coordinators Positioned for Head Coaching Roles After 2026 Season

The NFL offseason brings change, and the 2026 cycle has been no exception.

Ten of the league’s 32 teams now have new head coaches, with a mix of returning leaders and coordinators stepping into top jobs for the first time.

Though the results of these hires remain to be seen, more changes are expected in 2027.

The league’s coaching carousel rarely stops, and several coordinators are already poised to attract future interest.

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Among them is Houston Texans defensive coordinator Matt Burke, who interviewed with the Arizona Cardinals this past offseason.

Burke is entering his fourth season in Houston, where his defense ranked first in yards allowed and second in points allowed last season.

Burke joined the Texans alongside head coach DeMeco Ryans in 2023 following a period when Houston had won just 11 games over three seasons.

The team has since made three consecutive playoff appearances, giving Burke experience with a winning environment.

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At 50 years old, Burke’s combination of youth and experience could make him a strong candidate in the next hiring cycle, particularly if the Texans’ defense remains among the league’s best in 2026.

In contrast, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is among the youngest coaches in the league.

Having turned 30 in March, the former Chicago Bears assistant earned attention during his rapid rise through the coaching ranks.

Doyle served as Chicago’s offensive coordinator under Ben Johnson last season, helping shape an offense that ranked sixth overall while assisting quarterback Caleb Williams in his sophomore surge.

Johnson, however, handled play-calling duties. Doyle will now take that role in Baltimore, where early feedback has been strong.

Receiver Zay Flowers offered public praise, saying, “He a genius. He got stuff that I’ve never seen. Plays and routes and stuff to help you get open. He teaches you in a certain way where you remember the plays. …I’ve been loving it so far.”

If Baltimore’s offense flourishes under Doyle’s direct control while featuring Lamar Jackson, his profile could rise further.

The last time a 30-year-old was hired as an NFL head coach, it was Sean McVay, providing a meaningful comparison point in age only.

Another name to watch is Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores. After leading Miami from 2019 to 2021, Flores rebuilt his reputation with positions in Pittsburgh and Minnesota.

He received head coaching interest this past offseason but signed a new contract to stay with the Vikings.

Flores guided a defense that ranked third overall last season, earning commendation from head coach Kevin O’Connell. “Brian has a unique ability to connect with players, understand their skill sets, and put them in positions to maximize their impact on the field,” O’Connell said.

“The identity of our defense is a reflection of his leadership and preparation.”

Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph also fits among potential 2027 candidates. Joseph, who previously led Denver in 2017 and 2018, impressed head coach Sean Payton with his recent success.

“I am a little surprised, with the season we had as well as how well we played defensively and 10 openings,” Payton said at the scouting combine. Joseph’s defense ranked second overall and third in points allowed while missing starting quarterback Bo Nix due to a broken ankle during the AFC title game.

If Denver again produces another top-five defense and makes another deep playoff run, Joseph could earn a second head coaching opportunity.

On the offensive side with the San Francisco 49ers, Klay Kubiak continues to climb. The second-year offensive coordinator previously interviewed for multiple vacancies but withdrew to remain under head coach Kyle Shanahan.

Even while working with backup quarterback Mac Jones for half the 2025 season, Kubiak helped San Francisco maintain a top-10 offense. Shanahan reinforced Kubiak’s importance, saying, “He calls a lot of plays here. He’s our offensive coordinator, so I don’t know, why would you let him be somebody else’s offensive coordinator?”

The family’s presence in coaching circles continues, with Klay’s brother, Klint Kubiak, now heading the Las Vegas Raiders. If both offenses thrive in 2026, the comparisons could draw even more attention.

Los Angeles Rams passing-game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase was promoted to offensive coordinator after Mike LaFleur left to coach the Arizona Cardinals. At 35, Scheelhaase had already interviewed with several teams, including the Steelers, Raiders, Ravens, Browns, and Bills.

Scheelhaase played a key role in developing the Rams’ top-ranked passing and scoring offenses, helping quarterback Matthew Stafford secure league MVP honors. NFL Media’s Daniel Jeremiah noted that Scheelhaase impressed during interviews, with lack of experience cited as his only negative.

Working under Sean McVay has been a launching point for many coaches, and Scheelhaase enters his new role following that pattern. Another Rams coach, defensive coordinator Chris Shula, also received interest this offseason.

Shula, in his third season as DC, helped develop young players such as Jared Verse, Braden Fiske, Kamren Kinchens, and Byron Young. Last year’s Rams defense ranked 10th in points allowed, and the team added Trent McDuffie and Myles Garrett through a trade that sent out Verse.

If Shula’s defense delivers as anticipated and the Rams contend deep into the postseason, his head coaching prospects could expand further. His football lineage adds another dimension, as he is the grandson of Don Shula and the son of Dave Shula.

Another rising coach is Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski. Having just turned 30 in January, Udinski already drew head coaching attention after one season leading Jacksonville’s offense.

Udinski acknowledged the recognition, stating, “I was honored to be able to be considered for those opportunities, and really, it’s a testament to the work that our team and our offense has put in to kind of raise my status and elevate me to even be considered.”

Before his time in Jacksonville, Udinski worked under O’Connell in Minnesota. His collaboration with Jaguars head coach Liam Coen helped spark a turnaround for the team and quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The offense ranked sixth in scoring, and Lawrence posted a 91.0 QB rating, his second-highest mark.

If the Jaguars sustain their offensive production while replacing departed running back Travis Etienne Jr. and further developing Lawrence, Udinski may be in line for interviews in 2027.

Altogether, these coordinators—Burke, Doyle, Flores, Joseph, Kubiak, Scheelhaase, Shula, and Udinski—could shape the next major wave of NFL head coaching hires after the 2026 season. Each has already drawn interest or proven success, setting the stage for another active hiring cycle.

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