Next Gen NFL: Ranking the Assistant Coaches Primed to Become Head Coaches
The NFL is a league of constant evolution, where innovative strategies and dynamic leadership are paramount. As the 2025 season unfolds, several assistant coaches are emerging as prime candidates to lead their own teams in the near future. With the recent head coaching carousel seeing familiar faces like Pete Carroll land with the Las Vegas Raiders and Ben Johnson taking over the Chicago Bears, the spotlight now shifts to the next wave of potential head coaches. This article ranks the assistant coaches who are not just excelling in their current roles but also demonstrating the vision and acumen required to helm an NFL franchise.
The Offensive Masterminds
Ben Johnson (Detroit Lions, Former Offensive Coordinator): Fresh off being hired as the head coach for the Chicago Bears, Johnson’s name was on everyone’s lips this past offseason. His ability to transform the Lions’ offense into a top-tier unit has made him the poster child for offensive innovation. Under Johnson, quarterback Jared Goff experienced a career resurgence, and the Lions boasted one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Johnson’s success lies in his adaptability and his knack for tailoring his scheme to his players’ strengths. His departure from the Lions is a big loss for the team, but a massive win for the Bears.
Joe Brady (Buffalo Bills, Offensive Coordinator): Since taking over as the offensive coordinator for the Bills during the 2023 season, Brady has revitalized Buffalo’s offense, particularly in his work with quarterback Josh Allen. Brady’s Broyles Award in 2019 as the best assistant coach in college football speaks volumes about his potential. His ability to build a balanced offense around Allen has solidified his status as a top head coaching prospect.
Todd Monken (Baltimore Ravens, Offensive Coordinator): Monken’s impact on the Ravens’ offense has been nothing short of transformative. With Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP level, the Ravens have become one of the most dynamic and high-scoring teams in the league. Monken’s innovative schemes and ability to maximize Jackson’s unique skill set make him a highly sought-after head coaching candidate.
Kellen Moore (New Orleans Saints, Head Coach): After the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl win, Moore was signed as the Saints new head coach. Moore has held high-profile offensive coordinator positions with the Cowboys, Chargers, and Eagles. His success in Philadelphia, following a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers, has solidified his reputation as an offensive guru. Moore’s ability to develop quarterbacks and design creative play-calling strategies makes him an attractive option for teams seeking an offensive boost.
Bobby Slowik (Houston Texans, Offensive Coordinator): Coming from the Kyle Shanahan coaching tree, Slowik has quickly made a name for himself in Houston. His work with rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has been particularly impressive, turning the Texans’ offense into a formidable unit. Slowik’s ability to implement a complex yet effective offensive system has made him a rising star in the coaching ranks.
Zac Robinson (Atlanta Falcons, Offensive Coordinator): Robinson, with his experience under Sean McVay, has quickly adapted to his role as the Falcons’ offensive coordinator. His ability to implement a dynamic passing game and develop young talent makes him a strong contender for future head coaching opportunities.
Liam Coen (Jacksonville Jaguars, Head Coach): Coen was going to return to Tampa Bay but decided to leave and become the head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars. With a background as an offensive coordinator, Coen will look to develop the Jaguars’ young talent. His ability to maximize quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s potential will be key.
Kevin Patullo (Philadelphia Eagles, Offensive Coordinator): After a successful stint as their passing game coordinator in a Super Bowl-winning season, he’s tasked with replacing new Saints head coach Kellen Moore as the offensive coordinator. He comes from the same tree that roots up to Doug Pederson and has had Reich, Nick Sirianni, Shane Steichen, and Moore promoted to NFL head coaching roles. He’s in good hands.
The Defensive Strategists
Aaron Glenn (New York Jets, Head Coach): Glenn was hired as the Jets new head coach. Glenn’s leadership and defensive acumen have transformed the Lions’ defense into a formidable unit. His ability to connect with players and implement aggressive, attacking schemes makes him a strong candidate for a head coaching role.
Brian Flores (Minnesota Vikings, Defensive Coordinator): Flores has consistently demonstrated his ability to build tough, resilient defenses. His previous head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins, coupled with his success in Minnesota, makes him a prime candidate for another head coaching opportunity. Flores’ aggressive defensive schemes and his ability to motivate players make him a valuable asset to any team.
Ejiro Evero (Carolina Panthers, Defensive Coordinator): Evero has quickly gained recognition for his defensive prowess. His ability to implement complex schemes and develop young talent makes him a rising star in the coaching world. Evero’s experience under Vic Fangio has shaped his defensive philosophy, emphasizing versatility and adaptability.
Jesse Minter (Los Angeles Chargers, Defensive Coordinator): Minter followed Jim Harbaugh from Michigan to the Chargers, and has shown elite ability as a coordinator already. At age 41, he’s a prime candidate for either a college or NFL head coaching position.
Jeff Ulbrich (Free Agent): Ulbrich has coordinated the Jets defense since 2021. Over that time, the unit has become one of the best in the league. Head coach Robert Saleh has gained some of the credit for the defense’s performance given his history as a defensive coordinator, but Ulbrich’s contributions could also put a head-coaching opportunity in his future.
Special Teams Coordinator
Darren Rizzi (Free Agent): Rizzi is getting his first shot at head coach.
The Quarterback Whisperers
Davis Webb (Denver Broncos, Passing Game Coordinator): After retiring as a player in 2022, Davis Webb immediately joined the coaches’ ranks as the Denver Broncos’ quarterbacks coach. After two seasons in that role and overseeing Bo Nix’s strong rookie year in the process, Webb got the passing game coordinator title added to his name going into 2025.
Alex Tanney (Indianapolis Colts, Passing Game Coordinator): After spending nine seasons as a journeyman backup quarterback, Alex Tanney entered the coaching ranks in 2021. He’s risen his way up the ranks quickly, starting off in Philadelphia and climbing to quarterbacks coach before taking the passing game coordinator job with the Indianapolis Colts.
Conclusion
The NFL’s future is bright with a new generation of coaching talent ready to take the reins. These assistant coaches have demonstrated the skills, vision, and leadership qualities necessary to succeed as head coaches. As the 2025 season progresses, their performance and impact on their respective teams will be closely watched, potentially paving the way for their ascent to the top of the NFL coaching ranks.