August 9, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore watches as quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images It’s that time of year when a handful of NFL teams are searching — or about to search — for their next leader on the sidelines.
Finding a new coach who will immediately make a positive impact is no easy task. Just ask the New England Patriots, who hired Jerod Mayo before this season only to fire him at the end of the campaign after a 4-13 finish.
New England already went out and got their guy in Mike Vrabel, and the Chicago Bears also started planning for the future by bringing in former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their next coach.
Still, there are many strong coaching candidates out there. Here are three of the best:
Kellen Moore, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator
Philadelphia is preparing for the NFC Championship Game thanks in large part to Moore, who has brought out the best in nearly every Eagles offensive weapon.
Running back Saquon Barkley reignited his career by rushing for a league-leading 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns in the regular season; quarterback Jalen Hurt’s dual-threat ability was on full display (32 total TDs) and Philadelphia averaged 27.2 points per game.
For any team that needs a boost offensively, Moore is a perfect option. His name has been thrown around in head coaching conversations ever since he was the Dallas Cowboys’ offensive coordinator in 2019-22, and it may finally be time for the 36-year-old to take on a little more responsibility.
Todd Monken, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator
Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images Unlike Moore, Monken already has some head coaching experience under his belt; it only came at the collegiate 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 then aside from a stint at Georgia, where he served as OC and quarterbacks coach from 2020-22.
One of the more experienced names out there, Monken, 58, reportedly got some serious traction with the Bears before landing Johnson. Now, it looks like Jacksonville could be where Monken is headed should he choose to move on from the Ravens. The Jaguars fired coach Doug Pedersen on January 6.
Mike McCarthy, former Dallas Cowboys coach
Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy walks off the field after the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory credit: Bob Donnan-Imagn Images Dallas letting McCarthy go earlier this month was a move everyone saw coming for years.
The Cowboys had often underperformed during McCarthy’s five seasons at the helm, especially when the playoffs rolled around. Dallas reached the divisional round just once and lost, and was also bounced in the wild card round twice.
Everyone seems to have a strong opinion about McCarthy — and most of them aren’t positive — but the 61-year-old has 174 regular-season wins to go along with 11 postseason wins and a Super Bowl ring.
Like it or not, McCarthy won’t be unemployed for long. It’s only a matter of time before a team comes along and scoops him up, and who knows? Perhaps a fresh start will allow him to improve his reputation.
