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Who are early 2023 NFL head coaching candidates?

By Lou Scataglia

NFL: Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the defensive line on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
NFL: Defensive Coordinator DeMeco Ryans of the San Francisco 49ers talks with the defensive line on the sidelines during the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium on January 30, 2022 in Inglewood, California. The Rams defeated the 49ers 20-17. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images) /
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The 2022 NFL season is only half over, but already there have been 2023 head coaching candidates emerging for teams who may need a new one.  Already, two teams have fired their head coach.  The Carolina Panthers were the first team to make a move when they fired Matt Rhule, and the Indianapolis Colts made the second move when they fired Frank Reich on Monday.

There will be more firings, as there’s usually at least five openings each year.  Teams like the Arizona Cardinals, Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders could fire their head coaches in-season.  The next step in this process obviously is hiring the new coach to try and bring the respective teams back to life.

Who are some 2023 head coaching candidates already emerging?

2023 NFL head coaching candidates

1. DeMeco Ryans

Ryans is currently in his second year as the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers, and so far he’s done a fabulous job.  The 49ers have largely been the best defense in the NFL since Ryans has taken over. No one seems to have a bad thing to say about him and it’s likely he ends up with a job next year.

2. Jonathan Gannon

Gannon is currently in his second season as the Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator after spending a few years with Frank Reich on his staff in Indy.  Gannon got some head coaching interviews last year and has been praised for his leadership qualities.

The Eagles’ defense is improved this year and Gannon may have his choice of teams to coach when the time comes.

3. Dan Quinn

Dan Quinn once took a team to the Super Bowl during his first go as head coach with the Atlanta Falcons.  Since then he has been in Dallas as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, and the turnaround that unit has been marvelous.

Dan Quinn could have secured a head coaching job last year but opted to return to Dallas.  He’ll surely get a ton of interviews and will likely get offered a position.  Does he want to leave his press-box view and warm weather climate in Dallas for a cold weather team, for example, like the Denver Broncos?

4. Leslie Frazier

Leslie Frazier has also been a head coach before.  He’s served as the Bills’ defensive coordinator since Sean McDermott was hired and has done a very good job.  The Bills’ defense seems to be good just about every year, and Frazier is the reason for that.

Because of his experience, he likely is highly thought of and should have enough connections with other coaches to build a quality staff.  I think he’d be a good hire for a team that’s currently in dysfunction.

5. Brian Flores

Brian Flores had pretty good success with the Miami Dolphins for three seasons before shockingly being fired.  He then joined the Steelers’ coaching staff and should get interviews this cycle.  Flores seemed to be one of the only Belichick-tree coaches who actually had success as a head coach.

There are obviously more candidates than this, but I think this is a solid start.  I would be shocked if just one of these men did not get a head coaching job or offer this cycle.  NFL teams need to be smart here and not limit themselves to one side of the ball.

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