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Pairing NFL teams with the best head coaching candidates in 2023

By Michael Johnson

Jan 25, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton speaks during a press conference at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2022; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton speaks during a press conference at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports /
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Black Monday has come and gone, and the NFL’s head coaching carousel is picking up speed, landing in the right spot can help or doom a franchise.

Several names have emerged as top candidates for the top jobs in 2023. The Denver Broncos, Houston Texans., Indianapolis Colts, and Carolina Panthers are among the teams looking for new leaders next season. Who knows what’s going to happen with the Chargers, Cowboys, and Rams? With that said, there are a few coaches among the most highly regarded in the league.

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – DECEMBER 27: New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton looks down during an NFL game against theMiami Dolphins at Caesars Superdome on December 27, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /

Predicting the 2023 NFL head coach carousel

It all starts with Sean Payton, the hottest name on the market. The former head coach of the New Orleans Saints will command full control of a franchise and he deserves it. Dan Quinn, the current defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys has quickly reestablished himself as one of the best coaches in the league. We saw him take charge as an interim with the Cowboys. With his success as a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons, he should get a job in 2023.

Diversity is needed. Ideally, NFL teams would hire some Black head coaches. it’s not like there aren’t any great candidates — like Eric Bieniemy. He has an impressive record as the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs — we know the history.

DeMeco Ryans is another. He’s a young defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, who quickly made a name for himself as a rising star in the coaching ranks, and is credited with creating one of the most wide-ranging and effective coverage diversities in the league. However, it’s the leadership that he’s shown as a player and coach that makes him a top candidate.

Guys like Ben Johnson (Lions), Raheem Morris (Rams), and there’s always the Jim Harbaugh rumor that rounds out the top head coaching candidates. All these coaches have strong track records and have shown the ability to modernize and improve their teams’ performance, however, they aren’t the only candidates and they may not be the best fit for every team.

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