Analysis

Ben Johnson, Jesse Minter, Anthony Weaver among 22 young coaches to watch in 2025 NFL hiring cycle

Published: Nov 20, 2024 at 11:47 AM

Tom Pelissero

NFL Network Insider

The upcoming NFL head coach hiring cycle could be one for the experienced guys.

Bill Belichick is available again. So are Mike Vrabel and Brian Flores. Mike McCarthy's contract is up in Dallas after this season. Pete Carroll hasn't exactly slammed the door on coaching again. Neither has Jon Gruden. Maybe this is the year somebody gives Vance Joseph, Matt Nagy, Steve Spagnuolo or Leslie Frazier another shot. Kliff Kingsbury and Arthur Smith could be back in the mix, too. Former college head coaches such as Todd Monken and Jeff Hafley may draw interest. Veteran assistants Lou Anarumo, Teryl Austin, Aaron Glenn and Patrick Graham are still waiting for their first shots, while Jeff Ulbrich and Darren Rizzi are getting theirs on an interim basis. Robert Saleh, fired by the Jets in October, could get right back on the interview circuit. Even Deion Sanders' name could surface after turnarounds at two college stops.

Of the eight head coaches hired last offseason, the three who have winning records in 2024 had all been head coaches in the league before: Jim Harbaugh (7-3 Chargers), Dan Quinn (7-4 Commanders) and Raheem Morris (6-5 Falcons).

But many NFL owners are still inclined to search for The Next Sean McVay -- the rising young coach who could solidify the pivotal franchise role for a decade or more. In the seven cycles since the Rams hired McVay in 2017, nearly half of all head-coaching hires leaguewide (24 of 50, 48%) have come from the same demographic -- under age 45 with no previous NFL head-coaching experience -- including Brian Callahan (Titans), Dave Canales (Panthers), Mike Macdonald (Seahawks) and Jerod Mayo (Patriots) this past offseason. (A fifth, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce, had just turned 45 when he took over on an interim basis during the 2023 season.)

Our annual list of rising young coaches is on the longer side for the third consecutive year, thanks to both a new crop of talent and the increased number of interviews many teams have been conducting in recent searches amidst revised rules that slow and extend the hiring cycle. This collection of names below is based on dozens of recent conversations with NFL executives, coaches and others close to the search process.

NOTE: The candidates in each section are listed in alphabetical order.

Candidates for the coming cycle

Giants DC Shane Bowen, 37 years old: A former Georgia Tech linebacker whose playing career ended early because of injury, Bowen is now in his ninth season as an NFL coach and fourth as a defensive play-caller, having served as the Titans' DC for three years before taking the same job with the Giants this past offseason. While New York has stumbled to a 2-8 start and stopping the run has been a problem, one of the NFL's youngest defenses has also been one of its most effective in key categories such as sacks per pass attempt (ranking first at 13.1%), goal-to-go efficiency (fourth, 57.9%), opponent red-zone TD percentage (tied for fifth, 46.4%) and opponent third-down percentage (sixth, 34.1%). And Bowen is well regarded within the league.

Bills OC Joe Brady, 35: Still one of the NFL's youngest coordinators, Brady first appeared on this list in 2020, after he'd parlayed a national title run with the Joe Burrow-led LSU Tigers into the Panthers' offensive coordinator job. In January of 2021, he got five head-coaching interviews (with the Chargers, Eagles, Falcons, Jets and Texans). Things went south in Carolina; Matt Rhule made a surprise decision to fire Brady in December 2021 (with Rhule himself getting fired less than a year later). But Brady is a bright offensive mind who has made the most of a second NFL play-calling opportunity in Buffalo, starting on an interim basis last fall. Despite trading away receiver Stefon Diggs and going young at the skill spots, Buffalo ranks third in the NFL in scoring at 29.1 points per game. The Falcons interviewed Brady again this past January for their head-coaching job.

Bears OC Thomas Brown, 38: A onetime Falcons draft pick at running back whose playing days were cut short by injury, Brown moved swiftly into coaching, winning a Super Bowl with the Rams and old high school rival Sean McVay, who has called Brown "one of the greatest competitors I've ever been around." Brown now finds himself in a familiar position: taking over play-calling duties in-season for a No. 1 overall pick on a struggling unit. After briefly directing Bryce Young and the Panthers' offense a year ago, he's been tapped to fulfill the same duty for Caleb Williams and the Bears' attack. And while Chicago lost to Green Bay on a last-second blocked field goal last week, there were signs of progress: a 95.0 passer rating for Williams, 391 yards of offense, 12-for-19 on third and fourth downs and over 36 minutes of possession. Brown has mentored the RB likes of Nick Chubb, Melvin Gordon and Sony Michel. He's energetic, sharp and versatile, possessing big-picture perspective. He's also no stranger to the interview circuit, having spoken with the Dolphins, Texans and Titans about their head-coaching jobs over the past three Januarys, respectively.

Buccaneers OC Liam Coen, 39: A former UMass quarterback who still holds school passing records, Coen spent a season in the arena league before going into coaching, where his résumé in recent years has been unique. He had two stints each with the Rams (2018-20, 2022) and the University of Kentucky (2021, 2023) before replacing Panthers head coach Dave Canales as Tampa Bay's OC this past offseason. The Buccaneers' offense has improved statistically, ranking fifth in scoring (27.9 points per game) despite Tampa's ongoing four-game losing streak amidst injuries to its top receivers. Coen has the demeanor and personality for a head job. He may get a look.

Patriots DC DeMarcus Covington, 35: A college receiver at Samford, Covington got his big break in coaching when the Patriots hired him as an assistant in 2017. He has climbed the ladder in New England since, becoming Jerod Mayo's top pick for DC when the first-time head coach replaced Bill Belichick this past January. Covington runs the show on defense, allowing Mayo to focus more attention elsewhere. And the defense has gotten better as the season has gone on, with young players developing under the first-year coordinator. Covington has the traits -- bright, good communicator, knows ball, liked and respected by coaches and players -- to lead his own team eventually.

Panthers DC Ejiro Evero, 43: A former college safety at UC Davis who went to training camp with the Raiders, Evero has coached all three phases -- offense, defense and special teams -- and been well regarded at each stop during his 17 NFL seasons. He won a Super Bowl with the Rams as their secondary coach/passing game coordinator and then got his first DC job in 2022 with the Broncos, whose defense was a bright spot in a frustrating season. Two seasons in Carolina have brought similar team-wide frustrations -- compounded by injuries and other personnel limitations -- but effort from Evero's players is never an issue. Under first-year HC Dave Canales in 2024, Evero is effectively the head coach of the defense. He has trained under great coordinators, including Vic Fangio and Dom Capers, giving him a unique blend of perspectives. And interest in the league hasn't waned: Evero has interviewed for eight head-coaching jobs over the past two cycles, earning second interviews with the Colts, Falcons, Panthers, Seahawks and Texans.

Notre Dame HC Marcus Freeman, 38: A fifth-round draft pick of the Bears in 2009, Freeman never appeared in a regular-season game. But Freeman's story in pro football may not be written just yet. NFL teams have inquired about Freeman in recent years amidst his meteoric rise in coaching, from his first GA job at his alma mater (Ohio State) in 2010 to becoming the head coach of one of college football's most iconic programs (Notre Dame) 11 years later. Since taking over in the aftermath of Brian Kelly's midnight exit for LSU, Freeman has led the Fighting Irish to a 28-9 record and current No. 6 national ranking. He's an engaging presence who will win the interview -- if and when he's willing to take one.

Ravens STC Chris Horton, 39: A former NFL safety, Horton joined the Ravens as a coaching intern in 2014, was promoted to assistant special teams coach the following year and succeeded Jerry Rosburg for the top job in 2019. Horton has a presence and the trust of John Harbaugh, a former special teams coordinator himself. The Ravens finished No. 1 in Rick Gosselin's special teams rankings in 2021 and No. 3 in 2022 before slipping to the middle of the pack last year. Harbaugh has given Horton ownership over the operation and Horton has run with it, coaching up players from both sides of the ball.

Lions OC Ben Johnson, 38: A former walk-on QB who earned math and computer science degrees at North Carolina, Johnson has established himself as one of the brightest minds in football. He was a coveted candidate during each of the past two hiring cycles, interviewing for seven jobs (Chargers, Colts, Commanders, Falcons, Panthers, Seahawks and Texans) before ultimately deciding to stay put. He isn't necessarily waiting for the "perfect" opportunity -- Johnson just wants to know there's alignment and a chance for long-term success. Otherwise, he'll stick with a job, team and city he loves in Detroit. Johnson coached quarterbacks, receivers and tight ends before becoming the Lions' offensive coordinator in 2022, giving him a good feel for the whole picture. And he is more prepared now than ever before to run his own show. The Lions' video game numbers -- including 52 points and 645 yards in this past Sunday's rout of the Jaguars -- certainly help Johnson's cause. He'll be among the top candidates again.

Commanders AHC/offensive pass game coordinator Brian Johnson, 37: A prolific college quarterback at Utah and cover model for the NCAA Football 10 video game, Johnson got his start in coaching at his alma mater and became the youngest FBS offensive coordinator at age 24. He has mentored the likes of Dak Prescott, Kyle Trask and Jalen Hurts (whose dad, Averion, coincidentally coached Johnson). His first NFL OC opportunity last year in Philadelphia went sideways for a variety of reasons; he still interviewed for two head-coaching jobs (Falcons, Titans) last January before heading to Washington. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has wrapped his arms around Johnson, who presents in the team meeting every week, helps out in all phases of the offense and game management, and is working in an offense under Kliff Kingsbury that's more in line with what Johnson has been accustomed to through his football life.

Giants AHC/OC Mike Kafka, 37: A former NFL quarterback who was drafted by Andy Reid's Eagles in 2010, Kafka possesses innate leadership traits and earned a strong reputation as a QB tutor after reuniting with Reid in Kansas City as a quality control coach in 2017. The Giants' surprise success in 2022 helped propel Kafka's head-coaching candidacy; he has interviewed for six jobs over the past two cycles and gotten second interviews for three of them (with the Cardinals, Seahawks and Texans). Brian Daboll has taken more ownership of an offense that continues to scuffle, but Kafka's strong performance on the interview circuit figures to keep him in the mix.

Chargers DC Jesse Minter, 41: A onetime wide receiver at tiny Mount St. Joseph University in Delhi, Ohio, Minter is part of the Michigan-Baltimore-Harbaugh connection that helped land Mike Macdonald the Seahawks' head-coaching job in January. Like Macdonald, Minter worked under John Harbaugh with the Ravens (2017-2020) and Jim Harbaugh at Michigan (2022-23) before returning to the NFL and having one of the league's best defenses. The Chargers are No. 1 in fewest points allowed (14.5 per game), tied for No. 1 in goal-to-go efficiency (50%) and No. 2 on third down (32.3%) and in the red zone (40.9%). Minter has a track record. Players respect and love him. He doesn't pretend he knows everything and is willing to learn. Jim Harbaugh is already serving as Minter's head-coaching campaign manager in media interviews. That alone should land Minter a longer look come January.

Eagles OC Kellen Moore, 36: A six-year NFL backup QB who dove right into coaching with the Cowboys in 2018, Moore is highly regarded for his football IQ and creativity. And after a stop with the Chargers last year, Moore is now finding success with a different style in Philadelphia: The Eagles lead the NFL in rushing yards (181.3 per game) and attempts (36.4). He's having fun with the Philly staff and growing in different ways. Moore has already been a regular on the head coach interview circuit, with seven interviews over the past four offseasons.

Cardinals OC Drew Petzing, 37: A onetime Middlebury College defensive back whose playing career was curtailed by injuries, Petzing broke into the NFL as a football operations intern with the Browns in 2013. He since has risen through the coaching ranks in Minnesota and again in Cleveland, eventually reuniting with former Vikings cohort Jonathan Gannon in Arizona after the 2022 season. Other coaches lauded the job Petzing did under challenging circumstances last season, when Arizona started three different quarterbacks in a rebuilding year. Now the Cardinals are one of the best stories in football, sitting in first place in the NFC West with Kyler Murray fully healthy and playing at an MVP level. Petzing's reputation has been positive at every stop in his young coaching career.

Bengals OC Dan Pitcher, 37: A college QB who was a finalist for the Division III version of the Heisman Trophy, Pitcher broke into the NFL as a scout with the Colts in 2012 before joining the Bengals in 2016 as an offensive assistant. When Brian Callahan left for Tennessee in January, Zac Taylor promoted Pitcher, who doesn't call plays -- that's Taylor -- but puts together most of the game plan with input from other coaches and collaborates with Taylor leading up to and on game day. Pitcher also addresses the offense three days a week and the entire team on a weekly basis, giving him a taste of running the show. Record notwithstanding, Cincinnati ranks sixth in scoring (27 points per game) and Joe Burrow is playing at an MVP level. Pitcher's background in personnel and level demeanor are clear assets for a potential head coach.

Falcons OC Zac Robinson, 38: A star quarterback at Oklahoma State who was drafted by the Patriots and bounced around for parts of four NFL seasons, Robinson worked as a private QB tutor and PFF analyst before Sean McVay hired him as the Rams' assistant QBs coach in 2019. Robinson's first season in Atlanta has been mostly positive: The Falcons rank seventh in yards per game (361.5), Kirk Cousins has engineered three game-winning drives, and Bijan Robinson has emerged as one of the NFL's breakout stars. And Atlanta has done this while evolving from a run-centric offense in years past to one with a more balanced mindset (last week's struggles in Denver notwithstanding). The McVay coaching tree already has impressive branches with Matt LaFleur in Green Bay and Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota. It's very early, but Robinson is a high-level thinker who's detailed, organized, demanding and charismatic -- traits that usually lead to an opportunity sooner than later.

Texans OC Bobby Slowik, 37: A former Michigan Tech wide receiver and the son of longtime NFL coach Bob Slowik, Bobby broke into the league as a video assistant with Washington in 2010 and is now in his 11th season as an NFL coach (having spent three years as a PFF analyst in between coaching gigs). The younger Slowik was a largely unknown name before DeMeco Ryans hired him as Houston's OC in the 2023 offseason, bringing him along from San Francisco, where Slowik was heavily involved in game-planning and with the 49ers' quarterbacks. The Texans' offense and rookie QB C.J. Stroud were so impressive last season that Slowik became a hot head-coaching candidate, interviewing for five jobs, including second interviews with the Falcons and Commanders. Working for the detail-oriented Kyle Shanahan prepares assistants for head-coaching jobs. And while it's been a bumpier ride for Stroud and Houston's offense in Year 2 amidst a rash of injuries at running back, receiver and along the offensive line, Slowik's background and high football IQ make him an intriguing candidate again.

Dolphins OC Frank Smith, 43: A 15th-year NFL coaching veteran, Smith is in his third year on Mike McDaniel's staff in Miami, where he's involved in all aspects of running the program, preparing him for his own shot whenever it comes. While McDaniel calls the plays, Smith is heavily involved in all aspects of game-planning with a Dolphins offense that's finally getting healthy. Smith's close relationships with players at past stops and role in developing the likes of TE Darren Waller and LT Rashawn Slater speak to his strong personal skills. (Dolphins star Tyreek Hill recently reposted last year's NFLPA survey results that ranked Smith as the league's No. 1 offensive coordinator, adding his own endorsement: "frank one of them ones.") The Panthers and Seahawks interviewed Smith for their head-coaching vacancies last January.

Packers OC Adam Stenavich, 41: An All-Big Ten offensive lineman at Michigan who bounced around for parts of five NFL seasons, Stenavich returned to pro football as the 49ers' assistant offensive line coach in 2017 and then the Packers as OL coach in 2019. He handles most of Green Bay's run game, which ranks among the NFL's best (149.9 yards per game). He works with not only the offensive line but the quarterbacks, too. From overseeing the offense during the week to helping from the coaches' booth on game day, Stenavich is an invaluable asset to Matt LaFleur, who told me recently of his OC: "He's brilliant."

Jaguars OC Press Taylor, 36: A two-time national juco champion as a QB and the brother of Bengals coach Zac Taylor, Press broke into the NFL as a quality control coach in Philadelphia in 2013 and made a notable contribution to the Eagles' Super Bowl LII win: Doug Pederson credited Taylor with the idea for the "Philly Special." Reunited in 2022 with Pederson in Jacksonville, Taylor built the offense and quietly called plays in the second halves of games as the Jaguars made a surprise playoff run. Evan Engram, Christian Kirk and Zay Jones have all enjoyed career years playing in Jacksonville's offense. This has been an ugly season for the Jags, who are 2-9 -- including a league-high six one-score losses -- and are now playing without injured quarterback Trevor Lawrence. But Taylor remains a young assistant worth watching.

Browns AHC/STC Bubba Ventrone, 42: A 10-year NFL special teams standout, Ventrone started his coaching career as a special teams assistant with the Patriots in 2015 -- earning a Super Bowl ring as a member of the 2016 Pats' staff -- before getting the Colts' coordinator job in 2018. Now in his second year as the Browns' assistant head coach, Ventrone gets even more time in front of the team. He has a good reputation for his ability to lead, motivate and hold players accountable. He coaches players hard and they play hard for him. He's also experienced in game management and is known as a good talent evaluator who understands big-picture roster management. The Browns have struggled this season amidst the continued poor play and injury issues of quarterback Deshaun Watson, but Ventrone's units remain a strength.

Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, 44: Having played seven seasons in the league as a defensive lineman, Weaver is now in his 13th year as an NFL assistant coach, serving two years as Baltimore's assistant head coach before becoming Miami's defensive coordinator this past offseason. Despite key injuries and free-agent departures, the Dolphins' defense currently ranks in the top 10 in third-down rate, pass defense and total yards allowed. And Weaver has a tremendous presence, as evidenced in his head-coaching interviews last year with the Commanders and Falcons, who both brought him in for a second meeting.