NFL Analysis
9/5/24
18 min read
NFL Coaching Candidates: 25 Coaches Under 40 to Watch in 2024
Many people are involved in a football team who need to excel for the team to succeed. It starts from the top with ownership and trickles down to front office members, the scouting department, training staff, equipment staff, coaching staff, and, of course, the players. The coaching staff is responsible for getting the most out of the players. Many layers are involved, including proper communication, teaching ability, leadership, and a deep understanding of game strategy, among other skills. The season is about to kick off, so here's a list of coaches aged 40 or under who I'm keeping an eye on this season.
Some of these names you've heard of — some of them you probably haven't. But in this league, all it takes is one year for you to go from a complete unknown to a potential coordinator and future head coach.
NFL's Top Young Coaching Candidates
1. Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr
The former Ravens All-Pro linebacker had his promising playing career cut short due to a congenital neck/spine condition. It was a devastating blow for Orr, who had gone from being an undrafted free agent to earning a spot in the starting lineup and becoming an All-Pro, only to receive the heartbreaking news that his playing career was over.
But Orr turned around and decided to pursue coaching. He quickly climbed the ranks and became a defensive coordinator this offseason at age 32, replacing Mike Macdonald, who became Seattle's head coach. Macdonald recently told the Baltimore Sun: "He's going to be a head coach. It's just going to happen. He's that special of a guy."
2. Houston Texans Offensive Coordinator Bobby Slowik
Slowik became a hot name last year for his work with CJ Stroud during his rookie season, as the Texans won the AFC South title and a Wild Card Round victory over the Cleveland Browns. He received head coach interviews this cycle but ultimately stayed in Houston, where the talent pool is overflowing with the additions of Stefon Diggs, Joe Mixon, and the return of Tank Dell.
Coming from a family of coaches, Slowik spent time with Mike Shanahan in Washington and Kyle Shanahan in San Francisco and was initially on the defensive side in San Francisco with DeMeco Ryans before switching to offense. He has been involved in all aspects of coaching and is expected to be a top head coach candidate in the next cycle.
3. Houston Texans Quarterback Coach Jerrod Johnson
Johnson is another name in Houston quickly emerging as one of the most promising young coaches in the NFL. Known for his strong rapport with players and deep understanding of offensive schemes, Johnson played a vital role as the Texans' quarterbacks coach, helping CJ Stroud develop into one of the league's top young signal-callers.
He interviewed with four different teams for offensive coordinator jobs this offseason but ultimately stayed in Houston on a new contract. "It's been just a blessing to work with him and he deserves everything coming for him. I'm super blessed to be able to work with him," CJ Stroud said.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen
Coen is taking over as offensive coordinator in Tampa Bay, replacing Dave Canales, who became the head coach in Carolina. Coen previously served as the offensive coordinator at the University of Kentucky in 2021 and 2023, when the Wildcats had two of the best offensive seasons in school history and with Sean McVay's Rams in 2022.
During his time with the Rams, Coen notably helped Baker Mayfield step in and successfully run the offense after being claimed off waivers for the final five games of the 2022 season. Now reunited with Mayfield in Tampa Bay, and with an entire offseason of preparation, Coen could be the next rising offensive mind in the NFL and potentially have a path to a head coach seat similar to Canales.
5. Los Angeles Rams Assistant Head Coach and Passing Game Coordinator Aubrey Pleasant
Similar to how they viewed Raheem Morris, Aubrey Pleasant is already seen by the Rams as a future head coach. He recently showcased his leadership by serving as the acting head coach in the Rams' preseason win over the Chargers on Aug. 17th, where he handled everything from media duties to gameday mechanics. In 2023, nine of the Rams' 10 interceptions came from the defensive backs under Pleasant's coaching.
During his first stint in LA, Rams cornerbacks ranked second in the NFL in interceptions, led in interception return yards, and had the most interceptions returned for touchdowns. He has coached under top defensive minds like Brandon Staley, Wade Phillips, and Raheem Morris while working closely with Sean McVay for a decade.
6. Indianapolis Colts Offensive Coordinator Jim Bob Cooter
Jim Bob Cooter helped guide the Colts to a top-10 scoring offense in 2023 despite missing quarterback Anthony Richardson for much of the season. His influence on game planning has been critical, continuing from his time with Shane Steichen in Philadelphia.
Cooter's offensive acumen is rooted in his experience working with Peyton Manning and learning from Jim Caldwell early in his career. One executive mentioned his influence in Indianapolis is similar to what Brian Callahan had in Cincinnati.
7. Baltimore Ravens Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton
A former NFL safety, Chris Horton has steadily climbed the coaching ranks since joining the Ravens in 2014 as an assistant special teams coach. Promoted to special teams coordinator in 2019, Horton has kept Baltimore at the forefront of special teams excellence, consistently finishing in the Top five of Football Outsiders' special teams DVOA ratings every year under his leadership.
Special teams coordinators have unique roles within NFL teams. They work closely with the entire roster and play a critical part in roster management and game-day activations. John Harbaugh, a former special teams coordinator, has entrusted Horton with the Ravens' long-standing reputation for special teams dominance, and Horton has delivered.
With the introduction of new kickoff rules, Horton's expertise in special teams strategy could gain even more attention, making him a name to watch as he continues to make an impact.
8. Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik
At just 32 years old, Brad Idzik is the youngest offensive coordinator in the NFL, quickly rising through the ranks. Having worked with head coach Dave Canales since 2019, Idzik has moved from Seattle to Tampa Bay and now to Carolina, gaining valuable experience in both the quarterback and wide receiver rooms along the way.
Now, Idzik is tasked with a big challenge: helping Bryce Young, the No. 1 overall pick in 2023, silence the doubters and prove why he deserved that selection. If Idzik can unlock Young's potential and lead the Panthers' offense to success, his name will surely start popping up on the radar of other teams looking for a bright offensive mind.
9. Denver Broncos Quarterback Coach Davis Webb
Davis Webb's rise is remarkable, transitioning straight from NFL backup quarterback to quarterbacks coach for Sean Payton in Denver. Initially, Payton didn't intend to hire Webb, interviewing him as part of the process, but Webb impressed so much that he earned the job on the spot.
Last year, another NFL team even called to bring Webb back onto the field, but he's fully committed to coaching now. Now, he's tasked with working with rookie Bo Nix, who the Broncos have been raving about all summer. Webb has a bright future, and multiple sources have noted that he has the potential to be a head coach within the next five years.
10. Indianapolis Colts Offensive Passing Game Coordinator Alex Tanney
Alex Tanney is another name who swiftly transitioned from backup quarterback with the Giants to the coaching ranks. After spending three seasons in Philadelphia, he reunited with Shane Steichen in Indianapolis this offseason and is now serving as the Colts' offensive passing game coordinator.
Tanney is part of a talented, young coaching staff centered around the development of Anthony Richardson. With his experience and role in shaping the passing game, Tanney is poised to be a key figure in Richardson's growth and quickly becomes a coach to watch.
11. Tennessee Titans Assistant Tight Ends Coach Luke Stocker
Luke Stocker is entering his second season in coaching after an 11-year NFL playing career. He first joined the Titans as an intern during the 2023 offseason and quickly earned a full-time role as an offensive assistant.
Even after Mike Vrabel's departure, Stocker was retained by Brian Callahan, underscoring his value to the team. His quick transition from player to coach and his deep understanding of the game make him a name to watch as he continues to climb the coaching ranks.
12. Philadelphia Eagles Passing Game Coordinator/Defensive Backs Coach Christian Parker
Christian Parker began his coaching career at just 21 years old, serving as the defensive backs coach at Virginia State. His NFL journey started in 2019 with the Green Bay Packers, and he spent three years as the defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos before joining Vic Fangio's staff in Philadelphia this offseason.
Known as an "exceptional communicator," Parker is regarded as a future defensive coordinator and potential head coach. Having worked under coaches like Vic Fangio, Ejiro Evero, and Mike Elko, Parker brings a wealth of knowledge. His experience as a former college wide receiver also gives him a unique perspective on the defensive side of the ball.
13. Atlanta Falcons Passing Game Specialist Chandler Whitmer
Chandler Whitmer was on my radar last year when he was a quality control coach for the Chargers, and sources were already labeling him as a future quarterbacks coach. Now in Atlanta, Whitmer serves as a pass game specialist, where he's involved in the development of Michael Penix Jr.
His prior work included closely collaborating with Justin Herbert and the Chargers' quarterbacks, preparing for weekly games, and assisting the offensive coaching staff. Whitmer deeply understands the quarterback position, having worked under top names like Ryan Day, Kellen Moore, and Zac Robinson. His coaching journey includes time at Clemson with Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State with Justin Fields.
And on top of it all, he's one of the best quarterbacks in UConn football history. Whitmer's career is one to watch as he continues to rise through the coaching ranks.
14. Los Angeles Rams Offensive Assistant and Passing Game Specialist Nate Scheelhaase
A former Illinois quarterback, Scheelhaase has garnered significant attention, including interest from Power 5 programs for offensive coordinator jobs and from NFL teams in the past.
This offseason, he joined the Los Angeles Rams as the Pass Game Specialist, where he will learn under Sean McVay. During his time at Iowa State, he coached multiple positions, including wide receivers, running backs, and quarterbacks, before ultimately becoming the offensive coordinator.
He also participated in the NFL Accelerator program for future head coaches this spring, further cementing his status as a rising star in coaching. With his versatility and growing reputation, Scheelhaase is definitely a coach to keep an eye on.
15. Arizona Cardinals Passing Game Specialist Spencer Whipple
Whipple has established himself as a trusted offensive mind with the Arizona Cardinals, where he's been coaching since 2019. Initially brought in by Kliff Kingsbury, Whipple was retained on the new staff under Jonathan Gannon last year. He worked with All-Pro wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins over three seasons (2020-22).
Now, he is part of the group guiding a young and talented receiver corps in Arizona, featuring Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Wilson, and Greg Dortch. His skills were recognized when he was selected as the wide receivers coach for the West team at the Shrine Bowl earlier this year.
The son of college head coach Mark Whipple, Spencer's background includes playing quarterback and coaching on both sides of the ball, making him a versatile football mind and a future Offensive Coordinator candidate.
16. Atlanta Falcons Tight Ends Coach Kevin Koger
Kevin Koger is entering his first season as the tight ends coach for the Atlanta Falcons after three years in the same role with the Los Angeles Chargers. Now, he's tasked with unlocking the full potential of Kyle Pitts, who has yet to reach his ceiling.
Koger has previously interviewed for Offensive Coordinator roles in Green Bay and Denver and is well-regarded in coaching circles. He's worked alongside coaches like Matt LaFleur, Zac Robinson, and Kellen Moore, which has helped shape his offensive acumen. He played at the University of Michigan, where he was a three-year starter at tight end.
Koger brings both playing experience and a deep understanding of the tight end position. His ability to develop Pitts could make him a highly sought-after coach in future hiring cycles.
17. Arizona Cardinals Assistant Quarterback Coach Connor Sengar
Connor Sengar is entering his third season with the Arizona Cardinals and was promoted to assistant quarterbacks coach this offseason. He originally joined the Cardinals in 2022 as part of the Bill Bidwill Coaching Fellowship and has quickly risen through the ranks. Last season, he served as an offensive quality control coach, focusing on quarterbacks.
He brings experience from coaching at the collegiate level, where he was a quarterbacks coach, and as a former quarterback at the University of Wisconsin. Sengar has worked closely with Kyler Murray, and if the Cardinals' offense sees significant improvement, Sengar will be a key contributor to that success.
18. Cincinnati Bengals Secondary and Safeties Coach Jordan Kovacs
Jordan Kovacs, a former NFL safety, has steadily climbed the coaching ranks with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he's been on staff since 2019. After two seasons coaching at his alma mater, Michigan, Kovacs began his NFL coaching journey as a defensive quality control coach, focusing on linebackers.
His work with standout players like Logan Wilson and Germaine Pratt has been instrumental in their development. Kovacs played for Lou Anarumo and now has been coaching under him, and this season, he now moves into a new position group in Cincinnati.
19. San Francisco 49ers Assistant Offensive Line Coach Cameron Clemmons
Cameron Clemmons is in his first season with the 49ers after spending the previous four years with the Las Vegas Raiders, where he served as the assistant offensive line coach and an offensive quality control coach.
During his time with the Raiders, Clemmons helped shape one of the best offensive lines in 2023, as the group averaged the fewest penalties per game and committed the third-fewest holding penalties in the NFL. Clemmons brings valuable experience working with both tight ends and offensive linemen and is now working under Chris Foerster, one of the league's most respected offensive line coaches.
20. Pittsburgh Steelers Outside Linebackers Coach Denzel Martin
Denzel Martin is a highly respected coach within the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, having been with the team since 2016. This season marks his first as the Steelers' outside linebackers coach, after previously serving three seasons as the assistant outside linebackers coach (2020-22), two seasons as a coaching assistant (2018-19), and two more as a scouting assistant (2016-17).
A young coach who has risen through the ranks internally, Martin has played a key role in coaching standout players like T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. With his growing experience and leadership, he is seen as a potential future defensive coordinator.
21. Minnesota Vikings Assistant OC/assistant Quarterback Coach Grant Udinski
Grant Udinski enters his third season with the Minnesota Vikings and his second as the assistant quarterbacks coach in 2024. In 2022, he served as the assistant to head coach Kevin O'Connell.
Last season, Udinski played a pivotal role in guiding the team through a challenging year that saw four different starting quarterbacks take the field. Known for his intelligence and relentless work ethic, Udinski has earned a reputation as one of Minnesota's "secret weapons," with many viewing him as a rising star within the organization.
22. Carolina Panthers Defensive Passing Game Coordinator Jonathan Cooley
Jonathan Cooley was promoted to Defensive Passing Game Coordinator for the Carolina Panthers this year, continuing his ascent in the coaching ranks. He began his NFL journey as a Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellow with the Los Angeles Rams, where he eventually earned a role as the team's Defensive Backs Coach.
Cooley's coaching career started in Division III, and he advanced through each collegiate level before breaking into the NFL. Along the way, he developed under defensive minds like Brandon Staley, Raheem Morris, and Ejiro Evero.
23. San Francisco 49ers Wide Receiver Coach Leonard Hankerson
Hankerson played in the NFL for five years, crossing paths with Kyle Shanahan in Washington and Atlanta. After transitioning to coaching in the college ranks for five years, Shanahan hired him as an offensive quality control coach in 2021.
After just one season, Shanahan promoted him to the team's primary receiver coach, where he achieved immediate success. In 2021, Deebo Samuel earned First-Team All-Pro honors, and in the last couple years, Brandon Aiyuk has developed into one of the league's top young receivers. Hankerson received interest from college programs in each of the last two offseasons but wanted to remain in San Francisco.
Given the widespread use of the Shanahan offense by many NFL teams, he is a coaching prospect who could eventually receive promotion opportunities as he continues to advance in his career.
24. New York Giants Outside Linebackers Coach Charlie Bullen
The Giants have a new defensive scheme in 2024 with Shane Bowen and Charlie Bullen is among the new coaches joining on the staff. Bullen brings a wealth of experience, having coached at both the NFL and Power 4 levels. Before joining the Giants, Bullen spent three seasons as the outside linebackers coach for the Arizona Cardinals, where he coached players like Markus Golden, Chandler Jones, and Haason Reddick.
He also worked with the Miami Dolphins for seven seasons and spent three seasons at the University of Iowa. Interestingly, Bullen began his coaching career at Iowa working with quarterbacks, giving him a deep understanding of both sides of the ball and adding valuable insight to his defensive coaching expertise. Bowen was previously an outside linebackers coach, so he’ll be even more connected with Bullen in New York.
25. Detroit Lions Assistant Linebackers Coach Shaun Dion Hamilton
A former player, Shaun Dion Hamilton is in his third season with the Detroit Lions and second as assistant linebackers coach in 2024. He transitioned into coaching through the Lions' WCF Minority Coaching Assistantship after briefly playing linebacker for the team.
In 2023, Hamilton played a key role in helping Alex Anzalone achieve a standout season and guided rookie Jack Campbell to rank second among NFL rookies with 89 tackles. A former Alabama standout and team captain under Nick Saban, Hamilton is quickly making a name for himself in coaching. Saban has raved about his teaching ability and leadership
