Four Former NFL Head Coaches who could get a Second Chance in 2024.
By the time the playoffs begin, there may be up to ten head coaching positions available in the NFL, with Black Monday just a few days away.
A few past head coaches have made a compelling argument to be given another chance at the position, even if a number of rising assistants, such as defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero of the Carolina Panthers or offensive coordinator Ben Johnson of the Detroit Lions, will probably have their fair share of suitors.
Here are four HC candidates who could be worthy a second chance:
1. Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator, Cleveland Browns
Schwartz made it known he’d like to be a head coach again, and after what he’s done with the Browns defense in 2023, a team would be wise to take him up on it. Cleveland is allowing the fewest yards per game (266.6), the fewest passing yards per game (165.9) and the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game (100.6) with the fourth-most interceptions (17) and seventh-most sacks (46).
The Browns have also given up the fewest receptions (286), first downs (231) and receiving yards (2,973) as well as yards per pass (5.9). They also have the lowest completion percentage (56.4), quarterback rating (72.7), and third-down conversion % allowed (29.4). With his obvious defensive acumen, Schwartz ought to be at the top of the short list for the Los Angeles Chargers or Atlanta Falcons.
2. Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator, Dallas Cowboys
Quinn has improved the Cowboys defense in a number of ways. Most notably, he made cornerback DaRon Bland, who leads the team in interceptions (eight) and defensive touchdowns (five), a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Dallas’s fourth-lowest completion % (59.9), fifth-fewest passing yards allowed (3,055), and sixth-lowest passer rating against (81.1) are all attributable to him.
Quinn had two playoff appearances and one Super Bowl appearance during his four-plus years as the Falcons head coach, and his 43-42 record is somewhat deceiving in telling the full story of what kind of HC he was. Quinn was rumored to be the favorite to replace Mike McCarthy in Dallas if the team missed out on the postseason, but now, Quinn may just land a job somewhere else.
3. Brian Flores, defensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
Flores actually had a solid three-year run as the Dolphins HC from 2019 to 2021. That coupled with how much he’s turned the Vikings defense around this season should be enough to earn him a few head-coaching interviews this offseason.
Under Flores’ tutelage, Minnesota jumped from 31st to 16th in total defense and 30th to 12th in scoring defense this season. The Vikings defense is allowing 330 yards and 20.8 points per game this year — both drastic improvements from the 388 yards and 25.1 points per game they averaged in 2022.
4. Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs
With Patrick Mahomes tied for the fifth-most turnovers among QBs in the NFL, including an uncharacteristic 14 interceptions, an argument can be made that Spagnuolo’s defense is actually what’s carried the Chiefs to their eight straight division title and ninth consecutive playoff appearance.
With an average of 285.5 yards and 17.3 points per game, Kansas City is ranked third in scoring defense and second overall in total defense. The Chiefs have allowed the second-fewest passing yards per game (172.9), the sixth-fewest touchdown passes (19), and the eighth-lowest passer rating against (84.4) despite having the second-most sacks (54) under Spagnuolo’s direction. Given his defensive skills, Spanuolo may suit in well in Las Vegas, Los Angeles (Chargers), or Washington.
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