5 NFL Head Coaching Candidates Who Could Become First-Timers

The list includes Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, grandson of a legend, and Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, who’d like to coach his son.

Head coach Jeff Hafley of the Boston College Eagles looks on during a game against the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse, N.Y., on Nov. 3, 2023. Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

The 2026 NFL coaching carousel keeps on spinning, with the Ravens moving on from 18-year head coach John Harbaugh, creating a seventh opening. More could be on the way, including playoff teams potentially booting their men in charge if postseason results don’t go the way front offices expect.

While there are several retreads you’ll hear over the next few days as potential coaching candidates, such as Kliff Kingsbury, Brian Flores, Kevin Stefanski, and Raheem Morris, fans should also become familiar with the new names out there as potential first-time head coaches.