While the 2026 NFL head coaching carousel has its share of marquee names such as Jesse Minter, Brian Flores, Klint Kubiak, Joe Brady, and Robert Saleh, organizations that look beyond the obvious choices are sometimes rewarded.
The Carolina Panthers surprised the NFL world when they hired Dave Canales after just one year of playcalling experience, but now he has the team in the playoffs in his second season at the helm. Mike Macdonald was the youngest head coach in the NFL when the Seattle Seahawks hired him, but he has been incredible.
The best hires sometimes come from finding a diamond in the rough or zigging when others are zagging. Here are seven coaches who deserve serious consideration this cycle — from rising young coordinators to proven veterans seeking redemption.
Declan Doyle, Offensive Coordinator – Chicago Bears
Age: 28 | Experience: First-year OC, NFL’s youngest coordinator
When Ben Johnson left Detroit to become Chicago’s head coach, he made a bold choice for his offensive coordinator: a 28-year-old tight ends coach. That decision is looking increasingly prescient, as Declan Doyle has helped Johnson’s offense thrive and contributed to Caleb Williams’ continued development in his sophomore season.
Doyle’s coaching pedigree is impressive for someone so young. He spent four years with the Saints under Sean Payton before joining the Broncos as tight ends coach, where he helped Denver reach the postseason in 2024 with a top-10 scoring offense. While Johnson calls the plays in Chicago, Doyle handles game planning and film study, the same arrangement that prepared countless young coaches for their own opportunities.
Why he’s under the radar: He’s never called plays and is in his first year as a coordinator. But his meteoric rise through Payton’s coaching tree and the trust Johnson has placed in him suggest he’s on an accelerated timeline to becoming a head coach.
Grant Udinski, Offensive Coordinator – Jacksonville Jaguars
Age: 29 | Experience: First-year OC, one of the youngest coordinators in NFL history
The youngest name on this list might be one of the most intriguing. Grant Udinski turns 30 years old this month, which would make him younger than Sean McVay was when the Rams hired him in 2017. Jacksonville’s first-year offensive coordinator doesn’t call plays — Liam Coen handles that — but his fingerprints are all over an offense that’s helped Trevor Lawrence rediscover his form.
The Jaguars rank 16th in PFSN’s Offense Impact metric (75.5, C grade) but have won 13 games behind a resurgent Trevor Lawrence and a balanced attack. Udinski interviewed for five offensive coordinator jobs last offseason before landing in Jacksonville. Now, he might skip the coordinator step entirely.
Udinski’s path has been unconventional. He lived in his car in a Walmart parking lot when he started as a graduate assistant at Baylor in 2019. He followed Matt Rhule to Carolina, then joined Kevin O’Connell’s staff in Minnesota, where he helped engineer Darnold’s breakout year in 2024.
Vikings quarterback coach Josh McCown told players to “text Grant” when they had late-night questions about the offense. The lack of play-calling experience and his age will give teams pause, but Udinski represents the ultimate “next McVay” gamble.
Why he’s under the radar: Similar to Doyle, Udinski’s age and the fact that he doesn’t call plays are the main knocks against him. However, if he can wow teams during the interview process, perhaps a front office decides to bet on his potential.
Adam Stenavich, Offensive Coordinator – Green Bay Packers
Age: 42 | Experience: OC since 2022, with Packers since 2019
Adam Stenavich is reportedly the highest-paid non-play-calling offensive coordinator in the NFL, which is a testament to how much Matt LaFleur values his contributions. While LaFleur calls plays, Stenavich is instrumental in game planning and run-game coordination, helping the Packers consistently rank among the league’s most efficient offenses.
His fingerprints are all over Jordan Love’s development into a franchise quarterback. Stenavich played at Michigan under Lloyd Carr and has deep roots in the Shanahan coaching tree through his time with the 49ers. The Bears interviewed him for their head coaching job last cycle before ultimately hiring Ben Johnson.
Why he’s under the radar: He doesn’t call plays, which some view as a prerequisite for offensive head coaches. But his holistic understanding of offense, combined with his elite track record of developing players and linemen, makes him a complete package.
Kelvin Sheppard, Defensive Coordinator – Detroit Lions
Age: 38 | Experience: First-year DC, Lions assistant since 2021
When Aaron Glenn departed to become the New York Jets’ head coach, many wondered if Detroit’s defense would suffer. It hasn’t. Under Kelvin Sheppard’s leadership, the Lions have maintained the aggressive identity that defined the Glenn era while adding his own wrinkles.
An eight-year NFL linebacker who played for five teams, Sheppard brings the kind of credibility that resonates in locker rooms. Dan Campbell has said he believes Sheppard will be an outstanding head coach. For teams seeking the next Campbell, Sheppard fits the mold perfectly — a former player with infectious energy, leadership presence, and proven schematic ability.
Why he’s under the radar: It’s his first year as a coordinator. But his rapid ascent mirrors Campbell’s own trajectory, and the Lions clearly trust him with their defensive future.
Drew Petzing, Offensive Coordinator – Arizona Cardinals
Age: 38 | Experience: Third season as OC
Drew Petzing’s quiet competence has gone overlooked during Arizona’s turbulent season. But his work developing Kyler Murray and establishing one of the league’s most efficient rushing attacks — setting the franchise record for yards per carry at 5.29 in 2024 –demonstrates his ability to adapt to personnel and maximize talent.
Murray has spoken highly of Petzing’s offensive acumen. His mentors include Norv Turner, Pat Shurmur, John DeFilippo, and Kevin Stefanski — a coaching lineage that emphasizes quarterback development and scheme versatility. The Bears interviewed him last cycle, and he remains on the short list for teams seeking young offensive minds.
Why he’s under the radar: Arizona’s disappointing 2025 season has dampened enthusiasm. But two of his three seasons as OC were impacted by Murray injuries, and he’s shown adaptability even without his starting quarterback.
Bill Belichick, Head Coach – University of North Carolina
Age: 73 | Experience: 29 seasons as NFL head coach, 6 Super Bowl titles
The greatest coach in NFL history isn’t done yet. After the league rejected Belichick across the board during the 2024 hiring cycle, he took the UNC job — but reports indicate at least two NFL teams are interested in speaking with him this offseason. He’s just a handful of wins shy of breaking the NFL’s all-time coaching wins record, and there are rumblings that breaking this mark without Tom Brady remains a driving motivation.
Belichick’s 4-8 season at North Carolina hasn’t dampened NFL interest. The Falcons, Browns, and Giants reportedly have personnel who remain fond of him, though Belichick himself has stated he will not pursue the Giants’ job.
Still, for a franchise willing to bet on proven excellence over recent performance, Belichick offers something no other candidate can: six championship rings and a system that produced countless successful coaches across the league.
Why he’s under the radar: He isn’t, not really. But after being passed over last cycle, some teams may have moved on and he isn’t getting mentioned a ton as a candidate. That could be a mistake. His buyout from UNC is just $1 million, and his desire to break the NFL’s all-time wins record and prove he can win without Brady make him as motivated as ever.
Jon Gruden, Former Head Coach
Age: 62 | Experience: 15 seasons as NFL head coach, Super Bowl XXXVII champion
Three years after his resignation from the Raiders amid a scandal involving leaked emails, Jon Gruden’s name continues to surface in coaching conversations. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated that it “wouldn’t shock” him if teams wanted to speak with Gruden, noting that “in a year with limited offensive options, this would be the time” while noting that “his imprint is still all over the NFL coaching landscape.”
Gruden has remained connected to football, consulting for the Saints in 2023 and serving as a part-owner and consultant for the Nashville Kats of Arena Football One. He’s coaching the 2026 Hula Bowl alongside his brother Jay and has maintained relationships with current players and coaches.
His ongoing lawsuit against the NFL and Roger Goodell remains the primary obstacle, but if that reaches a resolution, teams in need of a culture shift — particularly those with young quarterbacks — may find his experience and intensity appealing. Gruden seems to enjoy his media career, but he has stated that he’d love one more shot at coaching.
Why he’s under the radar: The controversy surrounding his exit makes him a PR risk, and his lawsuit complicates matters further. But his 117-112 career record includes a Super Bowl title, and his coaching tree extends throughout the league. For an owner willing to weather the storm, Gruden offers proven offensive acumen and a commanding presence.
