The 2026 NFL season is only five weeks deep, but apparently, that is plenty of time for teams around the league to start eyeing up candidates for the 2027 coaching cycle. Yeah, you heard that right, people are already looking ahead! We’ve seen some incredible offensive minds light it up early this year, and a few names are definitely popping up on everyone’s radar as potential head coaches.
The Young Guns and Play Callers Making Major Moves
First up, you gotta talk about Jaguars Offensive Coordinator Grant Udinski. This dude is only 30, but he is already a key part of one of the NFL’s best success stories in Jacksonville. Even with Liam Coen calling the plays, Udinski is totally primed for a top job. Any team looking for a bright, young offensive mind coordinating one of the league’s best offenses could absolutely look his way. He’s one of the fastest risers we’ve seen in the coaching ranks, and a team might snag him this winter.
Then there’s Declan Doyle, the Ravens Offensive Coordinator. This guy could be the very first coach from the Ben Johnson tree to land an NFL head coaching gig. He’s been absolutely splendid calling plays for Baltimore this season, and that’s putting him on the fast track. While teams might want to see two seasons of this, Doyle is such a hot commodity, some franchise might jump on him now rather than waiting until 2028. Get ready to hear his name a lot.
And how about Drew Petzing, the Lions Offensive Coordinator? Detroit’s got the best offense in the NFL right now, and Petzing has been a home-run hire for them. He might not last long though, he’s that good. Petzing is an experienced coach, even had a coordinator stop with the Arizona Cardinals. He’s a Kevin Stefanski acolyte, and just like his old boss, he could land a head coaching job after this impressive year in Detroit.
Don’t sleep on Panthers Offensive Coordinator Brad Idzik either. He might just ride the Bryce Young wave straight to head coaching consideration. As Dave Canales’ top offensive assistant coach, Idzik has been a huge part of Young’s NFL revival. That’s a massive draw for any team looking to get the most out of their young quarterbacks, especially if they are set to draft one in 2027. The Panthers need to keep that offensive success rolling for Idzik to get serious looks, but he’s one to watch!
The Established Names From Winning Trees
Speaking of big names, Klay Kubiak, the 49ers Offensive Coordinator, is another one generating buzz. His brother, Klint Kubiak, just snagged the Las Vegas Raiders job last winter, so don’t be shocked if Klay follows suit. The San Francisco 49ers are straight-up the NFL’s best team right now, and everyone wants a piece of that Kyle Shanahan offensive magic. Klay Kubiak, like Udinski, doesn’t call plays, but he’s been in the NFL long enough to earn top looks and he comes from a seriously strong family coaching tree. Our bet? He lands a gig after the year ends.
And who could forget Eric Bieniemy, the Chiefs Offensive Coordinator? Bieniemy was a huge head coaching candidate during his first stint in Kansas City as Patrick Mahomes’ offensive coordinator. He’s back with the team, picking up right where he left off, and should absolutely be a popular name again in this coaching cycle.
So yeah, it’s only October, but the coaching carousel rumors are already heating up. These six offensive gurus are proving they’ve got the chops to lead a franchise, and the rest of the season will be their audition. Teams are watching, and these guys are playing for their shot at the big chair in 2027. Get ready for some major news this winter!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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