Brian Flores, the Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator, is doing incredible work with his unit through the first four games of the 2026 NFL season. Insiders from ESPN, Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, are already spotlighting him as a prime candidate for a future head coaching job. But here’s the kicker: his ongoing lawsuit against the league is a massive question mark, making everyone wonder if he’ll actually get another shot while it’s still pending. Graziano even warned that “there are other factors at play there, as we all know.” Flores definitely deserves another look after his three seasons as Miami’s head coach from 2019 to 2021, especially with how he’s got Minnesota’s defense playing, but this lawsuit? Man, that changes everything.
The New Blood and Rising Stars Everyone’s Talking About
Forget previous head coaching experience for a minute, because Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle is absolutely the frontrunner to get elevated next offseason, according to Fowler. This guy’s only 30 years old! He’s brought fresh elements to Baltimore’s offense, and Lamar Jackson, of all people, apparently loves playing for him. Word on the street is Doyle was super impressive on the OC interview circuit a year ago, not just in Baltimore, but also in Philadelphia. The league is always scouting for bright, ascending offensive minds who can develop young quarterbacks, and Doyle’s got that poised demeanor that screams head coach. You gotta love seeing young talent like that get recognized so quickly.
Jacksonville’s Dominance and Other Names Popping Up
It’s not just Flores and Doyle making waves. Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile has his unit leading the entire NFL with six turnovers this season. Graziano pointed out that the Jaguars look as good as any team out there right now, and that program has just exploded in its second year under head coach Liam Coen. Teams always look to winners for head coaching candidates, and Campanile’s defense is fourth in the NFL in EPA, plus they’re only allowing 13.3 points per game, which is second lowest behind Flores’s Vikings. Yeah, Trevor Lawrence and Coen’s offense are humming, but if the Jags keep this up and repeat as AFC South champs, it’s gonna be because that defense is lights out. Fowler added that Campanile, a finalist for Arizona’s job this winter, has “proof of concept” and his teams play physical football. Even Grant Udinski, Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator, is in the mix.
The list keeps growing too. Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik is doing amazing things with Bryce Young. The Panthers have gone from 26th to FIRST in passing offense, with Young playing fast and confidently. That kind of turnaround? Front offices are absolutely taking notes. Over in Atlanta, Tommy Rees, their offensive coordinator, is on a nice stretch. And even though Jeff Ulbrich, the Falcons’ defensive coordinator, had a rough interim stint with the Jets in 2024, he’s getting serious love around the league for what he’s doing with a short-handed unit up front. He’s extremely well-liked and respected, and could get looks if the Falcons have a big season. Don’t forget Dallas OC Klayton Adams, also on a nice run.
Man, this early season coaching buzz is insane. With so many rising stars and proven coordinators shining, we’re gonna see some major movement once the season is done. It’s gonna be wild to see who lands where.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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