As NFL teams search for their next head coach, many are looking for individuals who exhibit traits similar to Sean McVay. The head coach of the Los Angeles Rams, McVay made history in 2017 by becoming the youngest coach since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, taking the helm at just 30 years old. Under his leadership, the Rams have secured one Super Bowl victory, made two appearances in the championship, claimed four NFC West titles, achieved six playoff spots, and recorded seven winning seasons out of eight.

Among the 14 coaches currently leading teams in the playoffs, nine have followed a similar career trajectory—coming from coordinator or assistant roles and serving in their first position with their respective clubs. The remaining five coaches have prior head coaching experience. Notably, McVay previously held the role of offensive coordinator in Washington before earning his shot with the Rams.

Coaches such as Sean McDermott (Bills), John Harbaugh (Ravens), DeMeco Ryans (Texans), Mike Tomlin (Steelers), Dan Campbell (Lions), Nick Sirianni (Eagles), Kevin O’Connell (Vikings), and Matt LaFleur (Packers) all began their careers as coordinators or assistants before stepping into head coaching roles with their current franchises. Harbaugh and Tomlin have been leading their teams for over 15 years, both having secured a Super Bowl title during their tenures. Sirianni also notably led his team to the Super Bowl in his second year.

Andy Reid (Chiefs), Jim Harbaugh (Chargers), Sean Payton (Broncos), Todd Bowles (Buccaneers), and Dan Quinn (Commanders) are currently managing their second teams in the NFL. With multiple franchises—Jets, Bears, Saints, Patriots, and Jaguars—on the lookout for new leadership, several coordinators and assistants will be in contention alongside experienced former head coaches, including Mike Vrabel, Ron Rivera, Robert Saleh, and Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores.

Here are eight promising candidates vying for their first head coaching position:

**Ben Johnson**
As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson has taken the team to new heights, leading the NFL in scoring with an average of 33.2 points per game and second in total yards with 409.5 per game. Promoted to his current role in 2022, he chose to remain with the team despite offers last year, aiming for a Super Bowl win. The Lions, boasting a remarkable 15-2 record, currently hold the NFC’s top seed and are seeking their first Lombardi Trophy. Johnson is slated to interview with the Jaguars, Bears, and Patriots during Detroit’s bye week, making him an appealing choice for teams with young quarterbacks.

**Liam Coen**
In his inaugural season as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Coen positively influenced Baker Mayfield, achieving a career-best season. He transformed the Buccaneers from the league’s worst rushing offense to fourth overall, with the team finishing third in total yards and fourth in scoring. Coen, a Rhode Island native, aims to be a head coach, although he acknowledges that the timing doesn’t have to be immediate. The Jaguars have expressed interest in interviewing Coen.

**Joe Brady**
In his first full year as the offensive coordinator for Buffalo, Brady saw Josh Allen excel, leading the Bills to 10th in total yards and second in scoring. Brady gained recognition after a successful tenure at LSU, where he helped Joe Burrow secure a national championship. Despite experiencing some challenges at Carolina, his work in Buffalo has made him a desirable candidate for head coaching roles, with the Jets, Jaguars, and Saints already reaching out for interviews.

**Kellen Moore**
Having spent four seasons as the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator and another with the Chargers, Moore recently joined the Eagles, helping them rank second in rushing. While the passing game has seen a dip, the Eagles have found success through the ground game. Moore, who played as a backup quarterback for six years, is expected to be in the mix for interviews with the Saints and Jaguars.

**Josh McCown**
A well-known NFL quarterback and former position coach, the 45-year-old McCown has had a significant impact on the development of Sam Darnold in Minnesota. He played a crucial role in Darnold’s rise as a top-tier quarterback under head coach Kevin O’Connell. McCown, who has a wealth of experience from his playing days, is anticipated to interview with the Jets, a team he played for during the 2017-2018 seasons.

**Aaron Glenn**
As the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Glenn delivered an impressive performance in the regular-season finale by shutting down the Vikings, helping the team claim the NFC’s No. 1 seed. A longtime NFL player, Glenn has been in coaching for several years and is expected to interview with the Jaguars, Bears, Saints, and Jets, the team that drafted him in 1994.

**Anthony Weaver**
In his first year as the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator, Weaver led the team to the fourth-best defense in the league after previously serving as an assistant in Baltimore. With a solid background as a former player, Weaver’s coaching journey began with the Jets in 2012. He is expected to pursue opportunities with the Bears and Saints.

**Jesse Minter**
In his debut season as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, Minter helped the team allow the fewest points in the league. Transitioning to the NFL from a successful stint with Michigan, Minter has gained valuable coaching experience under the Harbaughs in both college and professional football.

As the NFL coaching landscape evolves, these candidates represent a fresh wave of leadership, each bringing unique experiences and talents to the table.