Top NFL head coach candidates looking towards 2020

The NFL head coach run is at an end. Most of the jobs have since been filled or all but locked up by a candidate the team is waiting on in the playoffs.

With that said, there were plenty of candidates passed over this year who deserved an opportunity as well. One might even argue more than normal as several of the hires this year seemed somewhat suspect. Granted, time could prove that untrue but initial impressions aren’t exactly favorable. That being said, here is a quick rundown of the top names who will likely lead the head coaching searches next year in 2020.

Kris Richard (Dallas Cowboys)

It’s a mild shock that Richard didn’t get a head coaching job. He’s been a hot candidate for the past couple of years, first during his stint as defensive coordinator in Seattle and now calling the plays for the Dallas Cowboys defense this season. His success is unquestioned. He’s young and clearly intelligent. It is difficult to understand what might be holding teams back other than his defensive background. There is no way he gets passed over again next year.

Eric Bienemy (Kansas City Chiefs)

Doug Pederson was the Chiefs offensive coordinator and is now a successful head coach. Matt Nagy was the Chiefs offensive coordinator and is now a successful head coach. It’s clear Andy Reid seems to produce quality head coaches every year and it looked like Eric Bienemy was destined for the same after helping Patrick Mahomes throw for an absurd 50 touchdowns. In the end, other less qualified (and less black?) offensive minds went ahead of him. That won’t last forever.

Matt Eberflus (Indianapolis Colts)

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The amazing story of Eberflus never gets old. He’s originally hired by the Colts as part of Josh McDaniel’s expected staff. McDaniels then backs out of the deal, leaving him high and dry. Indy decides to stand by the original deal and keep Eberflus. He goes on to reward them with a top 10 defense that gave up seven points in their first playoff game. The buzz around him is real and if he can replicate it in 2020 he will likely be one of the hottest candidates.

Jim Schwartz (Philadelphia Eagles)

The longer people get away from it, the more they should appreciate what Schwartz did for the Detroit Lions. He rebuilt them literally from the ground up in the ashes of that 0-16 season to a playoff contender three seasons later. Since then he’s masterfully directed the Philadelphia Eagles defense despite a series of injury setbacks to yet another playoff victory. It feels like just a matter of time before he gets another opportunity.

Chuck Pagano (Chicago Bears)

Unbelievable? Believe it. Look the setup isn’t that hard to accept. Chuck Pagano had success in Indianapolis as a head coach, making the playoffs three times. He did so with little to no help from his GM who did some of the worst drafting in recent memory for any NFL team. Fans may not accept this fact, but other teams certainly will. Now Pagano takes over the #1 defense in the NFL who just got their previous coordinator a head coaching job. So yes, he’s a definite name to watch.

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