Jacksonville Jaguars

2017 NFL Coaching Candidates: Matching Top Names To Teams

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Jul 28, 2016; Foxboro, MA, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels takes the field for training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Just over a month remains in the 2016 season and teams no longer in the playoff hunt are already collecting info on the 2017 NFL coaching candidates.

There are plenty of intriguing options to consider from both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Some of them are borderline household names. Others are virtual unknowns outside the football community. It’s just a matter of figuring out which teams will be demanding them and where those men end up. Here is a breakdown of the top five candidates available and where they are likely to fit best.

Josh McDaniels

Why he’ll be a head coach: The reason should be fairly obvious. McDaniels has overseen one of the most consistently successful offenses in the NFL for years. Tom Brady went from a world class game manager to a superstar upon his rise to offensive coordinator and the two won a Super Bowl together in 2014. McDaniels has earned another shot at the headset after his first one in Denver didn’t work out. He’s older, wiser and believes he’s learned plenty of critical lessons.

Team he’ll take control of: The Los Angeles Rams. Jeff Fisher has been in charge of the Rams since 2012. Since then they’ve never posted a record better than 8-8. Ownership has remained patient, much longer than normal ones would. With the team facing another losing season, the time for a change is at hand. They will want somebody who can come in and mold #1 overall pick Jared Goff into the star he should be. Nobody is more qualified for that undertaking than McDaniels.

Aug 11, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan before a game against the Washington Redskins at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Shanahan

Why he’ll be a head coach: Shanahan has a lot of things going for him. He’s among the most proven and experienced offensive coordinators in the NFL. Matt Ryan is in the MVP discussion because of him. Then there is the fact he’s learned from three different Super Bowl-winning coaches including his own father, Mike Shanahan. The experience, success and bloodlines are there to believe Kyle is ready for his shot.

Team he’ll take control of: The San Diego Chargers. Injuries have played a big part in why the Chargers keep losing. That might be enough to save current head coach Mike McCoy but he was already in hot water before the season began. If he’s out the Chargers will want a head coach who can boost the quarterback position with Philip Rivers and whomever ends up replacing him down the road. Shanahan is the guy most qualified besides McDaniels.

Dec 28, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia watches from the sideline as they take on the Buffalo Bills in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Buffalo Bills defeated the Patriots 17-9. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Matt Patricia

Why he’ll be a head coach: For Bill Belichick to relinquish control of the Patriots defense to somebody, that’s a big deal. Matt Patricia has earned the respect of his peers. The former engineer is a lot like Belichick in his ability to adapt both to personnel and scheme changes. He’s more focused on making the players he has successful. That is the mark of any good head coach. The intelligence is obviously there and his players love him. It’s an easy sell.

Team he’ll take control of: The San Francisco 49ers. Don’t be fooled by the flat denials. It’s been rumored that Chip Kelly has one eye turned towards going back to college and with the Oregon job opening up it may be the match that lights the fuse. Patricia could come in and immediately sort out what has been a horrific 49ers defense. Then he’ll have a free hand to begin building the machine that he’s wanted to since joining the league.

Oct 11, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin claps his hands before the game against the Arizona Cardinals at Ford Field. Cardinals win 42-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Teryl Austin

Why he’ll be a head coach: This guy has been on the radar for the past two years. So far no team has pulled the trigger, and that’s a surprise. Teryl Austin has quietly proven himself to be one of the top defensive coordinators in the league despite some questionable personnel issues. He has a long history of success as an assistant including a Super Bowl ring with the Baltimore Ravens. He’s waited patiently for his opportunity. It’s a matter of finding the right spot.

Team he’ll take control of: The Jacksonville Jaguars. Gus Bradley is almost certain to be fired after a highly disappointing 2016 season. Nothing more so than the underachievement of a talent-laden defense. Austin would come in and take full advantage of that unit while also having plenty of connections to build a staff that can still salvage Blake Bortles at quarterback. The Jaguars need a fresh start badly and this may not be a flashy choice. It would be the right one though.

Nov 26, 2016; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban leaves the field after his team defeated the Auburn Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Tide defeats the Tigers 30-12. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Saban

Why he’ll be a head coach: If Alabama wins the national championship as expected in 2016, it will be the fifth of Saban’s illustrious career. At that point it will be natural to ask the question. What is left for him to accomplish in college? Nothing. The only obstacle left for him is the NFL. His first attempt in Miami did not go as planned. Though Saban vowed he wouldn’t return after that, rumors have remained strong he’s just been waiting for the perfect opportunity.