Four former NFL head coaches who could get a second chance in 2024

With Black Monday just a few days away, there could be as many as 10 head-coaching vacancies in the NFL by the time the playoffs start.

While several up-and-coming assistants like Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson or Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero will likely have their share of suitors, there are a handful of former head coaches who’ve made a strong case for getting another crack at the job.

Here are four HC candidates who could be worthy a second chance:

1. Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator, Cleveland Browns

Schwartz made it known he’d like to be a head coach again, and after what he’s done with the Browns defense in 2023, a team would be wise to take him up on it. Cleveland is allowing the fewest yards per game (266.6), the fewest passing yards per game (165.9) and the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game (100.6) with the fourth-most interceptions (17) and seventh-most sacks (46).

The Browns also have the lowest completion percentage (56.4), passer rating (72.7) and third-down conversion percentage allowed (29.4), and they’ve allowed the fewest receptions (286) and first downs (231) and second-fewest receiving yards (2,973) and yards per pass (5.9). Schwartz clearly has a sharp defensive mind, and he could be at the top of the shortlist for teams like the Atlanta Falcons or Los Angeles Chargers.

2. Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator, Dallas Cowboys

Quinn has done some amazing work with the Cowboys defense, most notably turning cornerback DaRon Bland, who leads the league in interceptions (eight) and defensive touchdowns (five), into a Defensive Player of the Year front-runner. He’s also responsible for Dallas allowing the fourth-lowest completion percentage (59.9), fifth-fewest passing yards allowed (3,055) and sixth-lowest passer rating against (81.1).

Quinn had two playoff appearances and one Super Bowl appearance during his four-plus years as the Falcons head coach, and his 43-42 record is somewhat deceiving in telling the full story of what kind of HC he was. Quinn was rumored to be the favorite to replace Mike McCarthy in Dallas if the team missed out on the postseason, but now, Quinn may just land a job somewhere else.

3. Brian Flores, defensive coordinator, Minnesota Vikings

Flores actually had a solid three-year run as the Dolphins HC from 2019 to 2021. That coupled with how much he’s turned the Vikings defense around this season should be enough to earn him a few head-coaching interviews this offseason.

Under Flores’ tutelage, Minnesota jumped from 31st to 16th in total defense and 30th to 12th in scoring defense this season. The Vikings defense is allowing 330 yards and 20.8 points per game this year — both drastic improvements from the 388 yards and 25.1 points per game they averaged in 2022.

4. Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs

With Patrick Mahomes tied for the fifth-most turnovers among QBs in the NFL, including an uncharacteristic 14 interceptions, an argument can be made that Spagnuolo’s defense is actually what’s carried the Chiefs to their eight straight division title and ninth consecutive playoff appearance.

Kansas City ranks second overall in total defense and third in scoring defense, allowing 285.5 yards and 17.3 points per game. Under Spagnuolo’s guidance, the Chiefs have the second-most sacks (54) while surrendering the second-fewest passing yards per game (172.9), the sixth-fewest touchdown passes (19) and allowing the eighth-lowest passer rating against (84.4). Spanuolo's defensive prowess could be a fit in Los Angeles (Chargers), Las Vegas or Washington.