The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing. The Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders joined the fray on Monday, firing Arthur Smith and Ron Rivera respectively. The Los Angeles Chargers, Carolina Panthers, and Las Vegas Raiders are also potentially in the market for a new coaching staff.
Some of the most popular coaching candidates include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh, and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, who have already been inundated with interview requests.
Not every franchise with a vacancy will hire a front-running candidate, however. Lucky for those owners, various quality applicants are flying under the radar. We've identified five such candidates.
RAHEEM MORRIS, RAMS DC
Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has already received requests from the Chargers, Panthers, and Commanders, according to reports. Morris would be an outstanding hire for a team searching for a stabilizing figure. Morris has done a great job this season for the Rams, who play against the Detroit Lions in the playoffs this weekend.
Cap-related challenges and a lack of premium draft picks have forced Morris to fill out his defense with ascending talents and unknown gems. Yet, Morris oversaw a quality defense while leaning on rookies like Kobie Turner and Byron Young, and sophomores like Quentin Lake and Cobie Durant.
Morris also possesses diverse experience. While the bulk of his resume has been built on the defensive side, he did work as a passing game coordinator and wide receivers coach under Kyle Shanahan in Atlanta. That makes Morris a well-rounded candidate who's familiar with Shanahan's popular scheme.
FRANK SMITH, DOLPHINS OC
It's a copycat league and everybody wants a piece of Mike McDaniel and the Miami Dolphins' high-flying offense. The Dolphins averaged a second-best 29.2 points per contest throughout the regular season. Starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is a Comeback Player of the Year candidate. That makes offensive coordinator Frank Smith an intriguing candidate.
Smith previously spent four seasons (2010-14) working under Sean Payton in New Orleans. He later joined Jon Gruden in Oakland/Las Vegas. Smith has essentially worked under some of the brightest offensive minds in all of football from 2010 onward. McDaniel paying off in Miami should make teams willing to take a chance on Smith.
AARON GLENN, LIONS DC
The Detroit Lions fielded the second-best run defense this season, allowing a stingy 88.8 yards per contest. Aaron Glenn's unit has steadily improved every year since he arrived in 2021. The Lions met expectations by winning the NFC North and will host a playoff game for the first time this weekend since 1994. Glenn’s stock is higher than ever.
A three-time Pro Bowl cornerback, Glenn's playing past allows him to uniquely connect with his players. The Lions play with terrific effort, which speaks to Glenn's ability to motivate a locker room. Glenn has already received interview requests from the Chargers and Commanders.
TODD MONKEN, RAVENS OC
Todd Monken has done an outstanding job in his first season as the Baltimore Ravens' offensive coordinator. On a per-game basis, the No. 1-seed Ravens rank sixth in total yards gained (370.4) and first in rushing (156.5). Monken's offense scored a fourth-ranking 28.4 points per contest. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is the heavy favorite to win his second MVP award.
Before arriving at Baltimore ahead of 2023, Monken won back-to-back National Championships as Georgia's offensive coordinator. Monken is on quite the run. The 57-year-old is overdue for an opportunity at this level.
STEVE WILKS, 49ERS DC
Steve Wilks should have been the head coach of the Panthers this season, but owner Dave Tepper made an error in judgment when replacing the interim Wilks with Frank Reich, who didn't even last a full year. Wilks bounced back from that setback by agreeing to become the San Francisco 49ers' defensive coordinator. Wilks bet on himself, and it appears primed to pay off.
The Chargers have already requested an interview with Wilks. The list of potential suitors should grow as Wilks focuses on helping the one-seed 49ers reach Super Bowl LVIII. Wilks didn't get a fair shake in Carolina or in his previous opportunity with the Arizona Cardinals.
