The 2023 regular season is about to wrap up this weekend, which means some teams are about to pack it in for the year. While some clubs still have their Super Bowl dreams alive with a postseason berth on the horizon, the vast majority of teams will be on the outside looking in on that mad dash to Las Vegas. Within that group are teams that could be looking for new leadership at the head-coaching positions. Already, three teams have made in-season firings at the head-coaching spot, and there are expected to be a handful more clubs that could join in the hunt for a new coach.
Below, we’ve rounded up to the top candidates this cycle who will certainly have their names floated out for potentially multiple openings across the league.
1. Bill Belichick
Belichick might be the most sought-after coach in NFL history now that he and the Patriots have amicably agreed to part ways. While New England has floundered a bit in this post-Tom Brady era under Belichick, he is still a strong head coach and will absolutely garner attention from the rest of the league, as reported by CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson. How the 71-year-old Belichick — who had been New England’s GM — handles player personnel at his potential next stop will be an interesting angle to monitor as well, but from a head-coaching standpoint, he’s still second to none and would bring whatever organization he lands with instant credibility.
2. Ben Johnson
Current position: Offensive coordinator, Detroit Lions
You can make the case that Ben Johnson is the top candidate this cycle and likely could’ve opted for a head-coaching gig last offseason as well. However, he decided to stick with the Lions and his stock has only risen with Detroit winning the division and reaching the playoffs in 2023. Johnson can hang his hat on the development of Jared Goff within his offense after coming over in a trade with the Rams. He also fits the mold of what has become the prototypical head-coaching candidate: He’s young (37) and coaches on the offensive side of the ball. If a team with a young core is looking for a head coach, it could look to a guy like Johnson over Belichick.
3. Jim Harbaugh
Current position: Head coach, University of Michigan
Harbaugh has flirted with the NFL over the last few years and has reportedly hired agent Don Yee, which only adds more fuel to the idea that he could leave Michigan after the College Football…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at CBSSports.com Headlines…