ZestVlog

As the NFL enters the final week of the regular season, the ominous day known as Black Monday looms.

Three teams — the Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos — already have fired their head coaches. And others are sure to follow. In no time, organizations will begin flying in candidates in hopes of finally finding the right man to lead their players to the promised land.

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Sean Payton, Leslie Frazier, DeMeco Ryans, Eric Bieniemy, Dan Quinn, Kellen Moore, Jerod Mayo, Jim Harbaugh, Aaron Glenn, Jonathan Gannon and Shane Steichen figure to rank among the leading candidates to get interviews.

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Meanwhile, a handful of other assistants are impressing rival coaches and decision-makers with their bodies of work this season. Some could wind up receiving head coaching considerations. Others could make the jump from position coaches to coordinators, people privy to behind-the-scenes discussions say.

Here’s a look at some of those coaches who may be candidates for a promotion in 2023.

Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator

The 36-year-old first-year offensive coordinator didn’t enter the season as a popular future head coaching pick. But after a year in which the Lions offense has ranked among the NFL’s top performers, Johnson should have suitors. Those familiar with Johnson, a quarterback who walked on at North Carolina and graduated with a degree in mathematics and computer science, say he is exceptionally bright and a bit quirky, but a grinder. They believe he has what it takes to make the leap to the head coaching ranks despite limited experience as a coordinator.

Mike Kafka, Giants offensive coordinator

The former practice squad journeyman turned Andy Reid disciple joined Brian Daboll in New York this season and has helped Daniel Jones save his career and Saquon Barkley get his groove back. Kafka, 35, worked with Patrick Mahomes as Chiefs quarterbacks coach and eventually passing game coordinator from 2018 to ’21. He was mentioned as a potential head coaching candidate last offseason and should draw interest again after helping the Giants end their playoff drought.

Wink Martindale, Giants defensive coordinator

The trend around the league is the young, fresh-faced head coach. But Martindale, 59, could prove to be the exception. The longtime Ravens assistant joined Daboll’s staff and has helped transform the Giants defense into one of the stingiest units on third downs, which ranks among the key factors in New York reaching the postseason for the first time in six seasons. In addition to his X-and-O skills, Martindale’s leadership, transparency and motivational skills are praised by players.

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Shane Waldron, Seahawks offensive coordinator 

People around the league say the 43-year-old hasn’t received the credit he deserves for the resurgence of Geno Smith and the Seattle offense. Hired in 2021 to help maximize the talents of Russell Wilson, the former Sean McVay assistant did one better by exceeding expectations once the Pro Bowl passer was traded to Denver. This year, Smith, a longtime backup, leads the league in completion percentage (70.2) and the Seahawks rank ninth in scoring (24.3 points per game).

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Brian Johnson, Eagles quarterbacks coach

Nick Sirianni and Steichen receive a lot of credit for the growth and direction of Jalen Hurts and the Eagles offense, and rightfully so. However, Johnson, 35, also has played a key role in Hurts’ development from intriguing prospect to MVP candidate. There’s talk that the former Utah quarterback could receive a few head coaching interview requests this offseason. While actually landing such a gig could take additional time, Johnson is on the track and, at the very least, has a chance to make the jump to offensive coordinator.

Luke Getsy, Bears offensive coordinator

Justin Fields remains a work in progress, but Year 2 for the former Ohio State star has featured significant growth, and Getsy is a big reason for that. Leaning into Fields’ strengths as a dual-threat quarterback, Getsy designed an offense that positioned Fields to deliver historic rushing performances while also exhibiting promise as a passer. The 38-year-old former Packers quarterbacks coach and passing coordinator directs an offense that leads the NFL with 181 rushing yards per game.

Chris Morgan, Bears offensive line coach

Morgan also has played a key role in developing the Bears offense into the most imposing rushing attack in the league. Although unknown to outsiders, he has begun developing a strong reputation in NFL coaching circles. In addition to the rushing success in his first season with the Bears, Morgan coached under Kyle Shanahan in Washington and Atlanta, and played a role in the playoff runs of both teams. Morgan is expected to receive interest for offensive coordinator positions this offseason.

Chris Foerster, 49ers offensive line coach/run game coordinator

Under Foerster’s direction, the 49ers boast one of the best lines in football. Because of that strong line play, San Francisco has remained among the league leaders in rushing and scoring despite rampant injuries at quarterback and running back. After the last two hiring cycles robbed Shanahan of top offensive assistants Mike LaFleur (Jets offensive coordinator) and Mike McDaniel (Dolphins head coach), the coach has leaned heavily on Foerster, and the 61-year-old has delivered.

(Illustration: John Bradford / The Athletic; photos of Shane Waldron, Luke Getsy and Wink Martindale: Getty Images)

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