It is the league’s most wonderful, yet chaotic, time of the year.
The National Football League playoffs bring both excitement to fans and, at the same time, changes to many teams’ coaching staff.
Known as the “coaching carousel,” the league is fast approaching firing season and this year’s ride has plenty of intrigue.
The Shield is chock-full of bright, young coaches ready for a chance at the wheel.
Therefore, the hope for aspiring assistants to assume command of their own NFL team is just around the corner.
Currently, three positions are/will open by season’s end with Detroit Lions, Atlanta Falcons, and Houston Texans all handing out pink slips.
In addition, expect Black Monday to bring more change from the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Chargers, and Chicago Bears.
Also, head coaches Doug Pederson with the Eagles and Vic Fangio of the Broncos may be on the bubble too.
With so many options opening up, the following three assistants are primed for head coaching positions in 2021.
Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll
Brian drew eyes from the league before the season began when the Browns interviewed him for their head coaching position.
After helping Alabama to the 2017 National Championship trophy, Daboll’s Buffalo Bills are 11-3 and on top of the AFC East.
Firstly, the Bills improved from 19 points and 330 yards/game in 2019 to 29 points and 386 yards/game this year.
Secondly, Josh Allen is posting Pro-Bowl numbers, improving his QB rating from 67.9 in 2018 to a whopping 104.2 now.
Finally, he is a no-nonsense, highly focused, well-respected coach.
Brian said in an interview in January 2020:
“It’s really hard to win in this league. You learn real quick that you better focus on the things you can control and the task at hand. You can’t let your mind drift into those because then you wouldn’t be doing your job as good as you can do it and that’s what you need to do.”
It is not surprising the league has set its sights on Brian in 2021.
His fun, play-calling offense also helped Brian and QB Josh Allen to grow closer together.
Allen spoke fondly of his coach after their week 15 shellacking over the Broncos:
“I love him not just as a coach, but as a person. He’s an awesome dude. He’s one of the best if not the best offensive coordinators in the game right now. The innovative ways he finds to get the ball to our guys, it’s fun to be a part of. I’m just glad I’ve been able to have him the last three years and watch our relationship grow. He’s one of the good ones.”
My guy to watch in this one is @BuffaloBills OC Brian Daboll.
Speaking with a lot of decision makers and Daboll has a lot of buzz around him as a potential head coach.
Started out under Belichick, but has gone on his own path and runs an innovative offense every week.
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) December 19, 2020
San Francisco Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh
Despite leading the San Francisco 49ers to Super Bowl LIV, Robert missed out on landing a head coaching job last year.
But that did not discourage the Northern Michigan University alum to continue to progress.
Saleh’s 49ers currently sit fifth overall in total defensive yards, fourth in defensive passing yards, and seventh in rushing TDs allowed.
Because of his impressive resume, many people around the league figure Robert a top candidate for a head coaching position in the coming offseason.
49ers Pro-Bowl cornerback Richard Sherman praised his defensive coordinator and related:
“I expect him to be a head coach next year because of what he’s able to do. He’s able to rally men. He’s a leader of men and that goes a long way.”
Robert Saleh deserves to be a HC@RSherman_25 explains why pic.twitter.com/yfQDRvUJAU
— PFF (@PFF) December 2, 2020
Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy
Eric Bieniemy serves as the creative genius behind the Kansas City Chiefs prolific offense for the past three years.
If that isn’t enough, Eric has not missed a step after his Super Bowl LIV winning Chiefs hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2019.
Kansas City currently boasts the best record in the NFL, is first in total offensive yards, and second in overall points.
However, it is the Heisman Trophy finalist’s work ethic that gained him much respect amongst his peers.
Leading up to Super Bowl LIV, Eric said in regard to hard work:
“It shaped a lot of who I am. Growing up in the early ‘70s, there were a lot of different things that was going on. It made me understand that life is not always crystal stairs. You have to work hard for everything you want to earn.”
The Louisiana native still recalls many valuable lessons he picked up early in life, stating:
“One thing I learned in New Orleans was not to take anything for granted. You work hard at anything and everything you do.”
NEXT: 3 Cold Hard Facts About Andy Reid You May Not KnowEric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.
Eric Bieniemy is a head coach.— Daron K. Roberts (@CoachDKR) December 21, 2020