Five underrated NFL coaching candidates primed for success

Bucky Brooks

NFL Analyst

The coaching carousel is spinning like crazy, with teams and coaching candidates jumping on and off the ride. NFL owners, executives, and general managers are hoping to find the right candidates to quickly turn around downtrodden programs that have failed to meet expectations.

As a player, I had an opportunity to play under a collection of Hall of Famers (Marv Levy), Super Bowl champions (Mike Holmgren, Tom Coughlin, and Jon Gruden), and perennial winners (Marty Schottenheimer) who demonstrated the qualities that are essential to winning at a high level. Although each leader utilized a different style to get it done, they shared some general traits that helped them consistently win in an ultra-competitive league.

Reflecting on what I observed during my time with each coach, successful coaches demonstrate five characteristics that separate them from others at the position.

Visionary: Coach can clearly depict what he wants and expects from his team and players. Moreover, he establishes a standard that does not change or waver regardless of circumstance or situation.
Leader: Coach demonstrates the ability to galvanize the group in pursuing a common goal. He will make tough decisions regarding personnel or strategies to ensure the team stays on track through triumphs or trials and tribulations.
Communicator: Coach is very clear and direct with his instruction, correction, and guidance. He informs every coach and player of their role within the team and keeps a running dialogue with the team to ensure everyone is always on the same page.
Tactician: Coach demonstrates expertise in the scheme, strategy, and game management that gives the team confidence that they can win any game if they stick to the proposed script.
Problem Solver: Coach capably addresses problems in games or throughout the practice week. The coach seemingly has the answers to the test and the team respects his knowledge and wisdom as a leader.

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Given some time to assess the “hot” coaching candidate landscape, I wanted to identify a handful of underrated assistants with the potential to emerge as stars if they can run their show. Here are five coaches to watch:

Don “Wink” Martindale, Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants

Given his spectacular resume, it is a surprise the defensive mastermind has not had an opportunity to run his program. Martindale is a rare find as an adaptable tactician with a knack for building around the talents of his players. From building disruptive defenses in Baltimore utilizing a variety of blitzes and simulated pressures that put the onus on the secondary to hold up in one-on-one matchups to creating a flexible scheme that has enabled the New York Giants to rely on a disruptive frontline to protect a vulnerable secondary, Martindale has routinely demonstrated his flexibility and adaptability as a play caller.

With the veteran also displaying a unique ability to develop young players and unheralded backups, teams should take a closer look at Martindale as a program builder.

Mike Kafka, Offensive Coordinator, New York Giants

The former NFL backup is viewed as an outstanding teacher and schemer. Kafka’s work with quarterbacks throughout his career (SEE: Patrick Mahomes and Daniel Jones) suggests that he knows how to max out the most important position on the field. In addition, his work with the Giants under Brian Daboll has shown his adaptability and flexibility as a schemer and tactician. Considering he has transformed an undermanned offense into a playoff contender behind a young quarterback who has demonstrated significant growth as a player, the buzz is building in league circles about Kafka’s potential as a head coach.

Aaron Glenn, Defensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions

The former first-round pick has been on the radar for the past few years, but his work with the Lions should result in a job at the end of the carousel. Glenn has developed a young defense into a scrappy unit that helped the Lions emerge as an unlikely playoff contender this season. Through masterful teaching and player development, the former Pro Bowler has coaxed strong performances from a collection of rookies and inexperienced players while assisting in transforming the team’s culture. Given his pedigree, coaching influences (Bill Parcells and Sean Payton), and experience, Glenn is well-prepared for an opportunity to run a program.

Rich Bisaccia, Special Teams Coordinator, Green Bay Packers

It is rare for a special teams coach to garner consideration for a head coaching job, but Bisaccia is an ideal candidate. The veteran’s work as an interim head coach with the Raiders showcased his leadership skills and adaptability as he navigated the team through challenging circumstances to a playoff berth. Considering how the team fell apart this season after his departure, Bisaccia deserves more credit for his impact and influence on his former team. As executives continue to examine his impressive work with his special teams units throughout the years, the veteran’s outstanding vision, communication skills, player development, and game management skills should push him to the front of the line.

Vance Joseph, Defensive Coordinator, Arizona Cardinals

Despite a disappointing tenure with the Denver Broncos as a first-time head coach, Joseph should fare well as a team leader this time. The experience from his failures has given him a clear vision of how to build a team, and his work with the Cardinals reflects some of the lessons learned from his debut. Joseph has shown growth as a leader and tactician, from his direct communication style to evolving strategies designed to mask the unit’s personnel flaws due to injury. In addition, his relationship-building strategies that mix tough love and accountability with encouragement can produce a cultural change in a locker room.

Bucky Brooks is an NFL analyst for FOX Sports. He regularly appears on “Speak For Yourself” and also breaks down the game for NFL Network and as a cohost of the “Moving the Sticks” podcast. Follow him on Twitter @BuckyBrooks.

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