I could see a couple teams dipping into the college ranks for a top offensive mind.
Jim Harbaugh will be one IMHO, however, other offensive coaches could surface too.
Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins
The coach with the most boring name in the NFL is helping craft one of the league’s most exciting offenses. Smith doesn’t call plays for the Dolphins, but that shouldn’t stop him from receiving interest from around the NFL following two years of assisting Mike McDaniel. Remember, McDaniel didn’t call plays for the 49ers before he became a head coach, either.
Dave Canales, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
As Seattle’s QBs coach in 2022, Canales was also essential to Smith’s 30-TD season, and his efforts landed him an offensive play-calling role with the Buccaneers. All he’s done is help revitalize another quarterback’s career, pushing Baker Mayfield to the 18th-best QBR in the league. Pete Carroll, Canales’ mentor for nearly two decades, will surely vouch for the 42-year-old.
Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans
While Slowik is just 36, there’s no arguing with results. The Texans’ OC brought Kyle Shanahan’s offense to Houston and has guided C.J. Stroud to what will be an award-winning campaign. (Whether Stroud takes home Offensive Rookie of the Year or MVP — or both — remains TBD.)
Sure, Slowik will hear nepotism complaints, given his youth and the fact that his father, Bob Slowik, was a longtime NFL defensive coordinator. But given how fellow Shanahan acolytes DeMeco Ryans (Slowik’s boss) and McDaniel have worked out as head coaches, Slowik will likely be on HC shortlists.