2010's Top Coordinators Poised to become HC

[methodtoll]

I know, I know... Way to early to even speculate on who is out but obviously there are some guys that are on the bubble including: Eric Mangini, Tom Cable, Tom Coughlin, and even our "beloved" John Fox. That being said, here are some names to keep an eye on come 2011:

1) Mike Zimmer, DC, Bengals- One of the best defensive minded coaches that are in the league this present day. He is a motivator and has turned a defense that was one of the worst in the league into a fearsome tandem and made the team a contender in the AFC North. If I am not mistaken, he has gotten some looks this offseason but I think he'll be getting a lot more after this season.

2) Sean McDermott, DC, Eagles- It seems like there is a trend with younger coaches getting head coaching gigs and I don't think it is going to stop this year. A lot of what the Eagles have done of defense was from the great and late Jim Johnson but McDermott has come in and really taken control. I think one more season is going to prove that he ready to step up.

3) Brian Schottenhiemer, OC, Jets- Bringing in Sanchez and a strong running game is really helping his status. He is a guy that is also getting a lot of looks as a potential candidate. I think he would be a great fit for a team with a young QB.

4) Jason Garrett, OC, Cowboys- This may be a overrated pick by many but I think he is poised to be a head coach. A young guy who knows how to motivate his team and reminds me of a younger Norv Turner.

5) Ron Rivera, DC, Chargers- Another former bear who I think is poised to be a great head coach. As I say about most of the coaches, he knows how to motivate his team. One great thing is that he has ran both a 3-4 and 4-3 defense which is great for any time questioning their defense.

6) Greg Manusky, DC, 49ers- Manusky isn't a name that a lot have heard of but keep an eye on this guy. While most of the 49er's defense success is because of Mike Singletary, he is learning behind Singletary and could be a good option for a 3-4 defensive team.

7) Leslie Frazier, DC, Vikings- Yet another former bear who has one of the top defenses in the league. Frazier is a fiery motivator who be a great fit for anyone running the Tampa-2 scheme. Also, his motivator is Mike Tomline which if the Panthers want to go the Steeler's way then he would be the perfect option.

8) Jeff Davidson, OC, Panthers- I have to bring someone from in house in this conversation. Davidson has helped produce one the top rushing tandems in the league and with the addition of Clausen and Moore possibly starting, this offense is starting to look good.

9) Mike Nolan, DC, Dolphins- Nolan didn't have a lot of success with the 49ers but I do believe he needs a second chance as head coach. I think he is a solid motivator and makes his defenses look scary.

10) Keith Butler, LB Coach, Steelers- I know he isn't a coordinator but he is exactly what a team needs in a head coach. Learning behind one of the best defensive minded coaches in the league helps too. A solid motivator who comes from a winning tradition and knows what it takes to win.

I think the overall opinion on all these guys is that they are motivators and could turn teams in to contenders again.

[methodtoll]

Wanted to add to the list

Brian Baker, Dline Coach, Panthers- Gantt mentioned as a possible candidate if Fox leaves. He has a high motor and really keeps the dline in tuned and really has develop a good core of guys, imagine what he could do with a whole team. One underrated guy to keep a good eye on come next offseason.

[Mr. Scot]

Rivera's been a candidate forever. Maybe he doesn't interview well.

[PanthersFanNY]

Go go Mike Zimmer.

His players seem to love him.

[Boltergeist]

If Zimmer keeps it up next year in CIN, I imagine he'll get more looks.

And re: Manusky, we were high on him to be Wade's successor in SD. Unfortunately, he took the SF job just days before Wade went to Dallas. Manusky at DC in SD would've meant likely no firing of Marty.