The NFL is always growing as teams across the league look to invent new approaches to building their roster, front office, and coaching staff. Could an NFL team follow the approach that the Los Angeles Lakers took in hiring JJ Redick as their head coach?
Redick is a former NBA player with no coaching experience at any level. Now, he is the head coach of one of the most prestigious franchises in all of professional sports.
Which NFL Broadcasters and Analysts Could Make the Leap To Head Coach?
Although Redick has showcased his knowledge of the game through his several podcasts and time as a broadcaster, this is certainly an unorthodox hire. Which NFL broadcaster or analyst could follow Redick’s path to becoming a head coach next?
Former star players such as Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Eli Manning will all be popular choices, but they each have high-paying positions in the media and likely don’t want to invest the time it would take to be a head coach in the NFL, given a likely pay cut.
Despite those bigger names likely passing on an opportunity, there are several other broadcasters and analysts that would potentially make sense. Here are 10 NFL broadcasters and analysts who could make the leap to head coach.
Greg Olsen
Greg Olsen was one of the first names to come to mind when creating this list. Olsen is a former All-Pro tight end who has excelled as a sportscaster and current color commentator for the NFL on Fox.
Olsen is also one of the founding members of “Tight End University,” which has grown into a yearly offseason program for tight ends around the NFL to train together.
It’s clear Olsen has both the football mind and leadership ability to be a head coach.
Tony Romo
There are several current NFL head coaches who played quarterback in either college or in the NFL. That continues to be a growing trend in today’s league as every team is looking for that next great offensive mind to pair with their franchise quarterback.
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Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo is beloved by many due to his ability to predict plays before they happen during his broadcasts. While Romo might opt to pursue a potential career as a professional golfer, he has the potential to be a head coach one day.
Charles Davis
Although Charles Davis’ career in the NFL didn’t last long, he has established himself as one of the best analysts around.
While many will also recognize Davis for his commentary in the Madden video game franchise, he has grinded his way through the broadcasting ranks for nearly 30 years.
During his playing career, Davis played on both sides of the ball. His experience as both a quarterback and a defensive back allows him to see the game from a unique perspective. That mindset, in combination with his tireless work ethic, would make him a solid head coaching candidate in the NFL.
Steve Smith Sr.
During his playing days, Steve Smith Sr. was regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFL. Smith’s passion was evident on the field, and he continues to show it through his work as an analyst as well.
We have all seen what Antonio Pierce has accomplished as head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders. His ability to bond with players and use his passion to fire up the team is infectious. Smith would offer that same type of personality as a head coach and would likely form strong relationships with his players … except for Jerry Jeudy.
Looks like Jerry Jeudy got Into it with Steve Smith during warmups 💀
— Connor Allen (@ConnorAllenNFL) October 12, 2023
Kyle Brandt
Kyle Brandt is the only candidate on this list who didn’t play football in the NFL, although he was a three-year starter at both running back and kick returner at Princeton. Brandt’s passion for the game is evident during his epic rants on NFL Network.
His work on “Good Morning Football” has showcased his fiery personality, yet he also shows plenty of compassion during serious moments as well. If a franchise is looking for someone who can fire up the locker room, Brandt is an obvious choice.
Robert Griffin III
Although Robert Griffin III is seemingly linked to a backup quarterback job around the NFL every offseason, it appears is playing days are over. As “RG3” continues to transition into life in the media, he is excelling both on TV and social media.
Griffin has the unique ability to convey strong messages about nearly everything and anything. Yet, he also showcases his football mind when needed. His blend of experience and personality could make him a potential head coach in the NFL.
Jason Kelce
Although his career as an analyst hasn’t officially started just yet, Jason Kelce is another obvious choice to be a head coach in the NFL someday.
Kelce was a leader both on and off the field for the Philadelphia Eagles. His passion for the game and his teammates was evident during his retirement speech.
Kelce’s work on the “New Heights” podcast has showcased his football mind and hilarious personality to the world.
KEEP READING: Jason Kelce Shares the Biggest Regret of His NFL Career
He has credited certain coaches for having life-changing impacts on him in the past. I could certainly see Kelce making that same impact for others as a head coach in the NFL.
Brian Baldinger
If you have an account on X (formerly Twitter), you have likely stumbled upon “Baldy’s Breakdowns” at one point or another. Brian Baldinger played offensive line in the NFL for over a decade. His knowledge of the game is clearly evident in his film breakdowns on social media.
Baldinger offers a ton of experience as both a professional player and an analyst. After playing in the NFL for over a decade, he has spent nearly 30 years in the media as well. His expertise, combined with his personality, would make him a strong head coach candidate.
Dan Orlovsky
Despite his hysterical mistake on the field for the Detroit Lions, Dan Orlovsky has cemented himself as one of the top NFL analysts around.
Orlovsky spent 13 seasons in the NFL with several different teams, which helped expose him to all different types of offensive systems.
It’s clear Orlovsky has a great offensive mind, and the Eagles actually showed interest in hiring him to the team’s coaching staff in 2020. Orlovsky opted to pass on the opportunity, but it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him in head coach discussions in the future.
Devin McCourty
While Bill Belichick’s head coaching tree hasn’t seen the best results in the NFL, his former players have done a solid job. Mike Vrabel enjoyed a strong tenure with the Tennessee Titans and Jerod Mayo has replaced Belichick as head coach of the New England Patriots.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see another one of Belichick’s former players like Devin McCourty land a head coaching job.
McCourty won three Super Bowls as a member of the Patriots and is currently a commentator for NBC’s “Football Night in America.”