Ten Rising NFL Linebackers Coaches to know as the NFL Coaching Cycle heats up
The NFL coaching cycle is in full swing. Multiple head coach and coordinator opportunities have opened up already, and interview requests are quickly firing in as every team looks to settle their immediate future with the right hire. At A to Z Sports, we've already covered the head coach candidates and general manager candidates to […]
The NFL coaching cycle is in full swing. Multiple head coach and coordinator opportunities have opened up already, and interview requests are quickly firing in as every team looks to settle their immediate future with the right hire.
At A to Z Sports, we've already covered the head coach candidates and general manager candidates to monitor (link below). For this, I wanted to tackle some of the lesser-known coaches on the rise who could be featured names for coordinator positions and head coaches of their own someday.
For transparency's sake, here are some criteria I used to determine this list:
- I made it a rule to cut off coaches who were over 45 AND/OR had 10+ years of experience in the NFL. This is a rising coaches article after all.
- If they had already served as an NFL coordinator or currently are an NFL coordinator, they will not be here (sorry Adam Stenavich).
- Names were determined by track record of success and what I have personally heard through my own network and research. It's not a perfect science but the hit rate for these coaches is pretty long.
- If a coach didn't make it on here, it's not because I hate your team. I had to cut this list off at some point for time's sake.
Also, this list is organized alphabetically (last name) so as not to imply any bias with the candidates or default into a "ranking" of them.
A to Z Sports NFL Head Coach Candidates
A to Z Sports NFL General Manager Candidates
A to Z Sports NFL Quarterback Coaches on the Rise
A to Z Sports NFL Offensive Skill Position Coaches on the Rise
A to Z Sports NFL Offensive Passing Game Coordinators on the Rise
A to Z Sports NFL Defensive Line Coaches on the Rise
NaVorro Bowman, Los Angeles Chargers
A former elite linebacker for the 49ers, it's impossible to talk about the 2010s without mentioning the fearsome duo of NaVorro Bowman and teammate Patrick Willis, with multiple All-Pros between the two. Bowman was hired just this past offseason by Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh, who coached Bowman while he was in San Fran.
The results speak for themselves. Second-year linebacker Daiyan Henley put up an All-Pro caliber season for the Chargers, while Troy Dye posted career-high tackles and run stops. Jesse Minter's scheme helped turn the Chargers' defense around, but NaVorro Bowman deserves credit for turning that key room around.
Joe Coniglio, Los Angeles Rams
A relative NFL newcomer, Joe Coniglio spent a decade in the college ranks, coaching the defensive line at Northern Michigan, Rhode Island, Kent State, and Navy before leaping up to the NFL to coach the Rams' outside linebackers. Sean McVay's former college roommate had developed multiple all-conference players in college and was placed in charge of fixing a stagnant Rams' pass rush.
Now in year two, it's safe to say he's done just that. Rookie Jared Verse is the likely Defensive Rookie of the Year, while second-year OLB Byron Young has grown his game into a disruptive force and Michael Hoecht has fully made the transition from DT to OLB and has been an effective pass-rush threat in base looks.
Aaron Curry, Pittsburgh Steelers
A former fourth overall pick, Aaron Curry had his NFL playing career cut short by injuries but has battled back to making an impact as a coach. Curry's NFL coaching career started as an assistant with the team that drafted him, working in Seattle under Pete Carroll. He was promoted twice in three seasons, first to outside linebackers coach, then to defensive ends. Curry is credited with guiding Uchenna Nwosu to career seasons with Seattle while also developing Darrell Taylor and Boye Mafe to career seasons.
The Steelers hired Curry as their inside linebackers coach in 2023 and his presence has helped the linebacker room become a position of strength for Pittsburgh. Elandon Roberts has become a steadfast force, while rookie Payton Wilson enjoyed a strong rookie season. Players have spoken at length about Curry's ability as a teacher, and he has a strong history of development and defensive success.
Shaun Dion Hamilton, Detroit Lions
A standout former team captain for the Alabama Crimson Tide, Shaun Dion Hamilton was once praised by Nick Saban as "about as smart a player as you can find." His NFL playing career didn't last for long, courtesy of injuries, but his intelligence stood out right away. So much so that after trying out for the team over the summer and playing in the preseason, the Detroit Lions offered Hamilton a chance to stay on the team; this time as a coach and not a player.
Hamilton has spent most of his time as the assistant linebackers coach for the Lions, but did earn a nod to coach the cornerbacks for the Senior Bowl in 2023. While working with Kelvin Sheppard, Hamilton has helped turn the Lions' linebacker room into a position of strength, developing Jack Campbell into one of the top young linebackers in the league and guiding Alex Anzalone to career-high totals.
Peter Hansen, Carolina Panthers
A disciple of Jim Harbaugh and Vic Fangio, Peter Hansen cut his teeth in the NFL working under the duo with the 49ers, who went to three-straight playoff appearances, including three NFC title games and one Super Bowl, while Hansen was there.
Hansen turned to the collegiate ranks in 2014, taking over as the linebackers coach for Stanford. While there, Hansen developed multiple NFL linebackers, including Blake Martinez and Bobby Okereke from 2014-19. After a brief stint as the defensive coordinator for UNLV from 2020-21, Hansen leaped back into the NFL, joining Nathaniel Hackett and Ejiro Evero with the Broncos. There, linebackers Alex Singleton and Josey Jewell both established career highs. He followed Evero over to Carolina, helping coach Frankie Luvu to a career season in 2023.
Michael Hodges, New Orleans Saints
It's pretty surprising that a young coach with a quality resume of coaching development under a respected coaching staff hasn't gotten much interest elsewhere. However, he did interview with the Patriots for their defensive coordinator job last season. Still, Michael Hodges deserves recognition for his work in New Orleans.
Hodges started in New Orleans in 2019 as an assistant before being promoted to full-time linebackers coach in 2020. As the main leader in the room, Hodges has guided Demario Davis to multiple All-Pro and Pro Bowl appearances, while developing young players like Pete Werner and Kaden Elliss into productive pros.
Denzel Martin, Pittsburgh Steelers
Denzel Martin joined the Steelers in 2016, originally as a scouting assistant, before becoming an assistant coach in 2018. Martin first assisted Pittsburgh's inside linebacker in 2018 before moving to outside linebackers in 2019, where he has stuck since.
Under Martin's guidance, the Steelers outside linebacker room has become one of the most productive units in the league. T.J. Watt, Bud Dupree, Alex Highsmith, and Nick Herbig have all had career seasons under Martin's guidance, and the Steelers' pass rush has propelled them into multiple winning seasons.
Chris Partridge, Seattle Seahawks
A longtime college coach for the Michigan Wolverines and Ole Miss Rebels, Chris Partridge made the jump to the NFL this season. Partridge was a key cog in Michigan's success under Jim Harbaugh, coaching their linebackers last season in the Wolverines' national championship run.
In his first season in the NFL, Partridge handled Seattle's outside linebacker room. Seattle finished 10th in sacks and fourth in pressures, led by Partridge's development of Boye Mafe and Derick Hall this season.
Kelvin Sheppard, Detroit Lions
Joining fellow Detroit Lions coach Shaun Dion Hamilton on this list, Kelvin Sheppard has provided a spark to the Lions' defense. Known for his fiery nature and high energy, Sheppard has been a key cog in the Lions' rebuild.
Under his tutelage, several young players have developed into productive players. Malcolm Rodriguez saw the field as a rookie and led the rookie class in tackles for loss. Jack Campbell has become one of the game's best young linebackers, while Alex Anzalone has had career years under Sheppard.
Aaron Glenn has mentored Sheppard for years, and some expect Sheppard to be the in-house replacement if Glenn departs to be the head coach elsewhere. Don't be surprised if other teams try to step in first, however.
Michael Wilhoite, Denver Broncos
Entering his second year with the Broncos, Michael Wilhoite has helped orchestrate the most devastating pass rush of the 2024 season. The Broncos lapped the rest of the NFL in sacks and pressures, pushing the team into a playoff run.
Under Wilhoite, Nik Bonitto finished third in the NFL in sacks with his teammate Jonathon Cooper behind him in sixth place with 13. The duo combined for 120+ pressures on the season as well.
