5 ex-NFL coaches who will be auditioning for a top job in 2020

Why do offensive coordinators get to have all the fun? Well, if you love great defense and tenacity, you’re in for a treat because the top three retread candidates all make their livings trying to stop the other team’s offense. Though he might be too prickly of a personality for most franchises, we have to believe Jim Schwartz will get his next shot if the Philadelphia Eagles keep winning.

Philadelphia has won a Super Bowl and has been to the playoffs the last three years under head coach Doug Pederson. While that hiring was initially scoffed at, Pederson has proven himself to be one of the better coaches in the league. It’s not just his play design or his impeccable visor hair that gives him the leg up, it is how he can build up quite the supporting staff around him.

Schwartz has been a huge part of that. The former Detroit Lions coach and Jeff Fisher disciple was there when Detroit first drafted Matthew Stafford out of Georgia. While the Lions had their struggles, they did make the playoffs in 2011 with a 10-6 record. Though Jim Caldwell was so much better after him, Schwartz might get his next shot if the right opportunity presents itself.

Admittedly, he’s clashed with Pederson and the Eagles offensive staff before and he’ll probably do it again. Deep down he knows he blew his head-coaching opportunity almost a decade ago. Though he ultimately might be a AAAA defensive coordinator, some team that can’t win who needs to be more mentally tough could look at the fiery former linebackers coach for a job.