Who’s going to be fired – and hired? With Black Monday approaching in January (a day dreaded by NFL coaches), NFL jobs are about to pop open and fill at lightning speed. NFL coaching hires and fires are breaking news and get us talking about the controversy for weeks. Why’d they fire him? Who’s the next hire? Did they seriously let him go? What the hell were they thinking?
But do you ever think, “Will they hire me?”
Football fans often find inspiration in the athleticism, coaching, and leadership on display—the big plays, roaring fans, and bright lights make you want to join the action.
While not everyone can be a star athlete, you can still be part of the game. If you truly understand it and put in the work, there’s a place for you.
Do you have what it takes to be an NFL coach?
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Types of NFL Coaching Jobs
The head coach often gets all the glory as the leader of an NFL team. Take Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots—love him or hate him, he’s built a dynasty. But his journey to multiple Super Bowl wins involved years of grinding, networking, and learning from the best.
Belichick didn’t do it alone; his coaching staff, including hardworking coordinators and position coaches, played a key role in perfecting each side of the ball and ensuring the X’s and O’s were flawless. Success in the NFL truly requires a team effort.
Becoming a head coach is no small feat, but it’s not impossible. Starting young, ideally in school, helps. While playing experience, even in high school, is a plus, it’s not mandatory. In the league, understanding the game and knowing the right people can land you a role.
Most head coaches climb the ladder from coordinator positions, though some have made the leap from being a position coach to leading an NFL team.
Here is a list of the common types of NFL coaching jobs:
- Defensive Coordinator
- Defensive Line Coach
- Linebacker Coach
- Secondary Coach: defensive backs/safeties/cornerbacks
- Offensive Coordinator
- Offensive Line Coach
- Quarterbacks Coach
- Running Backs Coach
- Tight Ends Coach
- Wide Receivers Coach
- Special Team Coordinator
- Special Teams Coach – punters/kickers/kickoffs/kick returns/field goals/etc.
Let’s face it. Not everyone is cut out to be an NFL head coach. Not everyone wants to be. For those who genuinely understand football, they get that coordinators, while not the face of the team, are often the ones calling the plays and working alongside the HC to get the win. That is often more appealing to those interested in coaching.
Whatever your passion or your calling, know that you have to work VERY hard to get a coaching job in the NFL – unless you are born into it.
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NFL Internships and Networking
Landing an NFL coaching job starts with networking and internships—essential for success. A degree isn’t required, but knowing the game and the right people is crucial.
NFL internships demand dedication with long, often unpaid hours, even during holidays. It’s a year-round commitment, not a 9-to-5. These roles are highly competitive, so be relentless. Apply, follow up, and don’t take no for an answer. Keep pushing until you’re in the game.
After interning, aim for quality control roles in the NFL—they’re a quick path to promotion. Networking is crucial, as connections often lead to opportunities during staff changes.
Many NFL coaches start in college coaching, where a Bachelor’s and sometimes a Master’s degree is required. Graduate Assistant roles can help you advance, but if higher education isn’t your path, internships and networking are vital.
Find out what it was like for Sean McVay when he became the NFL’s youngest coach.
Taking Your Career to the Next Level
If you’re serious about becoming an NFL coach, it’s time to create your game plan. Look at where you are, where you need to be, and what steps are required to get there. Take inspiration from coaches like Sean McVay or Robert Saleh, who carved their paths to success with dedication and strategy.
Study the best, whether it’s the innovative plays of the San Francisco 49ers or the rich coaching history of Green Bay. Read books, ask questions, and network relentlessly. Apply for internships, join networking groups, and reach out to industry professionals—they often enjoy sharing insights about the journey to the top.
It’s your dream, so own it. Put in the work, learn the game inside and out, and take every chance to get into action. Go out there and win!
