Top 10 NFL Head Coaching Prospects for 2009

Also check out the Top 10 NFL Head Coaching Vacancies for 2009.

10. Mike Heimerdinger, Offensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

Heimerdinger has a solid reputation for his abilities on the offensive side of the ball. He's worked under Mike Shanahan twice, helping develop Jay Cutler at quarterback. The Titans' offense ranks sixth in rushing yards and seventh in points scored in the league.

9. Jim Caldwell, Associate Head Coach and Quarterbacks Coach, Indianapolis Colts

Caldwell coached in the college ranks for 20 years and was head coach for eight at Wake Forest. He's helped develop quarterbacks and passing games in the NFL.

8. Bill Cowher, Former Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

Cowher sets an aggressive tone with his teams. He has a Super Bowl championship under his belt, two AFC championships, and was named AP Coach of the Year in 1992. Cowher is best with a veteran team.

7. Mike Martz, Offensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers

His accomplishments speak for themselves. The former Rams head coach is a great offensive mind. What seems to limit Martz is a reputation for not meshing well with others.

6. Ron Rivera, Defensive Coordinator, San Diego Chargers

The Bears defense fell off in 2007 with Rivera's departure. He helped lead one of the most dominant defenses while defensive coordinator in Chicago. He has a solid background from his days in Philadelphia.

5. Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans

Schwartz has learned under Jeff Fisher and Bill Belichick. The Titan's impressive start this year is primarily due to a resurgent defensive unit that has lost many players in recent offseasons due to salary cap restrictions.

4. Rex Ryan, Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens

Ryan has helped lead one of the best defensive units in nine seasons with the Ravens. In his three seasons as coordinator, Ryan's defense has ranked among the top six in the league each year. Baltimore was No. 1 in the NFL in 2006, surrendering the fewest points.

3. Josh McDaniels, Offensive Coordinator, New England Patriots

What McDaniels has been able to achieve this season without Tom Brady is remarkable. He's learned under one of the best in the business in Belichick. He's considered a good evaluator of talent.

2. Jason Garrett, Assistant Head Coach and Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys

The Cowboys have one of the league's most dangerous offensive units. Garrett is the type of coach that's perfect for a team looking to rebuild and develop young players. He's unproven, however—this is only his second season as coordinator.

1. Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants

Spagnuolo is the architect of a defense that applied relentless pressure on the Patriots' record-setting offense in Super Bowl XVII. He's turned around a defensive unit that ranked 25th in the league before his arrival, now ranked No. 3 overall in the NFL.

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