The NFL coaching carousel is spinning again in 2025, with six teams searching for their next head coach. For those aspiring to join this elite group, it’s a golden opportunity to be part of an exclusive club. Since 1970, only 269 men have worked as full-time NFL head coaches. They come from all walks of life – some transitioned from playing careers, others followed family ties into coaching.
But a closer look reveals intriguing patterns in where these leaders come from. Let’s dive in.
Which States Produce The Most NFL Head Coaches?
California leads the pack, producing 33 head coaches since the 1970 merger. It’s no shock, given that California is the most populous state. The list of Californian head coaches includes legendary figures like Andy Reid, Bill Walsh, and Dick Vermeil. These names alone have reshaped the NFL, and Californian coaches have claimed eight Super Bowl victories – more than any other state. Five current head coaches also hail from the Golden State.
Pennsylvania, with 31 head coaches, and Ohio, with 25, trail California by a significant margin, thanks to their rich football traditions. Texas, a state synonymous with high school and college football, surprisingly ranks a distant fourth with just 15 head coaches. Nine states, including Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, have yet to produce an NFL head coach.
Where Were 2025 Head Coaching Candidates Born?
This year’s pool of first-time head coaching candidates reflects football’s geographic hotbeds. Many contenders come from states like Texas and Georgia, known for their gridiron pedigree.
A few candidates could make history. Liam Coen, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator, would be the first NFL head coach born in Rhode Island. Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers, would join Barry Switzer as only the second NFL head coach born in Arkansas.
Here is the List of the Head Coach Candidates the New York Jets are considering to get the job! ✈️
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Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator and arguably the most sought-after candidate this cycle, would join Hall of Famer Art Shell as one of only two NFL head coaches born in Charleston, South Carolina.
Also Read: Ranking The Top NFL Head Coach Openings
Which Colleges Have Produced The Most NFL Head Coaches?
Two schools sit atop the leaderboard for producing head coaches: the University of Oregon and Miami (Ohio), with seven alumni each. Miami (Ohio) has a particularly impressive legacy, boasting three Super Bowl winners: John Harbaugh, Sean McVay, and Weeb Ewbank.
Close behind are Alabama, Michigan State, and Texas A&M, each with six head coaches. If Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is hired this cycle, Texas A&M will join Oregon and Miami (Ohio) at the top of the list.
Join us in wishing all our Miami University alumni the best of luck as they head into the NFL Playoffs! We’re proud to see RedHawks like John Harbaugh '84 (Cradle of Coaches), Sean McVay '08 (Cradle of Coaches), and many more making their mark. #LoveAndHonor #AtMiamiYouWill pic.twitter.com/w5aR9fFmyP
— Miami University (@miamiuniversity) January 10, 2025
The Impact of Names On NFL Head Coaching
Here’s a quirky stat: since 1970, one out of every 12 head coaches has been named Mike. That includes four current head coaches – Mike McCarthy, Mike Tomlin, Mike McDaniel, and Mike MacDonald. While naming trends are purely coincidental, the data adds an amusing wrinkle to the analysis.
What Does The Numbers Tell?
The data highlights football’s deep regional roots and the schools that nurture NFL-caliber coaches. California, Pennsylvania, and Ohio dominate the birthplace rankings, while schools like Miami (Ohio) and Oregon prove they are coaching pipelines. As this year’s coaching candidates step into the spotlight, they carry the potential to add new names and places to the NFL’s storied history.
Also Read: Who Are The Top-Ranked First-Year NFL Head Coaches?
