Picking future coaches on all 32 NFL rosters

ESPN.COM via <a href="http://espn.go.com/" title="ESPN" class="espn_sc_byline">ESPN </a>

June 21, 2016, 7:38 AM ET

8 min read

— -- You're already aware of the 25 college football players who could be future head coaches, so it makes sense that we pinpoint NFL players who could have promising careers as sideline generals.

NFL Nation reporters selects the future head coaches for all 32 teams:

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills

Center Eric Wood

I asked coach Rex Ryan this question recently, and he had to think about it for several moments. His choice was Wood, who Ryan says is "smart as heck" and has a presence around his teammates. Ryan also believed that an offensive lineman becoming a head coach isn't far-fetched in an age when Mike Munchak, Doug Marrone and other former O-linemen have ascended the coaching ranks. -- Mike Rodak

Miami Dolphins

Safety Michael Thomas

Thomas has his sights set on business after football -- he earned his MBA degree in May -- but he is well-suited to become a future coach. He is a smart, hard-working player who had to grind every season to earn a roster spot, and often those types are better suited than star players to teach football after retirement. Thomas should be successful in any future career path he chooses. -- James Walker

New England Patriots

Safety Devin McCourty

McCourty is the perfect combination of leader and intelligent X's and O's guy to fit the bill as a future head coach if he decided to pursue a career in the field. "He's done a tremendous job of developing his career, both as a corner to a safety and as a defensive back. His commitment to the team as a team captain [and] the leadership he gives us on and off the field is really at the very top," coach Bill Belichick recently said. "He's one of the players that we all look to, and he's given us a great example of being unselfish, being a great teammate, being someone who will help others because of his position." -- Mike Reiss

New York Jets

Linebacker David Harris

Harris is the brains of the defense, and the feeling around the team is that he has the intelligence and demeanor to be a head coach. Harris isn't a vocal leader, but that doesn't mean he can't be a coach. Exhibit A: Todd Bowles. Harris has the even-tempered demeanor and intelligence to get the job done. -- Rich Cimini

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens

Running back Justin Forsett

He's more than a runner who has a feel for the Ravens' stretch zone-blocking scheme. Forsett has been a guiding force for a running back group that (besides him) is filled with players 25 or younger. He showed off his coaching skills this offseason, when he traveled to Italy to lead a football clinic. "Justin is a tremendous leader by example and willing to step up as both a leader and mentor," general manager Ozzie Newsome said. -- Jamison Hensley

Video

Live

Shows

Sections

U.S.

Politics

International

Coronavirus

Jan. 6 Riot

Entertainment

Business

Technology

Lifestyle

Health

Virtual Reality

Weather

Tips

Sports

FiveThirtyEight

AFC EAST

AFC NORTH

AFC SOUTH

AFC WEST

NFC EAST

NFC NORTH

NFC SOUTH

NFC WEST