5 coordinators who could become a head coach with a good 2017

The NFL coaching carousel never stops.

A handful of head-coaching jobs open up around the league every year, and more often than not, they go to coordinators who have excelled that past season.

We'll be looking at up-and-coming coordinators, as well as those with previous head-coaching experience, who could make the leap with a strong 2017.

However, those who came close to becoming head coaches this offseason and don't need to boost their reputations anymore, like New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, aren't being considered.

Jim Bob Cooter, OC, Lions

Look past the name, and you'll find the man responsible for developing Matthew Stafford from a good but inconsistent gunslinger into a super-efficient MVP candidate in 2016.

At 32 years old, Cooter might be best served to stay as a coordinator in 2017, but the NFL isn't shy about hiring young head coaches, evidenced by the Rams making 31-year-old Sean McVay the youngest head coach in NFL history.

Cooter's skills as a play-caller and his ability to mold quarterbacks are two in-demand traits, so the Lions should prepare to lose him if their offense maintains its impressive play into 2017.

James Bettcher, DC, Cardinals

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Cardinals defensive coordinator James Bettcher hasn't received the appropriate amount of league-wide attention for his outstanding work over the past two seasons.

This is likely due to the Arizona's disappointing 2016 season and the team's former defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles, having a lackluster first two years in charge of the New York Jets. If that's the case, the league could be missing out.

After finishing fifth in total defense in 2015, Bettcher's unit actually improved in 2016, ending the year second. Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians previously lauded Bettcher's leadership qualities, saying it won't be long before he earns a top job.

If the Cardinals' defense stays dominant and the team returns to the spotlight by fighting for a playoff spot, teams could be falling over themselves to prove Arians right.

Scott Linehan, OC, Cowboys

When two rookies perform like Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott did last season, it stands to reason teams will look to poach the brains behind the unit.

Scott Linehan was the Rams' head coach from 2006-08, and though that unsuccessful stint may be held against him, teams could see him as a highly experienced coach who's had the chance to learn from his mistakes.

Linehan's ability to adapt the Cowboys' offense to Prescott following the injury to Tony Romo was arguably the biggest reason for Dallas' success. Yes, Linehan oversaw a supremely talented offense, and at 53 years old he might be overlooked for younger candidates, but Linehan will likely be in contention for multiple jobs after this upcoming season.

Dave Toub, ST, Chiefs

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Despite the success of specials teams coordinators who've made the jump to head coach, like the Baltimore Ravens' John Harbaugh, it's still a tougher route to a top job than as an offensive or defensive coach.

This makes the fact that Toub was the most in-demand name on this list this offseason even more impressive, as the 54-year-old interviewed with the Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Chargers.

While Toub's strong reputation and vast experience from a 16-year NFL career should keep him in contention for jobs, his relatively advanced age and perceived standing as an "unsexy" hire means Kansas City's outstanding special teams unit needs to continue to be one of the league's best if he's to fight off the next group of up-and-coming coordinators.

Rob Chudzinski, OC, Colts

In Rob Chudzinski's first full season as the Colts' offensive coordinator, Indy was an above-average unit, finishing eighth in points per game and 10th in yards per game - a solid performance for a unit that continued to have growing pains on the offensive line while featuring a running game that was incapable of producing big plays.

However, the Colts' offense still has a ton of untapped potential. The offensive line has young players who should be better in Year 2, Donte Moncrief is a breakout candidate if he can stay healthy, and that Andrew Luck guy is pretty good, too.

If Chudzinski can finally help Indy's offense reach its ceiling, he'll stand a good chance of landing his second head-coaching gig. Being an ex-head coach who was fired after just one year looks bad, but seeing it was during the height of the Browns' dysfunction, Chudzinski will likely get a pass from the rest of the NFL.