NFL head-coach openings: Latest buzz, rumors and top candidates

The NFL coaching carousel always brings surprises, and the first couple of weeks of the 2023 cycle have been no different in that regard. For the moment, some of the big surprises have been based on what hasn't happened, as opposed to what has.

Sean McVay's long-speculated-upon exit from the Rams sideline never materialized, with McVay indicating to the team he's returning to Los Angeles despite having allowed his assistants to job hunt. Elsewhere in the City of Angels, Brandon Staley's seat was perceived to be red-hot after the Chargers' meltdown in Jacksonville on Saturday, but it now appears that multiple Staley assistants and not the head coach himself will be sacrificed after the loss. Also in the surprise category was Jim Harbaugh's announcement -- for the second straight year -- that he'd forego NFL opportunities to return to Michigan.

But mystery remains, to be sure, with Sean Payton having established himself as the undisputed hot candidate being pursued by nearly every team with a job opening. But not all five teams with vacancies can hire the former Saints Super Bowl winner, so other names continue to abound. ESPN Insiders Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler bring you up to date on all the latest carousel chatter as the NFL calendar heads into the divisional round of the playoffs.