background checks
Here are the jobs NFL head coaches had immediately before they were hired. Eleven were defensive coordinators, six were offensive coordinators, six were NFL head coaches, five were college head coaches, three were NFL position coaches and one was a Canadian Football League coach.
TeamCoachPrevious job
ArizonaBruce Ariansoffensive coordinator, Colts*
AtlantaMike Smithdefensive coordinator, Jaguars
BaltimoreJohn Harbaughdefensive backs coach, Eagles
BuffaloDoug Marronehead coach, Syracuse University
CarolinaRon Riveradefensive coordinator, Chargers
ChicagoMarc Trestmanhead coach, Montreal (CFL)
CincinnatiMarvin Lewisdefensive coordinator, Redskins
ClevelandRob Chudzinski (fired)offensive coordinator, Panthers
DallasJason Garrettoffensive coordinator, Cowboys
DenverJohn Foxhead coach, Panthers
DetroitJim Schwartz (fired)defensive coordinator, Titans
Green BayMike McCarthyoffensive coordinator, 49ers
HoustonBill O'Brienhead coach, Penn State University
IndianapolisChuck Paganodefensive coordinator, Ravens
JacksonvilleGus Bradleydefensive coordinator, Seahawks
Kansas CityAndy Reidhead coach, Eagles
MiamiJoe Philbinoffensive coordinator, Packers
VikingsLeslie Frazier (fired)defensive coordinator, Vikings
New EnglandBill Belichickdefensive backs coach, Giants**
New OrleansSean Paytonquarterbacks coach, Cowboys
New York GiantsTom Coughlinhead coach, Jaguars
New York JetsRex Ryandefensive coordinator, Ravens
OaklandDennis Allendefensive coordinator, Broncos
PhiladelphiaChip Kellyhead coach, University of Oregon
PittsburghMike Tomlindefensive coordinator, Vikings
San DiegoMike McCoyoffensive coordinator, Broncos
San FranciscoJim Harbaughhead coach, Stanford University
SeattlePete Carrollhead coach, University of Southern California
St. LouisJeff Fisherhead coach, Titans
Tampa BayLovie Smithhead coach, Bears
TennesseeMike Munchak (fired)offensive line coach, Titans
WashingtonMike Shanahan (fired)head coach, Broncos
*-Arians was also Colts interim head coach last season when Chuck Pagano was being treated for leukemia.
**-Belichick was Giants head coach for one day before resigning in 2000; the Patriots gave up a first-round choice for the right to hire him.