Anthony Weaver’s name is starting to buzz in coaching circles - and for good reason. After making the move from Baltimore to Miami to take on defensive coordinator duties, the former NFL defensive end has quietly built a case for himself as one of the top up-and-coming head coaching candidates in the league.
Let’s rewind for a moment. When Weaver left the Ravens two years ago, it wasn’t just another assistant coach moving on.
He had served as Baltimore’s assistant head coach and defensive line coach, playing a key role in one of the most consistently tough defenses in the NFL. His departure, along with Mike Macdonald’s exit for Seattle, marked a significant shift in the Ravens’ defensive brain trust.
But Weaver wasn’t just chasing a title - he was betting on himself.
Fast forward to now, and that bet is starting to pay off. After a rocky start in South Florida, Weaver’s Dolphins defense has turned a corner.
Miami has won four of its last five games, and the defense has emerged as one of the stingiest scoring units in the league. That’s not just a midseason hot streak - it’s the kind of turnaround that gets noticed in front offices across the NFL.
Weaver is now firmly in the mix for the 2026 coaching carousel, which is already taking shape behind the scenes. According to league insiders, he’s one of several coordinators expected to draw serious interest this offseason. The list of potential candidates is deep and includes some familiar names: Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Colts DC Lou Anarumo, Broncos DC Vance Joseph, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, Rams DC Chris Shula, Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, Bills OC Joe Brady, and Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile.
That’s a competitive group, but Weaver brings a unique blend of player experience, leadership, and recent success. At 45, he’s got seven seasons of NFL playing experience under his belt - including a four-year run with the Ravens (2002-2005) and three more with the Texans (2006-2008). A second-round pick out of Notre Dame, Weaver has translated his on-field understanding into a coaching style that resonates with today’s players.
And let’s not overlook the timing. While only two head coaching jobs are currently open - with the Giants and Titans in the market - that number is expected to grow.
Around the league, there’s chatter about potential changes in places like Atlanta, Cleveland, Arizona, Cincinnati, and Las Vegas. Nothing is guaranteed, but history tells us at least five teams will be shopping for a new head coach by the end of the cycle.
That gives Weaver, and others on this shortlist, about a month - maybe a little more if their teams make the playoffs - to make their final case. For Weaver, it’s not just about numbers or rankings. It’s about how his unit has responded, how he’s led, and how he’s positioned himself as a coach ready for the next step.
From Notre Dame standout to NFL pass rusher to respected coordinator, Anthony Weaver’s rise has been steady. Now, with momentum building in Miami and head coaching opportunities on the horizon, his next chapter might be just around the corner.