Report: Ravens' Martindale, Chiefs' Kafka among top HC candidates

With three head coaching vacancies already and likely more to come following the conclusion of the season, the top candidates are beginning to emerge.

Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Don "Wink" Martindale is considered one of the most sought-after coaching options for 2021, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Another AFC juggernaut could lose assistants this offseason, as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback coach Mike Kafka is expected to be in the mix for a head coaching position, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Martindale was a candidate last year, and his performance in 2020 only boosts his resume. Baltimore's defense ranks fourth in points allowed per game this season and features one of the league's premier secondaries.

If the 57-year-old becomes a head coach, targets for his staff include Clemson offensive coordinator Tony Elliott and former Cincinnati Bengals boss Marvin Lewis, Rapoport reports.

Kafka has been considered a rising star in the coaching ranks since joining the Chiefs in 2017. The former NFL quarterback is just 33 years old but is expected to land a head coaching position at some point in the future, according to Schefter.

Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy is also expected to be among the favorites for a top job.