NFL
The next NFL coaching cycle will feature a powerful list of candidates, starting from proven champions to up-and-coming coordinators.
Six-time Super Bowl champion Bill Belichick leads the list of household names, which also includes 2021 AP Coach of the Year Mike Vrabel. Don't ignore Pete Carroll, and Robert Saleh could quickly get one other likelihood.
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Buccaneers OC Liam Cohen, Bills OC Joe Brady and Eagles OC Kellen Moore are amongst a protracted list of young, offensive-minded coaches who will attract significant interest. Lions DC Aaron Glenn, Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Chargers DC Jesse Minter and Panthers DC Ejiro Evero are among the many coaches on the opposite side of the ball receiving attention.
Several former head coaches who currently function coordinators were also expected to be there, including Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Steelers OC Arthur Smith, Vikings DC Brian Flores, Broncos DC Vance Joseph and Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury.
Potential college head coaches who could move to the NFL include Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman and USC's Lincoln Riley. Of course, most college coaches say they're not going anywhere. Riley made the announcement on Wednesday. Deion Sanders has already said he's not leaving Colorado, but never say never.
The Jets, Saints and Bears have already fired their coaches. More teams will make a change. There have been 43 coaching changes since 2019. Sixteen of those coaches have already been fired, one has retired and a number of other more could possibly be fired soon.
Of the 43 people hired within the last six coaching cycles, 10 were previously NFL head coaches and two were college head coaches. Of the remaining 31 recent hires, 25 were coordinators. Jerod Mayo (inside linebackers coach), Dan Campbell (tight ends coach), David Culley (passing game coordinator) and Zac Taylor (quarterbacks coach) made the jump from an assistant role. Antonio Pierce went from linebackers coach to interim coach to go coach in Las Vegas.
Eight teams hired recent coaches after last season. The three teams that chosen guys who were previous head coaches are currently sitting in a playoff position. Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) hold the fifth seed within the AFC. Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders (8-5) are in seventh place within the NFC. Raheem Morris and the Atlanta Falcons (6-6) are tied for first place within the NFC South with Tampa Bay but are within the tiebreaker on account of a win on the season.
Rookie head coach Mike Macdonald has the Seattle Seahawks (7-5) in first place within the NFC West.
The remaining first-year coaches are struggling. Pierce, Mayo, Brian Callahan (Titans) and Dave Canales (Panthers) are a combined 11-38.
A more in-depth have a look at a trainer from each category:
Former coach
Belichick is the most important name of all, making headlines on Thursday with the news that he had applied for a training job on the University of North Carolina. Although he’ll turn 73 before the beginning of the 2025 season, he’s wanting to get back to work. Belichick still must win 27 games to interrupt Don Shula's record for many wins within the regular season. He is 15 wins shy of overtaking Shula for the all-time victory, including the postseason. Belichick only interviewed with the Falcons last cycle after leaving the Patriots. The important query can be how much control he can be willing to cede to the final manager. Belichick has remained within the highlight through his work within the media. He shows one other side of his personality that would help him this time. The Giants could pass in the event that they fire Brian Daboll. Keep an eye fixed on the Eagles if the team falters again down the stretch. Nick Sirianni just keeps winning, but anything lower than a Super Bowl in Philadelphia won't be considered a hit.
Offensive Coordinator
Johnson is prone to be essentially the most sought-after young coach again this cycle. He has already interviewed with seven teams (Chargers, Colts, Commanders, Falcons, Panthers, Seahawks and Texans) over the past two seasons, but decided to remain in Detroit to complete the job after the team was within the NFC. Championship game failed. The Lions lead the conference at 12-1 and are first within the NFL in scoring at 31.9 points per game. The Bears need a coach to assist them develop franchise quarterback Caleb Williams, in order that they're an obvious landing spot. Another team that may find yourself choosing a top QB within the draft would also need to be there. It's as much as Johnson. His possibilities can be unlimited.
Defensive coordinator
Minter followed Jim Harbaugh from Michigan to the NFL and led the league's stingiest defense. The Chargers only quit 15.7 points per game. Minter previously served as an assistant to John Harbaugh in Baltimore and was subsequently mentored by respected success coaches.
College coach
Is it time for prime time? Sure, Sanders insists he's sticking with it. But let's say the team that selects Shedeur Sanders as its franchise's quarterback offers a father-son opportunity. Or possibly Jerry Jones will call the Hall of Fame cornerback who helped the Cowboys win their last Super Bowl title.
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