The coaching carousel will begin rolling on Monday. For some teams (like the Jets), this is already the case.
So who are the candidates? Glad you asked, even if you didn’t.
The goal here is to paint with a broad brush and err on the side of more or more, not less. Far too often, journalists blur the line between identifying candidates and defending their interests. This is part of the dance of access, the consideration enigma, the process of making sausages.
Here are the names we are currently monitoring, in alphabetical order.
Bill Belichick: Yeah, he coaches at UNC. He also has a $10 million buyout that will drop to $1 million in June. And he continues to hang around the NFL media space. The simple explanation is that it’s good for recruiting; the alternative explanation is that he wants to hold a line in the waters of professional football.
Joe Brady: Buffalo’s offense changed dramatically when coach Sean McDermott fired Ken Dorsey and elevated Brady during the 2023 season. And the offense got even better in 2024, fueling what could be Buffalo’s first MVP season. Josh Allen.
Pete Carroll: The former Jets, Patriots and Seahawks coach wants to return. He expressed interest in the Bears; the question is whether the Bears will be interested in him. Or if anyone else will be. His track record speaks for itself. And his age shouldn’t be a barrier.
Liam Coen: Another year, another possible quick exit from Tampa for a first-year offensive coordinator. (Baker Mayfield should receive a commission.)
Brian Flores: The Vikings defensive coordinator would be a no-brainer, if not for the complications of his class-action lawsuit against the NFL, Giants, Broncos, Dolphins and Texans. Hiring Flores means risking blowback from the league office and/or several business partners. (This is not true, but it is true.)
Aaron Glenn: Buzz has built for the Lions defensive coordinator, fueled by the team’s success and ability to stay the course despite a rash of injuries.
Jon Gruden: Like Flores, the former Raiders, Bucs and again Raiders coach has an active lawsuit against the league. Unlike Flores, Gruden’s case stemmed from his own misconduct. Additionally, a closer look at his coaching record (especially his performance during his second stint with the Raiders) makes it a harder sell.
Jeff Halfley: He left his head coaching position at Boston College to become defensive coordinator for Green Bay. The unit’s improvement in 2024 could be enough to put him on the radar of NFL owners.
Ben Johnson: The Lions offensive coordinator is considered one of the brightest minds in the game. It is thought to be a given that he will get an offer in the next hiring cycle.
Vance Joseph: The former Broncos coach turned Broncos defensive coordinator has taken his side of the ball to impressive heights this season. So impressive that he might have deserved a second chance.
Kingsbury Cliff: The former Cardinals head coach and current Commanders offensive coordinator could create some buzz. His recent comments on the subject raise a real question of whether he’s ready to be a head coach again.
Mike McCarthy: He has been a free agent since Jan. 14, or sooner if the Cowboys give him permission to interview. His candidacy could be delayed by Jerry Jones, who presumably wants to turn McCarthy’s status after five seasons into a full-week reality show, with the final answer perhaps leaked during the Eagles’ Wild Card playoff game.
Jesse Minter: He came over from Michigan with Jim Harbaugh and LA’s defense instantly improved. While it may be premature, Minter is close to joining the race for a chance to become a head coach.
Todd Monken: He has transformed Baltimore’s offense into a powerhouse, with Lamar Jackson possibly on the verge of winning his second straight MVP award.
Kellen Moore: The Eagles’ first-year offensive coordinator, who previously held that position with the Cowboys and Chargers, could be in the spotlight to get the most out of running back Saquon Barkley. And to stay the course on a passing game that sometimes seems on the verge of dysfunction.
Ron Rivera: The two-time Coach of the Year, who led both the Commanders and Panthers, was interviewed by the Jets. He could also get other interviews.
Rex Ryan: No, it’s not 2016. Rex is on this list because he’s on the Jets roster. It would be a big surprise if he was at someone else’s house.
Deion Sanders: In an era where most owners shy away from college coaches given the lingering stench of the Urban Meyer debacle in Jacksonville, Deion generated a lot of buzz and his arrival would attract attention and sell tickets.
Arthur Smith: The former Falcons coach gave Pittsburgh’s offense a boost. While it may be early for him to return to the mix, it could happen in a year or two, if he can continue to get more out of the Steelers offense.
Steve Spagnuolo: Whether it’s his age or his disastrous first stint with the Rams over a decade ago, Spagnuolo can’t be seriously considered even though he gave the Chiefs something they sorely needed in recent years: balance.
Mike Vrabel: The former Titans coach and, more recently, Browns consultant is considered the other no-brainer (along with Ben Johnson) for a chance to lead a team in 2025. He’s already interviewed with the Jets.
Wes Phillips: The son of Wade and grandson of Bum could create some buzz, thanks to the fact that he is the offensive coordinator for the possible if not probable coach of the year in Minnesota.
