The NFL coaching carousel is already spinning.
The Jets and Saints have fired their coaches, the Jaguars could very soon (checks phone) and it’s easy to see another five jobs opening up, meaning the league will likely churn through a quarter of its head coaches this offseason.
This trend highlights the impatience NFL teams exhibit toward their coaching staff. New doesn’t always mean better — this season’s eight new head coaches are a combined 35-48, with the Chargers’ Jim Harbaugh (7-3), the Commanders’ Dan Quinn (7-4), and the Falcons’ Raheem Morris (6-5) being the only ones with winning records.
Ten logical head coach candidates are emerging, featuring a mix of former head coaches and promising assistants, spanning offensive and defensive backgrounds. Some coaches fired in this cycle could quickly find new positions, complicating the pool of candidates and projected vacancies.
Much could change in the final seven weeks of the season, but for now, eight openings are projected, with Cleveland’s Kevin Stefanski being newly available. The Bengals’ Zac Taylor and the Colts’ Shane Steichen are not expected to be part of this turnover.
Ben Johnson, Lions OC (age 38)
Johnson was a sought-after candidate last year, and the Lions have improved with him returning for another season, scoring touchdowns on their first seven drives in a recent victory over the Jaguars. Regardless of how far Detroit advances in the playoffs, Johnson will likely remain a highly coveted NFL assistant. The Lions are averaging 33.6 points per game, leading the league. Can he replicate the culture and energy that Dan Campbell has established in Detroit? That presents a greater challenge.
BEST FIT: Johnson will have numerous job offers, and he is likely to choose a talented team on the verge of playoff contention, with salary-cap flexibility and a promising quarterback. The Bears may make a significant investment to secure Caleb Williams and their future.
Jesse Minter, Chargers DC (41)
BEST FIT: Dallas could be a strong option, as Jerry Jones may seek a bold move to restore the Cowboys’ relevance as a playoff contender.
[READ MORE: Meet the man who has the Chargers playing historically stingy defense]
Bill Belichick, former Patriots coach (72)
BEST FIT: Belichick possesses experience with nearly half of the teams expected to have vacancies. Las Vegas could be a fitting destination, especially with Tom Brady as a minority owner. Will they achieve success? Uncertain. Will fans tune in? Absolutely.
Mike Vrabel, former Titans coach (49)
BEST FIT: Vrabel may remain in Cleveland, stepping in as the Browns’ head coach after a disappointing 2024 season.
Kevin Stefanski, current Browns coach (42)
Stefanski has earned NFL Coach of the Year honors twice in four seasons with Cleveland, yet he could find himself out of a job if the team does not improve from its 2-8 record. He maintains a winning record as a head coach (39-38) and would be an attractive option for teams in search of an experienced offensive strategist.
BEST FIT: Stefanski could be a good match for the Giants, allowing them to move on from Brian Daboll and Daniel Jones while resetting with a new coach and quarterback, possibly even a new GM.
Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders OC (45)
Aaron Glenn, Lions DC (52)
BEST FIT: The Saints face challenges due to an aging roster and limited salary cap space, but Glenn has a history with the team, having finished his playing career there and spent five years under Sean Payton.
Todd Monken, Ravens OC (58)
BEST FIT: Monken may find himself with the Jaguars. Evaluating this role is complex, given Trevor Lawrence’s potential, a manageable AFC South division, and a team that has struggled in various areas in 2024.
Liam Coen, Bucs OC (39)
While eight jobs are anticipated to be open, if a ninth emerges, Coen could be promoted in Tampa. Todd Bowles has a chance to correct course, and the Bucs’ schedule allows for a potential 5-2 finish to salvage a winning record. If they fall short, they might consider a change, as they have in the past with limited success. Coen’s first-year performance with Baker Mayfield has been notably better than Dave Canales’ production a year ago.
BEST FIT: Coen is likely to receive head-coach interviews but may ultimately remain in Tampa for another season.
Dan Lanning, Oregon head coach (38)
Could college football lose another top coach to the NFL this year? Jim Harbaugh’s success with the Chargers has set a precedent, but hiring college coaches with limited NFL experience has had mixed results, as seen with Chip Kelly and Matt Rhule. Lanning could be an intriguing wild card. If a college coach seeks to escape the chaos of NIL and the transfer portal, the NFL may seem appealingly straightforward.
BEST FIT: Lanning is expected to remain with the Ducks, receiving a substantial raise, and the discussion about his future may be postponed until next year.
Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously spent a decade covering the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. You can follow him on Twitter at @gregauman.
