Oct 21, 2023; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots former linebacker and new head coach Mike Vrabel makes a speech at his 2023 Patriots Corridor of Fame induction within the Cross Insurance coverage Pavilion at Gillette Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Eric Canha-Imagn Photographs The Caesars Superdome in New Orleans will home a Tremendous Bowl-winning head coach come Sunday night time.
The Saints are anticipated to rent somebody who aspires to that title quickly after.
Six of the NFL’s seven head-coaching vacancies are stuffed, and we’ll name {that a} quorum for rating the hires up to now.
Right here goes.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS: MIKE VRABEL
Patriots followers know their former linebacker received as a participant—three Tremendous Bowls, in actual fact, however who’s counting? However Vrabel brings a robust teaching background to this homecoming dance, too.
Vrabel guided the Tennessee Titans to a few playoff appearances in six seasons and takes over a gaggle with promising youth. An infusion of tradition is so as in New England, although, and Vrabel has a background there.
After inconsistency within the lone season below one other former Pats LB, Jerod Mayo, count on Vrabel to emphasize accountability whereas transferring the group ahead.
CHICAGO BEARS: BEN JOHNSON
Dec 22, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson earlier than a sport in opposition to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Area. Necessary Credit score: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Photographs The Bears solid a remarkably huge internet of their teaching search and will really feel giddy about touchdown one of many proverbial massive fish within the cycle. Johnson would arguably rank forward of Vrabel if not for the latter’s confirmed previous.
As it’s, this first-time head coach is a seasoned, revolutionary offensive coordinator who has steered the division rival Detroit Lions to new heights. Heaven is aware of the Bears desperately may use some creativeness on offense, and with 2024 high choose Caleb Williams displaying flashes in his rookie season at quarterback, the chances are conceivable, if not countless.
Managing the remainder of what comes with being a head coach is subsequent.
NEW YORK JETS: AARON GLENN
Jan 27, 2025; Florham Park, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn speaks throughout his introductory press convention at Atlantic Well being Jets Coaching Middle. Necessary Credit score: John Jones-Imagn Photographs Jets proprietor Woody Johnson has proven an affinity for first-time head coaches, however Glenn isn’t the backyard selection in that division.
His 4 seasons as Detroit Lions defensive coordinator got here because the group rose from dormancy to relevancy, for one. Glenn is also a former defensive again and favourite son of Gang Inexperienced, for whom he was a first-round choose in 1994.
Glenn brings a robust persona and budding resume to a corporation that faces a 14-season playoff drought and uncertainty below heart. His work is reduce out for him, however he’s proven he’ll be as much as it.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: LIAM COEN
![New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen speaks as Jaguars owner Shad Khan looks on during a press conference Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 at the Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/1738851630241)
New Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen speaks as Jaguars proprietor Shad Khan appears on throughout a press convention Monday, Jan. 27, 2025 on the Miller Electrical Middle in Jacksonville, Fla. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] The route wasn’t precisely an easy one, however the Jaguars in the end landed one of many extra well-publicized coordinators who didn’t name Detroit residence in 2024.
Now the group should hope it’s getting the Coen who helped jolt the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield final season. He’s preferable to the Coen who was the Los Angeles Rams OC in 2022, when the Male Sheep have been final within the league in yardage.
Jacksonville wants creativeness for a stumbling assault with younger talent. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence nonetheless is barely 25. There’s cause to consider Coen will convey a spark. Solely factor is, his observe file isn’t particularly prolonged.
LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: PETE CARROLL
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll appears on within the second half in opposition to the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Necessary Credit score: Matt Kartozian-Imagn Photographs Sure ideas and pictures take maintain if you point out Carroll. Vitality and a few type of motivational quip to start out.
These issues nonetheless maintain true for Carroll, who’ll flip 74 on the finish of Week 2, however the thought of seeing him on a Tremendous Bowl sideline once more appears dicey. Being the NFL’s oldest head coach has nothing to do with it.
Las Vegas faces a substantial rebuild within the locker room and roster, the place main questions at quarterback loom. The Raiders additionally reside within the rugged AFC West, whose different three groups made the playoffs in 2024. Carroll’s expertise and pep should be positives for first-time GM John Spytek, however this nonetheless looks like a transitional transfer to arrange Carroll’s successor.
DALLAS COWBOYS: BRIAN SCHOTTENHEIMER
Jan 27, 2025; Frisco, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer speaks to the media at a press convention on the Star. Necessary Credit score: Tim Heitman-Imagn Photographs If this have been an train in letter grades, Dallas’ rent would match town’s nickname and fee a “Large D.”
Whereas Schottenheimer brings a robust pedigree and greater than 20 years of teaching expertise within the league, he doesn’t precisely tote the type of cachet for which the fan base clamors. Weren’t Vrabel, Johnson, and Glenn obtainable? Completely. However as a result of the Cowboys parted methods with Mike McCarthy so late within the teaching cycle, they weren’t ready to interview many massive names.
Schottenheimer spent the previous three seasons with Dallas, together with the final two as offensive coordinator. That bodes nicely for rejuvenating a recuperating Dak Prescott below heart, however Schottenheimer ought to know greater than most how Dallas faces quite a few different points.
