NFL teams launch intense, high-stakes head coach hunts
As the NFL coaching carousel slowly spins into action, several teams are embarking on lengthy, thorough searches to find their next head coach. With a few teams already taking steps by firing their coaches midseason, the race for top coaching candidates is heating up.
Here’s a breakdown of each team’s coaching search, as franchises look to revamp their leadership for the future.
Dallas Cowboys: Looking for the Next Big Name
The Dallas Cowboys made headlines recently when news broke that Deion Sanders and team owner Jerry Jones had discussed the possibility of Sanders becoming the next head coach. While Sanders has expressed a desire to stay at the University of Colorado, his history with the Cowboys and his Super Bowl success with the team make him an intriguing candidate.
Another name generating buzz is former Cowboys tight end Jason Witten. Though Witten has no college or NFL coaching experience, he has coached at the high school level for the past four years. Additionally, Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore, who spent time as a backup quarterback in Dallas and as the team’s offensive coordinator from 2019-2022, could be a natural fit.
Jones, who has hired eight head coaches since purchasing the team in 1989, is known for making bold decisions. He hired Jimmy Johnson, who led the Cowboys to two Super Bowl wins, and Barry Switzer, who won another Super Bowl with a team built by Johnson. The search for the ninth coach could bring in a coach with similar pedigree, such as Pete Carroll or Doug Pederson, both of whom have Super Bowl victories under their belts.
Las Vegas Raiders: Brady’s Influence
The Las Vegas Raiders have a new minority owner in Tom Brady, who will certainly have a significant influence on the coaching search. After firing Antonio Pierce and GM Tom Telesco, the Raiders have already scheduled interviews with top coaching candidates, including Pete Carroll, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo.
Other candidates include Broncos DC Vance Joseph, Ravens OC Todd Monken, and former Jets head coach Robert Saleh. With Brady’s guidance, the Raiders’ search promises to be thorough, especially since a new general manager will also need to be hired to collaborate on the coaching decision.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Seeking Stability After a Disappointing Season
After two successful seasons under Doug Pederson, including a playoff win, the Jacksonville Jaguars experienced a downturn, finishing the season 4-13. The Jaguars are now looking for a coach to help rebuild the team.
The team has already interviewed several prominent names, including Johnson, Glenn, Spagnuolo, Saleh, and Raiders DC Patrick Graham. Requests have been made to interview Bills OC Joe Brady, Buccaneers OC Liam Coen, and Vikings DC Brian Flores, among others. GM Trent Baalke remains in Jacksonville, overseeing the team’s fourth coaching search since 2021.
Chicago Bears: Searching for the Right Fit for Caleb Williams
The Chicago Bears are conducting an extensive search to pair the right coach with their franchise quarterback, Caleb Williams. They’ve already interviewed Pete Carroll, former Panthers and Commanders head coach Ron Rivera, and interim coach Thomas Brown, who took over after Matt Eberflus was fired.
Upcoming interviews include those with Flores, Monken, Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury, Steelers OC Arthur Smith, and Packers OC Adam Stenavich. The Bears are keen on finding a coach who can help elevate Williams’ development and guide the team to sustained success.
New Orleans Saints: Searching for a Fresh Direction
The New Orleans Saints have interim head coach Darren Rizzi at the helm after Dennis Allen was fired midseason. Despite his 3-5 record, Rizzi is expected to be considered for the full-time position. Other candidates who have already interviewed include Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Giants OC Mike Kafka, and Lions DC Aaron Glenn.
The Saints have requested an interview with David Shaw, the former Stanford head coach, who currently serves as a Broncos executive. McCarthy, Brady, Kingsbury, and Moore are also on the list of potential candidates.
New York Jets: A Long Search Ahead
The New York Jets are the first team to have an opening, but their search could take the longest to fill. Interim coach Jeff Ulbrich, who took over after Robert Saleh’s firing, interviewed for the role, but the Jets are looking at other candidates, including Mike Vrabel, Darren Rizzi, Spagnuolo, Rivera, and former Jets coach Rex Ryan.
Ryan, who led the Jets to consecutive AFC Championship games in the 2009-2010 seasons, has openly campaigned for the job. The Jets have requested interviews with top candidates such as Brady, Flores, Joseph, and 49ers quarterbacks coach Brian Griese.
Final Thoughts:
The coaching search in the NFL is as intense as ever, with several high-profile teams seeking the next leaders of their franchises. As teams aim to turn their fortunes around, the names circulating for interviews reflect a mix of experience, innovation, and past success. The coaching carousel is far from over, and these teams are making calculated decisions to secure their future success.
