On Football provides insights into the most significant discussions in the NFL each week.
The upcoming NFL coaching cycle promises a diverse array of candidates, ranging from seasoned champions to innovative coordinators eager to prove themselves. At the forefront is six-time Super Bowl victor Bill Belichick, joined by the 2021 AP Coach of the Year, Mike Vrabel. Notably, Pete Carroll remains in the running, while Robert Saleh may quickly secure another opportunity.
Among the promising young coaches, Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Buccaneers OC Liam Cohen, Bills OC Joe Brady, and Eagles OC Kellen Moore stand out. This list of offensive-minded coaches is extensive and draws considerable interest. Defensive side candidates such as Lions DC Aaron Glenn, Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver, Chargers DC Jesse Minter, and Panthers DC Ejiro Evero are also likely to be in high demand.
Former head coaches currently in coordinator roles should also be considered viable options in the mix. This includes Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Steelers OC Arthur Smith, Vikings DC Brian Flores, Broncos DC Vance Joseph, and Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury. Potential candidates from the college ranks include Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman and USC’s Lincoln Riley, although most college coaches claim they’re content where they are. Recently, Riley has reiterated his commitment to USC. Meanwhile, Deion Sanders expressed similar sentiments about staying at Colorado, although circumstances might change.
The Jets, Saints, and Bears have already made coaching changes, and more teams are expected to follow suit. Since 2019, the league has seen 43 coaching alterations, with 16 coaches let go, one retiring, and additional changes looming on the horizon. From those hired over the last six seasons, a significant portion has been coordinators, with 10 having prior head coaching experience and two transitioning from college coaching careers. Notably, four assistants made the leap from various team roles to head coach positions, with Antonio Pierce moving from linebacker coach to interim coach and ultimately head coach in Las Vegas.
In the wake of last season, eight teams appointed new coaches, and the three who brought in former head coaches are currently positioned in the playoffs. Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers (8-4) occupy the fifth seed in the AFC while Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders (8-5) hold the seventh position in the NFC. Raheem Morris’s Falcons (6-6) share the top of the NFC South with Tampa Bay, thanks to their season series sweep.
The Seattle Seahawks, under rookie head coach Mike Macdonald, currently lead the NFC West with a record of 7-5, although the other first-year coaches are experiencing challenges. Coaches like Pierce, Mayo, Brian Callahan (Titans), and Dave Canales (Panthers) collectively have only managed 11 wins against 38 losses.
Taking a closer look, Belichick remains a significant figure, recently making headlines by interviewing for the head coaching position at the University of North Carolina. Even at the onset of the 2025 season, his enthusiasm for returning to coaching is noticeable. He needs just 27 more victories to surpass Don Shula’s record for the most regular-season wins. After one interview with the Falcons in the past cycle, the core question surrounding Belichick’s potential hiring is the extent of control he is willing to yield to a general manager. His recent presence in the media has showcased a different side of his personality, which may prove beneficial moving forward. The Giants might be an option if they part ways with Brian Daboll, and the Eagles could also be a team to watch if they falter again near the end of the season, as anything less than a Super Bowl win won’t likely be viewed as successful with Nick Sirianni at the helm.
Johnson is emerging as a highly sought-after young coach in this cycle. He has interviewed with seven different teams (Chargers, Colts, Commanders, Falcons, Panthers, Seahawks, and Texans) over the past two years but opted to remain in Detroit to finish the task after their NFC championship game run. With the Lions currently leading the league with an impressive 11-1 record and topping the NFL in scoring at an average of 31.9 points per game, teams in need of a coach to assist with developing a promising quarterback, such as the Bears with Caleb Williams, will certainly consider him.
On the defensive side, Minter has transitioned from Michigan to the NFL and has proven his worth by leading one of the league’s best defenses, with the Chargers allowing a mere 15.7 points per game. His previous experience as an assistant under John Harbaugh further solidifies his credentials and readiness for a head coach opportunity.
As for college coaching prospects, could it be time for Deion Sanders to make a move? While he has expressed intentions to stay, the prospect of coaching his son, Shedeur Sanders, as a franchise quarterback offers an intriguing possibility. Additionally, if a team like the Cowboys were to reach out, it could stir changes.
