As the NFL regular season concludes, several teams are starting their offseason with significant leadership changes. Currently, six head coaching positions are open, with numerous candidates in the mix. Here’s a breakdown of the latest moves and rumors surrounding NFL coaching and GM vacancies:
Raiders Part Ways with Antonio Pierce
The Las Vegas Raiders have decided not to retain interim head coach Antonio Pierce, making their position one of the latest openings. Despite the move, the team will keep general manager Tom Telesco, signaling a more targeted reset rather than a complete overhaul.
Patriots and Jerod Mayo
The New England Patriots set the tone for coaching changes by dismissing first-year head coach Jerod Mayo after a disappointing 4-13 season. The move highlights New England’s intent to rework its staff as they aim to rebound from one of the worst records in franchise history.
Jaguars Fire Doug Pederson
The Jacksonville Jaguars acted swiftly, parting ways with head coach Doug Pederson while retaining GM Trent Baalke. The decision underscores the Jaguars’ belief in their roster’s foundation, with Baalke staying to lead the search for a new coach.
Early Firings: Bears, Saints, Jets
Other franchises acted earlier in the season, with the Chicago Bears dismissing Matt Eberflus, the New Orleans Saints parting with Dennis Allen, and the New York Jets moving on from Robert Saleh. These teams are already deep into their search for replacements, with prominent candidates emerging.
Notable Candidates in the Mix
- Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has quickly become one of the most sought-after names. He’s reportedly set to interview with multiple teams, including the Bears, Patriots, Jaguars, and Raiders, all through virtual sessions.
- Chris Spielman, a Lions executive, is being considered for the Jets’ vacant GM position. Spielman, a former player with deep football ties, could follow his brother, Rick Spielman, into a leadership role in New York.
- Other potential hires include seasoned coaches like Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera, both of whom have proven track records and could stabilize struggling franchises.
What’s Next?
As the offseason unfolds, more teams may consider sweeping changes, especially as top-tier candidates become available. Teams like the Texans, Buccaneers, and Commanders could soon join the fray if leadership decides to move in a new direction.
Timeline of Upcoming Interviews
The coaching carousel continues to pick up speed, with several interviews already scheduled:
- Ben Johnson is slated to meet with the Patriots on Friday, marking the start of what’s expected to be a busy period for the Lions’ offensive guru.
- The Jets are also making moves on their GM front, with Chris Spielman being a top contender.
As teams aim to rebuild and position themselves for success in 2025, the coming weeks will provide clarity on the new faces leading the NFL’s most storied franchises.