NFL Coaching Carousel: Predictions for All 6 Vacancies

The NFL has six coaching vacancies to be filled this offseason. Each of those teams are working tirelessly to interview candidates and identify the best possible hire. Today, we’re going to look at all six teams and attempt to predict their next head coach.

New Orleans Saints — Aaron Glenn

The Saints fired Dennis Allen after two-plus subpar seasons. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi stepped into the interim role, and the team seemed to play with a fire under him. However, it’s unlikely Rizzi will get the full-time gig. This team hasn’t made the postseason since Drew Brees retired in 2020. It’s a winnable division and a solid coach could be the push needed.

Aaron Glenn has done excellent work as Detroit’s defensive coordinator. Before taking the job with the Lions in 2021, Glenn spent five years as the defensive backs coach with the Saints. He also was a member of the Saints during the last year of his playing career. Glenn would be tasked with giving an aging defense a facelift. Offensively, Glenn would be wise to keep offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak who showed savvy as a play-caller until the Saints became riddled with injuries.

Jacksonville Jaguars — Joe Brady

A lot needs fixing in Jacksonville, but the main priority is getting Trevor Lawrence back on track. An offensive-minded coach seems to be in the cards. Looking at the potential candidates they intend on interviewing, we’ve seen names like Detroit’s Ben Johnson, Tampa Bay’s Liam Coen, Baltimore’s Todd Monken, and Philadelphia’s Kellen Moore.

Buffalo offensive coordinator Joe Brady also fits the bill and is set to interview for the Jaguars job. Brady has gotten a lot of credit for Josh Allen’s development as a decision-maker. Lawrence suffers from some of the same issues that have previously plagued Allen. Both are extremely talented players who can get a bit too confident. Reining in Lawrence and making the game easier for him is something that Brady can definitely accomplish.

New York Jets — Brian Flores

The Jets are taking an intriguing approach during their coaching search. They’re interviewing some names that other teams may not be considering at all. It raised some eyebrows when they announced they brought in their former coach, Rex Ryan, for an interview. They’ve also interviewed several college coaches including Maryland’s Mike Locksley.

Among the teams with head coaching openings, the Jets boast one of the better rosters. The defense took a step back last season after firing Robert Saleh, but the talent is evident. A strong defensive mind like Brian Flores could bring that group back to prominence. The work he’s done with the Minnesota Vikings this year — a defense that isn’t filled with elite talent — has been remarkable.

Las Vegas Raiders — Ben Johnson

The Raiders were a late addition to the coaching carousel, but they recently fired HC Antonio Pierce as well as GM Tom Telesco. Firing both their head coach and general manager signals that the Raiders intend on synergizing their next leadership duo.

Detroit’s Ben Johnson is arguably the most coveted head coach candidate of this year’s cycle. He’s crafted one of the league’s most creative and potent offenses during his time with the Lions. Johnson has said that he wouldn’t leave Detroit for a bad situation just to receive the title of head coach. With Tom Brady seemingly calling the shots now, Johnson may be swayed to Las Vegas.

Chicago Bears — Pete Carroll

The Bears were perhaps the one team that was most negatively impacted by poor coaching last season. Matt Eberflus cost them a few games based on poor decision-making, time management, and play-calling. The team had completely unraveled by the time Eberflus was fired following a 4-8 start. However, the roster remains talented and there is a chance for this team to make some noise next year.

Bears fans would probably prefer an offensive-mind to help develop QB Caleb Williams. However, Williams is coming off a strong campaign and there are plenty of serviceable offensive coordinator candidates available. Most of all, the Bears need a leader who will hold the team accountable and has experience in leading a winning football team. Pete Carroll has a history of turning teams around quickly, and he would absolutely love to get his hands on that gifted Bears secondary.

New England Patriots — Mike Vrabel

This is the worst-kept secret in the NFL. Mike Vrabel will almost certainly be named the next New England Patriots head coach in short order. When Jerod Mayo was fired after just one season, the writing was on the wall. It became even more apparent when Aaron Glenn declined to interview for the Patriots, signaling that he already had a feeling about which direction the team was headed.

Vrabel played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008. He earned his first head coaching job with the Titans in 2018 and led Tennessee to three-straight playoff berths from ’20-’22. He’ll immediately step in and command respect from the locker room. And, he’ll get a chance to work with franchise QB Drake Maye.