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Nearly a month after the end of the NFL regular season, six of the seven open head coaching positions have been filled. With New Orleans still conducting its search for a new coach, I’ve ranked each NFL head coach hire that has been completed thus far. Some of these coaches are getting a second chance at being a head coach after parting ways with their former teams. Others are set for their first attempt at leading a franchise.
6. Brian Schottenheirmer, Dallas Cowboys
It’s never a good sign when a coaching candidate draws no interest from any other franchises. Brian Schottenheimer was an in-house hire for the Cowboys, formerly serving as offensive coordinator under Mike McCarthy. After a coaching search that included candidates like Deion Sanders and Leslie Frazier, Dallas landed on Schottenheimer as their best option. Schottenheimer has previously led offenses to moderate success in Seattle and New York. Since his hiring, Schottenheimer has emphasized the importance of building a strong running game to support quarterback Dak Prescott. Schottenheimer may turn out to be a quality coach, but the lack of process here is concerning.
5. Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars
Liam Coen’s road to becoming the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars could be fuel for a Hollywood script. After Coen initially rejected the Jaguars’ coaching job, Jacksonville fired general manager Trent Baalke. In the meantime, Coen accepted a massive extension from the Buccaneers to remain their offensive coordinator. With Baalke out of the picture, however, Coen came back and accepted the Jacksonville Job. Coen was able to produce a top-tier offense in Tampa Bay with Baker Mayfield under center. However, he is too inexperienced to warrant much confidence in his ability to turn the Jaguars around.
4. Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
After the Raiders seemingly missed out on hiring Ben Johnson, they settled on former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. As a Super Bowl Champion and potential future NFL Hall of Famer, Carroll isn’t a bad consolation prize. Carroll has been a part of a winning organization. Las Vegas is building from the ground up, so this pairing makes perfect sense. Whether Carroll coaches the Raiders for two years or six years, this is a good fit for the current state of the franchise.
3. Aaron Glenn, New York Jets
The Lions’ coaching staff was as coveted as any in this coaching cycle. Aaron Glenn built a competent defense in Detroit despite dealing with significant injuries throughout the season. In New York, he will take over a defensive unit loaded with talent. Players like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams can be expected to thrive under Glenn’s leadership. The current expectation is that former Lions’ offensive assistant Tanner Engstrand will take over as the Jets’ offensive coordinator. Recent history suggests that Glenn will need to ace his offensive coordinator hire to succeed in New York.
2. Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots
When the Patriots’ job opened somewhat unexpectedly, it seemed almost a foregone conclusion that Mike Vrabel was in line to take the role. Vrabel is heavily connected with the Patriots franchise, having played for the team for eight seasons. In many ways, Vrabel resembles former Patriots coach Bill Belichick. Vrabel commanded significant control in Tennessee. His hard-nosed style and defensive schemes set a clear identity for his teams.
1. Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears
Entering this hiring cycle, Ben Johnson was the most coveted NFL head coach hire. Johnson was a top candidate for head coaching positions in 2024, but he elected to remain in Detroit. He is known for his creative play calling and sound pass protection plans. These qualities make him the ideal coach to redirect the career of Caleb Williams. Williams struggled to perform in his rookie season, largely due to a weak offensive line and a poor offensive scheme. If Johnson can unlock the talent that Williams possesses, he could become one of the best coaches in the NFL.
For more from Michael Haney, check out The Football Ranker
