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While most of the NFL world is tuned into the playoffs, a few franchises are searching for their next head coach. So far, there are six open NFL head coaching jobs. A few organizations fired their previous coaches midseason, while the Raiders, Jaguars, and Patriots jobs have opened more recently. The top head coaching candidates may have their choice of landing spot. I’ve ranked all six of the current open NFL head coaching jobs.
6. New York Jets
It’s been a rough year for Jets fans. New York seemed set up for contention heading into 2024. Instead, they fired both their coach and general manager in the middle of a five-win season. This organization has been marked by instability for years, and there is very little reason to believe things will be different moving forward. Additionally, the roster is full of players past their prime. This gives the new regime little flexibility in building the team.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars
It seems that the next head coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars will be boxed in to some extent. The Jaguars retained Trent Baalke as their general manager. Additionally, Trevor Lawrence was just signed to a massive deal. Whoever takes this coaching job may have very little influence on the direction of the roster moving forward, but there are still promising young players on the roster that could grow into stardom.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders’ roster is barren. Outside of Maxx Crosby and Brock Bowers, the Raiders are without star power. However, they are set up to add significant talent this offseason. With over $100M in 2025 cap space available and a top-ten draft pick, this team could look vastly different heading into next season. The Raiders have a blank slate moving forward. For a coach who wants to have as much control as possible, that could be attractive.
3. New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints roster is in one of the worst positions in the NFL. The Saints have been kicking the financial can down the road for years. They now find themselves with very little financial flexibility. So, why is this a desirable job? The Saints have a history of giving head coaches a long leash. They also have stable ownership that has not often meddled in team decisions. Despite their financial restrictions in the short term, the Saints should be able to reset the roster over the next two years.
2. New England Patriots
Some coaching candidates may be scared off by the way that Jerod Mayo’s situation was handled in New England. Mayo was fired after just one season with the team. The primary draw here is the performance of rookie quarterback Drake Maye. Despite playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in the NFL, Maye was able to play at a high level. An offensive-minded coach could find the prospect of developing such a talented young quarterback attractive.
1. Chicago Bears
The opportunity to recover the early career of a highly-touted quarterback should be enticing to coaching candidates. Despite their financial restrictions Bears’ offensive struggles in 2024, the bones of a quality unit are there. With a few quality additions along the offensive line, this could become at least an average offense quickly. If the Bears’ next head coach can ‘fix’ Caleb Williams, he could be set up for a long tenure.
