The NFL offseason is heating up, and the coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever. With several teams making significant moves and others still hunting for their next leader, 2025 promises to be a year of transformation. The question on everyone’s mind is: Who will fill the remaining coaching vacancies? This article dives deep into the top candidates and predicts where they might land, offering a complete guide to the NFL’s evolving coaching landscape.
The Current State of NFL Coaching Vacancies
The New England Patriots made waves early, hiring Mike Vrabel just a week after parting ways with Jerod Mayo. However, many teams are still in limbo. The Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Jacksonville Jaguars are all searching for head coaches who can lead them to success in 2025 and beyond. Each team has unique needs and challenges, making the hiring process a complex puzzle.
Top NFL Coaching Candidates and Predicted Landing Spots
Let’s explore the leading candidates and their potential fits for the remaining openings.
Dallas Cowboys: Kellen Moore (Philadelphia Eagles Offensive Coordinator)
The Dallas Cowboys’ head coaching vacancy has sparked speculation, with Kellen Moore emerging as the front-runner. Moore’s history with the Cowboys makes him a natural fit. He spent eight years in Dallas as a player and coach, including a stint as offensive coordinator. During that time, he orchestrated the league’s top offense in 2021, showcasing his ability to maximize talent.
After joining the Eagles, Moore continued his success, leading them to the sixth-best offensive efficiency and fourth-best rushing efficiency in 2024. At just 36 years old, Moore is poised to become Dallas’ youngest head coach since Tom Landry. His familiarity with Jerry Jones and the organization, combined with his offensive expertise, makes him an ideal candidate to guide Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to new heights.
Las Vegas Raiders: Todd Monken (Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator)
The Las Vegas Raiders face significant offensive struggles, finishing in the bottom six for both yards and points per game in 2024. Todd Monken’s impressive resume makes him a logical choice to address these issues. Monken has found success at both the college and NFL levels, including leading the Ravens to back-to-back top-five scoring offenses.
Monken’s ability to develop quarterbacks is a key selling point. Under his guidance, Lamar Jackson has thrived, likely earning his second consecutive MVP award. The Raiders need a coach who can elevate their quarterback play and reinvigorate their offense. Monken’s experience and proven track record make him the perfect fit for Las Vegas.
New York Jets: Aaron Glenn (Detroit Lions Defensive Coordinator)
Aaron Glenn’s stock as a coaching candidate has risen dramatically, and the New York Jets are a top contender for his services. Glenn has deep ties to the Jets, having played eight seasons with the team during his NFL career. His familiarity with the organization and strong connections to the front office make him a prime candidate.
The Jets boast a talented defensive roster, including stars like Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Glenn’s expertise as a defensive coordinator could unlock the full potential of this unit. Additionally, his strong relationship with Lions scout-turned-Jets GM candidate Lance Newmark could make this partnership even more appealing. Glenn’s ability to transform defenses and his connection to the franchise make him the ideal choice to lead the Jets.
New Orleans Saints: Mike McCarthy (Former Dallas Cowboys Head Coach)
The New Orleans Saints are looking for a steady hand to guide them through a challenging rebuild. Mike McCarthy’s extensive head coaching experience makes him a top candidate. McCarthy has a career record of 174-112-2 over 18 seasons with the Packers and Cowboys, including a Super Bowl victory.
McCarthy’s history with the Saints adds another layer of appeal. He served as their offensive coordinator from 2000 to 2004, helping the team achieve consistent offensive success. The Saints value familiarity, and McCarthy’s knowledge of the organization and his proven ability to develop quarterbacks make him a strong contender. His leadership could help the Saints navigate their salary cap challenges and rebuild for the future.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Liam Coen (Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator)
The Jacksonville Jaguars are searching for a young, innovative coach to develop Trevor Lawrence into an elite quarterback. Liam Coen fits the bill perfectly. Coen’s success with the Buccaneers in 2024, leading them to a top-five offense, has made him a rising star in coaching circles.
Coen’s offensive system, rooted in Sean McVay’s coaching tree, emphasizes motion and creativity. This approach has translated well across his NFL and college stops. Under his guidance, Baker Mayfield delivered his best season, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. The Jaguars’ decision-makers reportedly found Coen’s interview “outstanding,” making him a strong candidate to lead the team. His innovative offense could unlock Lawrence’s potential and elevate the Jaguars to contender status.
Why These Coaches Fit Their Teams
Each team’s coaching search reflects their unique needs and aspirations. The Cowboys prioritize familiarity and offensive creativity, making Moore a logical choice. The Raiders need a coach who can revitalize their struggling offense, and Monken’s track record fits the bill. The Jets seek a defensive-minded leader with strong ties to the franchise, which Glenn provides.
The Saints value experience and stability, making McCarthy an appealing option. Meanwhile, the Jaguars are looking for a coach who can develop young talent, and Coen’s innovative approach aligns perfectly with their goals. These predictions highlight the intricate decision-making process behind NFL coaching hires.
The Impact of Coaching Changes on the NFL Landscape
Coaching changes can have a ripple effect across the league. A new head coach can transform a team’s culture, strategy, and performance. For example:
- Kellen Moore in Dallas could reignite the Cowboys’ offense, potentially making them Super Bowl contenders.
- Todd Monken in Las Vegas could develop a dynamic offense, helping the Raiders compete in a tough AFC West.
- Aaron Glenn in New York could build a top-tier defense, turning the Jets into playoff contenders.
- Mike McCarthy in New Orleans could provide stability and experience, guiding the Saints through their rebuild.
- Liam Coen in Jacksonville could unlock Trevor Lawrence’s potential, positioning the Jaguars as a force in the AFC.
These coaching hires will shape the NFL’s competitive landscape for years to come.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL coaching cycle is a pivotal moment for several franchises. Each team’s decision will have far-reaching implications, not only for their success but also for the league as a whole. By analyzing the needs of each team and the strengths of the top candidates, we’ve identified the best fits for each vacancy.
As the offseason unfolds, fans eagerly await the final decisions. Will these predictions come true? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the 2025 NFL season will be shaped by the choices made during this critical period. Stay tuned for updates as the coaching carousel continues to turn.
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