This offseason, seven NFL teams interviewed candidates for head coaching vacancies, with six of those teams now having filled their positions. The New Orleans Saints remain in the process of making a crucial decision regarding their head coach. As the hiring cycle progressed, some teams lost key coaches who significantly contributed to winning seasons, while others appear to have gained advantages. This article will examine which teams and players benefitted the most and identify clubs that missed out on quality candidates. Did the league perhaps overlook a specific group of coaches? Here, we highlight the biggest winners and losers of the 2025 hiring cycle.

The Chicago Bears emerged as the most notable winners during the hiring cycle, having secured Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator from the Detroit Lions, who was considered a prime candidate. Johnson opted to remain with the Lions in the previous offseason but decided to join the Bears this year. His arrival could be particularly beneficial for quarterback Caleb Williams, whose rookie performance included 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns, and six interceptions with a completion rate of 62.5 percent. While Williams showed promise, he did not develop consistently throughout the season. Johnson's history with the Lions, where he expertly managed quarterback Jared Goff, suggests he will leverage the talent around him to create a formidable offense. With Johnson at the helm, the Bears look poised to enhance their offensive production moving forward, while the Lions may face challenges without him.

In contrast, the Dallas Cowboys made what many perceive as an uninspiring hire by promoting Brian Schottenheimer to the position of offensive coordinator. The decision received criticism from the fanbase, especially following the unexpected departure of former head coach Mike McCarthy. Reports suggest that the Cowboys' front office was taken aback by the differences leading to McCarthy's exit. Some insiders have argued that Schottenheimer represents a panicked choice, considering that other promising candidates such as Deion Sanders and Kellen Moore were available. The Cowboys opted for Schottenheimer, who did not receive considerable interest from other teams, raising questions about whether they could have made a more strategic hire.

The New England Patriots made headlines when they quickly transitioned from Jerod Mayo to Mike Vrabel as their new head coach after Mayo's underwhelming performance during the 4-13 season. The Patriots had a succession plan in mind with Mayo expected to succeed Bill Belichick, but that plan faltered as Mayo openly criticized his team, which sparked discontent among players. This coaching change represents a significant upgrade for the Patriots, as Vrabel brings a successful record from his tenure with the Tennessee Titans, where he led the team to multiple winning seasons and an AFC Championship Game appearance.

While the Lions did not have a coaching vacancy, the loss of both coordinators—particularly Ben Johnson to the Bears—has left a mark on the franchise. Johnson's ability to leverage his knowledge of Detroit's defense against them could create advantages for the Bears in upcoming matchups. Furthermore, the Lions' defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, departed for the New York Jets, leaving Detroit's defense grappling with significant changes. The pressure now rests on head coach Dan Campbell to fill these roles and maintain the high-performance levels established over the past seasons.

The Las Vegas Raiders faced challenges attracting top-tier offensive coaching candidates, partly due to uncertainty surrounding their quarterback situation, which features Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew II at the helm. They eventually hired Pete Carroll, a seasoned veteran in the league. Carroll's experience and successful track record present hope for the franchise looking to make strides within a competitive AFC West division, known for its offensive firepower under coaches like Andy Reid and Sean Payton.

Regarding teams with interim head coaches, none have retained their positions as full-time head coaches, including the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints. The Saints are currently interviewing candidates, with interim coach Darren Rizzi's performance in the latter part of the season presenting a mixed evaluation. Many believe that a shift toward an offensive-minded head coach might be in the Saints' best interest to optimize veteran quarterback Derek Carr’s abilities.

The Jacksonville Jaguars displayed notable foresight by firing general manager Trent Baalke, thereby securing Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Initially expected to remain with the Buccaneers, Coen changed course after the Jaguars' leadership adjustment. For Jaguars fans, there may be some uncertainty regarding Coen's commitment, but he arrives with a reputation of enhancing quarterback play, which is fortunate for Trevor Lawrence, who has regressed since his impressive Pro Bowl year.

As the offseason progresses, all eyes are on the New York Jets, who face critical roster decisions under the leadership of general manager Darren Mougey and head coach Aaron Glenn. Significant questions linger regarding Aaron Rodgers and the quarterbacks, alongside pressing contract extensions for standout players such as Sauce Gardner and Garrett Wilson. Gardner's accolades during his first three seasons underscore his importance to the franchise, and there is optimism that Glenn, as a former defensive coordinator, will leverage such talents effectively.