As the NFL offseason approaches, six head coaching positions have become available, piquing the interest of numerous quality candidates. Following the conclusion of the 2024 season, the New England Patriots made the decision to part ways with Jerod Mayo, promptly announcing Mike Vrabel as his successor. Meanwhile, negotiations between the Dallas Cowboys and head coach Mike McCarthy hit a snag over contract length, leading to the termination of their partnership and opening yet another head coaching slot in the league. As teams look to fill these roles, both up-and-coming coordinators and experienced former head coaches are likely to be considered.

The Chicago Bears have already begun their search, conducting interviews with notable candidates such as Ben Johnson and Mike McCarthy. While Johnson, a 38-year-old offensive play-caller known for leading a top-five scoring offense in all three seasons as a coordinator, presents an intriguing option, McCarthy’s extensive experience offers a more stabilizing presence for a franchise that has faced instability, having fired three of their last four coaches within a three-year span. McCarthy boasts a career record of 174-112-2 over 18 seasons, and has led his teams to the playoffs 12 times, demonstrating a capacity for building winning cultures. His recent tenure with the Dallas Cowboys featured three consecutive 12-win seasons and two NFC East titles. Should he take the helm in Chicago, McCarthy could play a crucial role in developing rookie quarterback Caleb Williams while also reinvigorating the Bears’ offensive strategies.

As of the latest reports, the Dallas Cowboys have yet to express interest in Ron Rivera, who has made the rounds during this coaching cycle. Rivera has already engaged in discussions with the Chicago Bears, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets regarding their head coaching vacancies. After a successful spell with the Carolina Panthers, where he won a division title in his first season with the then-Washington Football Team, Rivera has faced challenges in his subsequent years, particularly in securing a franchise quarterback. However, joining the Cowboys would alleviate such concerns, allowing him to focus on strengthening a defense that struggled, yielding the second-most points and fifth-most yards last season. Rivera is viewed as a conservative choice with low buzz, a sharp contrast to the high-profile candidates typically sought after by Dallas, which has leaned on experienced coaches like Mike McCarthy, Wade Phillips, and Bill Parcells in the past.

The Las Vegas Raiders are rumored to have an interest in Ben Johnson, fueled by Tom Brady's recent involvement in the organization and the potential for synergy with a new general manager. However, the Jacksonville Jaguars also appear to be positioning themselves favorably to acquire Johnson, particularly as he seeks to align with a front office of his choosing. NFL insider Albert Breer speculates that Johnson finds the Jaguars' job attractive but is looking for a position where he can influence the selection of the general manager. The Jaguars’ owner, Shad Khan, has indicated a willingness to discuss this matter with prospective coaches. Should the Jaguars relieve general manager Trent Baalke of his duties, they could enhance their appeal for an emerging talent like Johnson, who has a proven offensive track record but may desire additional power in personnel decisions. In comparison, the Raiders could pivot to seasoned candidates, such as Pete Carroll, who recently interviewed for their coaching vacancy. Carroll's impressive resume includes guiding the Seattle Seahawks to consecutive Super Bowl appearances and a victory, marking him as one of the few coaches with championships at both collegiate and professional levels.

Turning the focus back to the New Orleans Saints, Joe Brady’s career may come full circle if he accepts the head coaching position there. Brady previously served as an assistant under Sean Payton and later made strides as the offensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers after honing his skills at LSU. Despite being let go after two seasons in Carolina, he has since helped elevate Josh Allen's performance, posting MVP-caliber statistics with the Buffalo Bills. Although he lacks the extensive professional experience of candidates like Johnson, Brady's familiarity with the Saints could create a synergy that enables him to maximize the talents of key players, including Derek Carr, Alvin Kamara, and Chris Olave. With the Saints currently navigating salary cap challenges, Brady may be expected to leverage his creativity to make the most out of the existing roster.

The New York Jets are also exploring their options for head coach, potentially following the model established by the New England Patriots with Mike Vrabel. The Jets have reportedly shown interest in Aaron Glenn, a former player with deep ties to the organization. Glenn's coaching career has seen significant improvement in the performance of the defensive units he has led, culminating in the Lions’ ranking as one of the league's top defenses last season. With the Jets' future uncertain in terms of quarterback play, Glenn’s strong defensive acumen could position him favorably for the role, particularly with a lineup that boasts notable talent, including Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner. As teams navigate the coaching landscape, the coming weeks promise to bring new leadership dynamics to these franchises, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the decisions that will shape the future of their teams.