The NFL coaching carousel is spinning once again, and six franchises are hunting for their next leader. Each vacancy offers its own mix of challenges and opportunities, and prospective coaches are weighing their options. Whether it’s a treasure trove of salary cap space or a shiny young quarterback, these jobs all have some allure- but also plenty of pitfalls.
Let’s rank the openings from least to most desirable and break down what makes each one unique.
6. New Orleans Saints
Not too long ago, the Saints were one of the league’s premier destinations, but those days are long gone. The team is saddled with an aging roster and a brutal salary cap situation- nearly $67 million over the cap heading into 2025. Defensive stalwarts like Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis are nearing the end of their careers, and Derek Carr’s hefty contract complicates matters further. Carr has made it clear he won’t take a pay cut, though he’s open to restructuring.
On top of that, the Saints pick ninth in the upcoming draft- too far back to snag an elite quarterback prospect. The front office’s repeated attempts to stay competitive rather than embrace a rebuild have left the cupboard bare. Any coach stepping into this head coach role will face years of mediocrity unless a complete teardown begins. The Saints’ glory days are a distant memory, making this the least desirable job on the list.
5. Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are a historic franchise, but history won’t help whoever takes over this mess. The quarterback situation is a disaster, although the team’s sixth overall draft pick could land them a top prospect. Beyond that, the roster is riddled with issues. The offensive line ranked outside the top 20 last year, the team was dead last in rushing, and their defense was 26th in scoring.
Yes, there are bright spots. Maxx Crosby is a dominant force on defense, and Brock Bowers looks like a superstar in the making at tight end. The Raiders also have a whopping $107 million in cap space, giving them the flexibility to target free agents. However, this is a complete rebuild, and it’s unclear if owner Mark Davis has the patience to see it through. Combine that with general manager Tom Telesco’s spotty track record, and this job screams “buyer beware.”
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Also Read: Ranking The 6 Most Surprising Black Monday Firings In NFL History
4. New York Jets
The Jets’ coaching vacancy is as unpredictable as their on-field performance. The biggest wildcard is Aaron Rodgers. Will he return for another year, and if so, will Davante Adams join him? If they both stay, the new coach will inherit an offense with massive star power but little financial flexibility. If Rodgers retires, the Jets will likely need a new quarterback, and the franchise risks extending its postseason drought to 15 years.
The good news? The Jets have young talent in players like Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson, Sauce Gardner, and Will McDonald IV. However, working under team owner Woody Johnson comes with its own set of challenges. Johnson’s decision-making sometimes feels more inspired by Madden than reality, making this a high-risk, high-reward gig.
3. New England Patriots
For years, the Patriots were the gold standard of the NFL. Now, they’re a shell of their former selves. Owner Robert Kraft admitted he set Jerod Mayo up for failure, leaving him in a no-win situation last season. However, Kraft’s acknowledgment of that mistake might signal a willingness to give the next coach more time.
The Patriots have the fourth overall pick in the draft and the most cap space in the league at $127.7 million. They appear poised to build around quarterback Drake Maye, offering a promising foundation. That said, the roster needs help at nearly every position, and stepping out of Bill Belichick’s shadow is no small task. For a coach looking to build something from scratch, this is a prime opportunity—as long as Kraft’s patience holds up.
Dan Campbell as a coach this year:
— 313 Takes (@313takes) January 6, 2025
– Tied for best record in the league
– Coached a team that suffered 20+ injuries
– Swept the statistically greatest division of all time
– Won the biggest regular season game of all time against the COTY favorite going into the game
COTY 👑 pic.twitter.com/5unEZEFjbn
2. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars offer immediate appeal, especially for offensive-minded head coaches. Trevor Lawrence is a capable NFL starter, and weapons like rookie standout surround him Brian Thomas Jr. and veteran tight end Evan Engram. While the team’s defense ranked last in the AFC in 2024, there’s talent in the front seven to build around.
The biggest red flag is general manager Trent Baalke, who’s notorious for being difficult to work with. Baalke’s tenure has been marked by friction with coaching staffs, and he’ll be on his fourth head coach since 2020. A strong candidate might demand a change at GM before taking the job. Even with that hurdle, Jacksonville’s roster offers enough potential to make this a highly attractive position.
1. Chicago Bears
For any coach looking to make an immediate impact, Chicago is the dream job. Despite a rocky rookie season, Caleb Williams has shown flashes of brilliance. He’s surrounded by a solid supporting cast that includes DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, D’Andre Swift, and Cole Kmet. On defense, the linebacker duo of T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds is one of the league’s best, and there’s promise in the secondary and defensive line.
The Bears also have a top-10 draft pick and $80 million in cap space. While their NFC North rivals are tough, the potential for a quick turnaround is undeniable. Leading the Bears back to relevance would make the new head coach a hero in Chicago. For those looking to win and build a legacy, this is the top job of the 2025 cycle.
Also Read: Which NFL Teams Will Have A New Head Coach Next Year?
