Seven teams are presently in the process of seeking a new head coach, and there is a possibility that another team may soon initiate its search as well. Which coaches will secure new positions remains to be seen.
The regular season has concluded, resulting in eight teams parting ways with their head coaches. This implies that new coaching hires will soon be underway. The New England Patriots have confirmed the appointment of former linebacker Jerod Mayo as their next head coach, but the remaining seven teams are actively seeking the right candidate. Furthermore, depending on the outcomes on Sunday, a new coaching vacancy could arise. While teams have submitted their interview requests, let’s explore potential coach-team pairings and anticipate the developments in the upcoming weeks.
Speculating on the Head Coach Appointments for 2024:
Falcons – Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick, who secured six Super Bowls with the New England Patriots, is set to embark on a new coaching journey after a 25-year tenure. Despite being 71 years old and facing challenges in identifying a successor to Tom Brady, Belichick’s defensive coaching prowess remains evident. Although there may be concerns about his recent pace, the Falcons boast a roster of skilled players. If they manage to acquire a quarterback like Kirk Cousins, there’s potential for the team to swiftly re-enter the postseason fray.
Seahawks – Dan Quinn
The Seattle Seahawks opted for a coaching change, parting ways with Pete Carroll in favor of a younger head coach. Dan Quinn emerges as a fitting choice, resembling a younger version of Carroll. Having previously reached the Super Bowl as Atlanta’s head coach and showcasing adept leadership in managing formidable defenses with the Dallas Cowboys and Seattle, Quinn’s track record aligns well with the team’s vision. Given the front office’s familiarity with Quinn’s capabilities, this head coaching decision appears to be an obvious and logical move.
Raiders – Antonio Pierce
Antonio Pierce successfully transformed the Raiders’ season, even in the absence of a definitive starting quarterback. Following Josh McDaniels’ departure, the team united under their interim head coach, nearly orchestrating a surprising playoff push.
Pierce has demonstrated his ability to motivate the team and extract optimal performances from players. Given Mark Davis’ determination not to repeat past mistakes from 2022, it’s evident that the ideal head coach is already within the organization, and there’s a strong commitment to retaining Pierce and not allowing him to depart.
Commanders – Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson stands out as one of the most promising emerging talents in football, making it a logical choice for him to consider joining a team with the second-overall pick and the league’s most significant salary cap space. Under new ownership, this team is expected to demonstrate financial flexibility and signal the end of the Dan Snyder Era. Even if Johnson is seeking a substantial salary, the team should be prepared to meet such demands to showcase a commitment to a new era and satisfy the fanbase.
Titans – Bobby Slowik
C.J. Stroud’s exceptional performance owes much to the coaching prowess of Bobby Slowik, Houston’s offensive coordinator. Slowik’s strategic use of motion has simplified Stroud’s reads, contributing to the creation of one of the top offenses in football. Having witnessed the Bobby Slowik Show in their matchups against him, the Titans are well aware of his coaching acumen. While hiring a first-time head coach carries some risk, Slowik could be the right person to develop Will Levis into a franchise quarterback.
Eagles* – Mike Vrabel
Although technically not an open position yet, if the Eagles face an early exit against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Nick Sirianni’s tenure might be in jeopardy. In such a scenario, Mike Vrabel emerges as the ideal head coach candidate. The team is brimming with talent, and Vrabel would relish the opportunity to lead the impressive defensive line. Furthermore, his disagreement with the A.J. Brown trade could pave the way for a reunion with his former playmaker.
Chargers – John Harbaugh
The Los Angeles Chargers have opted for a seasoned veteran, steering away from first-year head coaches by bringing in John Harbaugh. The experienced coach from Michigan may be enticed by the opportunity to return to the NFL, particularly with the prospect of coaching the highly talented Justin Herbert. While Harbaugh’s energetic personality might not resonate with everyone, his proven track record of winning football games and crafting effective offensive strategies provides a solid foundation for justifying this head coaching decision.
Panthers – Eric Bieniemy
While Eric Bieniemy may not be the initial front-runner for the Panthers’ head coaching position, the team acknowledges the challenges in attracting top-tier candidates. Despite early perceptions of being closely associated with Andy Reid’s coaching success, Bieniemy spent the 2022 season with the Washington Commanders to showcase his independent coaching prowess. This strategic move paid off, as he demonstrated the ability to draw solid performances from Sam Howell, while the Chiefs’ offense struggled in his absence. If he can replicate this success with the Panthers, especially working with a talent like Young, there’s a chance to rejuvenate the career of the first-overall pick.
