Coaching Carousel Begins as NFL Season Ends
As the 2024 NFL season wraps up, the coaching carousel for 2025 is already in motion. Three teams, the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears, have already parted ways with their head coaches. More changes are expected as franchises aim to make the right hires for the upcoming season. Maurice Moton from Bleacher Report has analyzed top coordinators likely to attract interest in the 2025 coaching cycle. The focus is on finding ideal team-coach pairings based on coaching background, roster makeup, and franchise goals.
Chicago Bears Eye Ben Johnson
The Chicago Bears are looking for a coach who can develop young quarterbacks, with a particular focus on Caleb Williams. Offensive-minded coaches are preferred, and Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is a strong candidate. Johnson has experience within the division and has significantly improved Jared Goff’s performance. However, his lack of head coaching experience could be a potential issue.
Dallas Cowboys Consider Brian Flores
The Dallas Cowboys may retain Mike McCarthy despite a disappointing season due to injuries. His contract ends this season, and if he leaves, the Cowboys might prefer an experienced head coach like Brian Flores, the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Flores has previous head coaching experience with the Miami Dolphins and has built a strong defense in Minnesota.
Jacksonville Jaguars Look to Pete Carroll
The Jacksonville Jaguars are uncertain about Doug Pederson’s position. If replaced, an experienced coach like Pete Carroll could be ideal. Carroll has a history of quickly turning around teams and winning championships at both college and NFL levels.
Las Vegas Raiders Target Mike Vrabel
Former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel is highly sought after for his leadership skills and ability to establish a winning culture. Tom Brady’s involvement as a minority owner could influence hiring decisions favoring Vrabel.
New Orleans Saints Consider Aaron Glenn
The New Orleans Saints face financial constraints with limited flexibility for rebuilding. Aaron Glenn could navigate these challenges effectively. Glenn has ties to New Orleans from his time as a defensive backs coach and has managed Detroit’s injury-depleted defense well.
New York Giants Eye Joe Brady
The New York Giants may retain current leadership but could consider Joe Brady, the offensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, if changes occur. Brady’s success with developing quarterbacks makes him suitable for the Giants’ potential quarterback search.
New York Jets Look to Liam Coen
The New York Jets need a new direction after firing GM Joe Douglas and coach Robert Saleh. Liam Coen, the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, fits their needs. Coen helped Baker Mayfield achieve career highs despite challenges and created an effective rushing attack.
Injury Updates Impact Playoff Hopes
In Week 17, several key players are dealing with injuries that could impact their teams’ playoff hopes. Tua Tagovailoa has been downgraded to doubtful due to a hip injury. If he cannot play, Tyler Huntley is expected to replace him. Joe Flacco is set to start for the Colts, while Jalen Hurts of the Eagles will miss the game against the Cowboys due to being in concussion protocol. The Cowboys will also be without wide receiver CeeDee Lamb for the rest of the season.
Team-Specific Injury Updates
The Broncos at Bengals game sees Higgins’ health improving over the week, making him expected to play given the game’s importance for playoff hopes. In the Cardinals at Rams matchup, Arizona’s questionable players were limited all week, but Conner is trending positively. The Panthers at Buccaneers game has Hubbard and Legette limited, while Johnson, Whitehead, and Britt practiced fully all week in Tampa.
Chargers Secure Playoff Spot
The Los Angeles Chargers secured a playoff spot with a decisive 40-7 victory over the New England Patriots. The Chargers quickly established dominance, leading 17-0 early and maintaining control throughout the game. Justin Herbert completed 26 of 38 passes for 281 yards and three touchdowns before being benched in the fourth quarter. Rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey caught eight passes for 94 yards and two touchdowns, becoming Herbert’s primary target.
Patriots Struggle Against Chargers
The New England Patriots struggled offensively, failing to surpass 130 total yards until the fourth quarter. Rookie quarterback Drake Maye completed 12 of 22 passes for 117 yards and one touchdown but faced challenges throughout the game. The Patriots managed only 11 first downs compared to Los Angeles’ 29. Defensively, New England lost star cornerback Christian Gonzalez early due to a concussion and failed to pressure Herbert effectively throughout the game.
Upcoming Games and Playoff Implications
With the Chargers’ win, only one AFC playoff spot remains available, which could be clinched by the Denver Broncos against the Cincinnati Bengals later that day. The Chargers will conclude their regular season against the Las Vegas Raiders next Sunday, while the Patriots face Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills at home. The outcome of these games will have significant implications for the playoff picture as teams vie for the remaining spots.
