Eight new NFL head coaches have been hired across the league this offseason. That’s a quarter of the NFL changing head coaches because they didn’t like the results their current leaders were getting. While it’s always great to celebrate the coaches who earned big promotions, what about all the others who are left behind?
There are only 32 NFL head coaching jobs in existence, which means there are always likely to be a few other coaches who may be qualified, but for whatever reason, they either weren’t hired or weren’t interested in being hired. At least not by the teams with vacancies.
Here’s just a short list based on some of the top names mentioned either in this hiring cycle or recent ones of the past few years, including some that were NFL head coaches in 2023.
- Bill Belichick
- Pete Carroll
- Mike Vrabel
- Ben Johnson
- Bobby Slowik
- Eric Bieniemy
As mentioned, this is just a short list; the names of those who received interviews go on and on. Yet, it should also be noted that both Johnson and Slowik may have been considered frontrunners. However, both coordinators decided to stay where they are. With another strong season, we could see either candidate catapult to the front of the 2025 NFL hiring cycle.
For organizations who may not be ready to push the reset but also aren’t entirely sold on their head coach being the solution, the names listed above could very well re-emerge next offseason.
Related: Another NFL team reportedly spoke with and considered Bill Belichick for their head coaching vacancy
2025 NFL head coaching search includes plenty of experience
Lately we’ve been seeing more organizations suddenly decide to move on from their head coaches in the middle of the season. If that trend continues next year, it’s possible a coach like Belichick, Carroll, or Vrabel step to the plate. Yet, joining a team mid-season is also quite unconventional, as typically, those jobs go to a top assistant already on the staff.
However, if you’re an NFL owner who maybe already likes the idea of hiring an experienced coach, why not try and get a head start on the next season if the current one is already in the tank? Even though it may not be ideal, any of the three previous head coaches listed above would likely have more experience than whoever may be set to fill the role on an interim basis.
Related: 2024 NFL mock draft: Packers and Steelers trade up, Raiders, Patriots land QBs