Coaching Carousel: Teams Begin to Interview Candidates for Head Coaching Vacancies
As the NFL season winds down and teams begin to assess their futures, the coaching carousel is starting to pick up speed. A number of franchises are already in the process of interviewing candidates to fill their head coaching vacancies, while others are still in the early stages of making decisions. With several high-profile jobs open, the 2025 offseason promises to be one of the most intriguing in recent years.
### Early Moves
The first major coaching change of the offseason came when the **Chicago Bears** decided to part ways with head coach Matt Eberflus following another disappointing campaign. After a promising start to his tenure, the Bears took a step backward in 2024, finishing with a 5-12 record. General manager Ryan Poles wasted no time, launching a full search for a new leader to guide their young, rebuilding team.
Meanwhile, the **Arizona Cardinals** made waves by parting ways with Jonathan Gannon, their head coach after only two seasons. While Gannon’s squad showed flashes of potential, the team struggled to find consistency, ending the year with a 4-13 record. The Cardinals, with a new general manager, are expected to target a candidate who can mold the franchise around quarterback Kyler Murray, who has had an up-and-down relationship with the team over the past few seasons.
### Big Names in the Mix
As usual, the list of candidates for the available head coaching positions features some well-known names, as well as up-and-coming coordinators with impressive resumes. The **Carolina Panthers**, another team with a head coaching vacancy after parting ways with Frank Reich, are said to be eyeing a mix of established leaders and fresh faces. Among the top candidates are **Ben Johnson**, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, and **Shane Steichen**, the offensive mastermind behind the Philadelphia Eagles’ high-powered offense. Both have garnered significant interest due to their success in developing young quarterbacks and producing high-octane offenses.
On the defensive side of the ball, **Vic Fangio**, the former Denver Broncos head coach and a well-respected defensive mind, could be a candidate for teams seeking to strengthen their defensive units. Fangio, now with the Miami Dolphins as their defensive coordinator, has proven success as a head coach and could be a solid choice for a franchise looking to turn around their defensive performance.
### Young Coaches on the Rise
In addition to established names, several younger coaches are starting to make waves and are expected to be on the radar of teams looking for fresh perspectives. **DeMeco Ryans**, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, is a name that has been linked to multiple head coaching opportunities in recent seasons. His 49ers defense has been one of the best in the league, and his ability to develop young talent is highly regarded. Ryans, just in his second season as a coordinator, could be a perfect fit for a team in need of leadership and a strong defensive identity.
Another young coach making waves is **Mike McDaniel**, the Miami Dolphins’ head coach. While McDaniel is still early in his tenure with the Dolphins, his ability to transform Miami’s offense into one of the most explosive in the league has drawn significant praise. Teams searching for an innovative offensive mind might consider McDaniel as a candidate.
### Key Vacancies to Watch
While the **Chicago Bears**, **Arizona Cardinals**, and **Carolina Panthers** are the most prominent teams with head coaching vacancies, other franchises are still evaluating their options. The **Denver Broncos**, after parting ways with Nathaniel Hackett last year, could be looking for a permanent solution to their coaching situation after hiring interim head coach Jerry Rosburg. The Broncos are also rumored to be considering candidates like **Jim Harbaugh**, the University of Michigan head coach, who has experience in the NFL and has turned the Wolverines into national title contenders.
The **Indianapolis Colts**, who made the surprising decision to move on from Frank Reich in the middle of last season, are also conducting a search. Colts general manager Chris Ballard is reportedly focusing on experienced candidates, with names like **Leslie Frazier**, the former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator, and **Eric Bieniemy**, the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, expected to be interviewed.
Teams are increasingly looking for leaders who can not only win games but also develop quarterbacks and create a culture of success. With the NFL becoming more pass-heavy and with offensive schemes evolving rapidly, teams are especially focused on hiring coaches who can handle these modern demands.
### The Wait Continues
While the list of vacancies continues to evolve, there is still plenty of time before teams finalize their hires. Several coaching searches will stretch through the offseason, with interviews taking place over the coming weeks as franchises try to find their next leader. As the coaching carousel continues to turn, the pressure is on these teams to make the right choice, as the wrong hire could set back their rebuilds for years to come.
The coaching carousel may have only just begun, but it’s already clear that the 2025 NFL offseason will be a pivotal one for many teams looking to change their fortunes. With a mix of experienced veterans and up-and-coming stars, the race to find the next great head coach is on.
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