It’s January, and the NFL coaching changes are in full swing. A noteworthy event on Monday saw the New England Patriots present Mike Vrabel as their new head coach, while the Dallas Cowboys made headlines by officially announcing their search for a new leader after parting ways with Mike McCarthy, unable to agree on a contract extension.

While it seems unlikely that more positions will open up, surprises can happen at any moment—like an unexpected resignation or retirement. This could come from a younger coach feeling overwhelmed or from an experienced coach stepping down after winning multiple championships. Who can tell?

As we consider the current six* vacancies, let’s rank them from most appealing to least:

1. Chicago Bears

Quarterback situation

Caleb Williams, viewed as a generational talent and the top pick in the 2024 draft, is meant to be the franchise’s cornerstone. His rookie season, however, was rocky, showcasing a mix of poor decision-making that led to a league-high 68 sacks. Despite this, he also made history by completing 353 passes without an interception. His potential will surely attract coaches like Ben Johnson who are interested in this role.

Additionally, backup quarterback Tyson Bagent shows promise, but bringing in an experienced veteran to mentor Williams and support both quarterbacks may be beneficial.

Roster

The Bears boast several talented players, including wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, running back D’Andre Swift, and tight end Cole Kmet. However, the team’s struggles in 2024 hampered their performance. Improvement is needed on the offensive line, although it isn’t solely to blame for Williams’ sack issues, as he often contributed to his own struggles.

On defense, players like CB Jaylon Johnson, LB Tremaine Edmunds, and pass rusher Montez Sweat highlight a solid core, but the unit must step up in 2025, and the front seven could use some depth.

Keenan Allen and G Teven Jenkins stand out as significant free agents.

Salary cap

The Bears are projected to have over $66 million available for free agency, placing them among the top seven in the league for available cap space. GM Ryan Poles has been effective in acquiring talent, but it needs to come together better under the new coaching regime.

2025 NFL draft

Thanks to Poles’ trade of the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, the Bears will have Carolina’s second-round pick this year. This grants Chicago four selections in the top 72, including the 10th overall pick, as they work to build a better roster around Williams.

Outlook

The chance to work with a promising quarterback on a rookie contract and the various quality players in place make this role appealing. However, the passionate fan base has high expectations for immediate success, which will be challenging in a competitive NFC North, especially after the other teams reached the playoffs. The next head coach must also align philosophically with team president Kevin Warren and Poles, particularly since the 2024 season’s progress suffered from inadequate support for developing a rookie quarterback.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Quarterback situation

Dak Prescott, the highest-paid quarterback ever with a four-year, $240 million deal (including $231 million guaranteed), is both a key asset and a long-term investment, tied financially to the team for at least the next two years. He could be a candidate for Comeback Player of the Year after an injury disrupted his 2024 season, but he’s proven to be a consistent and leading performer over time. By the end of the 2025 season, he may even hold the franchise records for passing yards and touchdowns.

As for backups, both Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are set to enter free agency. Rush, who has won nine out of 14 starts in place of Prescott since 2021, is considered a reliable option as a backup.

Roster

True to its “America’s Team” reputation, the Cowboys feature star players like Prescott, WR CeeDee Lamb, and LB Micah Parsons. However, if Parsons signs an extension this year, this trio could take up a significant portion of the salary cap while the rest of the roster undergoes changes.

Notable players with contracts ending include Rush, G Zack Martin, DE DeMarcus Lawrence, WR Brandin Cooks, RB Rico Dowdle, and LB Eric Kendricks. Plus, young LB DeMarvion Overshown recently sustained a severe knee injury, leaving his status for 2025 uncertain.

Furthermore, the team must provide better support for Prescott and Lamb, who can’t carry the team’s offense alone. The Cowboys need solutions for their running game, second-tier receivers, and an offensive line that is expected to lose Martin.

Salary cap

Currently, the Cowboys have minimal funds available for free agency, and owner Jerry Jones was not inclined to spend heavily on significant signings or retain his key players last year. However, this could change—extending Parsons might lower his hefty 2025 salary of $21.3 million. Still, the roster construction could pose significant challenges beyond the team’s expensive stars. Players like OT Terence Steele and CB Trevon Diggs may be up for contract restructures.

2025 NFL draft

The Cowboys hold the 12th overall pick in the first round but don’t have a fourth-round selection this year.

Outlook

There are numerous positives about this coaching opportunity, particularly the presence of outstanding players at key positions. The NFC East is typically competitive, and Jones is often willing to invest in efforts to break the team’s long Super Bowl drought. However, coaching the Cowboys comes with immense pressure, as the spotlight is ever-present, and the need to work closely with Jones on football decisions adds an extra layer of complexity to the position—creating a need for a specific personality type to thrive in this role.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback Situation

In contrast to many other teams in the NFL, the Jaguars have established stability with Trevor Lawrence at the helm. His confidence in the franchise was solidified when he signed a five-year contract extension worth $275 million in June, which ranks as the second-largest deal in NFL history, just behind Dak Prescott’s. This contract keeps him with the team until the end of the 2030 season.

However, this stability has a downside. Lawrence has not yet fulfilled expectations as the top overall pick in the 2021 draft, where he was compared to legendary quarterbacks like John Elway and Peyton Manning. He has been selected to the Pro Bowl just once and has led the Jaguars to the playoffs only once, with injuries limiting his abilities over the last two seasons.

After a challenging rookie season under Urban Meyer, Lawrence showed improvement under coach Doug Pederson. A new head coach will need to further unlock his potential. Additionally, the backup quarterback situation is in need of attention, especially as Mac Jones is set to enter free agency.

Roster

Regardless of how one views Lawrence’s performance, there is a solid foundation in place. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. shone in a receiving group that already includes Christian Kirk and Evan Engram at tight end. The defense features a top-notch pass rusher in Josh Hines-Allen, along with promising players like Travon Walker, Devin Lloyd, and Tyson Campbell. However, there is a need for improvement in the offensive line, particularly in the rushing game, which never truly got going in the 2024 season.

Talent isn’t severely lacking in Duval County, but the team’s overall performance hasn’t consistently matched the individual skills of its players.

Salary Cap

Unless there are significant roster changes—like the ongoing trade rumors surrounding Kirk—the Jaguars are expected to have around $35 million in salary cap space, placing them in a moderately strong position among the league.

2025 NFL Draft

Jacksonville holds a valuable top-five draft pick, specifically the fifth overall selection, which can be used to choose the best available player. In total, the team has 10 draft picks, providing an excellent opportunity for them to either select new talent or trade for better positioning.

Outlook

Just two years ago, this team clinched the AFC South title and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs. They nearly reclaimed the division title again in 2023, despite facing numerous injuries. There is a lot to appreciate about the team, from its roster to the beautiful local golf courses.

One interesting aspect is the ongoing role of GM Trent Baalke, who is now working with his fifth different head coach (including interim coaches) since joining the organization in 2020. The next head coach will need to navigate this dynamic, which adds a layer of complexity.

4. New York Jets

Quarterback Situation

There’s a lot to unravel here…

Following a disappointing season, Aaron Rodgers remains vague about his future, but he’s under contract until 2025, along with backup Tyrod Taylor. Promising Florida State quarterback Jordan Travis effectively took a year off after suffering a severe ankle injury that ended his college career late in the 2023 season.

Things could shift significantly moving forward, or they might stay the same.

Roster

Former GM Joe Douglas acquired a wealth of talent, including players preferred by Rodgers, but despite the roster’s potential, the Jets have failed to end the league’s longest playoff drought, which now stands at 14 seasons. Highlights from Douglas’s tenure include a strong 2022 draft class that featured cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson, both of whom were named rookies of the year. Others like Jermaine Johnson II and Breece Hall were also standouts but faced challenges: Wilson was the only one among them to perform closely to expectations in 2024, while Johnson spent most of the season recovering from a torn Achilles.

Defensive stalwarts Quinnen and Quincy Williams contributed notably, and pass rusher Will McDonald IV had a solid second season. The offensive line has improved but will see two new tackles in 2025, as Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses are set to become free agents. Cornerback D.J. Reed is the Jets’ top player heading into free agency.

Veteran receiver Davante Adams, who was acquired midseason, performed admirably given the circumstances, yet his future is likely tied to Rodgers’. If Adams stays, his contract will need restructuring, as it currently contains no guarantees and includes a base salary of $35.7 million over the next two seasons.

Salary Cap

Currently, the Jets have approximately $21 million in cap space. However, the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers, Adams, and possibly others may impact that amount considerably.

2025 NFL Draft

The Jets will have the seventh overall pick in the first round but face a draft that lacks standout quarterbacks. Additionally, they possess the Lions’ third-round pick at 96th overall but traded away their own third-round selection to acquire Adams.

Outlook

The situation is quite complicated. This team holds the potential for a rapid turnaround with the right players, but it’s not structured ideally for a fresh start that a new head coach and GM might prefer. From a financial standpoint, retaining Rodgers could be practical unless he opts out, especially given the difficulty in finding a successor worthy of the starting role in 2025. However, having Rodgers might complicate matters for a new leadership team trying to establish long-term success. This task will be challenging, particularly given the impatient nature of owner Woody Johnson, who consistently seeks to invest in his struggling team while navigating the turbulent waters of public opinion.

5. New Orleans Saints

Quarterback Situation

The quarterback situation here can be described as mediocre. Since joining the Saints in 2023, Derek Carr has largely performed like he did with the Raiders—reliable but unremarkable. In 27 starts with New Orleans, he has a record of 14-13 and boasts a 98.8 QB rating, which is an improvement over his time in Las Vegas. This performance is decent, especially considering he has faced issues with protection and injuries (missing seven games in 2024), which have also affected his receiving corps.

This is not quite what the Saints envisioned after signing Carr to a four-year, $150 million deal, as they aimed to revitalize the franchise after a period of mediocrity since Drew Brees retired in 2020. Unfortunately, the team continues to struggle and hasn’t seen a playoff game since Brees’ departure.

Young quarterbacks Spencer Rattler, 24, and Jake Haener, 25, both faced challenges when given the opportunity to play in Carr’s absence. Rattler, who was the first quarterback selected in the fifth round last year, showcased glimpses of his potential during his time at Oklahoma and South Carolina, but had to contend with the Saints’ injury problems.

New Orleans is set to select ninth overall in this year’s draft. Should the team decide to cut Carr, they would incur a daunting $50 million dead cap charge but would also avoid paying his base salary, which skyrockets from $1.2 million in 2024 to $30 million the following season.

With projected expenditures hitting $50 million in 2026, it stands to reason that a new coach, especially one focusing on offense, might prefer a fresh start that doesn’t involve Carr, who may only serve in a temporary role.

Roster

There are some recognizable names here, such as LB Demario Davis, DE Cam Jordan, and RB Alvin Kamara. However, other than Kamara, who recently extended his contract for two more years, most of these players are showing signs of decline. GM Mickey Loomis acknowledged after Dennis Allen’s midseason dismissal that the previous head coach was overwhelmed by “an avalanche of injuries.”

The team’s future core appears to include promising younger talents like DT Bryan Bresee, LT Taliese Fuaga, DE Carl Granderson, C Erik McCoy, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, WR Chris Olave, G Cesar Ruiz, WR Rashid Shaheed, DB Alontae Taylor, and LB Pete Werner. While this might not seem like an emerging powerhouse, it’s also far from being devoid of talent.

Salary cap

No NFL team accumulates financial pressure like this one, which could be a significant factor for anyone teaming up with Loomis, who recently completed his 23rd season with this small-market franchise, making him the longest-serving GM in the league. The Saints usually manage cap costs by incorporating void years into player contracts. At the moment, New Orleans is over $50 million in the red for 2025 — the highest in the league by a significant margin — and that doesn’t even account for the financial repercussions if they decide to release Carr. Every March, the team typically undertakes substantial restructures and/or releases to meet cap compliance, which can limit their freedom when free agency kicks off. DE Chase Young, who signed a one-year deal worth $13 million, was the only notable addition for 2024.

2025 NFL draft

Thanks to their own draft picks, they will have top 10 selections in each of the first four rounds. Additionally, trading CB Marshon Lattimore during the season brought in extra resources, netting them an extra third and fourth-round pick from the Commanders. This increased draft capital offers flexibility, especially if Loomis decides to pursue a quarterback.

Outlook

When considering one of only 32 head coaching positions, candidates are unlikely to shy away from this opportunity. There are numerous appealing aspects, and with a relatively stable management and ownership situation, the incoming coach should find ample opportunity to succeed. New Orleans fans are among the most passionate, a bond only strengthened since Hurricane Katrina. While this position may be viewed as one of the less desirable openings, it shouldn’t be considered a job to avoid.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Quarterback situation

At the end of the season, the Silver and Black found themselves with five quarterbacks, illustrating an apparent problem. Aidan O’Connell, Desmond Ridder, and newcomer Carter Bradley ended up on the active roster with Gardner Minshew II on injured reserve and Jake Luton on the practice squad. Statistically, the Raiders had a fairly average passing game in 2024, largely due to a total inability to establish a running game.

It was clear why they were interested in Jayden Daniels during last year’s draft. O’Connell has shown enough potential to be a bridge to the future and may serve as a long-term backup – similar roles filled effectively by Minshew. However, unless they pursue someone like Sam Darnold, pinpointing a 2025 solution remains unclear.

Roster

Brock Bowers had a historic rookie season, making him a crucial part of the organization’s future. The offensive line appears solid, WR Jakobi Meyers enjoyed his first 1,000-yard season, and DE Maxx Crosby is a true game-changer when healthy, which hasn’t been the case lately due to an ankle injury. Meanwhile, DT Christian Wilkins only managed to appear in five games after landing a substantial free-agent deal. The No. 7 overall pick in 2023, Tyree Wilson, has yet to make a significant impact.

The new GM, replacing Tom Telesco, will likely need to seriously consider trading Crosby, who has become a key figure for the franchise but is likely frustrated with the losing culture. His value may never be this high again.

Salary cap

Las Vegas is poised to have over $90 million available for free agency – second only to the Patriots in financial resources – which puts them in a strong position to pursue players like Darnold, if he becomes available, along with many other opportunities.

2025 NFL draft

With an extra third-round pick from the Jets, the Raiders will have four of the top 73 draft selections, including the sixth overall pick. However, they face competition from three other teams that also need quarterbacks (Titans, Browns, Giants). Nevertheless, they could be in a prime position to target quarterbacks like Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders if they choose to do so.

Outlook

If this franchise is indeed on the path to recovery, it’s doing so at a snail’s pace. With Antonio Pierce out, the new coach will be the Raiders’ fifth in five seasons, counting interim coaches, highlighting a troubling trend of instability. Tom Brady, now a minority owner, may exert influence in shaping the team’s philosophy and personnel decisions, especially after Telesco’s departure. He’s reportedly attempted to entice his former coach, Bill Belichick, to leave UNC for Las Vegas.

While Pierce managed to motivate the team to perform hard, they still lack the necessary talent. Reviving a “Commitment to Excellence” will be a challenge with the Raiders trailing behind while other AFC West teams have moved forward, with the Chargers and Broncos leading the charge in their efforts to catch up to the champion Chiefs. Still, initial expectations should theoretically be manageable.

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Connect with YSL News Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.