While “Black Monday” has transformed from a day of mass firings to something more subdued – Doug Pederson, who was formerly with the Jaguars, was the lone head coach let go immediately after the 2024 season – there are still six coaching vacancies throughout the NFL, indicating the ongoing changes in the league that have overshadowed the previous chaotic 24 hours of firing.

The trend of fewer firings on Black Monday suggests that more coaching changes could be on the horizon. Some team owners take longer to make decisions, as seen with the Raiders’ Mark Davis, who removed Antonio Pierce from his position recently. Additionally, unexpected retirements, resignations, and playoff outcomes can shift the coaching landscape. This year is particularly interesting since Mike McCarthy’s contract is expiring, but he won’t be able to engage with other franchises until January 14. This means he and the Dallas Cowboys will have to decide whether to continue their partnership or part ways.

With the potential for more than six openings, let’s evaluate the existing vacancies from the most appealing to the least:

1. New England Patriots

Quarterback situation

Tom Brady’s legendary legacy looms large here, but it seems that Drake Maye, picked third overall in last year’s draft, has a strong chance to become a solid long-term option. The team wisely allowed Maye to develop gradually during the 2024 season due to its visible weaknesses. He showed resilience, particularly with his mobility – he averaged 7.8 yards per attempt, the highest among players with at least 50 rushing attempts. His physical tools and confidence were evident. Additional support will be necessary in 2025, and the team appears well-prepared to supply that, making the Patriots more competitive with Maye under center compared to the journeyman Jacoby Brissett.

Rookie quarterback Joe Milton’s impressive showing in Week 18 demonstrated why New England kept him on the active roster throughout the season instead of putting him on the practice squad. Even if his future may not be with the team, he could become a valuable asset if he continues to improve. Adding a veteran backup seems essential if Brissett doesn’t re-sign.

Roster

The roster has its challenges. Bill Belichick, instrumental in building this team, was known for maximizing individual performances through tailored game plans. Unfortunately, his brief successor, Jerod Mayo, couldn’t replicate that success in 2024, though it should be noted that Belichick faced difficulties in 2023 as well.

Cornerbacks Christian Gonzalez and Marcus Jones, along with defensive end Keion White, look like foundational players. However, the Patriots might focus all available salary cap and draft resources in 2025 on enhancing their offense to support Maye. Wide receiver Ja’Lynn Polk had a disappointing rookie season, but he’s not the first young receiver to struggle.

Salary cap

New England is expected to have around $124 million in available salary cap space this year, as reported by OverTheCap, which is the highest in the league. This is a tempting aspect of the position for the next head coach, providing a real opportunity to target potential talent, such as rising star WR Tee Higgins, who is coming off a franchise tag with Cincinnati.

Eliot Wolf, the executive vice president of player personnel, primarily managed the roster in 2024. However, owner Robert Kraft has not disclosed Wolf’s future role, although he is expected to stay with the organization.

2025 NFL draft

The recent win against Buffalo was more impactful than it seemed – it cost the Patriots the No. 1 overall pick, leaving them with the fourth pick in Round 1. While moving down three spots might not seem significant for a team not seeking a young quarterback, they likely lost considerable draft capital in a year where the quarterback class doesn’t appear strong, and trading that top selection could have resulted in a considerable return. New England does hold an additional third-round pick.

Outlook

It is assumed that Kraft will target Mike Vrabel, a recognized head coach with a proven track record – in contrast to Mayo – who is also a Patriots icon with three Super Bowl rings from the Belichick-Brady era and was part of the remarkable 2007 team. Despite the rapid transitions from Belichick to Mayo to whoever follows next – Kraft has rightfully accepted blame for Mayo’s quick departure – this is a well-respected organization that understands the essence of winning and invests extensively in its success. Kraft will approach the next hire diligently, ensuring a logical organizational structure while passing the torch to someone who will have abundant resources to meet the high expectations of the fan base and ownership for a return to Super Bowl contention.

2. Chicago Bears

Quarterback situation

Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 draft and widely viewed as a generational talent, is anticipated to be the answer for this franchise. However, his inconsistent rookie season saw him reverting to some detrimental college habits, leading to an alarming 68 sacks, the worst in the league. Nevertheless, he showcased flashes of brilliance and, despite several game management mistakes, set a rookie record by throwing 353 consecutive passes without an interception. This balance of potential and challenges makes his presence attractive to prospective coaches like Ben Johnson, who might be interested in this position.

Tyson Bagent, the 24-year-old backup, shows promise, but bringing in a veteran quarterback to mentor Williams and serve as a reliable advisor for both younger quarterbacks would likely benefit the organization.

Roster

This team has a number of solid players, particularly Wide receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze were selected just after Williams, along with running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Cole Kmet. However, their performance suffered due to the offensive struggles in 2024. The offensive line has potential for better performance, but it shouldn’t be overly blamed for the high number of sacks on Williams, as the rookie contributed to some of the issues himself.

The defense declined, but key players like cornerback Jaylon Johnson, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, and pass rusher Montez Sweat remain essential. To enhance their performance in 2025, all these players must elevate their games, and the front seven may require additional support.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen and guard Teven Jenkins stand out as the significant free agents.

Salary cap

The team is anticipated to have over $80 million available for free agency, ranking among the top five in the league for spending power. General Manager Ryan Poles has not struggled with acquiring talent, but it needs to come together more effectively under the new coaching staff.

2025 NFL draft

Poles’ decision to trade the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft continues to pay off, as the Bears will receive Carolina’s second-round pick this year. As a result, Chicago could have four selections within the top 72, including the 10th overall, indicating ample opportunity to bolster the support team around Williams.

Outlook

Having Williams on a rookie contract, coupled with several other strong components, should make this role particularly attractive. However, a passionate fan base yearning for more than just memories from 1985 will expect quick results—especially challenging in the competitive NFC North, where all three other teams made the playoffs. While the roster shows promise, the new coach must align their philosophy with team president Kevin Warren and Poles to ensure that the progress made in 2024 isn’t overshadowed by a lack of proper coaching to develop a rookie quarterback.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars

Quarterback situation

Unlike many NFL teams, the Jaguars have their franchise quarterback in Trevor Lawrence, who solidified his status with a five-year, $275 million contract extension signed in June, making it one of the largest in NFL history and ensuring his stay through the 2030 season.

However, this stability comes with concerns, as Lawrence has yet to fulfill his expectations as the first overall pick in the 2021 draft, a prospect once compared to legends like John Elway and Peyton Manning. With just one Pro Bowl appearance and a single playoff run, his performance has been hindered by injuries over the past two years.

After a tumultuous rookie season under Urban Meyer, Lawrence showed improvement under coach Doug Pederson. Yet, the next head coach will need to unlock his full potential.

The backup quarterback scenario needs reevaluation as Mac Jones is heading into free agency.

Roster

Regardless of opinions on Lawrence, the Jaguars have a solid foundation. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. stood out in a receiving group that already includes Christian Kirk and tight end Evan Engram. The defense features an elite pass rusher in Josh Hines-Allen, along with promising players like Travon Walker, Devin Lloyd, and Tyson Campbell. However, improvements are necessary along the offensive line, especially as the rushing game struggled to gain traction in 2024.

Although there’s no significant talent gap in Duval County, the overall performance has often fallen short of expectations.

Salary cap

Assuming minimal roster changes—with Kirk sometimes mentioned in trade discussions—the Jaguars should have approximately $35 million available, placing them in the middle range in terms of league spending ability.

2025 NFL draft

Jacksonville not only holds a top-five pick—specifically, No. 5—but also possesses 10 total draft selections, granting them flexibility to pursue the best available players or to enhance their roster with fresh talent.

Outlook

The team is just two years removed from winning the AFC South and making it to the divisional playoffs, nearly clinching the division title again in 2023 despite injuries. There’s much to appreciate about the squad, as well as the local golf courses available.

One interesting factor is the ongoing role of GM Trent Baalke, who is set to collaborate with his fifth head coach since joining the organization in 2020. The next coach will need to consider this dynamic while managing the team’s direction.

4. New York Jets

Quarterback situation

There’s a lot to unpack or perhaps pack.

After a disappointing season, Aaron Rodgers has not been transparent about his future intentions but remains under contract for 2025, as does backup Tyrod Taylor. Former Florida State standout Jordan Travis essentially took a medical redshirt during his rookie season while recovering from a severe ankle injury that cut short his college career late in the 2023 season.

There could be numerous changes here, or potentially none at all.

Roster

Former GM Joe Douglas contributed a great deal of talent to the team—many of whom are favorites of Rodgers—but it still hasn’t brought the Jets closer to breaking their 14-year playoff drought. The highlight of Douglas’ time in charge was the 2022 draft class, which included standout players like cornerback Sauce Gardner and wide receiver Garrett Wilson—both named rookies of the year for their respective positions—alongside Pro Bowl outside linebacker Jermaine Johnson II and running back Breece Hall. All four are eligible for contract extensions this year, with Wilson being the only one performing close to potential in 2024, while Johnson missed most of the season due to a torn Achilles.

Defensive stalwarts Quinnen and Quincy Williams have proven to be reliable, and pass rusher Will McDonald IV had a breakout second season. The offensive line showed improvement but will see two new tackles in 2025 as Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses’ contracts expire. Cornerback D.J. Reed is the Jets’ top player heading toward free agency.

Midseason acquisition Davante Adams, now 32, performed well despite the circumstances,

It would be surprising if his future isn’t connected to Rodgers’. If Adams stays, his contract will need an adjustment since he lacks guarantees, and his base salary jumps to $35.7 million for the next two seasons.

Salary cap

Currently, the Jets have nearly $30 million available in cap space. However, with the uncertainties surrounding Rodgers, Adams, and possibly others, this amount is likely to fluctuate.

2025 NFL draft

They hold the seventh overall pick in the first round, but it’s not a great year for quarterbacks. They also possess the Lions’ third-round pick (96th overall) but traded their own, which is 23 spots higher, to obtain Adams back in October.

Outlook

Clearly, the situation is quite mixed – there’s potential for a rapid turnaround due to the talent level, although it may not align with the fresh start a new coach and general manager might seek. Keeping Rodgers likely makes sense financially, assuming he wants to continue playing, as finding a suitable quarterback to lead the team in 2025 would be challenging. However, having Rodgers could complicate things for a new management looking to establish a successful foundation, especially considering the persistent issues and impatient reputation surrounding owner Woody Johnson, who is always ready to invest in his struggling team. There are both opportunities and risks involved.

5. New Orleans Saints

Quarterback situation

How to put it mildly? Derek Carr’s arrival in New Orleans in 2023 hasn’t dramatically changed his game — he’s been consistent but unremarkable. With a 14-13 record and a 98.8 QB rating, slightly better than his tenure with the Raiders, he has performed at a league-average level. Given the offensive line struggles and injury challenges, including a missed seven-game stretch in 2024, it’s respectable work, though not quite what the Saints envisioned after committing to a four-year, $150 million contract. The team has struggled to regain power in the NFC South, teetering around .500 since Drew Brees retired after the 2020 season and missing the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

Young quarterbacks Spencer Rattler (24) and Jake Haener (25) faced difficulties when given the chance while Carr was sidelined. Rattler, known for his potential from high school through his time at Oklahoma and South Carolina, was the first QB drafted last year outside the first round (in Round 5) but didn’t have the benefit of a strong supporting cast due to the team’s injuries.

With a ninth overall pick in the first round of the upcoming draft, the Saints could face a major decision about Carr. Cutting him would incur a $50 million dead cap hit but would spare them from a salary that rises from $1.2 million in 2024 to $30 million in 2025, and $50 million in 2026. It’s likely that a new head coach, particularly one focused on offense, would prefer to move in a direction that doesn’t involve Carr in what may be a stopgap role.

Roster

The roster includes several well-known players like LB Demario Davis, DE Cam Jordan, and RB Alvin Kamara, though aside from Kamara — who just signed a two-year extension — they are all showing signs of decline. After Dennis Allen’s midseason firing, GM Mickey Loomis acknowledged that the previous coach had encountered “an avalanche of injuries.”

The new core appears to consist of younger players such as 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 group may not form an immediate powerhouse, it’s far from a bare roster.

Salary cap

No team has run up the NFL equivalent of credit card debt like the Saints, making it a significant aspect for anyone working with Loomis, who has been with the franchise for over 23 seasons and is the longest-serving GM in the league. To manage cap space, the Saints often use void years in player contracts. Currently, they are over $50 million in debt for 2025, the highest in the league by a considerable margin, and this doesn’t factor in the potential costs of parting with Carr. The team usually has to restructure or release key contracts every March to comply with the salary cap, which can limit their flexibility in free agency. Last season, DE Chase Young was their only notable signing with a one-year, $13 million deal.

2025 NFL draft

With natural picks, they will be choosing in the top 10 across the first four rounds of the draft. The trade of CB Marshon Lattimore midseason also boosted their draft capital, giving them extra third- and fourth-round picks from the Commanders. This added flexibility might allow Loomis to pursue a quarterback if desired.

Outlook

For candidates eyeing one of the 32 teams, this opportunity is likely appealing. There’s enough favorable aspects and a relatively stable front office and ownership structure, which should provide the next coach with ample chance to succeed. The passion of the New Orleans fanbase is unmatched, further solidified after Hurricane Katrina. Although this position may rank lower among the available roles, it certainly isn’t one to shy away from.

6. Las Vegas Raiders

Quarterback situation

Having five quarterbacks by the end of the season, as the Raiders did, highlights the issues they face. Aidan O’Connell, Desmond Ridder, and rookie Carter Bradley were on the active roster, while Gardner Minshew II was on injured reserve, and Jake Luton occupied the practice squad. Statistically, the Raiders’ passing game was average in 2024, hampered largely by their inability to establish a running game.

Clearly, their interest in Jayden Daniels during last year’s draft was understandable. O’Connell has shown enough promise to act as a bridge to the future or a reliable long-term backup, similar to Minshew’s previous role. However, identifying a reliable quarterback solution for 2025 remains a challenge, barring any interest in someone like Sam Darnold.

Roster

Tight end Brock Bowers had a record-setting rookie season, making him a vital part of the team’s future. The offensive line is solid, WR Jakobi Meyers reached his first 1,000-yard season, while DE Maxx Crosby remains one of the league’s top performers, although he recently struggled with an ankle injury.

DT Christian Wilkins had a tough season, appearing in just five games after securing a substantial contract last offseason. The team is set up with a few promising young players, but it will require strategic planning to build a strong roster going forward.

The No. 7 selection in the 2023 draft has not made a significant impact.

General Manager Tom Telesco has a lot to address, including potentially trading Crosby. While he has become iconic for the franchise, his frustration with continual losses is evident. His trade value may not rise much further.

Salary cap

Telesco is expected to have over $100 million available for free agency, putting him in a favorable position, with only the Patriots ranked higher in spending capacity. This financial flexibility could allow the Raiders to pursue players like Darnold if he becomes available, among other options.

2025 NFL draft

With the Jets’ third-round pick acquired, Telesco possesses four selections within the top 73, including the sixth overall pick. However, he faces competition from three teams ahead of him that are also in need of a quarterback (Titans, Browns, Giants). Nevertheless, the Raiders could be well-positioned to target passers such as Cam Ward and Shedeur Sanders if they choose to pursue them.

Outlook

The franchise’s turnaround appears sluggish, likened to the slow maneuvering of an aircraft carrier. The next head coach will be the fifth for Las Vegas in just five seasons, including interim coaches, highlighting a lack of stability. It will be noteworthy to see how Brady, now a minority owner, influences both the team’s direction and personnel decisions. Reports suggest he is already attempting to attract Belichick from UNC.

Pierce has motivated the team to play with heart, but they lack the necessary strength. Reinstating a “Commitment to Excellence” could be increasingly difficult as the Raiders watch the other three AFC West teams move towards postseason aspirations, with the Chargers and Broncos ahead in their rebuilding and championship pursuits against the Chiefs. Nevertheless, expectations should be reasonable  in theory.

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