The 2024 NFL regular season has concluded, and the focus now shifts to the playoffs, featuring 14 teams vying for championship glory. While the wild-card round kicks off this weekend, non-playoff teams are already making headlines with coaching and management changes, signaling a period of transition across the league. This time of year often sparks speculation about which franchises will overhaul their leadership in search of a fresh start. Here’s an overview of the evolving coaching landscape as the NFL enters 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders have been active in their search for leadership, reportedly reaching out to Bill Belichick. However, an NFL Network report on Wednesday suggested Belichick is uninterested in returning to the NFL. The Raiders fired head coach Antonio Pierce on Tuesday after just one full season, and general manager Tom Telesco was let go on Thursday. With ownership led by Tom Brady, the franchise seems poised for a major reset.
Dallas Cowboys
The Dallas Cowboys are standing firm on their current leadership. ESPN reported that the team declined the Chicago Bears’ request to interview head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy, under contract through next Tuesday, remains a pivotal part of the Cowboys’ immediate plans.
Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans are opting for continuity at the head coaching level. While the team parted ways with general manager Ran Carthon, head coach Brian Callahan has been retained for the foreseeable future.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars made a much-anticipated move on Monday, firing head coach Doug Pederson. Owner Shad Khan announced the decision after a dismal 4-13 season. Pederson’s dismissal comes after the team opened the year with a four-game losing streak and suffered a five-game skid later in the season, partly due to quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s injury struggles. Despite Pederson’s exit, general manager Trent Baalke will remain in his role.
New England Patriots
In a surprising development, the New England Patriots fired head coach Jerod Mayo following their Week 18 victory over the Buffalo Bills. While the win cost the Patriots the No. 1 overall draft pick, the team still has quarterback Drake Maye as a building block, making this coaching vacancy particularly appealing. Team owner Robert Kraft is expected to exercise more patience with the next hire, especially after Mayo lasted only one season as Bill Belichick’s successor.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints’ season took a nosedive after a promising 2-0 start. Head coach Dennis Allen was fired on November 4 following a seven-game losing streak, leaving interim coach Darren Rizzi to finish the season with a 5-12 record. The Saints face a daunting rebuild, grappling with salary cap challenges and uncertainties at quarterback. Allen’s tenure ended with an 18-25 record across three seasons, none of which included playoff appearances.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are undergoing a significant overhaul, with vacancies at both the head coach and general manager positions. The franchise fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start and dismissed GM Joe Douglas six weeks later. Interviews for replacements are already underway, with Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera reportedly interviewing for the head coaching role, and Louis Riddick emerging as a candidate for general manager. However, the team’s future direction remains uncertain, particularly regarding veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears made history this season by firing head coach Matt Eberflus during the season for the first time in franchise history. Interim coach Thomas Brown stepped in as the Bears navigated a 10-game losing streak, which ended with a season-finale victory over the Green Bay Packers. The next head coach will face the critical task of developing Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick, who struggled in his rookie campaign.
Playoff Picture and Upcoming Matchups
As non-playoff teams restructure, the playoff-bound franchises are gearing up for two weeks of intense preparation. The wild-card matchups this weekend promise excitement, with teams battling for a chance to advance deeper into the postseason.
