The end of the NFL regular season means the true start of the hiring cycle. The coaching carousel, as it is called, is expected to include between six and eight openings, according to multiple league sources.
Head coaching positions for the Panthers, Chargers and Raiders are already open, with more to come in the coming days. Meanwhile, there could be as many as six GM openings.
Here’s a look at some of the league’s hot seats, with information on where these franchises could go in the coming weeks.
Bill Belichick has avoided questions about his future for weeks. Sources say Belichick and Patriots owner Robert Kraft have not met to discuss the future, and no one with direct knowledge is willing to unequivocally state what will happen before that meeting(s). take place. The expectation around the league was that Belichick and the Patriots would part ways, but even that could take a while. It is reasonable to expect that whatever decision is made, no decision is likely to be made on or by Black Monday. Belichick has a legion of former Patriots coaches and personnel officials who could join him in his new job. Meanwhile, there would be jobs to be filled in Foxboro. Jerod Mayo is the leading internal candidate, but no one knows if the Krafts would go internal. And the Krafts never had to hire a general manager in their three decades in New England.
Los Angeles Chargers
John Spanos, president of football operations, will lead the Chargers’ search. The head coach position might be more attractive than the general manager position, at least in the short term, because of all the painful salary cap cuts that are sure to take place this offseason. However, sources expect a “expensive” search for head coach. I’m told the GM search could be narrower. But “everything is on the table” for the Chargers, sources say. The team believes it can be competitive in terms of salary.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are 4-4 with Antonio Pierce as interim head coach with wins over the defending champion Chiefs and a huge win over the Chargers that led to the ouster of Brandon Staley. As one source said, the Raiders have “done the best they can as a team since” Pierce took over. There is no indication from Raiders owner Mark Davis on Pierce’s current position or interim general manager Champ Kelly. The Raiders must go through the full interview process with both positions, so there won’t be any decision on their fate for weeks. That said, Pierce and Kelly will have to decide whether they will grant interviews elsewhere if they receive requests, or whether they will put all their eggs in the Raiders basket with Davis deciding their fate. One has to wonder if Jim Harbaugh, who has had numerous agents during his coaching career, hired Don Yee, who is Tom Brady’s agent, to make the connection in Las Vegas, where Brady is so beloved from the owner that he was offered a piece. of the team at a very reduced price.
A month ago, the Bears were 4-8 going into their bye week and signs were that neither Matt Eberflus nor Justin Fields would return to Chicago in 2024. Since then, the Bears have gone 3-1, their only loss being a three-point loss. to the Browns. The Bears have the second-best point differential in the league since Week 14, and Eberflus’ defense has allowed the third-fewest points in the league during the same span. Beating the rival Packers in Week 18 and keeping them out of the playoffs would be the icing on the cake for Flus’ chancesbut it is likely don’t even have to do that to keep your job. As things stand, it’s more likely than not that Eberflus will be the Bears’ head coach in 2024.
The Buccaneers had a chance to win the NFC South in Week 17, but lost to the Saints. They have another chance against Carolina in Week 18. Todd Bowles took the team to the playoffs last year, and another trip to the playoffs would put to rest any questions about whether he would return next year . If Tampa misses two win-win opportunities down the stretch, Bowles’ seat will heat up.
New Orleans Saints
Dennis Allen was expected to return for the 2024 season. General manager Mickey Loomis is known for being patient, and Allen’s (aging) defense is on pace to finish in the top 10 in scoring for the fourth straight year. Derek Carr’s contract calls for him to be back in 2024 as the Saints work out their annual cap issues. But a change of offensive coordinator could take place, CBS Sports previously reported. The Saints can advance to the playoffs with a win against the Falcons and help from other teams.
Atlanta Falcons
Arthur Smith is 23-32 years as Falcons head coach. He and general manager Terry Fontenot have worked the team out of hell over the first two years, and the Falcons are on the verge of their first playoff berth since 2017 with a win over the Saints and a loss against the Bucs. Sources said the Falcons would have to “fall apart” down the stretch so owner Arthur Blank could move on. Blank applied some pressure two weeks ago when he said he was committed to Smith but needed to see results. Atlanta beat the Colts, 29-10, after those comments, but lost by 20 to the Bears a week later. As I understand it, it’s not about the playoffs or anything in Atlanta, but a win in Week 18 would greatly help Smith’s chances at a fourth year.
Washington Commanders
Since Thanksgiving, new Commanders owner Josh Harris is expected to leaving head coach Ron Rivera at the end of the season. Washington has not tasted victory for more than two months. Because Rivera is at the top of the football food chain in Washington, his firing would significantly shake up the organization. The GM role currently held by Martin Mayhew could also become open. The future structure of the front office is one to watch here. Washington could hire an executive vice president of football operations to accompany the general manager. It will be necessary to determine who reports to whom and probably depend on the candidate. But if that’s the case, commanders could scare away some qualified candidates who might be concerned about the number of chefs in the kitchen.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina owner David Tepper fired Frank Reich after just 11 games, and it was clear that interim Chris Tabor wouldn’t get the permanent job. Tepper is should swing for Lions OC Ben Johnson again, a year after Johnson retired from racing and stayed in Detroit. An offensive-minded coach should be the path Tepper takes in his third search for a head coach in four years. Carolina will likely try to retain defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, who could land head coaching interviews in the coming weeks. It’s unclear whether Tepper will retain general manager Scott Fitterer, but sources outside the building have predicted Tepper will start at both positions this offseason for the first time in his tenure as owner.
