With the conclusion of the 2024 NFL coaching carousel, it’s time to take stock of what we’ve learned and what lies ahead. Dan Quinn’s appointment as the head coach of the Washington Commanders caps off a whirlwind hiring season, offering valuable insights into the league’s coaching landscape.
One notable aspect of this cycle is the significant strides made in diversity. Four out of the eight new head coaches are people of color, marking a positive shift towards addressing diversity issues in coaching ranks—a step forward for the league.
The hiring patterns also showcased diversity, with teams exploring various avenues to fill coaching vacancies. From internal promotions to experienced veterans and rising stars, the approaches varied widely.
However, the most intriguing takeaway is the anticipation for the 2025 coaching cycle. It promises to be one of the most competitive and experienced fields in league history. With a blend of seasoned veterans like Bill Belichick and Pete Carroll, alongside rising stars like Ben Johnson and Bobby Slowik, the stage is set for an unprecedented level of coaching talent and experience.
Looking ahead, several teams face scrutiny:
The Pressure-Cookers:
– The Dallas Cowboys are under pressure to perform under Mike McCarthy.
– The Buffalo Bills are striving to break through their playoff ceiling under Sean McDermott.
– The Philadelphia Eagles are navigating coaching staff changes amidst high expectations.
The Regressors:
– The Jacksonville Jaguars have experienced a shocking decline after a promising start under Doug Pederson.
– The New York Giants have faced disappointing results under Brian Daboll.
The Total Underachievers:
– The New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears find themselves with coaches on the hot seat, in need of a turnaround.
As teams contemplate their coaching futures, short-term aspirations may lead to considerations of experienced coaches like Belichick and Carroll, while those seeking long-term stability may favor younger candidates like Mike Vrabel and Brian Flores.
As we look forward to the 2025 coaching cycle, the NFL is poised for an exciting influx of coaching talent, setting the stage for a compelling year ahead.
