NFL Head Coaching Vacancies: Updated Openings and Predictions for 2025

The NFL Playoffs are still rolling along, but the 2025 offseason is in full swing for the 28 teams no longer contending for the Super Bowl.

The coaching carousel spins particularly fast this time of year. Heading into the Conference Championship games, five different teams have a head coaching vacancy, while two others have filled their opening.

Let's break down those coach-less franchises and run through some potential hires for each team before checking in on those who've already filled their head coaching vacancy.

NFL Head Coaching Vacancies

This has been updated as of January 21st.

Dallas Cowboys

2024 Record: 7-10

When Dallas' 2024 season initially ended without a postseason appearance for the first time since 2020, the Cowboys appeared set on bringing back head coach Mike McCarthy. They declined Chicago's request to interview McCarthy early in the process, after all.

But the Cowboys and McCarthy could not come to terms on a new contract, so the two sides agreed to mutually part ways.

Though Colorado head coach Deion Sanders was initially floated as a candidate for the job, current offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer has since emerged as the favorite.

Aside from Schottenheimer, Kellen Moore (Eagles OC), Robert Saleh (former Jets HC), and Leslie Frazier (Seahawks Asst.) have all interviewed for Dallas' opening.

2025 Cowboys Head Coach Prediction: Kellen Moore

Jacksonville Jaguars

2024 Record: 4-13

The Jacksonville Jaguars let go of head coach Doug Pederson shortly after the regular season, concluding his three-year stint with the team. Jacksonville failed to bounce back from 2023's midseason collapse -- one which saw them lose five of their last six games following an 8-3 start. They began 2024 with four consecutive losses and failed to beat a team with a winning record.

According to Adam Schefter, Patrick Graham (former Raiders DC), Robert Saleh, and Liam Cohen (Buccaneers OC) will be brought in for a second round of interviews.

2025 Jaguars Head Coach Prediction: Liam Cohen

Las Vegas Raiders

2024 Record: 4-13

After earning the Las Vegas Raiders full-time head coaching gig following a successful interim stint in 2023, Antonio Pierce was let go from the team earlier this week. Pierce went 5-4 as the acting head coach in 2023 but managed just 4 wins this past season.

Vegas was initially considered a top candidate for Ben Johnson. They've been linked to Bill Belichick (North Carolina HC), Deion Sanders, and Jon Gruden (former Raiders HC), but The Athletic has reported that Pete Carrol (former Seahawks HC) is their top option now.

Carrol interviewed for the position last week, in addition to Ron Rivera (former Commanders HC) and Robert Saleh.

2025 Raiders Head Coach Prediction: Robert Saleh

New Orleans Saints

2024 Record: 5-12

Though the New Orleans Saints started the season 2-0 with a +62 point differential, they proceeded to lose seven straight games, culminating in head coach Dennis Allen being let go. Assistant head coach and special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi compiled a 3-5 record as interim head coach over the second half of the season.

Rizzi showed enough to earn an interview for the full-time position, but the Saints appear to have narrowed their search to Aaron Glenn (Lions DC), Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC), and Mike Kafka (Giants OC).

New Orleans had second interviews scheduled with those three, however inclement weather has since delayed their in-person meetings.

The Saints are also expected to interview Mike McCarthy.

2025 Saints Head Coach Prediction: Mike McCarthy

New York Jets

2024 Record: 5-12

The New York Jets became the first team to part ways with their head coach when they let go of Robert Saleh following a London loss to the Vikings that dropped them to 2-3. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich served as interim coach the rest of the way, guiding them to a 3-9 finish.

New York has been linked to numerous former coaches and assistants across the league. In addition to Ulbrich, the Jets have completed or scheduled interviews with Aaron Glenn, Matt Nagy (Chiefs OC), Mike Vrabel, Rex Ryan (former Jets HC), and Ron Rivera (former Commanders HC).

That said, New York appears set on Aaron Glenn ahead of their second interview on January 21st.

2025 Jets Head Coach Prediction: Aaron Glenn

NFL Head Coaching Hirings

Chicago Bears

2024 Record: 5-12

The Chicago Bears locked down one of the top coaching candidates on the market -- former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.

Johnson will replace former coach Matt Eberflus who was fired midseason after 2.5 years with the team.

New England Patriots

2024 Record: 4-13

The New England Patriots were the first domino to fall when they agreed to terms with Mike Vrabel to become their next head coach.

Vrabel will replace former coach Jerod Mayo who was let go after just one season with the franchise.

New to FanDuel Sportsbook? You’ll receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your first $5+ bet wins! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today’s other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.