As the NFL offseason progresses, the search for head coaches intensifies for six teams, with a particular focus on the New York Jets. Amidst criticism and skepticism from outsiders, these teams are carefully navigating the process to find the right fit for their organizations.
One major contender in this process is the Chicago Bears, where executives like team president Kevin Warren and GM Ryan Poles are leading the charge. Their extensive interview list includes a mix of offensive and defensive coordinators, former head coaches, and college coaches. Among the potential hires are names like Marcus Freeman, Mike McCarthy, and David Shaw, each bringing their unique strengths and perspectives to the table.
In Jacksonville, the Jaguars are facing challenges in attracting top coaching talent due to their decision to retain GM Trent Baalke. The team’s interview list features an array of coordinator and former head coach candidates, with Robert Saleh, Brian Flores, and Vic Fangio being considered for the role. Each candidate brings a different set of skills and experiences that could impact the team’s future success.
For the storied Dallas Cowboys, owner Jerry Jones is once again at the helm of the coaching search, with names like Kellen Moore, Deion Sanders, and Mike Zimmer being discussed as potential hires. While Moore’s familiarity with the organization makes him a comfortable choice, Sanders’ larger-than-life personality could shake things up in Dallas. Zimmer, on the other hand, offers a wildcard option for the Cowboys, bringing a wealth of experience and leadership to the table.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders are seeking stability and vision under new minority owner Tom Brady. With candidates like Ben Johnson, Pete Carroll, and Jon Gruden in the mix, the team is exploring different paths to future success. Johnson’s connection to Brady and potential for teamwork with a new GM make him a comfortable choice, while Carroll’s energy and leadership could offer a fresh perspective for the Raiders. Gruden, despite his controversial past, remains a wildcard option for Las Vegas, with the potential to ignite the team’s performance on and off the field.
In New Orleans, the Saints are known for their stability and continuity, with GM Mickey Loomis playing a key role in the coaching search. Candidates like Aaron Glenn, Mike McCarthy, and Jon Gruden are being considered as potential hires, each bringing a unique set of skills and experiences to the table. Glenn’s familiarity with the organization makes him a comfortable choice, while McCarthy’s track record and Gruden’s controversial past present shake-it-up and wildcard options for the Saints.
Finally, in the challenging landscape of the New York Jets, owner Woody Johnson is taking an unconventional approach to the coaching search, leaning on former GMs Mike Tannenbaum and Rick Spielman for guidance. The team’s extensive interview list includes a mix of former head coaches and coordinators, with names like Arthur Smith, Ben Johnson, and Rex Ryan in the running. Each candidate offers a different vision for the team, from comfortable choices like Smith to shake-it-up options like Rex Ryan, setting the stage for a transformative hiring decision that could reshape the Jets’ future.