Coaching Changes: Who’s In and Who’s Out
The NFL’s coaching carousel has been in full swing as teams look to revamp their staffs in the hopes of elevating their performance. From head coaching gigs to defensive and offensive coordinator roles, the moves have been significant. Let’s take a look at some of the key hirings and firings across the league.
Atlanta Falcons: Defensive Coordinator Change
The Atlanta Falcons have made a significant move by hiring Jeff Ulbrich as their next defensive coordinator. Ulbrich, who served as the Jets’ defensive coordinator for the past four seasons, led New York to impressive defensive rankings, including a third-place finish in total defense in 2024. His interim head coaching stint with the Jets, however, was less successful, with a record of 3-9. Despite this, the Falcons saw potential in Ulbrich, particularly after his role in coordinating one of the league’s best defenses. The team is hoping he can bring the same level of expertise and improvement that he did in New York, as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing 23rd place ranking in yards and points allowed under former defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake.
Chicago Bears: A New Era Begins
The Chicago Bears are ushering in a fresh era with the appointment of Ben Johnson as their new head coach. Johnson, previously the Lions’ offensive coordinator, has been a rising star in the coaching world, credited with transforming the Lions’ offensive unit into one of the league’s best. His ability to elevate Jared Goff’s performance and revitalize his career has drawn significant attention. Johnson will now be tasked with doing the same for the Bears’ young quarterback, Caleb Williams, taken as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Additionally, Dennis Allen will join the Bears as defensive coordinator, bringing his extensive NFL experience, and Declan Doyle will take over as offensive coordinator. The team has also hired Eric Bieniemy, a seasoned coach with a successful stint as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, to be their running backs coach. This influx of veteran coaches could be the key to turning the Bears’ fortunes around after a 5-12 rookie season for Williams and the firing of Matt Eberflus mid-season.
Dallas Cowboys: Rebuilding the Coaching Staff
The Dallas Cowboys are undergoing a significant coaching overhaul with the hiring of several new coordinators. Brian Schottenheimer, the former head coach of the Seattle Seahawks, is now the team’s new offensive coordinator, following through on plans to revamp the running game. Klayton Adams, previously the Cardinals’ offensive line coach, joins the staff to help Schottenheimer in this effort. On the defensive side, the Cowboys have brought back Matt Eberflus, who previously served as their linebackers coach and had a successful stint as the Colts’ defensive coordinator. Eberflus will aim to improve a defense that ranked 28th in total yards allowed in 2024. Special teams coordinator Nick Sorensen is also making the move to Dallas, bringing his expertise from the Jaguars. The team has also added Ken Dorsey as the pass-game specialist, a role he previously held with the Browns. With these hires, the Cowboys are looking to build a more cohesive and competitive team for the upcoming season.
Jacksonville Jaguars: A New Leadership Team
The Jacksonville Jaguars have made several crucial hires to form their new leadership unit. Tony Boselli, a Pro Football Hall of Fame left tackle and the first draft pick in Jaguars history, is returning to the franchise as the executive vice president of football operations. This move underscores the team’s commitment to building a strong foundation. Liam Coen, the former Buccaneers offensive coordinator, is set to become the team’s next head coach. Coen, despite initially agreeing to stay with the Buccaneers, reconsidered and accepted the Jaguars’ offer, making him a key part of the franchise’s future. Joining Coen are Anthony Campanile as the new defensive coordinator and Grant Udinski as the offensive coordinator. Campanile, who comes from the Packers, will face the challenge of improving a defense that has struggled in recent years. Udinski, at just 29 years old, is one of the youngest coordinators in the league, bringing a fresh perspective to the Jaguars’ offense.
Las Vegas Raiders: A Legendary Return
The Las Vegas Raiders have made a bold move by hiring Pete Carroll as their new head coach. Carroll, a 73-year-old veteran with a Super Bowl victory under his belt, replaces Antonio Pierce after a failed first season. Carroll’s vast experience, including a national championship with USC and a long stint with the Seattle Seahawks, makes him a strong choice to lead the Raiders. The team has also brought in John Spytek as their new general manager. Spytek, a former teammate of Raiders minority owner Tom Brady and a key figure in the Buccaneers’ front office, will work alongside Carroll to rebuild the organization. Adding to this, Chip Kelly, who led Ohio State to a national championship, will serve as the offensive coordinator. Kelly, known for his innovative offensive schemes, last worked in the NFL as the head coach of the 49ers and Eagles. These moves signal a significant shift in the Raiders’ direction, aiming to return to prominence.
New England Patriots: Familiar Faces Return
The New England Patriots are bringing back some familiar faces to their coaching staff. Mike Vrabel, who won three Super Bowls with the team as a player in the 2000s, is returning as head coach, replacing Jerod Mayo. Vrabel’s previous success as the head coach of the Titans, where he led the team to multiple playoff appearances, makes him a strong candidate. Josh McDaniels is also rejoining the Patriots as offensive coordinator, a role he has held multiple times in the past. McDaniels has a proven track record of elevating quarterbacks, having played a crucial role in Tom Brady’s record-setting 2007 season and Mac Jones’ rookie year in 2021. Terrell Williams, who previously coached under Vrabel with the Titans, will become the defensive coordinator, tasked with improving a unit that slipped to 23rd in yards allowed in 2024. These hires reflect the Patriots’ strategy to leverage experienced and familiar talent to strengthen their team.
Extensions and Firings
Several teams have made key extensions to ensure continuity, while others have parted ways with their coaching staff. The Minnesota Vikings have extended the contract of head coach Kevin O’Connell, who has led the team to a 34-17 record and two playoff appearances in his three seasons. The Vikings are also in talks to extend general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah. On the other hand, the Buffalo Bills have fired special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley, following a series of blunders. The Carolina Panthers have opted to keep defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero, despite allowing an unprecedented number of points per game. The Dallas Cowboys have parted ways with Mike McCarthy, who will not coach in the NFL in 2025, and the Denver Broncos have fired special teams coordinator Ben Kotwica. The Houston Texans have undergone multiple changes, firing offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, offensive line coach Chris Strausser, and president Greg Grissom. The Miami Dolphins have let go of special teams coordinator Danny Crossman and wide receivers coach Wes Welker, while the New Orleans Saints have fired head coach Dennis Allen. Despite these changes, some teams like the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins are bringing back their head coaches and general managers, signaling a commitment to their current direction.
Coaching Stability: Teams Staying Put
While many teams have made sweeping changes, some are maintaining stability in their coaching staffs. The Cleveland Browns, despite finishing last in the AFC North, are expected to keep both head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. Stefanski, a two-time AP Coach of the Year, has brought the Browns to the playoffs twice in his five seasons. The Indianapolis Colts, despite missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, have affirmed their commitment to head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard. The Las Vegas Raiders are retaining defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, who has been with the team since 2022, even though their defense struggled this past season. The Miami Dolphins and New York Giants have also announced that their head coaches and general managers will return for the 2025 season. The Washington Commanders, led by Kliff Kingsbury, will also stay the course following their impressive turnaround and NFC Championship Game appearance. These teams believe that continuity is crucial for continued success and are betting on their current leadership to achieve their goals.
