Week 17 has come and gone, and Black Monday is in the rearview mirror as well. So now, which NFL teams are left without a head coach? Let’s take a look at the NFL head coach vacancies and who is in line to fill them with our 2021 NFL head coach tracker.
To quickly jump around from section to section and team to team, use the “What’s in this article” table of contents box above.
Note: We will be updating this tracker with more news and rumors when we get them. Want to be the first to hear inside information from PFN Insiders Tony Pauline and Benjamin Allbright? Subscribe to our YouTube channel and hit the notifications icon so you can tune in live when our insiders break the latest news and rumors from around the league.
Who will the Atlanta Falcons’ hire to replace Dan Quinn as head coach?
After Dan Quinn was fired on October 12th, the Atlanta Falcons have been looking for potential head coach candidates. In the team time, Raheem Morris was interim head coach, going 4-7. Here are some of the candidates that are rumored to be interviewing or are scheduled to interview with the team. With a lot of contract strife to overcome, the Falcons head coaching role could be one of the less appealing vacancies in the NFL.
Update: The Atlanta Falcons have announced that they have officially hired Tennessee Titans OC Arthur Smith as their new head coach.
Confirmed Head Coach Interviews
- Arthur Smith – Tennessee Titans Offensive Coordinator
- Eric Bieniemy – Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
- Joe Brady – Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator
- Nathaniel Hackett – Green Bay Packers Offensive Coordinator
- Raheem Morris – Falcons Interim Head Coach Raheem Morris
- Robert Saleh – San Francisco 49ers Defensive Coordinator
- Todd Bowles – Tampa Bay Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator
Requested/Planned Head Coach Interviews
No further requested or planned interviews currently.
Potential Head Coach Candidates
- Brandon Staley – Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
- Brian Daboll – Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
What we are hearing
December 2: At the beginning of December when talking about head coach rumors, Tony Pauline reported that the Falcons were one of the teams in play for Bieniemy. In his December 2nd mailbag, Pauline stated that “the smart money has Bieniemy landing in Houston or possibly Atlanta.”
2021 NFL Head Coach Tracker: Detroit Lions
After going 13-29-1 during his time in Detroit, the Lions fired head coach Matt Patricia after a blowout loss to the Texans on Thanksgiving. The Lions have one of the longest list of potential head coach options of any of the current vacancies.
Update: The Detroit Lions and Dan Campbell agreed to a six-year contract for Campbell as their head coach.
Confirmed Head Coach Interviews
- Arthur Smith – Titans Offensive Coordinator
- Darrell Bevell – Lions Interim Head Coach
- Dan Campbell – New Orleans Saints Assistant Head Coach/Tight Ends Coach
- Eric Bieniemy – Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
- Marvin Lewis – Former Bengals HC and current Arizona State Co-Defensive Coordinator
- Robert Saleh – 49ers Defensive Coordinator
Potential Head Coach Candidates
- Don “Wink” Martindale – Ravens Defensive Coordinator
- Pat Fitzgerald – Northwestern Head Coach
- Todd Bowles – Buccaneers Defensive Coordinator
What we are hearing
January 17: Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated is reporting that Dan Campbell is likely to sign his contract to be the next head coach of the Lions on January 18.
January 16: According to Fox’s Jay Glazer, Saints TE coach Dan Campbell will be hired as the next head coach of the Detroit Lions.
January 15: According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the New Orleans Saints assistant head coach/TEs coach Dan Campbell has emerged as the favorite to be the new Detroit Lions head coach.
January 4: Albert Breer confirmed what both Allbright and Pauline reported in December, Robert Saleh is among the candidates for the Lions role and will interview on Thursday.
December 16: Both Pauline and Allbright have reported that Robert Saleh is a candidate in Detroit. In fact, based on all of the buzz around Saleh, he may be the favorite to land that job.
December 16: The Lions have considered going down the route of a general manager head coach combination. Pauline reported that the Lions might be looking to go down the path of a defensive coordinator as head coach and then hire an offensive coordinator-QB coach combination to run the offense. The Lions could look to pair Saleh as HC with Adam Peters as GM.
December 16: Another name that Pauline says to keep an eye on for the Detroit Lions head coach vacancy is Baltimore Ravens Defensive Coordinator Don Martindale.
Houston Texans NFL Head Coach Rumors
The Texans didn’t wait until NFL’s Black Monday before making personnel decisions.
When the Houston Texans let go of Bill O’Brien after starting the year 0-4, they opened up positions for both their GM and head coach. O’Brien was the Texans’ head coach for more than six seasons, where they won four AFC South division titles with a 52-48 record.
With controversy surrounding Deshaun Watson and his desire to leave the Texans are one of the least appealing NFL head coach vacancies heading into the offseason.
Update: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Houston Texans have offered the position of head coach to David Culley, the Baltimore Ravens assistant head coach and wide receiver coach.
Confirmed Head Coach Interviews
- Brandon Staley – Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
- David Culley – Ravens assistant HC/WR coach
- Eric Bieniemy – Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
- Joe Brady – Panthers Offensive Coordinator
- Jim Caldwell – Former Lions and Colts HC
- Leslie Frazier – Bills assistant HC/DC
- Marvin Lewis – Former Bengals HC and current Arizona State Co-Defensive Coordinator
- Matt Eberflus – Colts Defensive Coordinator
Requested/Planned Head Coach Interviews
- Tim Kelly – Texans Offensive Coordinator
Potential Head Coach Candidates
- Don Martindale – Ravens Defensive Coordinator
What we are hearing
January 12: On the January 12 Quick Slants, Ben Allbright discussed the current situation when it comes to the Texans and Eric Bieniemy. Additionally, he discussed how Josh McDaniels would be Nick Easterby’s first call, and while Nick Caserio is open to it, he does not think that is the way to go.
December 29: Allbright reaffirmed his position during PFN Weekly’s December 29th episode, claiming that Bieniemy could be “penciled in” as the next HC of Houston. They continue to do background work on him but he is the clear leader of the clubhouse at this point. Allbright also reported that John Dorsey is on the list for a potential GM position with the Texans.
December 23: Pro Football Network’s NFL Insider Benjamin Allbright recently reported that Bieniemy is the leading candidate for Houston’s head coach position.
Allbright had this to say: “Currently, I think the head coach favorite for [the] Texans is Eric Bieniemy, despite most other teams in the league not being interested. Houston is doing background on him.”
December 23: On the December 23rd Draft Insiders podcast, Pauline informed listeners that if Bieniemy doesn’t land in Houston, the Texans would consider a defensive-minded coach. One such name they would be interested in is Don “Wink” Martindale from the Baltimore Ravens.
Who will take over as the head coach in Jacksonville?
Following their Week 17 loss, the Jaguars fired head coach Doug Marrone. The Jaguars became the fifth NFL team to be without a head coach. However, with 11 2021 NFL Draft picks, including the first overall pick, they are one of the most appealing head coach vacancies.
Update: Urban Meyer has been named as the next head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. PFN Insider Tony Pauline said back at the end of December that Meyer had been linked to the position and that his candidature was picking up steam.
Confirmed Head Coach Interviews
- Eric Bieniemy – Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
- Raheem Morris – Falcons Interim Head Coach Raheem Morris
- Robert Saleh – 49ers Defensive Coordinator
- Urban Meyer – Former Florida and Ohio State Head Coach
Requested/Planned Head Coach Interviews
No further requested or planned interviews currently.
Head Coach Candidates Rumors
- Arthur Smith – Titans Offensive Coordinator
- Ryan Day – Ohio State Head Coach
What we are hearing
January 14: Adam Schefter reported that Urban Meyer is in advanced talks to see if a deal can be finalized for him to become the head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars.
January 4: Ian Rapoport reported that the Jaguars are looking to move on from Doug Marrone, further confirming earlier reports from Pauline that Marrone is out as head coach of Jacksonville.
January 2: Ian Rapoport confirms what Pauline reported on December 30th, that Urban Meyer is a top target in Jacksonville.
December 30: With Week 17 of the NFL season upon us, the head coach rumor mill is at full steam. One name that is picking up steam over the past couple of weeks is Urban Meyer, who has been linked with the Jacksonville Jaguars head coach role. In the latest episode of the Draft Insiders podcast, Pro Football Network’s NFL Insider Tony Pauline shed more light on the situation with Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Here’s more on how Trent Baalke, current Jaguars interim GM, is pushing for Meyer.
December 23: It hasn’t happened yet, but the Jaguars are likely to be in the market for both a GM and head coach following NFL’s Black Monday. During a recent Draft Insiders episode, Tony Pauline said that the Jaguars are showing interest in Titans Offensive Coordinator Arthur Smith. Additionally, Smith will likely be a packaged deal with Titans Vice President of Player Personnel Ryan Cowden as his GM.
December 23: Another duo that has been linked with Jacksonville is the combination of John Dorsey and Eric Bieniemy. Early indications are that Jacksonville will be looking to pair up a head coach and general manager familiar with each other.
2021 NFL Head Coacher Tracker: Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers became the sixth NFL team without a head coach after they fired Anthony Lynn on January 4th. Back on the December 16 episode of the Draft Insiders podcast, Tony Pauline reported that there was little chance that Anthony Lynn could save his job. A West Coast source had reported there was a 20% chance Lynn kept his job. Another source close to the Chargers organization said Lynn was likely to be fired at the end of the season.
Update: The Chargers announced that they will be hiring Rams Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley to be their next head coach.
Confirmed Head Coach Interviews
- Arthur Smith – Titans Offensive Coordinator
- Brandon Staley – Los Angeles Rams Defensive Coordinator
- Brian Daboll – Buffalo Bills Offensive Coordinator
- Eric Bieniemy – Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
- Jason Garrett – Giants Offensive Coordinator
- Joe Brady – Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator
- Matt Eberflus – Colts Defensive Coordinator
- Robert Saleh – 49ers Defensive Coordinator
Potential Head Coach Candidates
Additional candidates will be added here as interest becomes known
What we are hearing
January 16: Adam Schefter reported that Brian Daboll has emerged as a favorite to land the Los Angeles Chargers head coaching job.
New York Jets Head Coach Rumors
The New York Jets released a statement on January 3rd officially releasing Adam Gase from his duties as head coach of the team. They became the fourth NFL team to be without a head coach. This did not come as a surprise with both PFN insiders Tony Pauline and Benjamin Allbright having reported that this was likely to happen for a while now. We put together some potential replacements for Gase as soon as the news broke.
Update: The New York Jets have officially announced that 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh will become their next head coach.
Confirmed Head Coach Interviews
- Aaron Glenn – Saints Secondary Coach
- Arthur Smith – Titans Offensive Coordinator
- Brian Daboll – Bills Offensive Coordinator
- Brandon Staley – Rams Defensive Coordinator
- Eric Bieniemy – Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
- Joe Brady – Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator
- Marvin Lewis – Former Bengals HC and current Arizona State Co-Defensive Coordinator
- Matt Eberflus – Colts Defensive Coordinator
- Robert Saleh – 49ers Defensive Coordinator
Requested Head Coach Interviews
No further requested or planned interviews currently.
Potential Head Coach Candidates
- Brian Schottenheimer – Seattle Seahawks Offensive Coordinator
- Dan Mullen – Florida Head Coach
- Don Martindale – Ravens Defensive Coordinator
- Doug Pederson – Former Philadelphia Eagles Head Coach
- Patrick Graham – Giants Defensive Coordinator – Re-signed with the Giants for the 2021 NFL season
What we are hearing
January 9: FOX Sports’ Bruce Feldman reported on Twitter that Campbell is not expected to interview for the Jets head coach position.
January 7: Tony Pauline said, “From what I am hearing, it’s less than five percent, and even maybe less than one percent, that Matt Campbell is the next head coach of the New York Jets.”
December 23: Pauline reports that one name to keep an eye on in New York would be Don Martindale. Martindale fits the expectation that the Jets are looking for a head-strong head coach, as has been reported previously (December 16) by Pauline.
On PFN Weekly, Ben Allbright also spoke about the Adam Gase situation. From what Allbright is hearing, Martindale is likely the top target for Jets GM Joe Douglas to replace Gase. According to Allbright, the two have been friends for quite some time.
2021 NFL Head Coach Tracker: Who will replace Doug Pederson in Philadelphia?
At the end of Wild Card Weekend, Philadelphia Eagles head coach Doug Pederson was fired. Pauline reported on the December 9th Draft Insiders podcast that the Eagles have yet to decide on Pederson’s future. The main concern has been the play of Carson Wentz after he signed his contract extension. Pauline reported back in September that there is a belief in the league that Pederson has reached his limit in terms of stress and other factors as a head coach.
Meanwhile, on the December 30th edition of PFN Weekly, Allbright reported that he thinks Eagles GM Howie Roseman’s job is safe. But he reinforced that Pederson’s future was much less certain.
Update January 24: The Eagles officially hired Nick Sirianni. During the January 19th edition of PFN’s Quick Slants, Benjamin Allbright reported that Sirianni was one of the favorites to land the job.
Completed Head Coach Interviews
- Joe Brady – Carolina Panthers Offensive Coordinator
- Josh McDaniels – Patriots Offensive Coordinator
- Kellen Moore – Dallas Cowboys Offensive Coordinator
- Nick Sirianni – Colts Offensive Coordinator
- Robert Saleh – 49ers defensive coordinator
- Todd Bowles – Buccaneers defensive coordinator
Requested/Planned Head Coach Interviews
- Arthur Smith – Titans Offensive Coordinator
- Brandon Staley – Defensive Coordinator
- Dennis Allen – Saints Defensive Coordinator
- Eric Bieniemy – Chiefs Offensive Coordinator
- Jerod Mayo – Patriots Inside Linebackers Coach
Potential Head Coach Candidates
- Duce Staley – Eagles RB Coach and Assistant HC
- Mike Kafka – Chiefs QB Coach
What we are hearing
January 12: On the January 12 Quick Slants, Ben Allbright discussed potential coaching candidates, including how Arthur Smith is the heavy favorite at this time. Smith was later hired by the Falcons.
January 11: According to multiple reports, including Tom Pelissero and Dan Graziano, the Eagles have parted ways with head coach Doug Pederson.
January 10: According to Chris Mortensen, head coach Doug Pederson could be fired if owner Jeffrey Lurie is not confident about his vision going forward after the two meet again soon. According to sources, Lurie’s concerns extend well beyond the difficult situation with Carson Wentz.
January 2nd: Ian Rapoport reported that Pederson is likely to remain as the Eagles head coach. However, there is expected to be significant changes elsewhere, including the departure of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Who is on the hot seat? Head Coach Rumors
The 2020 NFL season has ended, and Black Monday has passed. However, one more NFL team could yet be left without a head coach as one potentially still remains on the hot seat. Which NFL head coach vacancy could we yet be adding to our 2021 NFL tracker?
Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace, Chicago Bears
January 13: Bears’ Chairman George McCaskey announced that Ryan Pace and Matt Nagy will return in 2021.
January 3: According to a report from Ian Rapoport, Matt Nagy is expected to return as Bears head coach next season. However, Jay Glazer reported that Matt Nagy and Ryan Pace are not yet considered safe, with the result of Week 17 potentially determining their future.
Both Nagy and Pace are on the hot seat heading towards the offseason. On the December 16th Draft Insiders podcast, Pauline reported the Bears would need to go on a run, with Trubisky playing well in order to save both of their jobs.
Pat Fitzgerald is in the frame to replace Nagy as head coach. Pauline reported that George Paton, VP of Personnel and Assistant GM in Minnesota, could be a pairing that the Bears consider as the two have familiarity with each other.