The 2023 NFL season is coming to a close; the playoffs are just around the corner. However, not everyone is making the playoffs. Three teams have already fired their head coaches, and there will likely be more.
That means it’s almost time for a coaching carousel. What’s the word on coaching candidates and potential openings?
NFL Coaching News and Rumors: What Jobs Might Open Up?
Ahead of Week 18, the Las Vegas Raiders fired Josh McDaniels in October, the Carolina Panthers fired Frank Reich in November, and the Los Angeles Chargers fired Brandon Staley in December. Black Monday will take place on January 8, with more coaches likely joining those three.
Ahead of Week 18, ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided an update on some of the positions that could see openings.
Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
One coach who could be joining them is New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. Despite his Hall of Fame career, the Patriots are one of the worst teams in the AFC and NFL as a whole in 2023.
According to Schefter, Belichick and team owner Robert Kraft are expected to meet soon to discuss their futures.
It has been rumored around the league for a while that the two would part ways, but no decision has been made and no conversations have officially taken place.
If Belichick is to leave, it’s believed it will be a mutual parting of ways rather than a firing. The Patriots have gone 29-37 over the last four seasons (with one game left to go).
Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans
Another spot viewed as a potential opening is the Tennessee Titans. However, despite a 5-11 record heading into Week 18, there are not expected to be significant changes, according to Schefter. Similar to New England, there will be meetings between the team’s decision-makers and Mike Vrabel determining any potential changes.
Vrabel has been with Tennessee since 2018 and has publicly stated that he wants to remain with the team. The Titans’ final game against the Jacksonville Jaguars could bode as important, but a decision will likely be made in the next week or so.
Mike McCarthy, Dallas Cowboys
The next job to watch is the Dallas Cowboys. Although they currently lead the NFC East with an 11-5 record, head coach Mike McCarthy is not in the clear. Schefter reported that he will be measured by how Dallas does in their final game. Additionally, how far the Cowboys go in the playoffs will be an important factor.
Ultimately, the situation is unsettled and could go either way. The Cowboys will also have to factor in what they will do with defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. Quinn has been interviewed for multiple head coaching jobs in the past few years but has decided to stay with Dallas. He is a pivotal piece to their success, especially on defense.
Arthur Smith, Atlanta Falcons
Now, a coach who is not safe whatsoever is Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons. Falcons owner Arthur Blank has acknowledged the decision he must make and, according to Schefter, has gone back and forth and is torn. He is believed to be a fan of Smith but hasn’t seen the results to stand pat.
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The Falcons have a plethora of offensive talent, having drafted Kyle Pitts, Drake London, and Bijan Robinson, among others. Despite that, they have just a 7-9 record heading into Week 18 and are third in the NFC South.
Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders
Another coach severely on the hot seat is Washington Commanders coach, Ron Rivera. The Commanders are expected to make changes quickly after the end of the season. The Commanders have a lowly 4-12 record and are one of the worst teams in the NFL.
The Commanders were recently purchased by new owner Josh Harris — he is expected to spare no expense when it comes to finding the right people to lead the franchise. He spent $6.05 billion when purchasing the team. Washington has a chance to secure the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft in Week 18.
NFC South
Finally, the New Orleans Saints are unlikely to make a change and are expected to keep head coach Dennis Allen. The franchise will, however, take great importance of the result on Sunday. The Saints are still alive and could win the NFC South if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were to lose.
Speaking of the Buccaneers, Todd Bowles and the Buccaneers staff’s fate will be heavily dependent on if they can win their Week 18 game against the Panthers. If the Buccaneers win, they will win the NFC South and host a playoff game. If they lose, it would be their second loss in a row needing just one win to clinch a playoff spot.
What Candidates Are Available?
For the Raiders, they might already have their next coach. Interim head coach Antonio Pierce has brought the Raiders locker room together and has led the team to multiple wins. A plethora of players have expressed their wishes that he will be retained.
“That’s my vote, and that’s basically how the whole locker room feels,” said Davante Adams. “With good reason. He’s come in and done a great job. He’s continued to win us over. It’s not just the comfortable thing. I think having AP here will be good for this organization. He kind of embodies what it means to be a Raider.”
According to Schefter, Raiders owner Mark Davis is a big fan of Pierce. However, another candidate could still tempt Davis enough. The Raiders are still required by NFL rules to conduct a full search and go through the complete process, even if they want to hire Pierce.
A major candidate who could be looked at by multiple teams is Michigan’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh. Harbaugh has been with Michigan since 2015 and has led the Wolverines to the College Football Playoff three times, making it all the way to the National Championship in 2023-24.
Prior to his time with Michigan, Harbaugh was the head coach of the San Francisco 49ers. His NFL record was 49-22-1, leading the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. Harbaugh was rumored to have interest in the NFL last season but decided to stay with Michigan. He is once again rumored to have interest in the NFL.
Ahead of the National Championship, Harbaugh was asked about his future plans, regarding the NFL. “I’ll gladly talk about the future next week and a future – I hope to have one, how about that? Yes, I hope to have one,” said Harbaugh. Harbaugh was reportedly offered a 10-year, $125 million contract extension earlier this year.
If Harbaugh were to head to the NFL, the Raiders and Chargers are two teams expected to potentially pursue him. The Chargers could also pursue Belichick if he parts ways with the Patriots.
For any other positions that open up, some other potential candidates include Houston Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Dallas’ Quinn, among others.
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