Black Monday is fast approaching, and with it, the annual flurry of coaching changes across the NFL. Although a few moves have already been made earlier in the season, several more loom on the horizon once the regular season has reached its end and the playoff field has been set.
Let’s take a look at the latest rumors involving several coaches’ futures.
Latest NFL Coaching Rumors
Dan Quinn’s Dallas Tenure Could Soon End
Dan Quinn has built the Dallas Cowboys’ defense into perhaps the team’s biggest strength over the last three seasons as the franchise’s defensive coordinator. But could that run soon come to an end?
Those around Quinn believe he is “more receptive to the right offer” for a return to head coaching, according to the Dallas Morning News’ David Moore.
Quinn was last a head coach with the Atlanta Falcons from 2015 through Week 5 of the 2020 season, including a run to Super Bowl 51 to cap off the 2016 season. His Falcons held a now infamous 28-3 lead in the contest before the New England Patriots’ come-from-behind 34-28 victory in overtime.
He has since been key in the elevation of Dallas’ defense as a focal point of its success. The Cowboys have already locked up their third straight playoff berth, a feat the team had not previously achieved since making it for six straight years from 1991-96 and winning three Super Bowls in that span.
After spending the last three seasons recharging his batteries as an assistant, now might be the time that Quinn returns to head coaching.
Time Right for Jim Harbaugh’s NFL Return?
Rumors have long swirled around whether Jim Harbaugh might be ready to make his return to the NFL, and that speculation has only intensified this year.
Harbaugh’s Michigan Wolverines are set to play for a national championship Monday against Washington, but he’ll certainly be among the speculated options for several NFL openings.
CBS NFL Insider Jonathan Jones reported Sunday that Harbaugh will be mentioned in connection with all of the NFL openings and indicated he might seriously pursue a return to the professional ranks, regardless of the result of the national title game.
MORE: NFL Insider Claims Chargers Have Interest in Michigan Head Coach
“He hired Tom Brady’s agent as his own, and I had one coaching agent tell me that means he’s very serious about an NFL deal,” Jones reported Sunday.
Harbaugh was previously an NFL coach for four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011-14. He guided the franchise to an appearance in Super Bowl 47 to cap off the 2012 season and ultimately fell to the Baltimore Ravens, who were coached by his brother, John Harbaugh.
Given the scandals that surrounded Harbaugh and Michigan this season, along with all of the aforementioned factors, now could be the right time for him to jump to the NFL ranks.
Ron Rivera’s Run in Washington Nearing End
Ron Rivera’s tenure leading the Washington Commanders has certainly been a subject of controversy amid plenty of ups and downs for the franchise, which has not posted a winning record since 2016.
Washington is set to move on from Rivera as its head coach after another disappointing season on Monday, NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter speculated Sunday that the organization would not move on from Rivera until Monday due to Sunday being his birthday.
The Commanders have struggled to break through for a successful season during Rivera’s tenure. They posted a 7-9 record in his debut campaign with the franchise, followed by a 7-10 season in 2021, then peaked at 8-8 in 2022 before a disappointing showing this year at 4-12 heading into their Week 18 clash.
Washington will now look for a new head man to turn the team around under new owner Josh Harris.
Where Could Bill Belichick’s Next Stop Be?
Rumors have long swirled that Bill Belichick’s time in New England would come to an end following this season. Everything still appears to be trending in that direction ahead of Belichick’s meeting with owner Robert Kraft on Monday.
Schefter reported Sunday that the expectation around the league remains that Belichick will be coaching somewhere else in 2024.
MORE: Will the Patriots Fire Bill Belichick?
“Everybody believes he’s going to be moving on,” Schefter said. “The question of the offseason will be, where does Bill Belichick coach next? He wants to coach next.”
Belichick has been the Patriots’ head coach since 2000 and helped lead the franchise to six Super Bowl championships during that span. The legendary head coach had previously led the Cleveland Browns from 1991-95 but has never coached elsewhere in his decorated career.
All signs point to him moving elsewhere in 2024, which begs the question — which team will land Belichick as its next head coach?
Has Arthur Smith’s Time Come in Atlanta?
The Atlanta Falcons have certainly experienced their ups and downs under third-year head coach Arthur Smith, and speculation continues to swirl as to how long he might continue to get a chance with the franchise.
Pelissero and Rapoport reported Sunday that a win in Sunday’s regular-season final would go a long way for Smith’s future, while a loss would only intensify conversations around his future.
Smith’s Falcons went 7-10 in each of his first two seasons leading the team in 2021 and 2022 as he and general manager Terry Fontenot strove to rebuild the team from its rough spot. Then came 2023, which was seen as a potential breakout year for Atlanta but has turned rough as of late, with four losses in the last five games of the season.
Another defeat to cap off a disappointing year could see the franchise look to move on from Smith and look elsewhere at head coach.
Could Seahawks See Change at Head Coach?
Pete Carroll has been the Seattle Seahawks head coach since 2010, but this offseason could spell the end of his time with the franchise.
Seattle is reportedly evaluating and updating contingency plans in the event Carroll, who is 72 years old, elects to step away from the job this offseason, Rapoport and Pelissero reported Sunday.
Carroll has seen plenty of success during his time with the Seahawks, winning Super Bowl 48 and falling just short of back-to-back titles in a Super Bowl 49 loss to the New England Patriots.
Seattle saw plenty of success in the years to follow but has since struggled to a 7-10 showing in 2021, 9-8 year in 2022, and no better than a 9-8 regular season this year.
Those struggles, combined with Carroll’s age and lengthy coaching career, could make it the right time for the parties to go in different directions.
Mike Vrabel, Titans To Talk Future
Mike Vrabel has seen plenty of success during his time with the Tennessee Titans, including back-to-back 11+ win seasons in 2020 and 2021. However, the team has hit a rough patch over the last two seasons amid significant turnover.
Those realities have led to frustrations for Vrabel, Pelissero reported Sunday.
Tennessee will miss the playoffs for a second straight season and has dealt with significant changes and injuries in recent years. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been banged up and less than stellar at times. Meanwhile, star running back Derrick Henry is getting up in age, and other moves have been made at offensive coordinator and general manager.
Vrabel certainly has plenty of contract left with Tennessee following a 2022 extension, but speculation remains that he might look to go elsewhere.
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