The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing, with teams making moves and the playoffs approaching. Here's a breakdown of the latest developments and what's on the horizon:
- Uncertainty in Vegas: The Raiders are likely to undergo a head-coaching change in 2026, with owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady, and general manager John Spytek all in the mix. The team's future is uncertain, especially with the potential departure of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby.
- The Coaching Carousel: Teams are quietly researching potential candidates, with a focus on college football and NFL coordinators. The pool of head coach candidates is considered weak, but changes are expected in January.
- The Minnesota Vikings' J.J. McCarthy: McCarthy will return to the Vikings next season, but his starting role is uncertain. The team plans to explore trade or free agency options to strengthen its quarterback room.
- A Loaded Coach of the Year Race: Kyle Shanahan, Mike Macdonald, Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, Liam Coen, Sean Payton, and DeMeco Ryans are all in the running for Coach of the Year. The race is tight, with strong cases from each candidate.
- Sitting Starters in Week 18: Decisions about starting lineups in the final week of the regular season are based on health, matchups, and momentum. Teams must balance protecting players and managing injuries with the desire to win and secure playoff positioning.
- The Giants' and Titans' Head Start: The Giants and Titans will begin remote interviews next week with candidates whose teams are out of the playoffs. The Giants' general manager, Joe Schoen, is expected to lead the search.
- Browns Intel: The Browns are considering moving on from two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. The team's recent draft success may keep general manager Andrew Berry, but discussions are ongoing.
- Tampa Two: The Buccaneers' ownership group waits until the end of the season to discuss key decision-makers' futures. Coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht appear safe, despite injuries decimating the team.
- Commanders Questions: Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn faces questions about his staff, including offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Quinn is expected to return, but changes to the offense and defense are possible.
- Cincinnati's United Front: Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow supports coach Zac Taylor, and the ownership values Burrow's perspective. Taylor appears safe despite a 6-10 season.
- Aaron Glenn Gets More Time: New York Jets coach Aaron Glenn isn't expected to lose his job, as owner Woody Johnson remains committed to the team's long-term vision.
- Not Yet for One Candidate: Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman considered making the NFL jump but ultimately decided to stay. The Giants, Titans, and Browns had internal discussions about him.
- Atlanta's Process: Falcons owner Arthur Blank has brought in consulting firm Sportsology to conduct an audit of the team. Former Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith is part of the group.
- Assistant Coaches Leveling Up: Several young coaches are gaining momentum as potential candidates for larger roles, including Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb.
- J.J. McCarthy's Status: Despite quarterback uncertainty and injuries, the Vikings will finish on the fringe of the postseason. McCarthy's continued development will be a central storyline for the team.
