As the NFL playoffs continue with only a select few teams still vying for the championship, the focus for many franchises is swiftly shifting toward the upcoming offseason. For some teams, the process of evaluating their staff and personnel has already begun. Several franchises have already moved on from their head coaches or general managers, with some even making their decisions well before the postseason began. The decision-making process in the NFL is a year-round endeavor, and for those teams that are out of playoff contention, the offseason is the perfect time to reevaluate and retool for the future.
As we enter the 2025 hiring cycle, a number of NFL teams are on the lookout for new leadership at the head coach or general manager positions. It’s a crucial time for these franchises as they aim to build a team capable of competing at the highest level. The right hire can drastically alter the course of a team’s future, and with many teams already beginning their searches, the race to fill these vacancies is in full swing.
For franchises looking to fill coaching or front-office positions, it’s vital to identify the right candidates early in the offseason to avoid missing out on potential candidates. This article will track the various NFL coaching and general manager vacancies and the list of potential candidates for each. It’s a comprehensive look at the changing landscape of the NFL’s leadership, and it will be updated regularly as teams make moves and new candidates emerge.
For teams searching for a new head coach, the list of candidates is often an eclectic mix of experienced coordinators, former head coaches looking for another chance, and rising stars within the league who have shown promise. NFL owners and general managers are looking for coaches who can not only manage the day-to-day aspects of a team but also build a strong culture that can push their squad into playoff contention.
In some cases, general managers have also been let go or reassigned. The NFL’s front office is just as important as the coaching staff, as general managers are responsible for overseeing the roster, evaluating talent, and setting the direction of the team through trades, drafts, and free-agent acquisitions. The right general manager can turn around a floundering franchise and make savvy moves to build a contender. As such, teams are equally diligent in seeking experienced candidates to fill those key roles.
The league’s hiring cycle tends to move quickly, and teams have varying approaches depending on their needs. Some teams may opt for the “safe” route, hiring an established coach with a proven track record, while others may take a risk on a younger, up-and-coming candidate who could bring new energy to the franchise. In addition to on-field success, franchises may also consider a variety of other factors, including leadership qualities, compatibility with ownership, and the ability to develop players.
As the offseason continues to unfold, it’s clear that there will be many teams searching for new leaders. It’s a time of change and possibility, and each hiring decision has the potential to shape the NFL for years to come. Tracking these vacancies and the individuals who are in the mix to fill them will provide invaluable insight into the shifting power dynamics within the league, and whether teams are on the path toward success or facing more years of rebuilding.
This process, which includes interviews and candidate evaluations, is one of the most critical times in the NFL calendar. Teams will assess the qualities and backgrounds of potential hires, with each decision carrying significant weight for the future. The offseason might be about retooling rosters and finding solutions for positional needs, but it’s also about setting the foundation for long-term success, with leadership at both the head coach and general manager levels playing a major role in the ultimate trajectory of a franchise.
As teams finalize their decision-making, it’s important to remember that the coaching and front-office hires will often set the tone for the future of a franchise. While the playoffs continue to captivate the NFL audience, the hiring process behind the scenes is already well underway, and the decisions made during this cycle will have a lasting impact on the league for years to come.