By Blessing 
As the dust settles from the Lions’ playoff loss to the Washington Commanders, the aftermath presents an unexpected opportunity for Detroit’s two coveted coordinators. Both Lions coordinators—who had already generated significant buzz in the head coaching search—can now conduct in-person interviews, a crucial step forward after the team’s early playoff exit. Their market value just took a major leap, with teams looking to secure their talents for the 2025 season.
The Monday after Black Monday (a day notorious for coaching changes) carries more intrigue this year than usual. While it’s often a somber day for many coaches, the end of the season signals the beginning of another busy coaching carousel. For Detroit, their playoff upset left the door open for their coordinators to take center stage in the coaching race. With their availability now clear, it’s time to recalibrate and assess the situation.
As I sit down to track the flow of this coaching search, it’s evident that all eyes are now on Ben Johnson, the Lions’ offensive coordinator. Several teams are eyeing him as a prime candidate for a head coach role. From all indications, Johnson is likely to take his time and deliberate carefully, knowing that he’s at the center of a high-stakes competition.
“At this point, it seems as good an opportunity as ever to recalibrate our initial best guesses when it comes to which coaches will land where,” I said, setting the tone for what’s to come. Johnson is at the top of the list for multiple franchises, and it seems that his next few days will be crucial in determining his future. While many are eager to move quickly, Johnson’s decision is shaping up to be the most pivotal in the entire coaching cycle.
It’s worth remembering that Johnson has been a hot commodity for some time. He turned down offers from both the Carolina Panthers in 2022 and the Washington Commanders in 2023, not willing to jump into a new role after a difficult playoff loss. This history of being deliberate in his decisions only adds to the intrigue surrounding him this year. Teams know that signing him could take more than just a persuasive pitch—it’ll be a true test of how committed and financially backed these franchises are.
The coaching search isn’t just about the names everyone knows. Kliff Kingsbury, for instance, won’t begin his interviews until after his team’s season ends. Kingsbury’s rise to prominence through his work with Jayden Daniels and his impact during the playoffs has made him a notable figure this year. But the timeline may pose a challenge, as many teams may not want to wait for his availability. As he promised in his second coaching cycle, Kingsbury is aiming to be more selective, which could complicate things for teams eager to secure someone soon.
Now, let’s break down the plans for some of the most coveted teams in the league, all of whom are currently looking for their next head coach.
Dallas Cowboys
Plan A: Hire Kellen Moore.
Plan B: Hire Robert Saleh.
The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to making bold moves, and owner Jerry Jones is certainly not one to shy away from shaking things up. After parting ways with Mike McCarthy, the Cowboys are now looking at their options with a sense of openness. Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ current offensive coordinator, could be the first to step into the top spot. The familiarity between Moore and the team is undeniable, and his history with the Cowboys could make the transition seamless. Jones knows Moore well, and this could lead to an efficient hiring process.
However, Robert Saleh, the current coach of the New York Jets, could present a unique opportunity. Known for his ability to bring discipline and structure to a chaotic situation, Saleh is the type of leader who could make an immediate impact on a team with strong defensive personnel like Dallas. This could be a compelling option, as Saleh’s reputation as a leader of men could resonate with the Cowboys’ front office. The question remains whether the Cowboys will stick with Moore or look for a completely different approach with Saleh.
New York Jets
Plan A: Hire Aaron Glenn.
Plan B: Hire Matt Nagy/Arthur Smith.
For the New York Jets, it seems the time has come to move past the previous coaching experiment. After parting ways with their previous coach, the Jets need a new leader who can take them out of the dysfunction that has characterized the franchise. Enter Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. Glenn’s experience and ability to develop players in a difficult environment have made him an intriguing option. His time with the Lions, particularly in turning around their defense, has impressed many, and his leadership would provide a fresh direction for the Jets.
If Glenn is unavailable or chooses another opportunity, the Jets have several backup plans. Coaches like Matt Nagy and Arthur Smith could also step into the role. Both are experienced and ready for another shot at leading a team. It’s clear the Jets are looking for someone who can bring stability and leadership to a franchise that’s been stuck in a rut for years.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Plan A: Hire Ben Johnson.
Plan B: Hire Liam Coen.
In Jacksonville, the search for a head coach is centered around finding someone who can work with quarterback Trevor Lawrence and lead the team into a new era. Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, could be the answer. His work in developing Jared Goff into a near-MVP candidate in Detroit, paired with a strong offensive line, has caught the attention of the Jaguars. A hire like Johnson would signal the team’s commitment to maximizing Lawrence’s potential and building a strong offense around him.
If Johnson is not available, the Jaguars have a solid backup in Liam Coen, the current offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Coen’s innovative approach to offense would complement Lawrence’s skill set, making him a strong second option. However, it’s clear that the Jaguars are keen on making a splash with their head coach search, and Johnson is at the top of their list.
Chicago Bears
Plan A: Hire Ben Johnson.
Plan B: Hire Mike McCarthy/Kliff Kingsbury.
The Chicago Bears are also eyeing Ben Johnson as their next head coach. The team has made it clear that they’re conducting a thorough search and are open to various candidates. Mike McCarthy, who recently parted ways with the Cowboys, was gaining traction as a potential hire, and an in-person interview with the Bears only increased speculation about his future in Chicago. McCarthy’s success with quarterbacks, particularly in setting up a strong infrastructure, makes him a strong candidate to build around Caleb Williams, the Bears’ top draft pick.
Kliff Kingsbury is another name that could enter the conversation. Known for his work with quarterbacks and offensive systems, Kingsbury could bring a fresh approach to a team with a promising young quarterback. Ultimately, the Bears’ search for a new leader could go in several directions, but Ben Johnson remains the prime candidate.
Las Vegas Raiders
Plan A: Hire Ben Johnson.
Plan B: Hire Pete Carroll.
In Las Vegas, the Raiders are focusing their attention on Ben Johnson as well. Much like Jacksonville, the Raiders are intrigued by his ability to develop a dynamic offense and lead a team with potential. However, if Johnson goes elsewhere, Pete Carroll could be the next option. Carroll’s leadership style and ability to instill a winning culture could help guide the Raiders toward a more sustainable and successful future. The Raiders are in need of a reset, and Carroll’s proven track record of success could be exactly what the team needs.
New Orleans Saints
Plan A: Hire Aaron Glenn.
Plan B: Hire Joe Brady/Mike McCarthy/Kliff Kingsbury.
The New Orleans Saints are in a unique position. Despite the challenges they face, the Saints have several strong candidates to choose from. Aaron Glenn, with his ties to the organization, is a strong option for the team. His leadership and experience in Detroit could be an asset for a Saints team looking to rebuild. If Glenn is unavailable, the Saints have several other experienced coaches to consider, including Joe Brady, Mike McCarthy, and Kliff Kingsbury. Each brings their own set of skills, but the Saints are in a good position to make a solid choice.
The 2025 NFL coaching carousel is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing in recent years, with many teams actively seeking fresh leadership. While the outcome is still uncertain, one thing is clear: the coaching search is far from over, and the next few weeks could bring significant changes across the league.