When a team falls short of greatness, the first reaction is often to evaluate its personnel. It is rare for a coaching staff to remain unchanged for more than one season, as assistants, coordinators and head coaches alike are scrutinized when results fall short. For many teams, a change at head coach was expected at the end of the NFL regular season. For others, sudden departures have left fans uncertain about who will lead their teams next year. There are eight active head-coaching vacancies after John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski were hired. What comes next for teams entering a potential new era, and which situations stand out the most?
The longest-tenured head coach in the league, Mike Tomlin, stepped down as the Pittsburgh Steelers coach following their playoff loss to the Houston Texans. Tomlin never posted a losing season in Pittsburgh, but the franchise has not won a playoff game since 2016 and has hovered around mediocrity for much of the past decade. His old-school philosophy struggled to adapt to the modern NFL, and it is believed Tomlin will take a year away from coaching.
Questions remain about the Steelers’ future, particularly at quarterback. Aaron Rodgers hinted at retirement earlier this season, and Tomlin was a key reason Rodgers joined the team. Whether Pittsburgh moves forward with second-year quarterback Will Howard or selects one in the upcoming draft, the franchise will need a coach capable of pushing it past mediocrity. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula and Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase have all emerged as potential candidates. Pittsburgh may lean toward a coach who can further elevate its defense, and Flores appears to be the best fit. He transformed Minnesota’s defense into one of the league’s best through aggressive blitz schemes and discipline, and he previously served as the Steelers linebackers coach in 2022. His familiarity with the organization and fresh philosophy could help return Pittsburgh to contender status.
Early Monday morning, the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons. McDermott was the only head coach Josh Allen has had during his time in Buffalo, leading the Bills to five AFC East titles and eight playoff appearances. However, a disappointing overtime loss to the Denver Broncos in the divisional round ultimately ended his tenure.
Buffalo immediately became one of the most attractive coaching vacancies because of Allen’s presence. The firing appears rooted in organizational frustration over the lack of a Super Bowl appearance. While many expected general manager Brandon Beane to be dismissed alongside McDermott, he was instead promoted to president of football operations. Beane will lead the coaching search, with fans hoping for an offensive-minded coach. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, former Giants coach Brian Daboll and former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have all been mentioned as candidates. An internal promotion is also possible, with offensive coordinator Joe Brady drawing interest. Promoting Brady may be the best option, as the Bills remain close to championship contention. With additional weapons for Allen, Buffalo could finally break through, provided Beane and the organization create the right conditions for success.
While Pittsburgh and Buffalo offer established foundations, the Las Vegas Raiders present a different challenge. The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, roughly $100 million in cap space and several promising playmakers, including Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. Though Las Vegas remains far from contention, the right coaching hire and a successful draft could signal a turning point.
The Raiders are widely expected to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, the reigning Heisman Trophy winner. Mendoza offers long-term potential at a position that has lacked stability for years. With numerous roster holes, however, Las Vegas faces a multiyear rebuild. The franchise is reportedly targeting a young, offensive-minded coach paired with a strong defensive coordinator to support Mendoza’s development. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb have all emerged as candidates.
Kubiak appears to be the best fit despite limited experience as a coordinator. He previously served as the 49ers passing game coordinator under Kyle Shanahan and has shown the ability to develop quarterbacks. A strong defensive coordinator would be critical, with Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero standing out as a potential addition. Evero has already interviewed with the Raiders, and the Panthers defense has quietly ranked among the league’s better units this season. If Las Vegas uses its cap space effectively and retains Maxx Crosby, the defense could become a strength as the franchise begins building toward sustained success.
