NFL 2025 coaching cycle: Who's in and who's out

Ah, Black Monday. A day feared by coaches, yet one that fans look forward to.

The day after the final Sunday of the NFL regular season has become a time when teams fire their head coaches, and fans then get their hopes up that the next person can right the ship.

As Week 18 quickly approaches, rumours begin to fly and the names in the hiring cycle become clearer.

Here’s a look at some head coaches who may be a casualty of Black Monday, and who some of the top names are this upcoming cycle.

Doug Pederson, Jaguars

It seems more than likely that Pederson will be fired, especially considering that rumours of his demise started back in October. After making the playoffs in Pederson’s first season (2022), the Jags have underperformed the last two years and have won only five games since Week 13 of last season. 

Antonio Pierce, Raiders

Pierce took over as the interim head coach in Las Vegas last season after the team fired Josh McDaniels following a 3-5 start. The Raiders went 5-4 with Pierce, leading to his hiring as the franchise’s full-time head coach this season. However, the team has struggled mightily this season with a 4-12 record, and may look to shake things up. New part-owner Tom Brady may have some say in the decision, especially since owner Mark Davis told NFL insider Ian Rapoport that the seven-time Super Bowl champ is expected to have a “huge voice” in picking the silver and black’s next quarterback.

Brian Daboll, Giants

After making the playoffs in Daboll’s first season as head coach, the Giants have won only nine games the past two seasons and are searching for answers, particularly at quarterback. The G men believed they had their man in Daniel Jones, who was given a four-year, $160-million contract, but was released midway through the season. Daboll’s squad has been an embarrassment this season, constantly getting blown out before finally winning its first home game last week. From the team’s apparent mishandling of the Saquon Barkley saga in the off-season as shown on Hard Knocks, to fans flying banners overhead MetLife Stadium yelling for owner John Mara to fix the ‘dumpster fire’, changes must be made to turn things around in New York.

Mike McCarthy, Cowboys

McCarthy’s contract is up at the end of the year, so the Cowboys have a decision to make. However, Dallas owner, president and general manager Jerry Jones has stated multiple times throughout the season that he believes in McCarthy. A Super Bowl-winning coach with the Green Bay Packers, McCarthy has made the playoffs the past three seasons before missing out in 2024, but never made it past the divisional round. As a team with such lofty expectations, a change may be necessary to get the Cowboys over the hump.

Jeff Ulbrich, Jets (interim)

Another New York team that has been a disaster, the Jets need to make changes. Aaron Rodgers has not worked out as the team’s QB, and it seems as if there is more drama within the organization every week. Ulbrich took over as interim head coach after owner Woody Johnson fired Robert Saleh after Week 5 amidst a 2-3 start, but Ulbrich and the Jets have won just two games since. Given the dysfunction in the organization, it seems more than likely the team will look elsewhere for a new coach.

Thomas Brown, Bears (interim)

Starting as the team’s passing game co-ordinator, Brown was given two mid-season promotions, first to offensive co-ordinator, then to interim HC after the Bears fired Matt Eberflus following their disastrous Thanksgiving loss at Detroit. With first-overall pick Caleb Williams under centre and a loaded receiving group, the offence has failed to live up to expectations. Chicago has yet to win under Brown, and it will have no shortage of interest candidates, given that it may be the most desirable opportunity if/when there is a vacancy.

Darren Rizzi, Saints (interim)

Rizzi and the Saints won their next two games after the former special-teams co-ordinator took over in Week 10, but New Orleans has gone 1-4 since. The organization seems to likes Rizzi, but as an interim HC, it is never a sure thing to be hired full time (remember Rich Bisaccia in Vegas?).

Coaches with uncertain futures

Jerod Mayo, Patriots; Kevin Stefanski, Browns; Shane Steichen, Colts; Mike McDaniel, Dolphins

Top Candidates:

Ben Johnson, Lions OC

The top name in the cycle, Johnson, 38, has put on a show running Detroit’s high-powered offence. He was a hot name last season, but opted to stay with the Lions. Given the league’s desire for young, offensive gurus, expect Johnson to attract plenty of interest

Aaron Glenn, Lions DC

Glenn’s name has been in the cycle for the past few seasons, as he has done a tremendous job with the Lions defence. ESPN's Rich Cimini reported that Glenn is very interested in the Jets, where he played eight seasons.

Liam Coen, Buccaneers OC

The 39-year-old Coen has coached the Bucs to a top offence, and has QB Baker Mayfield playing the best football of his career. Tampa Bay ranks in the top four in total yards per game, passing YPG, rushing YPG, and points per game. 

Joe Brady, Bills OC

In his first full-season as Buffalo’s OC, Brady has helped the Bills to a 13-3 record, while QB Josh Allen is the favourite to win MVP despite losing the team's top two receivers from a year ago. 

Jesse Minter, Chargers DC

Minter, 41, is viewed as one of the top up-and-coming coaches. A disciple of Jim Harbaugh, he has the Chargers defence leading the league in points allowed-per-game in his first season as an NFL coach.  

Vance Joseph, Broncos DC

The 52-year-old former Broncos head coach's defence has done a complete 180 from last season. Denver ranks fifth in points allowed and has a league-high 58 sacks. Not too shabby for a defence that features only one first-round pick (Pat Surtain II).

Bobby Slowik, Texans OC

Slowik’s offence has regressed from last year, but that shouldn’t stop the 37-year-old OC from getting interviews. He helped QB C.J. Stroud to one of the better rookie QB seasons in 2023, and as mentioned before, teams are always searching for young offensive minded coaches.

Mike Vrabel

Vrabel led the Tennessee Titans to winning seasons from 2018-2021, and made the playoffs three times. The 2021 Coach of the Year award winner is regarded as a great leader, and should be highly sought after for a organization looking for a culture reset. The Jets interviewed him Friday.

Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame HC

Freeman, 38, took over as full-time head coach of Notre Dame in 2022 and has the Fighting Irish improving every season with win totals of nine, 10 and 13 this season, which remains alive with the team in the national semis. A former Chicago Bears draft pick, teams may be lining up for an interview with the young and proven coach.

Ron Rivera

The former Washington and Carolina head coach is back in the cycle. The 2013 and '15 NFL Coach of the Year has already completed an interview with the Jets, and other teams may look to him for a more experienced candidate.

Brian Flores, Vikings DC

The former Dolphins head coach runs an aggressive defence that ranks tied for first in takeaways (31), second in rush yards allowed per game (88.1) and fourth in points allowed per game (18.8).

Jon Gruden

The former Buccaneers and Raiders head coach has been out of the league after resigning from Las Vegas in 2021 after offensive emails were leaked. However, NFL insider Tom Pelissero said Tuesday that "there are multiple teams that have been doing extensive homework."

Other Potential Names

Rex Ryan; Zac Robinson, Falcons OC; Mike LaFleur, Rams OC; Davis Webb, Broncos QB coach