Chicago is my kind of city, and the Bears are hiring a head coach — again — to lead a franchise that already has a lot of the cornerstones in place.
On the other end of the spectrum in known vacancy order: the New York Jets.
reports of dysfunction, disdain and Dialing up the Madden ratings Weighing trade values points toward Gag Green going for Gang Green, even though there is plenty of talent on the roster.
Here’s our take on the current NFL vacancies and why we expect a few to remain open for good measure:
1. Chicago Bears
Maybe if the Dallas Cowboys change their tune and move on from Mike McCarthy after playing the final two games against the Commander and Eagles, we’ll consider that job more attractive.
But maybe not.
The Bears are in remarkably solid shape with their franchise quarterback, 2024 No. 1 pick Caleb Williams, on a relative value contract for three more seasons and a fifth-year option. Talent, youth and under contract, on defense and better-than-expected draft picks only sweeten the deal.
If there is one standout in this ranking, it will be whether the front office can make the right decisions to build the best assistant coaching staff. Top assistants don’t come cheap anymore.
2. New York Giants
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II (97) walks out of the tunnel before the start of the game between the New York Giants and Washington Commanders at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. Photo USA TODAY Sports Images Prime draft picks, top-notch salary-cap situations and a fan base that wants nothing more than to win. There will be a lot to like about the Giants’ job if Brian Daboll and the endless QB carousel don’t come into the 2025 season.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
December 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Max Crosby (98) celebrates after a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagen Images Last year at this time, we had the Chargers in this spot, knowing it might be without a top receiver — Keenan Allen was traded, Mike Williams was released — but Los Angeles signed Justin Herbert. Was left behind. Would Mark Davis be willing to deal with the elephant in the room and pay a top-flight QB?
4. Jacksonville Jaguars
December 1, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides into Houston Texans linebacker Aziz Al-Shayer (0) in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagen Images Doug Pederson’s run in Jacksonville isn’t officially over. It’s been more downs than ups, and the former NFL QB who made Nick Foles a Super Bowl winner hasn’t had the magical power to push Trevor Lawrence to the next level.
5. New Orleans Saints
October 7, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) catches a pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagen Images Ownership wants a say in almost everything, and they’re still paying last years’ bills, setting a weird limit that points toward another hard reset. It wouldn’t be a surprise if GM Mickey Loomis becomes convinced Interim head coach Darren Rizzi remains in place,
6. New York Jets
![New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) watches before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]](https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/1735052880916)
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) watches before an NFL football matchup at EverBank Stadium on Sunday, December 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] Has any franchise ever needed a culture change more than the Jets?
No one is clear who calls the shots or why, and the team’s direction and identity are based on an over-40 quarterback who has lost his fastball.
