Grading the NFL’s Head Coaching Openings in the 2025 offseason

Record: 4-13

Key Players:

• Drake Maye (QB, 22): $8.3M

• Christian Barmore (DT, 25): $15M

• Christian Gonzalez (CB): $4.1M

The Patriots’ decision to part ways with first-year head coach and long time coach in waitingJared Mayo reflects owner Robert Kraft’s intolerance for mediocrity. Hiring Mike Vrabel is a calculated gamble; the former Patriot brings defensive prowess and a respected pedigree.

With the No. 4 draft pick, three top-77 selections, and a league-leading $124M in cap space, the foundation is in place to rebuild around promising QB Drake Maye.

The roster lacks offensive firepower, but New England’s history and resources could make this a coveted opportunity.

Grade: A-

Record: 5-12

Key Players:

• Caleb Williams (QB, 23): $8.9M

• Rome Odunze (WR, 22): $5.1M

• Darnell Wright (RT, 23): $5.7M

With Caleb Williams leading the charge, the Bears possess a bright offensive future. However, they face a daunting NFC North featuring the Lions, Vikings, and Packers.

Narrow losses in 2024 suggest competitiveness, but a 1-5 division record highlights the need for improvement.

Chicago’s $80M cap space and solid young core make this an attractive job, especially if they can lure an experienced coach like Pete Carroll, who excels at developing quarterbacks.

Grade: B+

Record: 4-13

Key Players:

• Brock Bowers (TE, 22): $4.1M

• Maxx Crosby (DE, 27): $28.2M

• Christian Wilkins (DT, 29): $33.8M

The Raiders’ second-highest cap space ($107M) and youthful roster present intriguing possibilities. With foundational players like Crosby and promising offensive prospects in Bowers and guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, the tools are there for success.

However, quarterback uncertainty looms large, especially in the stacked AFC West.

Last week's firing of general manager Tom Telsco however, makes the job even more appealing now that a new head coach and GM can be hired together

Grade: B

Record: 4-13

Key Players:

• Trevor Lawrence (QB, 25): $55M

• Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, 23): $3.5M

• Walker Little (LT, 25): $11M

The Jaguars’ small-market status and financial constraints ($36M in cap space) present unique challenges.

Trevor Lawrence’s hefty contract has drawn skepticism, but the AFC South’s relative weakness offers hope.

With owner Shad Khan’s history of hiring instability, the next head coach will need to navigate an uphill battle. Jacksonville’s lack of standout talent makes this position less appealing, but the division provides a possible path to the playoffs.

Grade: C+

Record: 5-12

Key Players:

• Quinnen Williams (DT, 27) $21.6M

• Sauce Gardner (CB,24) $10.6M

• Garrett Wilson (WR,24) $6.5M

The Jets showed flashes of competitiveness but struggled to close out games. With limited cap space ($29M) and an aging Aaron Rodgers, this team remains a mixed bag.

Young stars like Gardner and Breece Hall provide hope for the future, but the first thing that the new braintrust of the franchise must figure out is what happens on whether or not to retain Rodgers in the hopes he can improve his play after being a full season removed from his torn Achillies

A new head coach and GM must decide if Rodgers deserves another year or if it’s time to move on.

Grade: C-

Record: 5-12

Key Players:

• Derek Carr (QB, 33): $54.1M

• Chris Olave (WR, 24): $6.1M

• Alvin Kamara (RB,29): $10.1M

The Saints face an uphill climb with significant cap issues (-$50M) and aging veterans like Derek Carr and Alvin Kamara.

Despite holding six picks in the first four rounds of the draft, this position seems destined for mediocrity unless major changes are made.

GM Mickey Loomis’ future may depend on finding a way out of the team’s financial mess.

Grade: D