Mike Vrabel – New England Patriots
Returning to the franchise where he starred as a player, Mike Vrabel brings considerable experience and a winning mindset. Known for his discipline-first approach, he inherits a team that finished 4–13 last season but now boasts a promising QB in Drake Maye and experienced coordinators like Josh McDaniels on offense and Terrell Williams on defense. Vrabel’s arrival could quickly shift New England back toward relevance.
Grades: A
Ben Johnson – Chicago Bears
After transforming Detroit’s offense as OC, Ben Johnson now takes over the rebuild in Chicago. With a wealth of offensive talent on the roster — including new additions and top QB prospect Caleb Williams — Johnson is expected to ignite the offense and jumpstart the culture. Paired with defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, the blueprint is set for a gradual turnaround.
Grade: A–
Aaron Glenn – New York Jets
A defensive veteran and former Lions DC, Aaron Glenn returns to the Jets as head coach. Tasked with cleaning up a dysfunctional locker room and shoring up both sides of the ball, he’ll rely on new coordinators like Tanner Engstrand on offense. It’s a tall order, but his track record of defensive improvements and cultural respect make him a hopeful change-agent.
Grade: A–
Liam Coen – Jacksonville Jaguars
Backed by a burgeoning offensive reputation, Liam Coen brings fresh impetus to Jacksonville. With Trevor Lawrence and weapons like Etienne and Thomas Jr., Coen’s Rams- and Bucs-derived schemes could revitalise an offense stuck in neutral. The biggest challenge: can he stabilize a franchise that’s seen four coaches in six years?
Grade: C+
Pete Carroll – Las Vegas Raiders
At 73, Pete Carroll becomes the oldest head coach in NFL history. With massive experience and a Super Bowl pedigree, he’s hired to instill culture and competence in a struggling Raiders organization. Supported by a new GM and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, Carroll is a steadying influence — but roster rebuilding and division competition mean patience will be necessary.
Grade: B+
Kellen Moore – New Orleans Saints
A rising star among young coaches, Kellen Moore joins the Saints amid cap challenges and roster uncertainty. He brings adaptive offensive play-calling and innovative scheming from his days with the Eagles. Success hinges on whether he can maximize the current roster while navigating organizational constraints.
Grade: B
Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys
A familiar presence in Dallas, Brian Schottenheimer steps up from OC to HC. Known for strong offensive relationships — especially with QB Dak Prescott — he now takes the helm, banking on continuity and schematic fluency. Critics argue the move lacks innovation, but Cowboys’ talent and chemistry could make him quietly effective.
Grade: D
Summary Snapshot
| Team | Head Coach | Expectations / Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Patriots | Mike Vrabel | Discipline rebuild + quick culture shift |
| Bears | Ben Johnson | Offense spark + cultural uplift |
| Jets | Aaron Glenn | Rebuild defense + reset failing locker room |
| Jaguars | Liam Coen | Offense overhaul amid fragility |
| Raiders | Pete Carroll | Stability + cultural foundation for rebuild |
| Saints | Kellen Moore | Creative scheming under resource constraints |
| Cowboys | Brian Schottenheimer | Steady leadership from within; talent-heavy environment |
Overall Outlook
The Patriots and Bears headline promising hires primed to deliver immediate impact. Jets and Jaguars could use cultural or offensive kickstarts but face tougher rebuilds. Carroll’s Raiders offer hope through experienced leadership. Saints and Cowboys represent calculated bets — Moore’s creativity could bloom with time, while Schottenheimer’s internal hire hinges on player relationships succeeding.
