Ranking the NFL’s Six Open Head Coaching Jobs After Dallas Cowboys Part with Mike McCarthy
The NFL coaching carousel has officially begun, with several high-profile teams searching for a new head coach. Among the most significant changes is the Dallas Cowboys’ decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy, marking the beginning of the franchise’s latest search for a head coach. McCarthy’s departure comes after several seasons of promise, but ultimately, the Cowboys fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations. With this news, the Dallas Cowboys, one of the most high-profile teams in the NFL, have now become one of the most coveted head coaching positions in the league.
However, McCarthy’s exit isn’t the only significant coaching change in the NFL this offseason. A number of other teams are also in the process of hiring new head coaches, each with its own set of challenges, expectations, and opportunities. As teams attempt to fill the most important position in football, they are all vying for the best candidates available, knowing that the right hire can be the difference between championship contention and rebuilding for years to come.
In this article, we will rank the six NFL teams with open head coaching positions, starting with the Dallas Cowboys, and examining each team’s strengths, challenges, and opportunities to determine which job is the most desirable.
1. Dallas Cowboys
It’s no surprise that the Dallas Cowboys take the top spot on this list. The Cowboys are one of the most recognizable and successful franchises in NFL history, with five Super Bowl championships and a storied tradition. While the team has not won a Super Bowl since 1995, the Cowboys’ roster is stacked with talent, and the franchise has one of the most passionate fan bases in all of sports.
Why It’s Attractive:
- Talent-Rich Roster: The Cowboys boast star players like Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard, among others. With a roster loaded with playmakers on both sides of the ball, the Cowboys have the foundation in place to make a Super Bowl run with the right leadership.
- Financial Backing: The Cowboys are one of the wealthiest franchises in the NFL, and their owner, Jerry Jones, is known for spending whatever it takes to build a championship contender. A head coach in Dallas will have access to top-tier facilities and resources.
- High Profile: Coaching the Cowboys is a chance to lead one of the most visible teams in the NFL. The media attention and national spotlight come with both perks and pressure, but it’s an opportunity for a coach to establish themselves as one of the league’s elite if they can lead the team to success.
Challenges:
- Ownership: Jerry Jones is an incredibly hands-on owner, and his influence on football decisions is well-documented. While Jones provides financial resources, his active involvement can sometimes limit a coach’s autonomy and create friction. The right candidate will need to be able to work with Jones while maintaining their own authority.
- High Expectations: As the “America’s Team,” the Cowboys are expected to contend for a Super Bowl every year, and failing to meet those expectations can quickly lead to criticism and pressure. A coach will need to navigate this pressure while delivering consistent results.
Despite the challenges, the Dallas Cowboys remain the most attractive head coaching position available due to their wealth of talent, financial resources, and national profile.
2. Los Angeles Chargers
The Los Angeles Chargers also rank highly on this list, coming in at number two. The team boasts one of the most talented quarterbacks in the NFL, Justin Herbert, who has the potential to be a top-five signal caller for years to come. The Chargers’ roster is filled with high-level playmakers, and the team has a strong foundation to build upon.
Why It’s Attractive:
- Elite Quarterback: Justin Herbert is a franchise quarterback who has the arm talent and skills to be an MVP-caliber player. A new head coach would be walking into a situation where they can develop and maximize Herbert’s potential, which is one of the most appealing aspects of this job.
- Strong Talent on Both Sides of the Ball: The Chargers have playmakers like Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Austin Ekeler, Derwin James, and Joey Bosa. With talent on both sides of the ball, the team is well-equipped to compete for a Super Bowl with the right leadership.
- Location and Market: Los Angeles is one of the most desirable cities in the NFL, and coaching in a market like LA offers numerous benefits, including national exposure and the potential for high-profile sponsorships and partnerships.
Challenges:
- Ownership and Front Office: The Chargers are owned by the Spanos family, and while the team has a strong roster, the ownership situation has been somewhat tumultuous. The front office is often criticized for being conservative and slow to make moves. A new coach will need to navigate these challenges while pushing the team toward consistent success.
- Playoff Expectations: While the Chargers are talented, they have failed to make a deep playoff run in recent years. A new head coach will be under pressure to take the team from talented contender to genuine Super Bowl threat, and anything less will be seen as a failure.
Despite these challenges, the opportunity to coach a young quarterback with tremendous potential makes the Chargers job an attractive option for a new head coach.
3. Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers find themselves in the midst of a rebuilding phase, but they are positioned to be one of the most promising teams in the NFC in the near future. The team has a new ownership group under David Tepper, which brings the promise of financial resources and a commitment to winning. After firing head coach Frank Reich after just one season, the Panthers are looking for a new leader who can help usher in a new era.
Why It’s Attractive:
- Young Talent: The Panthers have a promising young quarterback in Bryce Young, who was selected first overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. If the new coach can help Young develop, they could build a team around one of the most promising quarterbacks in the league.
- Solid Defense: The Panthers have a strong defensive unit, led by star linebacker Brian Burns. A new head coach would inherit a defense that can compete at a high level and potentially help the team stay competitive in the near future.
- Financial Backing and Commitment to Winning: The Panthers’ new ownership group, led by David Tepper, is committed to bringing a championship to Charlotte. This means the team will have the financial resources and support to make significant improvements.
Challenges:
- Inexperience at Quarterback: While Bryce Young has tremendous potential, the Panthers are still in the early stages of developing their franchise quarterback. A new head coach will need to develop Young into a top-tier signal caller, which can be a challenging task.
- Lack of Offensive Weapons: The Panthers have a solid defense, but they lack the offensive playmakers that other teams like Dallas or Los Angeles have. A head coach will need to work with a developing roster and find ways to elevate the team’s offensive production.
Despite these challenges, the Panthers’ young quarterback and strong defense make them an intriguing option for a head coach looking to build a team from the ground up.
4. Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are a team in transition. After firing head coach Kliff Kingsbury, the team is looking for someone who can guide them back to relevance. With a talented quarterback in Kyler Murray, the Cardinals have the potential to be a competitive team, but they face challenges related to roster construction and organizational instability.
Why It’s Attractive:
- Kyler Murray: Murray is a dynamic quarterback with the ability to be one of the league’s best when healthy. A new head coach will have the chance to work with a quarterback who has the potential to lead the team to success.
- Talent on Offense: The Cardinals have some talented offensive players, including James Conner and DeAndre Hopkins, although the latter may be traded or moved during the offseason.
- Ownership Stability: While the Cardinals have been through some turnover, the ownership under Michael Bidwill is relatively stable, and the team has the resources to make improvements.
Challenges:
- Kyler Murray’s Health and Leadership: Murray’s injury history and leadership issues have been a concern. A new head coach will need to find a way to maximize Murray’s talent while addressing concerns about his consistency and development.
- Rebuilding: The Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild, and they may be several years away from competing for a Super Bowl. A head coach will need to navigate the rebuilding process and be patient as they develop the team.
The Cardinals’ job is not as attractive as the others on this list, but the opportunity to work with a dynamic quarterback like Kyler Murray makes it an intriguing option.
5. Indianapolis Colts
The Indianapolis Colts are another team in a rebuilding phase, and they are seeking a head coach who can help them turn the page after a disappointing 2023 season. With a young quarterback in Anthony Richardson, the Colts have potential, but they need the right leader to help bring everything together.
Why It’s Attractive:
- Young Quarterback: Anthony Richardson has tremendous upside and is one of the most physically gifted quarterbacks to come into the NFL in recent years. A new head coach would have the opportunity to work with a quarterback who has the potential to be a franchise player.
- Strong Defense: The Colts have a solid defense, with standouts like Shaquille Leonard and DeForest Buckner. The defense can keep the team competitive while the offense develops.
Challenges:
- Quarterback Development: Richardson is a raw talent who will require significant development. A new head coach will need to be patient as Richardson matures and learns the nuances of the NFL.
- Rebuilding Team: The Colts have work to do in terms of upgrading their roster, particularly on offense. The head coach will need to build a team around Richardson and help elevate the overall talent on both sides of the ball.
While the Colts have a promising young quarterback, the rebuilding nature of the team makes this job less attractive compared to others on the list.
6. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos round out the list, largely due to the uncertainty surrounding the franchise. After a tumultuous few seasons, including the hiring and firing of Nathaniel Hackett, the Broncos are in search of a coach who can turn things around. While the team has some talent on the roster, including star Russell Wilson, there are significant concerns about the team’s future.
Why It’s Attractive:
- Russell Wilson: Wilson is a proven quarterback, albeit one who struggled in 2022. If the new head coach can help Wilson regain his Pro Bowl form, the Broncos could quickly become competitive again.
- Solid Defense: The Broncos boast a talented defense, with stars like Pat Surtain II and Bradley Chubb leading the way. The defense is capable of keeping the team in games while the offense figures things out.
Challenges:
- Quarterback Play: Wilson’s struggles in 2022 raised questions about his future with the team. A head coach will need to decide how to handle Wilson’s situation and whether he can regain his previous form.
- Ownership Issues: The Broncos were recently sold to a new ownership group, and the organizational direction is still being solidified. Coaching instability combined with ownership uncertainty can make this job less attractive.
Despite some attractive elements, the Broncos’ job is the least appealing due to concerns about quarterback play and organizational instability.
Conclusion
The NFL’s six open head coaching positions each come with unique opportunities and challenges. The Dallas Cowboys top the list as the most desirable job, thanks to their wealth of talent and national profile. The Los Angeles Chargers also rank highly, largely due to the presence of Justin Herbert. The Carolina Panthers offer a promising rebuild with a young quarterback in Bryce Young, while the Arizona Cardinals, Indianapolis Colts, and Denver Broncos present rebuilding projects with varying levels of uncertainty. Ultimately, the job you would want depends on your coaching philosophy, experience, and willingness to take on a challenge.
