NFL Head Coach Openings

nfl head coach openings

The Texans don’t currently have an open coaching position, but there are plenty of reasons why the franchise might be interested in a head coach. Their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, is in the same boat as many others, lacking weapons on offense. Meanwhile, the defense is solid, with promising young players. Still, they will need to add talent in the offseason, and the Texans hold the No. 3 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. In addition, they play in a division with few elite quarterbacks.

Many other teams are also hiring coaches. The Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel, the Raiders tapped former Packers offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the Texans hired defensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The Cowboys hired OC Nathaniel Hackett, while the Giants went with former Packers offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell. Meanwhile, the Texans are reportedly eyeing former backup quarterback Josh McCown.

The Dolphins have a major question mark at quarterback. Tua Tagovailoa has yet to show elite ability since the 2020 draft. The owners would want a head coach committed to working with Tua. The team recently traded away their No. 1 pick to the 49ers, which will be picked 29th overall. This leaves only two black candidates in contention for head coach jobs. If the Dolphins hire a black coach, the NFL diversity numbers will hardly change.

The Green Bay Packers are another team with a significant open coaching position. With talent at all skill positions, the offense could be explosive. With a competitive defense, the Packers could return to the playoffs. The only negative to this position is that the defense has been decimated by a lack of experience and first-round picks. It has also lost Von Miller and its top defensive line, both of which are vital to a successful team.

The Jacksonville Jaguars fired Urban Meyer last December. They hired former Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Doug Pederson, who led the Philadelphia Eagles to Super Bowl LII. Jon Gruden, meanwhile, resigned in October. An article in the New York Times alleged that Gruden made homophobic remarks in the past. The team went on to win its first playoff appearance since 2016.

Meanwhile, the Houston Texans fired David Culley following a 6-11 season. The Texans have a vacant head coach position, and the Texans are expected to name Smith as their new head coach. After all, Smith is the second-oldest first-time head coach in the NFL. He previously served as defensive coordinator before being promoted to head coach. Additionally, Smith is a former head coach at the University of Illinois.