What I’m Hearing About the Nfl Coaching Carousel and the Changes Coming in Vegas – the Athletic

The NFL Coaching Carousel: Teams Prepare for Offseason Moves

As the NFL’s 2025 regular season comes to a close, the coaching carousel is beginning its annual spin. With playoff berths on the line and contracts expiring, teams are already making strategic decisions that could shape the league for years to come.

Uncertainty in Vegas: The Raiders’ Future

The Las Vegas Raiders have an inside track to securing the first overall pick in next April’s draft. This significant advantage has set the stage for a potential head-coaching change in 2026, although it remains unclear who will ultimately make this decision—principal owner Mark Davis, minority owner Tom Brady, or general manager John Spytek.

Meanwhile, Maxx Crosby, the team’s star pass rusher, is questioning his future with the Raiders. Despite a strained relationship and no trade discussions before November 4, many believe that Las Vegas will be open to moving its top player if their current dynamic remains unresolved.

Browns Intel: Kevin Stefanski’s Future Uncertain

The Cleveland Browns have done significant background work on potential head-coaching options and are leaning toward moving on from two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. Despite a successful draft, general manager Andrew Berry is expected to stay in place, but these discussions will continue heading into their final game against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Browns finished with a 4-12 record, marking their worst season since 2013 under Stefanski’s leadership. With two-time Pro Bowler and star receiver Odell Beckham Jr. expected to leave in free agency, the Browns’ future is likely to be redefined this offseason.

The Giants and Titans: Early Moves

With their playoff hopes dashed, both the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans will begin remote interviews next week with candidates whose teams are out of the playoffs. General manager Joe Schoen of the Giants appears safe for now but is leading a search that includes names like Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Similarly, Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson will be interviewing candidates with a list including Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile, and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. In-person interviews can officially begin on January 19.

Parsons’ Trade: A Game-Changer

Micah Parsons’ trade to the Green Bay Packers last season set a new standard in player negotiations and could have far-reaching implications for future deals. This move was not just about a player wanting out; it was about a negotiation that went beyond typical contract disputes.

Parsons, who underwent ACL surgery after his trade, remains an integral part of the Packers’ defensive lineup as they fight to stay alive deeper into January. His injury and recovery process will continue to be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

Other Headlines

• The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite missing the playoffs, are not expected to make any significant changes to their leadership team as coach Todd Bowles and general manager Jason Licht remain safe for now.
• The Washington Commanders face questions about the future of their coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, amid a 4-12 record.
• Despite owner Woody Johnson’s commitment to Aaron Glenn, the New York Jets (3-13) are not expected to make any changes despite looking outmatched against the New England Patriots in Week 18.

The NFL offseason is a time of intense activity and speculation. As teams navigate this critical period, the choices made now will have lasting impacts on their future success or struggles. The coming months will reveal which moves pay off and which turn out to be missteps.