Ranking 2025 NFL head-coaching hires

Where does Las Vegas’ hiring of Pete Carroll rank?

The seven new head-coaching hires for the 2025 cycle is complete. Let’s rank the new hires:

1. Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears:

Johnson isn’t super popular in these parts after he ended up being nearly as close to landing in Las Vegas as the Raiders’ head coach as some reports suggested. But the truth is, Johnson was one of the top prizes in this cycle and his fit with Bears’ young quarterback Caleb Williams makes this a potential home-run hire.

2. Mike Vrabel, New England Patriots:

This was an attractive job and Vrabel was, like Johnson, was a top target. He and the Patriots mutually honed in on each other and he quickly was hired to coach the team he starred for. This is a great fit.

3. Liam Coen, Jacksonville Jaguars:

Don’t be swayed by his messy departure from Tampa Bay or his somewhat awkward opening presser in Jacksonville. If the Raiders had a quarterback in place, Coen could possibly be in Las Vegas. He has a chance to be one of the next strong young offensive head coaches in the league.

4. Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders:

Just because he’s fourth this list and wasn’t overly sought after by other teams (Carroll was also one of many candidates to interview with Chicago and he had an informal chat with the Cowboys), it doesn’t mean Carroll wasn’t a solid get for the Raiders. Yes, he may not be here for the long-term, but Carroll is a culture builder and he may be exactly what this franchise needs at the moment.

Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images

5. Aaron Glenn, New York Jets:

Glenn, who interviewed with the Raiders, is well respected and he seems to connect well with his players. He is a former Jets’ first-round pick and hopes are high. But I just think this isn’t going to be an easy rebuild.

6. Kellen Moore, New Orleans Saints:

This wasn’t an overly attractive opening and reportedly Moore wasn’t their top pick. Perhaps he will be great, but it won’t be easy.

7. Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys:

Tell me that Schottenheimer is an upgrade over the fired Mike McCarthy or that the franchise couldn’t have found a better hire? I don’t get it.