THE RAIDERS’ RIGHT HIRE
The Raiders have made a hire that only they could make. Antonio Pierce, the interim head coach, has impressed with a 5-4 record over his nine games. He even won over the locker room to the point that Maxx Crosby threatened a trade request if Las Vegas didn’t hire Pierce. However, history is not on Pierce’s side, as interim coaches promoted to full-time roles have a low success rate. Pierce also lacks experience, with just two years of NFL coaching under his belt. Despite the challenges, if Pierce can continue to lead the Raiders to victory, it would be fantastic for the team.
A TOUGH TASK FOR JEROD MAYO
Jerod Mayo faces a tough challenge as he takes on the head coaching role for the New England Patriots. Following in the footsteps of Bill Belichick, Mayo is a first-time head coach with a less desirable coaching opportunity. The Patriots roster is weak on the offensive side, and Mayo will have to fill positions with inexperienced coordinators. Despite being a good candidate with support from players like Cam Newton and Tom Brady, Mayo’s task is massive and daunting for a first-time head coach.
DAN QUINN’S SAFE HIRE
Dan Quinn is deserving of a second opportunity as a head coach. He has a proven track record, finishing 43-42 over six years in Atlanta and making a Super Bowl appearance. However, his hire by the Washington Commanders is safe and dull. The team had the opportunity for a full reset but opted for a defensive-minded head coach on his second go-around. While Quinn is a solid choice, it feels like a missed opportunity for Washington to bring in a young, offensive-minded coach.
BRIAN CALLAHAN’S CHALLENGE
Brian Callahan, the former Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator, faces a unique challenge as the head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Callahan has built up an impressive offensive scheme over the past four years, but he had the luxury of working with elite talent. Tennessee’s roster lacks those resources, and until it improves, it’s hard to judge Callahan’s offensive scheme. With time and the right draft picks, Callahan could potentially unleash the full potential of his scheme.
A REUNION FOR RAHEEM MORRIS
Raheem Morris returns to the Atlanta Falcons as their head coach, and it’s a solid move for both parties. Atlanta’s defense has undergone significant changes, and Morris brings in Zac Robinson, a quarterback coach from the highly-coveted McVay coaching tree, as offensive coordinator. This hire allows the Falcons to maintain defensive momentum while jumpstarting their offense, which is in desperate need of improvement.
DAVE CANALES’ RISKY HIRE
Dave Canales is a risky hire for the Carolina Panthers. With just one year of coordinator experience, Canales takes on the challenging task of fixing quarterback Bryce Young. However, Canales has a strong track record of maximizing quarterback talents, and his six-year deal offers him a hypothetically long runway. With Ejiro Evero as the defensive coordinator, the Panthers have a solid coaching duo in place.
MIKE MACDONALD’S PROMISING HIRE
Mike Macdonald, the youngest head coach in the league, is a promising hire for the Seattle Seahawks. With a strong defensive background, Macdonald has excelled at attacking Shanahan offenses. While he may not have the same level of defensive talent as his previous team, the Ravens, the Seahawks have invested consistently in defensive players. This hire allows Seattle to establish a long-term foundation at the head coaching spot.
HARBAUGH’S MIRACLE WORK
Jim Harbaugh’s return to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers is nothing short of a miracle. Harbaugh has a history of turning around football teams, and the Chargers desperately need a culture change. With Justin Herbert and a cap nightmare on defense, Harbaugh can be the exorcist that the team needs. His arrival with the Chargers is a perfect fit for both parties.
Overall, the coaching carousel has concluded, and each team has made their hires. Some face tougher challenges than others, but only time will tell how these new head coaches will fare.
