Picture Credit: All-Pro Reels
Head coaches in the NFL are not afforded much patience by franchise owners. Coaches are being fired at a higher rate than ever, with an average coaching tenure of just three years. A few head coaches have already been let go this season, with more likely to come. Teams in search of a new leader will have plenty of options, including experienced names and young innovators. So, who will be the top NFL head coaching candidates in 2025?
5. Brian Flores
The Minnesota Vikings are playing a unique brand of defense under coordinator Brian Flores. Flores has used shifting looks and simulated pressures to confuse opposing quarterbacks all season. He’s played a huge part in leading the Vikings to their 8-2 record this season, and franchises are sure to take notice. Flores previously had a relatively unsuccessful head coaching stint in Miami, winning 24 games in three seasons. It’s becoming less common to hire a defensive-minded head coach, but Flores warrants serious consideration.
4. Bobby Slowik
Bobby Slowik is the classic young offensive mind that some franchise may just take a swing on. The hype around Slowik may have cooled off a bit due to the Texans’ struggles this season, but he’s sure to draw attention in the coaching carousel. I could see Slowik’s successful partnership with Texans’ QB C.J. Stroud being a selling point in the hiring process. A few teams may be starting a rookie quarterback in 2025, and Slowik could be the ideal man to guide one of those passers.
3. Mike Vrabel
For organizations looking for a proven product to take the reigns, Mike Vrabel will be an intriguing candidate. Vrabel enjoyed three playoff wins in a three-year span with the Titans before Tennessee’s decline. Vrabel is a “CEO” type of head coach. He will command respect wherever he lands, but the atmosphere he brings may prove difficult for certain franchise owners to handle. He’s currently with the Browns as a personnel and coaching consultant. He’s sure to be one of the top 2025 NFL head coaching candidates.
2. Bill Belichick
Bill Belichick is the greatest football coach of all time. The credit for building the New England dynasty that lorded over the NFL for nearly two decades is split evenly between Tom Brady and his former coach. Belichick has more experience with winning than any other coaching candidate could dream of. His last couple of years with the Patriots may be enough to scare some teams off, but I’d be shocked if the legend isn’t hired early in the process.
1. Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson likely would have been the most sought-after head coaching candidate had he chosen to leave Detroit last offseason. Instead, Johnson elected to continue in his role as the Lions’ offensive coordinator in hopes of helping the team to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance. He has produced the most dominant offense in the NFL this year with a former outcast at quarterback. If Johnson decides to leave Detroit, he will have his pick of landing spots.
