One pro and con of each NFL head-coach opening

Las Vegas Raiders

Pro: Cap Space

The Raiders have $95 million in cap space going into the offseason, which is the second highest in the league after the New England Patriots. They also have the sixth overall pick and another seven draft picks in 2025 (including two third-round picks). That's enough to intrigue any potential head coach.

Con: Patrick Mahomes, Bo Nix, and Justin Herbert

The AFC West had three teams make the playoffs this year which combined for a total of 36 wins in the 2024 season. Not to mention they are led by great, young quarterbacks that have shown serious promise in this league. Facing those opponent's six times a year isn't a particularly enticing proposition.

New York Jets

Pro: Talent on both sides of the ball

The Jets had high expectations the last few seasons but fell short due to injuries, poor coaching and questionable leadership and play from Aaron Rodgers. That being said, the Jets have one of the more talented rosters in the league and just need a coach who can put together the pieces. On offense, the Jets have Davante Adams, Breece Hall, Garrett Wilson and Alijah Vera-Tucker and defensively have more quality players like Quinnen Williams, Will McDonald IV, Haason Reddick, Quincy Williams, Sauce Gardner and C.J. Mosley. The talent alone will be a major incentive for coaches to consider joining the New York Jets.

Con: Aaron Rodgers (maybe)

Aaron Rodgers is under contract for one more season with the Jets, but there are rumors that he is considering retirement. The 41 year-old, four-time MVP winner has produced more drama than wins over the last few seasons. The next head coach of the Jets will have to consider Rodgers' questionable behavior towards coaches, players and management if he chooses to play out the rest of his contract in New York. As talented as Rodgers is, his "baggage" on and off the field will make a few head coaches look the other way.

Jacksonville Jaguars

Pro: Young defensive talent

The Jaguars have used key draft picks in their rebuild on the defensive side of the ball. This has produced a plethora of young playmakers at every level of the defense that are ready to form the foundation of a strong defense for years to come. They have two young pass-rushers in Josh Hines-Allen (27) and former first overall pick Travon Walker (24), two solid linebackers in Devin Lloyd (26) and Foyesade Oluokun (29), and two dynamic secondary pieces in Tyson Campbell (24) and Andre Cisco (24). The Jaguars are the sixth-youngest team in football with an average age of 25.9. With the talent on the defensive end, paired up with the right head coach, “Sacksonville” might be coming to give the Texans a run for their AFC South crown.

Con: Six head coaches since 2011

The Jaguars have not been able to retain a head coach long-term since Jaguars owner Shahid Khan bought the team in 2011. With Khan firing Doug Pederson after the 2024 season, the team is now searching for its sixth head coach in 13 years. That kind of turnover might cause candidates to look elsewhere.

New Orleans Saints

Pro: Explosive trio on offense

There is not an abundance of incentives to be a part of the Saints organization currently. The Saints have drafted poorly the last few years, their cap space situation is deeply concerning and they do not have a franchise quarterback. However, their weapons on offense have shown to be dangerous at times. In September, the Saints started 2-0 and scored 91 total points during the win streak. If they can find a head coach that can harness the talents of the three offensive stars in Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed, the Saints should be able to wiggle their way out of mediocrity and into contention in the NFC South.

Con: Cap space hell

The Saints are over $50 million over the cap for 2025. Four of the five highest paid players on the team are over the age of 30 and are approaching retirement (Cam Jordan, Derek Carr, Demario Davis, Tyrann Mathieu). The franchise has been in cap space hell since Drew Brees retired. This is not something that can be resolved in one offseason and will take time. The Saints are going to have to continue restructuring contracts and unfortunately bite the bullet by releasing or trading some talented players that they simply cannot give more money to. This is a scary situation to have when searching for a new head coach. 

Dallas Cowboys

Pro: Drafting ability

DeMarvion Overshown, Micah Parsons, Ceedee Lamb, Trevon Diggs, Tyler Biadasz, Tony Pollard, Connor McGovern and Dorance Armstrong Jr. are just a few players the Cowboys have “hit” on in recent drafts. After many free agency blunders in recent years, the Cowboys are committed to rebuilding through the draft and have proven they can land great players almost every year in the draft. This would an encouraging sign for any head coach to join Jerry Jones and the Cowboys.

Con: Micah Parsons contract dispute

Micah Parsons is heading into the final season of his rookie contract. Parsons has put the ball in Jones’ court saying he does not need to be the highest paid defensive player in the league and has said that he wants to be with the team. After extending both Dak Prescott and Ceedee Lamb with two big contracts in 2024, we have to wait and see if Jones is ready to shell out more money for the four-time Pro Bowler and 2021 Defensive Rookie of the Year. If Jones does not nip this problem in the bud this offseason and continues to wait, the threat of Parsons holding out due to a contract dispute might make Dallas a less desirable destination.