The NFL offseason is already heating up, with teams looking to position themselves for success in the coming seasons. As franchises around the league search for new head coaches, the news that the Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly hired Liam Coen has added another layer of intrigue to the coaching carousel. Coen, who most recently served as the offensive coordinator at Kentucky, has now moved to a high-profile role with the Jaguars. His hiring shakes up the coaching landscape and could influence the decisions of teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Las Vegas Raiders, and New Orleans Saints, all of whom will be looking for their next head coach or might be considering a change in the coming months.
Let’s break down the top head coaching candidates for these three teams, based on current rumors, potential fits, and their organizational needs.
### 1. **Dallas Cowboys: Will McCarthy’s Job Be Safe?**
The Dallas Cowboys have long been one of the most scrutinized franchises in the NFL, and head coach Mike McCarthy’s seat is never too far from being hot. While the Cowboys have remained competitive under McCarthy, especially with a strong defense led by Dan Quinn, inconsistent postseason performances and lingering questions around quarterback Dak Prescott’s development have raised doubts about McCarthy’s long-term prospects in Dallas.
#### **Top Candidates for the Cowboys**
– **Dan Quinn (Defensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys)**
After another dominant year as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, Dan Quinn’s name continues to surface in head coaching rumors. His defensive unit has been one of the NFL’s best, and he has previous head coaching experience with the Atlanta Falcons, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance. Quinn’s leadership in Dallas has made him a top candidate for teams looking for a defensive-minded head coach, and his connection to the Cowboys’ roster would make him a natural choice should McCarthy be let go. Quinn also has the temperament and experience to guide a franchise like Dallas.
– **Kellen Moore (Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys)**
Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ offensive coordinator, has been a rising star in the coaching world. His creative offensive schemes and ability to adapt to different situations have helped the Cowboys’ offense perform at a high level. Moore has been a name frequently discussed for head coaching positions in the past, and with Dak Prescott still at the helm, he could be an attractive option for the Cowboys. Moore’s youth, innovative mindset, and familiarity with the team’s personnel could make him a great fit for the job.
– **Sean Payton (Former Head Coach, New Orleans Saints)**
With rumors swirling about Sean Payton potentially returning to the NFL in a head coaching capacity, Dallas has been mentioned as a potential landing spot. Payton, who led the New Orleans Saints to a Super Bowl win and consistently kept the team competitive, is an offensive mastermind with the kind of pedigree that Jerry Jones would covet. If the Cowboys are looking for a proven leader to take them over the top, Payton would undoubtedly be a top contender. However, the team would need to work out compensation with the Saints for his rights, which could complicate matters.
### 2. **Las Vegas Raiders: Can Mark Davis Find His Guy?**
The Las Vegas Raiders have faced instability at the head coach position since Jon Gruden’s resignation in 2021. After the firing of Gruden and the brief stint of interim head coach Rich Bisaccia, the Raiders hired Josh McDaniels in 2022. However, McDaniels has struggled to meet expectations, and there are whispers that the team could be looking for a new direction.
The Raiders need a coach who can maximize the potential of quarterback Derek Carr (or whoever takes over as the signal-caller) while improving the team’s defense. They need a head coach with leadership skills and the ability to build a sustainable winning culture in a city where distractions can often take the spotlight.
#### **Top Candidates for the Raiders**
– **Jim Harbaugh (Head Coach, Michigan)**
Jim Harbaugh’s name is always in the mix whenever an NFL job opens up. The former San Francisco 49ers head coach, who took the team to a Super Bowl and multiple NFC Championship Games, has built a powerhouse at Michigan and has shown he can win at the highest levels. Harbaugh is known for his no-nonsense approach and ability to turn teams around quickly. His history of success in the NFL, combined with his tough coaching style, could be just what the Raiders need to get back on track.
– **Eric Bieniemy (Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs)**
Bieniemy has long been a hot name for head coaching vacancies, and with the Chiefs’ continued success, his stock remains high. The former running backs coach and current offensive coordinator has been instrumental in developing the high-powered offense led by Patrick Mahomes. Although Bieniemy has faced questions about his role in Kansas City’s success, his ability to produce top-tier offenses would make him an intriguing candidate for the Raiders, who need to get the most out of their offense and quarterback.
– **DeMeco Ryans (Defensive Coordinator, San Francisco 49ers)**
Ryans, the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, is one of the most promising young coaches in the NFL. Under Ryans, the 49ers’ defense has been one of the most dominant in the league, and his leadership skills have been on full display. A former player with a reputation for intelligence and tenacity, Ryans could bring the Raiders the defensive boost they need while also providing a strong cultural foundation.
### 3. **New Orleans Saints: Who Replaces Dennis Allen?**
The New Orleans Saints have experienced their fair share of ups and downs since Sean Payton’s departure, and Dennis Allen, who took over as head coach, has struggled to put together consistent performances. While Allen’s defense has been strong, the team has faced significant issues on offense, with the quarterback position in flux and the offense failing to generate consistent production.
The Saints will need a coach who can balance both sides of the ball and get the most out of their roster, which is still filled with talent, including running back Alvin Kamara, defensive standout Demario Davis, and emerging star wideout Chris Olave.
#### **Top Candidates for the Saints**
– **Sean Payton (Former Head Coach, New Orleans Saints)**
The most obvious and intriguing choice for the Saints would be bringing back Sean Payton. Payton remains one of the most respected head coaches in the NFL and led the Saints to consistent playoff appearances and a Super Bowl title. After spending a year away from coaching, Payton is widely expected to return to the NFL, and the Saints would likely love to have him back in the fold. Payton’s familiarity with the team and the city makes him an ideal candidate, and he could help the Saints return to contender status.
– **Ben Johnson (Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions)**
Ben Johnson has emerged as one of the most sought-after young offensive minds in the league. As the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, Johnson has helped quarterback Jared Goff return to form and made the Lions’ offense one of the most efficient in the NFL. His ability to develop young talent and build an offense from the ground up could make him a great fit for New Orleans, where the offense needs a major boost.
– **Brian Flores (Former Head Coach, Miami Dolphins)**
Brian Flores, who had success as head coach of the Miami Dolphins, is another name that could pop up for the Saints. Flores’ defensive prowess and leadership ability could help the Saints rebuild their defense while also addressing the offensive inconsistencies that have plagued the team. His experience in Miami and his no-nonsense coaching style could be a good fit for a franchise in need of a strong leader.
### Conclusion
As the coaching carousel spins in full force, the Cowboys, Raiders, and Saints will each have their own unique set of challenges in finding the right leader for their team. The hiring of Liam Coen by the Jacksonville Jaguars is just one piece of the larger puzzle, but it adds further urgency to the need for these teams to make decisive, strategic moves. Whether it’s finding a proven winner like Sean Payton, a rising star like Ben Johnson, or a defensive mind like DeMeco Ryans, each of these teams has the potential to make a big splash with their next hire.