The 2025 NFL head coaching carousel has come and gone, and with it, some major shake-ups around the league. As teams looked to build for the future, the search for the right leadership was paramount. From rising stars in the coaching ranks to veteran leaders with a track record of success, the new hires have set the stage for the next era of NFL football. Among the chaos, a few teams have stood out with what are being called “home run” hires, while others—well, let’s just say, not every team knocked it out of the park.
Let’s dive into the top coaching hires from the 2025 cycle, ranking them from the best to the worst.
### **1. Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson (Offensive Coordinator, Detroit Lions)**
The Chicago Bears made the boldest and most promising move of the offseason by hiring Ben Johnson, the Detroit Lions’ offensive coordinator, as their new head coach. Johnson, 37, has quickly become one of the most coveted young coaching minds in the NFL, and his hiring marks the start of a new era in Chicago.
Over the past two seasons, Johnson transformed the Lions’ offense into one of the most dynamic and innovative units in the NFL. Under his tutelage, quarterback Jared Goff enjoyed one of the best stretches of his career, and the offense became known for its balance, creativity, and ability to maximize the talent around it. Johnson is widely regarded as a brilliant offensive mind, and his ability to develop quarterbacks, scheme efficient offenses, and adapt to opposing defenses was on full display in Detroit.
For the Bears, this hire is a game-changer. The team has struggled offensively for years, with limited production from the quarterback position and a lack of consistency in the play-calling department. Justin Fields, the Bears’ young quarterback, has shown flashes of his potential but hasn’t been able to put it all together. Johnson, who has experience working with young quarterbacks like Goff, should be able to unlock Fields’ full potential. His emphasis on play-action, quick passes, and leveraging the running game should complement Fields’ strengths and help elevate the offense to new heights.
Not only does Johnson bring a fresh, innovative approach to Chicago’s offense, but he also brings a sense of stability. With the Bears’ front office still in a rebuilding phase, Johnson’s hire signals a long-term commitment to development and success. The Bears’ fans, who have endured years of mediocrity, now have hope for a bright future under one of the league’s brightest young coaches.
**Verdict:** The Bears win the 2025 cycle by landing Ben Johnson, a rising star with the offensive mind to turn the franchise around. Chicago’s patience will pay off, and with Johnson’s leadership, they could quickly become a contender in the NFC.
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### **2. New England Patriots: Mike Vrabel (Head Coach, Tennessee Titans)**
The New England Patriots’ decision to hire Mike Vrabel, the former head coach of the Tennessee Titans, is another win in the 2025 coaching carousel. Vrabel, a former NFL linebacker, built his reputation in Tennessee as a gritty, no-nonsense leader who turned the Titans into consistent playoff contenders.
Vrabel’s coaching style is heavily influenced by his playing career, focusing on a tough, physical brand of football. His teams are known for their discipline, solid defense, and efficient offense. While Tennessee never had the flashiest offensive units, Vrabel’s ability to squeeze every ounce of talent from his roster was what made the Titans consistently competitive.
In New England, Vrabel inherits a team that has been stuck in mediocrity since the departure of Tom Brady. Bill Belichick’s reign as the Patriots’ head coach came to an abrupt end following the team’s struggles in the post-Brady era, but Vrabel’s hiring signals the team’s intent to return to its dominant ways. The Patriots’ defense remains one of the league’s best, and Vrabel’s defensive expertise will help maintain that level of play. Additionally, his ability to relate to players and build a cohesive team culture will be crucial in revitalizing New England’s offense and quarterback position, where the team has seen little consistency since Brady’s exit.
The Patriots are in a transition phase, but with Vrabel’s leadership, they now have a coach who understands the importance of building a strong foundation. He’s a coach who can bring stability, instill toughness, and develop young players. In a division that’s becoming increasingly competitive, Vrabel will be tasked with taking the Patriots back to the top, but his proven track record gives them a solid shot.
**Verdict:** The Patriots made the right call by hiring Mike Vrabel. His leadership and defensive prowess will provide the foundation for a championship-contending team once the offense catches up.
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### **3. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon (Defensive Coordinator, Philadelphia Eagles)**
The Arizona Cardinals took a gamble by hiring Jonathan Gannon, the defensive coordinator from the Philadelphia Eagles. Gannon played a significant role in turning the Eagles’ defense into one of the most dominant units in the NFL over the last few years. His defense was aggressive, fast, and opportunistic, helping the Eagles become perennial Super Bowl contenders.
While Gannon has a great defensive pedigree, the concerns around this hire stem from his lack of experience as a head coach. His time as a defensive coordinator has been marked by his ability to put together elite defensive units, but leading an entire franchise presents a different challenge. The Cardinals’ roster, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, will require significant work, and Gannon’s ability to build an offense that complements his defense will be crucial.
With the uncertain future of quarterback Kyler Murray, Gannon’s leadership will be tested right away. If he can help unlock Murray’s full potential while maintaining a top-tier defense, he could lead the Cardinals back to relevancy in the NFC West.
**Verdict:** While Gannon has potential, this hire is a bit of a risk. The success of this decision will depend on how well he can balance the defense and offense, particularly with the team’s uncertain quarterback situation.
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### **4. Dallas Cowboys: Sean Payton (Former Head Coach, New Orleans Saints)**
Sean Payton was one of the most highly sought-after coaching candidates of the 2025 cycle, and the Dallas Cowboys were fortunate enough to land him. Payton, who had great success with the New Orleans Saints, is known for his offensive acumen and leadership.
However, the Cowboys’ decision to hire Payton has been met with mixed reactions. On paper, it makes sense: Dallas has one of the most talented rosters in the NFL, and Payton could bring a much-needed offensive spark. But there are significant concerns about his fit in Dallas, particularly with the team’s reliance on defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and the long-standing issues with quarterback Dak Prescott’s inconsistency.
Additionally, Payton has a reputation for being a bit of a control freak, and the Cowboys’ front office and ownership have shown a tendency to meddle in the team’s decision-making. Payton’s success in New Orleans came in part because he had full control over the team’s operations, something that might not be guaranteed in Dallas.
The pressure will be on Payton to win immediately, and with Jerry Jones breathing down his neck, the job could become a powder keg if things go wrong.
**Verdict:** While Payton is undoubtedly talented, his fit in Dallas feels forced. This hire could go either way, but it’s risky given the franchise’s tendency for dysfunction and the need for immediate success.
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### **5. Washington Commanders: Eric Bieniemy (Offensive Coordinator, Kansas City Chiefs)**
After years of frustration with inconsistent offensive play, the Washington Commanders made a strong choice in hiring Eric Bieniemy, the offensive coordinator from the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy has been a key architect in one of the league’s most potent offenses, working alongside Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid.
However, Bieniemy’s ability to transition from a coordinator to a head coach has been questioned by some. His lack of experience as a head coach, combined with the Commanders’ turbulent organizational structure, makes this hire a bit of a gamble. But if Bieniemy can bring his offensive genius to Washington and stabilize a franchise in disarray, this could be a home run.
**Verdict:** This hire shows promise but carries significant risk, particularly with Washington’s ownership and front-office instability.
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### **Conclusion: A New Era of NFL Leadership**
The 2025 NFL head coaching cycle has been full of bold moves and intriguing hires. While the Bears and Patriots come out on top with their selections of Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel, teams like the Cowboys and Commanders will have to prove that their hires can succeed in a highly competitive environment. As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes will be on these new leaders, and it will be exciting to see how their strategies and personalities shape the future of their franchises.