Reversing the fortunes of a team which felt the need to part ways with their previous head coach almost always involves addressing glaring issues.
DAZN News examines the biggest question mark facing each of the teams involved.
Chicago Bears
Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Hired: Ben Johnson, former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
Biggest question mark: Caleb Williams and the offensive line
Williams endured inconsistent play throughout the season, marred by a slow release and questionable decision-making.
Despite demonstrating general improvement as the season unfolded, woeful pass blocking from Williams’ offensive line impeded the Bears’ aerial attack.
In truth, Williams and his offensive line must share the responsibility for allowing a league-worst 68 sacks. Change was sorely needed.
Enter Ben Johnson, one of the most sought-after offensive minds in the NFL.
As the architect of 2024’s most explosive offense and with a reputation as an innovative play designer, Williams must implement a scheme that takes advantage of Williams’ strengths while masking his weaknesses.
Still, improving the Bears’ offense will require the combined efforts of Johnson’s efforts in developing Williams and that of his new GM, Ryan Poles, who must invest significantly in upgrading the offensive line.
New England Patriots
Hired: Mike Vrabel
Biggest question mark: Leadership and accountability
It was widely expected that the Patriots would hire former franchise great Mike Vrabel, and they moved quickly to ensure they got their man.
Vrabel was lauded for his leadership after guiding the Tennessee Titans to three playoff appearances in his six-year tenure.
The Patriots’ new head coach will almost certainly prioritise establishing accountability after allegations that certain players were not taking losses seriously in 2024.
Vrabel wasted no time in bringing his hard-nosed style to the Patriots, declaring, “The greatest compliment you could ever give a coach is saying, ‘your players played their asses off.”’
New York Jets
Hired: Aaron Glenn, former Detroit Lions defensive coordinator
Biggest question mark: Aaron Rodgers
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Glenn’s experience should immediately improve the Jets’ defense, which is laden with talented playmakers, including defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, linebacker Jamien Sherwood, and cornerback Sauce Gardner.
However, the biggest question mark facing Glenn and the Jets franchise is what to do with Aaron Rodgers.
Rodgers is under contract for 2025, but he is not guaranteed to return. Despite speaking positively about his experience with the Jets, the former Green Bay Packers’ great has refused to be drawn on whether he intends to retire.
Crucially, his comments suggest he is resigned to the reality that his future with the Jets is out of his hands.
Glenn will undoubtedly have input into whether the Jets bring Rodgers back. Perhaps his reputation as a players’ coach will help encourage Rodgers to remain with the team for one more year.
Dallas Cowboys
Hired: TBC
Biggest question mark: Offensive line
The Cowboys have a talented roster, but like all teams, they have some glaring needs that their new head coach must play a part in addressing.
Quarterback Dak Prescott is set to return in 2025 and should immediately help to improve the Cowboys’ offense.
Still, protecting Prescott might be challenging unless the Cowboys invest in upgrading their offensive line, which has deteriorated over the last four years.
Tyler Smith, a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, is arguably the most talented offensive lineman on the roster. However, he was the lone bright spot in 2024.
Center Cooper Beebe, a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was inconsistent. Still, he should be afforded the opportunity and time to progress.
Long-time servant and future Hall of Fame guard Zack Martin is set to become a free agent and has mulled retirement following a season-ending ankle injury.
Terence Steele, Tyler Guyton, and Chuma Edoga are among the worst group of offensive tackles in the league and desperately need to be upgraded.
Ultimately, acquiring upgrades will be the responsibility of the owner and general manager, Jerry Jones.
However, the Cowboys’ next head coach must find a way to get the best of the players he is given.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Hired: TBC
Biggest question mark: Implementing a scheme which gets the best out of Trevor Lawrence
The Jaguars started the season poorly, and things went from bad to worse after quarterback Trevor Lawrence suffered a season-ending injury in Week 13.
Lawrence, once viewed as a generational talent at quarterback, has struggled to reach his potential since teasing what he could be capable of with an efficient 25-touchdown, eight-interception season in 2022.
Still, there is optimism for the long-suffering Jaguars fan base and their new head coach.
Lawrence, still only 25 years old, will return in 2025 and benefit from the playmaking ability of wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who led all rookies in receiving yards.
Appointing a head coach who can implement an offense that allows Lawrence and Thomas Jr. to flourish will be the key to unlocking success for this Jaguars team.
Pairing that head coach with the right choice of general manager to replace Trent Baalke could be the difference between success and failure for both parties.
Las Vegas Raiders
Hired: TBC
Biggest question mark: Quarterback and culture
After unearthing a gem in Bo Nix, the Broncos became the third team in the AFC West to find their franchise quarterback.
That leaves the Raiders in the unenviable position as the only team in the division with long-term question marks at arguably the most important position on the roster.
The problem was exacerbated when the Raiders won games late in the season, adversely affecting their draft pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The compensation required to move up from the number six selection to land either of the two top quarterbacks - Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders – would be significant.
Mindful of the sheer number of glaring holes on the roster, Tom Brady and the other Raiders’ owners may defer finding a long-term answer at quarterback until 2026.
If they address the position by acquiring a young signal-caller, then developing that quarterback would be the most pressing need for whoever the Raiders appoint as their new head coach.
If the Raiders choose to go in a different direction, the head coach should prioritise instilling a sense of belief among the players in year one. They cannot afford to lose players of the calibre of Maxx Crosby due to the frustrations of losing.
- Read next | Kansas City Chiefs vs. Buffalo Bills: Keys to victory for both teams in the AFC Championship Game
New Orleans Saints
Hired: TBC
Biggest question mark: Getting the most out of the current roster
The Saints are projected to be $50 million over the salary cap in 2025, and this presents whoever they hire as their new head coach with the difficult task of improving on their 5-12 record without the benefit of an infusion of new talent.
A healthier Derek Carr would undoubtedly help after missing seven games due to injuries in 2024. Unfortunately, Carr’s future is uncertain after he refused to take a pay cut to help alleviate the Saints’ cap space.
Fortunately, whoever the Saints appoint as their new head coach will have offensive talent to work with, including talented wideouts Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed and running back Alvin Kamara.
Still, significant improvement on defense is needed after ranking 27th among all teams in passing yards allowed, and 31st in rushing yards allowed. xHow to watch the NFL on DAZN
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