Waiver season may be coming to an end in the NFL.
But recruiting season is in full swing.
As the NFL playoffs approached, eight teams were looking for new head coaches. There may still be some surprises in store depending on how the playoffs play out, but at least a quarter of the league is looking for a new head coach.
One of those teams?of new england patriots. They parted ways with legendary head coach Bill Belichick, who announced their decision on Thursday. But the Patriots had a clear succession plan, becoming the first team to announce a new head coach.
Here's all the head coaching hires, including Foxborough's new leader.
New England Patriots acquire Jerrod Mayo
As mentioned above, the Patriots became the first team to name a new head coach, with news coming Friday that Jerod Mayo will fill the role Belichick vacated.
A new era is upon us in New England. The Patriots have hired Jerod Mayo as their next head coach, and he will be formally introduced at a press conference next week, sources told ESPN. pic.twitter.com/SeHKoAonrP
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 12, 2024
Many consider Mayo to be the company's top choice to replace Belichick, and the team appears to agree. Rumors arose Thursday night that Mayo's contract with the team included a defensive coach in his contract to replace Belichick when the team reviewed Mayo's contract with the team ahead of the 2023 season.
Now, Mayo takes over. The former Patriots linebacker was a first-round pick by the Patriots in the 2008 NFL Draft and spent his entire NFL career in New England. His eight-year playing career in New England ended after the 2015 season, and he returned to the organization in 2019 as the inside linebackers coach, a role he held until being promoted to head coach.
Las Vegas Raiders stuck with Antonio Pierce
Antonio Pierce no longer has an interim tag.
The Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing a deal to make Pierce the 23rd head coach in franchise history, according to multiple reports.
Temporarily deprecated: #raiders Officials say they are working on a deal with Antonio Pierce to keep him as the 23rd head coach in franchise history. @Wrap sheet
After going 5-4, Pierce earned a full-time job. This is welcome news to many, including Max Crosby. pic.twitter.com/w8vaZgY1QV
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 19, 2024
The Raiders started this season 3-5 under coach Josh McDaniels, but their playoff hopes seemed remote and McDaniels was out of a job. However, under Pierce, the Raiders battled back into playoff contention with a 5-4 record and were eliminated.
This has been the movement of many people, from Max Crosby to us here. SB NationI wanted to see it.
What are the other NFL head coaching positions?
seattle seahawks
Pete Carroll leaves, a new era begins
carolina panthers
It doesn't get any worse than the Frank Reich era! can you do that?
commander of washington
The new owners have the money and the team has the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. It won't be resolved overnight in Washington, but there is an upside here.
atlanta falcons
Arthur Smith was a bad guy in a unique way. Goal number one for the new Falcons manager: Get the ball to Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson and Drake Rondon. Oh, and they might figure out a better QB situation.
Los Angeles Chargers
No team with a head coaching vacancy has a better QB situation than the Chargers with Justin Herbert. Pursuing a legend like Bill Belichick feels like an impossible task, but pursuing Brandon Staley with the Chargers should be a much lower hurdle.
tennessee titans
Mike Vrabel was absent despite being the 2021 Coach of the Year. The Titans are looking to modernize their football operations, and Vrabel doesn't fit into that plan. Now they are looking for a new, possibly young, head coach.
