Ranking of available head coaching jobs in the NFL: Patriots at the top, Saints at the bottom

There are only 32 of these jobs in the world, and only a few open each year. That alone makes it difficult for anyone to turn down any offer to become an NFL head coach, especially if they have no other options.

But that doesn’t mean all jobs are good. In fact, even the candidates know that some of them are much better than others. Prospective coaches (and their agents) typically look for jobs that include supportive but low-key owners and teams with a strong talent base. A franchise quarterback is also typically a big need.

It’s just hard to find all that on a team that probably lost enough to fire its last coach.

“Guys want these jobs, so it’s hard to say no if they’re offered one,” said one NFL agent who represents a variety of coaches. “But sometimes you have to be demanding. You don’t want it to be a one-time situation or a short-term disaster because this could be your only chance. Every coach believes he can change things, but you have to make sure the ingredients for success are are there.”

So, of the NFL head coaching jobs currently available, which ones have at least some of those ingredients? And what are the jobs that coaches with options would do well to avoid?

Here’s a ranking of the head coaching jobs currently available, with a look at the pros and cons of each. A list of likely candidates for those vacancies is also included.

1. New England Patriots

Advantages: The presence of young quarterback Drake Maye could be the biggest advantage here after the promise he showed in his rookie season. There isn’t much else on the roster, but it’s young and in the early stages of rebuilding, which will give the new coach a chance to shape it in his own way. And it will help that they are currently projected to have more cap space than any NFL team in March: more than $130 million, according to OverTheCap.com.

Cons: The new coach will not be Bill Belichick’s successor, but the shadow of one of the best coaches in the NFL is long. More importantly, the expectations he set (being a perennial contender for two decades) are still there. And although owner Robert Kraft is generally respected and considered low-key, he just fired Jerod Mayo after just one year. That’s a sign of impatience that could be a red flag.

Potential candidates: The overwhelming opinion within the NFL is that this job belongs to former Titans coach (and former Patriots linebacker) Mike Vrabel if he wants it. They will also interview Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who might be the only candidate who can challenge Vrabel for the job. Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are on a list that will likely prioritize prior experience.

2. jacksonville jaguars

Advantages: Generally considered the most desirable potential opening before the Patriots joined the fray, the Jags offer a roster loaded with young talent, particularly on offense. It all revolves around a young franchise quarterback, Trevor Lawrence, who is on a long-term contract. They don’t have much cap space ($42 million), but they don’t have many holes either. Injuries and poor performance have been his problem. Owner Shahid Khan has shown he will do (and spend) whatever it takes to win. There are no state taxes in Florida, so there is a financial bonus for working there. And while a new coach may not be around long enough to enjoy it, construction on a new stadium in Jacksonville will begin in 2026.

Cons: If general manager Trent Baalke isn’t the least respected general manager in NFL coaching circles, he’s pretty close. However, Khan said Baalke will return in 2025. Even if the coach will now report directly to Khan, Baalke’s presence is not an advantage. Furthermore, if this is the team most prepared to win now, the expectation will be to win now. There won’t be much of a honeymoon. And the coaches surely have noticed that this group of talent has gone 5-18 over the last 13 months. There was also an alarming regression in Lawrence’s game this season.

Potential candidates: This could finally be the landing spot for Ben Johnson if he decides to leave Detroit. Of course, they’ll also look at Mike Vrabel. Brian Flores and Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy are expected to be candidates. If they’re not obsessed with experience, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver or Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen could be in the mix. One dark horse to watch: Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy if he hits free agency on Jan. 14.

3. chicago bears

Advantages: They have the young quarterback in Caleb Williams, last year’s No. 1 overall pick, and the league is convinced of his talent, even though the production wasn’t always there. There is also talent around him, particularly with a strong receiving corps. And they’re projected to have around $80 million in cap space, so they’ll be able to add more. The McCaskey family, which owns the team, generally stays on the sidelines and has shown patience. A new coach can almost certainly expect to last at least three years. And the Bears are an iconic NFL franchise. That’s important to some.

Cons: There is a sense that a front-office power struggle is brewing between team president Kevin Warren and general manager Ryan Poles. It’s all too easy for a coach to get caught in that kind of crossfire. It doesn’t help that 2025 is currently the final year of the Pole’s contract, calling into question the long-term job security of a coach. And while coaches aren’t necessarily going to shy away from this, the NFC North has become a minefield, and it doesn’t look like the Lions, Vikings and Packers will fade away much in the coming years. That could make early success difficult.

Potential candidates: Ben Johnson was long thought to be their top target, but they are reportedly looking for a “leader” rather than just an offensive mind. Johnson can fit in, but so can Anthony Weaver, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll reportedly wants this job. Don’t count out former Commanders coach (and former Bears player and assistant coach) Ron Rivera either.

4. New York Jets

Advantages: Former general manager Joe Douglas didn’t leave a total mess behind. There is a lot of talent on this team. The defense is loaded with playmakers (DT Quinnen Williams, CB Sauce Gardner and more). They also have two fantastic young players on offense in WR Garrett Wilson and RB Breece Hall. There isn’t much cap space, but there are ways to free up more with some older, expendable players. Owner Woody Johnson has certainly shown that he is willing to be bold and spend money to bring in more players. And working in New York offers a very high profile, if a coach likes that kind of thing.

Cons: Where to start? Start with the fact that there is no franchise quarterback and no clear path to getting one. Bringing back Aaron Rodgers would create headaches for the new staff, but even if they did, he’s too old to build around. Without a QB, there is concern that much of the team’s young talent will be gone by the time the Jets are ready to win. And then there’s Johnson, who has become even more meddlesome in recent years. It’s not just the stories about your teenage son being involved in decisions or rating players by their Madden ratings. It’s how much he cares about what the media says about him and his team, and how that shapes his process. Oh, there is currently no general manager either. That is a dangerous unknown.

Potential candidates: They’ve already interviewed Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera, and they plan to meet with their former coach, Rex Ryan, this week. Your search is expected to be broad and with many (but not limited) experienced candidates. Expect Matt Nagy, Vance Joseph, Kliff Kingsbury, Brian Flores and Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith to be on the roster. Aaron Glenn, a former Jet highly respected in the organization, will also be interviewed. They also plan to speak with Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady and Bucs offensive coordinator Liam Coen. They’ve even asked to interview Vikings quarterbacks coach (and former Jets QB) Josh McCown. And if Mike McCarthy gets released, add him to the list too.

5. New Orleans Saints

Advantages: They have an incredibly loyal fan base and a great stadium. When things are going well, that combination makes New Orleans one of the toughest places for opponents to play. Also helping the new head coach is the fact that the NFC South is one of the weakest divisions in the NFL. It won’t take much to get the Saints into the race. And owner Gayle Benson isn’t likely to get involved in the coaching business. She is also known for showing patience.

Cons: There isn’t much good about this aging roster, which has big holes at almost every position. The biggest one, of course, is quarterback, where Derek Carr is 33 and signed through 2026 and they probably aren’t picking high enough in the draft (ninth) to find his replacement. It’s also only going to get worse, as the Saints are projected to be $63 million over the cap, meaning they have a lot of cutting and restructuring to do in the coming months. The rebuild could be a long one and will be done primarily by general manager Mickey Loomis, who has been running the football operation there for 25 years. If the new coach wants power, he won’t find it here.

Potential candidates: They will be interested in Mike Vrabel, but it will be a tough sell for this job. Former Saints player and assistant coach Aaron Glenn will likely enter the fight as the favorite if he wants this job. Brian Flores and Matt Nagy will also be likely candidates. So will Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, who was once offensive coordinator at nearby LSU. One intriguing candidate is former Stanford coach David Shaw, who will reportedly get an interview. NFL teams had been trying to turn him pro for years. Plus, maybe this is the spot for former Bucs/Raiders coach Jon Gruden, who is reportedly already being pursued by several teams.

Ralph Vacchiano is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports. He spent the previous six years covering the Giants and Jets for SNY TV in New York, and before that, 16 years covering the Giants and the NFL for the New York Daily News. Follow him on Twitter at @RalphVacchiano.