As the 2024 NFL season enters its final stretch, three teams find themselves in the midst of a coaching overhaul. The Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, and New York Jets have all parted ways with their head coaches, leaving interim leaders at the helm as they navigate the remainder of the season and look ahead to the future.
Bears Move On From Eberflus
The Chicago Bears made the most recent move, firing Matt Eberflus on November 29 following a 23-20 loss to the Detroit Lions. The defeat, which featured clock management issues in the final seconds, proved to be the last straw for the Bears’ brass. Eberflus leaves Chicago with a 14-32 record over three seasons, and offensive coordinator Thomas Brown has been named the interim head coach.
Pros and Cons of the Bears Job
The Bears’ head coaching position comes with its share of advantages and challenges. On the plus side, the team boasts a young, talented roster with potential stars like quarterback Justin Fields and linebacker Roquan Smith. The Bears also have a passionate fanbase and a rich history that could attract top candidates. However, the new coach will need to navigate a competitive NFC North and address the team’s inconsistency and late-game struggles.
Saints Part Ways With Allen
The New Orleans Saints made a change at head coach on November 4, dismissing Dennis Allen after a 18-25 record over three seasons. The firing came amid a seven-game losing streak, marking the first midseason coaching change for the Saints since 1985. Special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has taken over as interim head coach.
It’s a tough day.
– Darren Rizzi, Saints interim head coach
Pros and Cons of the Saints Job
The Saints’ head coaching vacancy offers the appeal of a stable front office led by long-tenured general manager Mickey Loomis and a track record of valuing continuity. The team’s next coach can expect patience from the organization. However, the Saints face salary cap constraints due to their “win now” approach, which could limit roster flexibility in the short term, particularly if the new coach prefers a quarterback other than Derek Carr.
Jets Stunned by Saleh Firing
In a surprising move, the New York Jets fired Robert Saleh on October 8, just five games into the 2024 season. Jets owner Woody Johnson, displeased with the team’s 2-3 start, made the decision unilaterally, naming defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich as interim head coach. Saleh’s tenure ends with a 20-36 record and no playoff appearances over four seasons.
It was my decision and mine alone.
– Woody Johnson, Jets owner
Pros and Cons of the Jets Job
The Jets’ head coaching position offers the allure of a roster featuring promising young talents like wide receiver Garrett Wilson, cornerback Sauce Gardner, and running back Breece Hall. The team also projects to have ample salary cap space and draft capital in the upcoming offseason. However, the Jets could be without a clear answer at quarterback if Aaron Rodgers departs, and the organization’s losing culture and hands-on ownership style may give some candidates pause.
Looking Ahead
As the Bears, Saints, and Jets embark on their head coaching searches, they’ll need to carefully weigh the strengths and weaknesses of their respective situations. Attracting the right candidate will be crucial in their efforts to turn the page and build toward a brighter future.
According to a source close to the situation, additional coaching changes could be on the horizon as the 2024 season winds down. With several underperforming teams and expiring contracts, the NFL’s coaching carousel may continue to spin in the coming weeks and months.
For now, all eyes will be on Chicago, New Orleans, and New York as they navigate the interview process and work to find the right leaders to guide their franchises forward. The decisions they make in the coming weeks could shape the trajectory of their teams for years to come.
