NFL Coaching Carousel Heats Up with Gruden, Vrabel, and Johnson in the Mix

NFL teams are reportedly considering candidates including Jon Gruden, Mike Vrabel, and Ben Johnson for head coaching roles as the 2025 hiring cycle begins.

Jon Gruden, who resigned in 2021 after an email scandal, is reportedly being considered by multiple NFL teams for head coaching positions, despite his ongoing lawsuit against the league.
Gruden has remained active in football as a consultant and analyst, with teams conducting extensive evaluations of his potential return to coaching.
Former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who spent 2024 as a consultant for the Browns, is also a top candidate and is being linked to teams like the Giants and Patriots for potential openings.
Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, credited with transforming the Lions into a top offensive team, is reportedly a strong candidate for the Chicago Bears' head coaching role.
The NFL's annual coaching hiring cycle is expected to intensify after the conclusion of the regular season, with several teams already parting ways with their head coaches.