JUST IN: Winners and losers of 2024 NFL coaching changes: Which teams benefited the most and faced setbacks?

The 2024 NFL coaching carousel is gradually winding down, with all eight head-coaching vacancies filled. The recent news of Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn taking the top post at the Washington Commanders completes this offseason’s coaching changes. While it’s too early to fully assess the impact of the hires, here’s an overview of the major winners and losers in this year’s coaching moves.

**Winners:**
1. **Jim Harbaugh:**
– Harbaugh secured a coveted return to the NFL with the Los Angeles Chargers, signing a lucrative five-year deal. He inherits a promising situation with young quarterback Justin Herbert and a stable organization.

2. **Raheem Morris:**
– Returning to the head-coaching ranks with the Atlanta Falcons, Morris has the opportunity to lead a playoff-caliber team with a talented roster. The challenge lies in finding a quarterback solution and capitalizing on offensive talent.

3. **Detroit Lions:**
– The Lions retain both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, despite their strong candidacy for head-coaching positions elsewhere. The continuity should benefit the team as it looks to build on recent defensive success.

4. **Houston Texans:**
– The Texans maintain offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik and quarterbacks coach Jerrod Johnson, providing continuity for head coach DeMeco Ryans as they enter the second season. The coaching staff stability is a positive for the team’s development.

5. **Jerod Mayo:**
– Mayo, identified as the New England Patriots’ coaching successor by owner Robert Kraft, has the opportunity to lead a team with assets such as the No. 3 draft pick and significant cap space. He aims to distinguish himself and bring the Patriots back to playoff contention.

6. **Antonio Pierce:**
– Interim coach Pierce successfully flipped the culture of the Las Vegas Raiders, earning him a full-time coaching role. His ability to garner support from key players could contribute to stabilizing the team without a complete rebuild.

7. **Seattle Seahawks’ young defensive core:**
– With the hiring of new coach Mike Macdonald, the Seahawks’ defense is expected to benefit from increased flexibility. The change in defensive philosophy should enhance the performance of promising young talents on the team.

8. **Vic Fangio:**
– Fangio rejoins Nick Sirianni as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator, bringing his focus on limiting big-play opportunities to bolster the defense. His expertise aligns with the team’s needs and addresses defensive vulnerabilities.

**Losers:**
1. **Bill Belichick:**
– The future for the 71-year-old coach remains uncertain as he sits out a year after the Patriots’ 2023 season. Despite talks with the Falcons, finding an ideal coaching setup may prove challenging for Belichick as he approaches Don Shula’s all-time wins record.

2. **Tampa Bay Buccaneers:**
– Offensive coordinator Dave Canales, hired by Todd Bowles last year, unexpectedly became a head coach for the Carolina Panthers. The Bucs face staff rebuilding challenges amid uncertainty with key players entering free agency.

3. **Mike Vrabel:**
– The 2021 NFL Coach of the Year was fired by the Tennessee Titans, and opportunities with the Chargers, Falcons, and Panthers were unsuccessful. Vrabel faces an uncertain future after missing out on coaching positions during this cycle.

4. **Pittsburgh Steelers:**
– The Steelers, opting for continuity, brought in Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator, maintaining a run-heavy approach. This decision may limit the team’s offensive potential and put pressure on head coach Mike Tomlin to perform without significant firepower.

5. **Ravens’ defense:**
– Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald’s departure, coupled with key players entering free agency, creates uncertainty for the Baltimore Ravens’ defense. The loss of defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson adds to the challenge of maintaining a high level of performance.

6. **Ken Dorsey:**
– Once a leading candidate for a head-coaching job, Dorsey was dismissed by the Buffalo Bills midseason. As the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator, he faces the task of helping Deshaun Watson rebound after a challenging period.

7. **Ejiro Evero:**
– Despite being a highly regarded defensive mind, Evero was passed over for head-coaching positions despite interviewing with three teams. His expected return to the Carolina Panthers might not provide the ideal platform to showcase his abilities.

8. **Brian Johnson:**
– Johnson, with head-coaching interviews with the Falcons and Commanders, faced setbacks as he lost his job as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator. While he still has the chance for a coordinator role elsewhere, it marks a setback in his coaching career.

9. **College football:**
– Losing coaches like Jim Harbaugh and Jeff Hafley to the NFL, along with challenges adapting to NIL and the transfer portal, may pose concerns for college football. The departure of ascendant coaches in an offseason of upheaval highlights the widening disparity in the sport.