2024 NFL Coaching Changes

The 2024 NFL offseason saw significant changes across many coaching staffs. Several teams made key hires to shake up their leadership, ranging from new head coaches to coordinators. These changes often indicate new strategies and a shift in team philosophy. Below is a breakdown of the major coaching changes for each team going into the 2024 season.

Atlanta Falcons

• HC – Raheem Morris: After serving as the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coordinator from 2021-2023, Morris returns to Atlanta where he previously held positions as DC and WR coach. He brings extensive head coaching experience from his time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2009-2011).
• OC – Zac Robinson: Robinson joins from the Rams as well, where he coached quarterbacks and wide receivers. His offensive knowledge will aim to rejuvenate the Falcons’ attack.
• DC – Jimmy Lake: Lake arrives with collegiate head coaching experience at Washington and brings a defensive pedigree to Atlanta after serving as an assistant head coach for the Rams in 2023.

Baltimore Ravens

• DC – Zachary Orr: Orr was promoted from linebackers coach, where he spent the last two seasons, bringing internal continuity. His familiarity with the Ravens’ system should keep the defense aggressive.

Buffalo Bills

• OC – Joe Brady: Brady steps into the OC role after serving as Buffalo’s quarterbacks coach. He previously held offensive coordinator duties with the Carolina Panthers, and his experience will be crucial in continuing Buffalo’s offensive success.
• DC – Bobby Babich: Babich, the Bills' linebackers coach, was promoted to defensive coordinator. He has been with Buffalo since 2017 and will continue building on the foundation laid by Leslie Frazier.

Carolina Panthers

• HC – Dave Canales: Canales moves over from Tampa Bay, where he served as offensive coordinator in 2023. His experience as Seattle’s quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator adds a dynamic approach to Carolina’s offense.
• OC – Brad Idzik: Idzik follows Canales from Tampa Bay, where he was the wide receivers coach. He has a strong background in working with quarterbacks and wide receivers from his time in Seattle as well.

Chicago Bears

• DC – Eric Washington: Washington, previously an assistant head coach and defensive line coach in Buffalo, steps into the defensive coordinator role. He brings experience from his time as the Panthers’ DC (2018-2019).
• OC – Shane Waldron: Waldron comes over from Seattle where he led the offense as OC. His pass-game expertise will be vital for the Bears’ new-look offense.

Dallas Cowboys

• DC – Mike Zimmer: Zimmer returns to the NFL after a year coaching at Jackson State. The former Minnesota Vikings head coach has a wealth of experience in crafting strong defenses and will look to do the same in Dallas.

Green Bay Packers

• DC – Jeff Hafley: Hafley brings head coaching experience from Boston College and a background in defensive backfield coaching at Ohio State and in the NFL. His arrival aims to strengthen Green Bay’s secondary and overall defensive performance.

Jacksonville Jaguars

• DC – Ryan Nielsen: Nielsen joins from the Falcons, where he served as defensive coordinator. His success as the Saints’ defensive line coach and time with Atlanta will help improve Jacksonville’s defensive unit.

Los Angeles Chargers

• HC – Jim Harbaugh: After leading Michigan back to national prominence, Harbaugh returns to the NFL with a proven track record of success, including a Super Bowl appearance with the 49ers.
• OC – Greg Roman: Roman’s experience in Baltimore and San Francisco is highlighted by his run-heavy schemes and development of quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson. His approach will bring versatility to the Chargers' offense.
• DC – Jesse Minter: Minter follows Harbaugh from Michigan, where he oversaw the Wolverines’ strong defense. His NFL experience includes coaching at Vanderbilt and Baltimore.

Las Vegas Raiders

• HC – Antonio Pierce: The former Raiders linebackers coach steps into the head coaching role after a quick rise. Pierce has experience as a college defensive coordinator and brings leadership and energy to Las Vegas.
• OC – Luke Getsy: Getsy arrives from the Chicago Bears where he served as offensive coordinator, with prior experience as Green Bay’s quarterbacks coach. He’ll look to craft a more balanced offense for the Raiders.

Los Angeles Rams

• DC – Chris Shula: Shula takes over as defensive coordinator after serving in various roles within the Rams’ defense, including linebackers and defensive backs. He will look to continue the Rams' defensive prowess.

Miami Dolphins

• DC – Anthony Weaver: Weaver comes to Miami from Baltimore where he coached the defensive line. His experience as Houston’s defensive coordinator will help bring a new dimension to the Dolphins' defense.

New England Patriots

• HC – Jerod Mayo: Former linebacker and long-time Patriots assistant Jerod Mayo steps into the head coaching role. He has been integral to New England’s defensive success in recent years.
• DC – DeMarcus Covington: Promoted from defensive line coach, Covington will be Mayo’s right-hand man in leading the defense.
• OC – Alex Van Pelt: Van Pelt joins after a stint with the Browns as offensive coordinator. His experience with quarterbacks and running backs will help reshape the Patriots' offense.

New Orleans Saints

• OC – Klint Kubiak: Kubiak joins as offensive coordinator, with prior experience as Minnesota’s OC and Denver’s quarterbacks coach. His offensive lineage from his father, Gary Kubiak, promises a balanced offensive approach.

New York Giants

• DC – Shane Bowen: Bowen arrives from Tennessee where he was defensive coordinator. His time developing strong linebacker units will benefit the Giants’ defense.

Philadelphia Eagles

• OC – Kellen Moore: Moore joins from the Chargers, where he served as OC, bringing his creative play-calling and strong passing game schemes to the Eagles.
• DC – Vic Fangio: The highly respected Fangio brings his defensive expertise from Miami and previous head coaching experience with Denver. He’ll look to further strengthen an already formidable defense in Philadelphia.

Pittsburgh Steelers

• OC – Arthur Smith: Smith transitions from head coach of the Atlanta Falcons to offensive coordinator in Pittsburgh. His experience in crafting run-heavy, physical offenses will fit the Steelers’ identity well.

Seattle Seahawks

• HC – Mike Macdonald: The Seahawks tapped Macdonald from the Ravens to lead the team. His experience with top-tier NFL and collegiate defenses will give the Seahawks a solid foundation.
• OC – Ryan Grubb: Grubb was Washington’s offensive coordinator, known for high-powered offenses, and will be tasked with revitalizing Seattle’s offensive attack.
• DC – Aiden Durde: Durde brings his defensive experience from the Cowboys and Falcons. His knowledge of linebackers and defensive line play will help improve the Seahawks' defense.

San Francisco 49ers

• DC – Nick Sorensen: Sorensen, who served as the 49ers' defensive pass game coordinator, gets a promotion to defensive coordinator. His knowledge of the 49ers' system should provide a seamless transition.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

• OC – Liam Coen: Coen returns to the NFL after a year at Kentucky. His previous role as Rams OC gives him experience in high-level offensive schemes, making him a valuable addition to Tampa Bay.

Tennessee Titans

• HC – Brian Callahan: Callahan, the former Bengals OC, takes over as Titans head coach. His experience working with high-powered offenses and quarterbacks will be key in leading the Titans’ rebuilding efforts.
• DC – Dennard Wilson: Wilson brings experience from coaching secondaries in Baltimore and Philadelphia. His knowledge of defensive back play will be crucial in shaping Tennessee’s defense.

Washington Commanders

• HC – Dan Quinn: The former Falcons head coach and Cowboys defensive coordinator steps in to lead Washington. His defensive prowess and leadership experience make him a solid fit for a rebuilding Commanders team.
• DC – Joe Whitt: Whitt has coached secondaries for Dallas, Atlanta, and Cleveland. His expertise will be critical in developing Washington's defensive unit.
• OC – Kliff Kingsbury: Kingsbury, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach, takes over as offensive coordinator after a stint as a senior offensive analyst at USC. His creative play-calling will provide new life to the Commanders’ offense.

Top Picks: Coaching Changes for 2024

Jim Harbaugh – Los Angeles Chargers (Head Coach)

Why it’s positive: Harbaugh has a proven track record both in the NFL and at the college level. His time with the San Francisco 49ers, where he led the team to a Super Bowl appearance, combined with his recent success at Michigan, suggests he can turn the Chargers into serious contenders. His ability to maximize talent and instill a winning culture is exactly what a talented but underachieving Chargers roster needs.
Vic Fangio – Philadelphia Eagles (Defensive Coordinator)

Why it’s positive: Fangio is a defensive mastermind who has succeeded in various roles, most recently as Miami's DC. His deep knowledge of defensive schemes, combined with the Eagles' elite talent on defense, could result in one of the top defensive units in the league. Fangio's experience as a former head coach adds another layer of leadership to the Eagles.
Kellen Moore – Philadelphia Eagles (Offensive Coordinator)

Why it’s positive: Moore is one of the brightest young offensive minds in football, and his creativity helped the Cowboys field consistently explosive offenses. Pairing Moore's play-calling with Philadelphia’s dynamic offensive talent, particularly at quarterback and receiver, sets the Eagles up for an explosive, high-scoring season.
Ryan Nielsen – Jacksonville Jaguars (Defensive Coordinator)

Why it’s positive: Nielsen comes from a strong defensive background, having helped the Falcons develop a solid front seven. In Jacksonville, Nielsen can build on an improving defense and complement Trevor Lawrence's growing offensive prowess. His emphasis on defensive line play fits well with Jacksonville's personnel.
Raheem Morris – Atlanta Falcons (Head Coach)

Why it’s positive: Morris has extensive experience as a head coach (Tampa Bay) and coordinator (Rams, Falcons). His deep understanding of both offensive and defensive systems, combined with his leadership experience, should help stabilize and improve a Falcons team looking to contend in the NFC South. His prior connection with the organization ensures a smooth transition.
Antonio Pierce – Las Vegas Raiders (Head Coach)

Why it’s positive: Pierce, a former player, brings a fiery, player-first coaching style that resonates well with young teams. His quick rise from linebacker coach to head coach highlights his leadership qualities. The Raiders need discipline and a clear identity, and Pierce’s defense-first mentality could be the perfect antidote for their inconsistencies.
Joe Brady – Buffalo Bills (Offensive Coordinator)

Why it’s positive: Brady made waves as the LSU offensive coordinator, helping Joe Burrow have one of the best college seasons in history. His NFL experience with Buffalo and Carolina brings a blend of modern offensive principles. Brady’s familiarity with Josh Allen gives him a great foundation to enhance the Bills' high-powered offense.
Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots (Head Coach)

Why it’s positive: Mayo has been groomed in the Patriots’ system and is one of Bill Belichick’s most trusted assistants. His familiarity with the team's defensive philosophy ensures continuity, and his leadership qualities make him a natural fit to replace Belichick. Mayo’s ability to inspire and coach fundamentals makes this a smart move for New England's rebuild.
Greg Roman – Los Angeles Chargers (Offensive Coordinator)

Why it’s positive: Roman’s offensive philosophy centers around a powerful run game and maximizing a quarterback’s dual-threat abilities. His success with Lamar Jackson in Baltimore, where he crafted an MVP season, suggests that Roman could unlock new dimensions of the Chargers' offense. His creativity and adaptability make him an ideal partner for Jim Harbaugh’s vision.
Brian Callahan – Tennessee Titans (Head Coach)

Why it’s positive: Callahan’s experience as the Bengals' offensive coordinator during Joe Burrow’s rise to stardom brings a deep understanding of quarterback development and offensive scheme adaptability. The Titans, with their transition away from Derrick Henry, need a fresh offensive perspective, and Callahan's approach should help reshape their identity.

Why These Changes Stand Out

These moves are significant because they combine coaching experience with schemes and philosophies that perfectly align with each team's needs. Coaches like Jim Harbaugh, Vic Fangio, and Kellen Moore bring proven success at the highest levels, while rising stars like Antonio Pierce and Brian Callahan bring fresh perspectives that could be just what their teams need for 2024.