The holes left at head coach are slowly getting filled. Simultaneously though, more unexpected firings are taking place. Most recently, the Bills let Sean McDermott go, immediately taking the spotlight as one of the best destinations for a hopeful coach. While Liam Coen, Ben Johnson and Mike Vrabel led their squads to incredible turnarounds, their mesh with the landing spots is what ultimately amounted to their success. Compare that with Aaron Glenn or Pete Carrol, an unforgiving job can bring a swift end to one’s career as a man in charge. Today we’ll be taking a look at the Bills job and every other remaining vacant position at head coach, and see how they stack up against each other.
6: Arizona Cardinals
Jul 24, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill (center) with general manager Monti Ossenfort (left) during training camp at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
There’s little that makes Arizona a desirable job. Granted, GM Monti Ossenfort has done a respectable job at injecting talent into the roster. Nevertheless, every other factor that is taken into consideration by head coach candidates for the Cardinals are flawed. The team has a major question mark at QB and is in a slaughterhouse of a division. Furthermore, owner Michael Bidwell has reached a status of notoriety due to his parsimonious and uncaring treatment of the organization. In the past two years, the Cardinals have ranked near bottom in the NFLPA’S team report cards. Ownership in particular has been under heavy scrutiny, earning grades of an F and a D-.
5: Cleveland Browns
Jul 28, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns managing and principal partner Jimmy Haslam, left, and executive vice president, football operations & general manager Andrew Berry, middle, and executive vice president, partner JW Johnson watch during training camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
Cleveland is reaching the end of Deshaun Watson’s disastrous contract, but they’re still suffering the consequences of the decision. Other than an elite defense, the Browns are a team that has a few core pieces, but is lacking in key areas. For starters, none of the signal-callers that suited up for them in 2025 are the answer. Then, you need to take a look at the aging offensive line and severe lack of weapons outside of a few rookies. Cap that off with a GM who’s made crippling mistakes at nearly every turn and an owner who insists on dipping a hand in team affairs, you’ve got an unforgiving landing spot for any potential candidate.
4: Las Vegas Raiders
Jan 19, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek and owner Mark Davis walk on the sideline before the CFP National Championship college football game between the Indiana Hoosiers and the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Another team preparing for a rebuild is Las Vegas. The team tried to make a Super Bowl push last season, and that push ultimately fell flat as the franchise’s season basically came to an end after week 5. The team has a good core to build around, but there’s a question whether those pieces will even be wearing black and silver next year. The prospect of the first overall pick does sprout hope though. Will it be enough for a candidate to march into Sin City and captain a rebuild? That remains to be seen.
3: Pittsburgh Steelers
Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers fans during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
An aging roster with plenty of cap allocated towards a middling defense spells doom for any coach. Pittsburgh’s entering a long rebuild, and fans are quite frankly looking forward to it. Years of kicking the can down the road has now come to its likely end alongside Mike Tomlin. Although fans will welcome a change that may bring hope for the future, it doesn’t necessarily make this job alluring for a candidate. Although, perhaps the safety that comes with the process of leading a rebuild could be enticing. Ownership will need to be patient with whoever the man in charge is. It’ll be a while before Pittsburgh can reignite their Super Bowl aspirations.
2: Buffalo Bills
Aug 17, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott (left) and quarterback Josh Allen (17) talk on the field before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Sean McDermott lost the power struggle between him and Brandon Beane. Now, Buffalo hopes to end the cycle of playoff disappointment with someone new. Let’s not beat around the bush, the only thing making this vacancy coveted is Josh Allen. Looking around, with the exception of Allen, there’s probably one or two other difference makers on the team. Pair that with Brandon Beane’s inability to put together a roster that doesn’t need to be carried by Josh Allen, whoever the coach is will have their work cut out for them. With all that being said, the presence of a true franchise QB is too good to pass up. Josh Allen can will this team to a victory on his own, whoever Buffalo hires will thank their stars that they’ve got a game changer like Allen.
1: Baltimore Ravens
Oct 1, 2023; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh talks with quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-Imagn Images
What sets this job apart from Buffalo is that the situation surrounding their top three quarterback is also favorable. Disregarding injuries, Baltimore has felt stale recently, and 2025 was no different. While the holes in the roster were clear, it still felt like the Ravens just never hit their ceiling. With Lamar Jackson being the biggest draw, a head coach can mold this big ball of clay into a very successful product. Coupled with 14 million cap space and a higher draft pick than the team is used to, the right hire can immediately return Baltimore to the dance.
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