The annual coaching carousel began during the season, accelerated slightly (but not unexpectedly) on Monday, and then got crazy on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
It may not be finished yet. Especially with 14 teams still playing, six set to lose this weekend and big names emerging on the market.
Here's a very preliminary snapshot of what might happen next. The names we're keeping an eye on in specific cities are subject to change – especially if other teams decide to change coaches.
That comes from the names we hear when we talk to different people around the league. It's not a report. We're simply sharing what we hear at a time when things have gotten crazy.
Falcons: Bill Belichick.
There are issues that would need to be addressed if Belichick goes to Atlanta. (We'll cover those in another post.) But Belichick has been consistently linked to Atlanta, and Atlanta to Belichick, since it became clear that he would no longer be linked to New England. The question is whether another team (Cowboys or Eagles) ends up deciding to hire him when their playoff runs end.
Commander: Ben Johnson.
Multiple sources strongly believe that Adam Peters has been selected as the next GM. The same sources believe the Lions' offensive coordinator was chosen to coach the Commanders.
And yes, we've said before that new owner Josh Harris is excited about the idea of Bill Belichick coaching (and just coaching) the team. Commanders did a good job this week to put an end to that idea. A source familiar with the situation told PFT the same news on Friday, with the caveat that things could change.
The move would or could come from Peters, who worked with Belichick in New England for six years from 2003 to 2008. At the moment, however, the assumption is that it will be Peters first and then Johnson.
Seahawks: Dan Quinn.
GM John Schneider is finally running the show in Seattle. And every good scout keeps an eye on players and coaches. Schneider certainly had a list of coaches he would try to hire if he ever managed a team. With Pete Carroll gone, Schneider is finally gone. And it's believed that Quinn's name is at the top of his list.
The question is whether Quinn will choose to stay in Dallas in hopes of eventually succeeding Mike McCarthy. If McCarthy can avoid being traded for Belichick.
Chargers: Jim Harbaugh.
He wanted the job last year. He is reportedly meeting with the Chargers this year. It makes too much sense for it not to happen.
The question is whether he sees anything in his due diligence that gives him pause – especially after his experience with the 49ers, a team that hasn't found a way to coexist with a great coach.
The other question is whether another team makes a strong push for him. The Buccaneers love to chase big names. And if they lose on Monday night, the Bucs can't be ruled out.
Titans: Antonio Pierce.
The Raiders' interim coach did a great job following the firing of Josh McDaniels. Maybe not good enough to get a permanent position. But definitely great enough to be seriously considered elsewhere. A partnership between Pierce and Ran Carthon could be the next experiment for owner Amy Adams Strunk, who took a big risk by letting go of a great trainer like Mike Vrabel.
Raiders: Mike Vrabel.
And that brings us to Vrabel and the Raiders. Yes, the Raiders. Albert Breer of SI.com pointed out the relationship between Vrabel and Tom Brady, who is still hoping to be approved as a part owner of the team. According to Breer, Brady was at the team's last practice of the year, which reinforces the belief that Brady will be included in the coaching search.
However, Vrabel may want to hold off until it is known whether Mike Tomlin is taking a Sean Payton-style break in Pittsburgh or Andy Reid is retiring in Kansas City. Although most consider Vrabel a Patriot, he was drafted by the Steelers – and he finished his career with the Chiefs, who sent him there as part of the Matt Cassel trade.
The possibility of Reid retiring could also become a factor for Belichick. Only one team has Patrick Mahomes. If Belichick wants to win another Super Bowl or two, this might be the place.
Panthers: “Who knows.”
This is a direct quote from a senior source from one of the NFL teams other than the Panthers. Owner David Tepper is at the center of all decisions and will be looking over the shoulder of whoever gets the job. This is (in my opinion) the least attractive option of all, as the owner is the most active (and disruptive) influence on the trainer's efforts to do his job.