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With the 2023 NFL season coming to an end, all eight teams with head coaching vacancies have found their new head coaches.
Hot for Head Coaches
Eight new coaches will be leading team’s in the 2024 season. The most prominent hire is Jim Harbaugh. The new Los Angeles Chargers head coach won the 2024 College Football National Championship with the Michigan Wolverines. Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger joined Sports Scene Thursday to discuss the changes. Spielberger made note of his high expectation of Harbaugh’s new role.
Harbaugh will have his work cut out for him, attempting to get the Chargers back to the playoffs after a poor 5-12 record in 2023. Nevertheless, his accomplishments will follow him, giving hope to his fit in this new role.
Also filling a vacant head coaching position is Dan Quinn. The former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator is set to take on his second head coaching gig. This time, with the Washington Commanders. As head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2015-2020, Quinn led Atlanta to the 2017 Super Bowl. Despite this, Spielberger describes this decision as an “underwhelming hire.”
However, he did highlight Quinn’s reputation being able to unite and empower the staff and coaches he works with.
Additionally, former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald will be the new head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. He’s now the youngest head coach in the NFL as he fills Pete Carroll’s old role.
Chaos at the College Level
The NFL seems to be experiencing a ripple effect from the constantly evolving college football world. With the rising popularity of the transfer portal amongst college athletes and the impacts of NIL, Spielberger feels that there will be a large influx of college coaches seeking positions at the professional level.
The transfer portal and NIL deals has made it arguably difficult for college coaches to focus on football. Spielberger even hints the Commanders’ new offensive coordinator may come from the college level. These new alterations from the NCAA will have a direct impact on the moves of coaches and staff within college and pro football.
