NFL Rumors: Latest Gossip Surrounding 2024 Head Coaching Vacancies

Eight NFL head coaching spots need to be filled this offseason.

The number rose to eight in the last 24 hours after Pete Carroll ended his Seattle Seahawks coaching tenure and the New England Patriots reportedly parted ways with Bill Belichick, per ESPN.

Belichick could potentially fill one of the other seven vacancies now that he is a coaching free agent.

New England's coaching search will draw plenty of attention as well, especially with former player Mike Vrabel on the market after he split with the Tennessee Titans.

Belichick's future may determine how a handful of team approach their coaching searches, and that might lead to a pause in decisions until the six-time Super Bowl winner makes his decision.

Bill Belichick Could Continue Coaching

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Denver, CO - December 24: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks up at the scoreboard in the first half. The Patriots beat the Denver Broncos, 26-23. (Photo by Danielle Parhizkaran/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Thursday morning that Belichick has interest to continue coaching.

Schefter mentioned the Atlanta Falcons as one of the possible teams who could go after the legendary head coach.

Atlanta owner Arthur Blank has not been shy to spend in the past and he may want the most experienced coaching candidate available after Arthur Smith failed as a first-time head coach over the last three seasons.

The Athletic's Dianna Russini reported that the Falcons have been interested in Belichick "for weeks", but also mentioned he is not their only target.

A handful of other teams with vacancies could express interest in Belichick over the next few days.

The Los Angeles Chargers and Washington Commanders have not been specifically mentioned with Belichick yet, but they could be fits for him.

Both teams are looking for a general manager or a head of football operations, a role that Belichick could fill along with head coach.

Each franchise is in need of a reboot on the sidelines. The Chargers could lure Belichick with the opportunity to work with Justin Herbert, while the Commanders can offer the ability to choose the next franchise quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick.

Jerod Mayo Will Be Candidate for Patriots Job

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - OCTOBER 15: Linebackers coach Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots looks on before a game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on October 15, 2023 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)

The Patriots feel like they hire someone with a connection to the organization.

Jerod Mayo, a former Patriots linebacker and current linebackers coach, was immediately mentioned by Schefter as a potential candidate.

Mayo has been with the organization since he was selected in the first round of the 2008 NFL draft.

The 37-year-old has 16 years of playing and coaching experience with the team and he would seem to be one of the favorites to land the job.

Mike Vrabel will be mentioned in the Patriots conversations as well because of his past with the franchise.

The now former Titans head coach played for the Patriots from 2001-08 and already has four years of head coaching experience.

Other candidates could interview for the job, but the Patriots probably have a clearer profile for their future head coach than the other seven teams with vacancies because they will try to keep the job within the Patriots family.

Panthers, Chargers Already Have Lengthy Interview Lists

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PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 26: Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson looks on during the game between the Buffalo Bills and the Philadelphia Eagles on November 26, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.(Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Chargers have two of the lengthiest request lists for interviews already.

Schefter reported on Wednesday that Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson was expected to interview with Carolina.

NFL.com listed 11 other coaches from across the league that the Panthers have requested interviews for, including Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn and Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald.

The Chargers also have an extensive list that includes Quinn and both Detroit Lions coordinators, Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson.

Both Detroit assistants will receive plenty of attention across all coaching searches because of the success they achieved under Dan Campbell.

Quinn is one of the top non-Belichick candidates with previous head coach experience. Leslie Frazier, Steve Wilks and Raheem Morris, all of whom have been head coaches in the past, have all had interview requests from the Chargers.