NFL Rumors: Latest Pre-Playoff Buzz Surrounding 2024 Coaching Vacancies

It didn't take long for the New England Patriots to pass through the NFL's coaching carousel. They parted ways with longtime head coach Bill Belichick on Thursday, then announced the hiring of Jerod Mayo to fill that role on Friday.

Other teams aren't moving as quickly. As the NFL playoffs get underway Saturday, there are still seven franchises that need to find new head coaches this offseason.

So while much of the league's focus will be on the postseason action this weekend, coaching searches will continue to unfold in the background. And over the next few weeks, expect more hirings to be made.

Here's some of the latest buzz surrounding several head-coaching vacancies in the NFL.

Who Will New Commanders GM Target to Become Head Coach?

Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images

SANTA CLARA, CA - DECEMBER 25: Assistant General Manager Adam Peters of the San Francisco 49ers in the locker room after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Levi's Stadium on December 25, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. The Ravens defeated the 49ers 33-19. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

The Washington Commanders have made their first major move of the offseason, as they have decided to hire San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters to serve as their new GM, according to The Athletic's Ben Standig and Dianna Russini. Peters had been a member of San Francisco's staff since 2017.

Now, Peters will help Washington select its next head coach. A front-runner may have already emerged from the rumored crowded mix, too, as ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that "some league circles are watching a potential pairing" of Peters with Ben Johnson, who is the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions.

The Commanders wouldn't be alone in a courting of Johnson. He'll be "coveted by many," according to Fowler, and the 37-year-old has already received interview requests from the Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans in addition to Washington.

With a new ownership group and a new GM brought in within the past year, the Commanders' job should be much more desirable, especially because they own the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. It could be a great landing spot for Johnson, an offensive-minded coach looking for his first opportunity to lead a team.

Falcons May Have Heavy Interest in Belichick

JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick announces he is leaving the team during a press conference at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on January 11, 2024. Belichick, the NFL mastermind who has guided the New England Patriots to a record six Super Bowl titles as head coach, is parting ways with the team after 24 seasons. (Photo by Joseph Prezioso / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH PREZIOSO/AFP via Getty Images)

After spending the past 24 seasons with the Patriots, Belichick is no longer the leader in New England. The 71-year-old may not be done coaching, though, as rumors have been circulating about where the eight-time Super Bowl champion could end up next.

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, the Falcons are expected to have "strong interest" in Belichick to become their head coach. Graziano has also been told that "people close to Belichick believe it would be a good fit for him."

Belichick has experienced his most success when paired with a strong quarterback, as he and Tom Brady combined to win six Super Bowl titles with the Pats. The QB position is a question mark for the Falcons, who got inconsistent play from Desmond Ridder and veteran backup Taylor Heinicke during the 2023 season.

If Atlanta is seeking an experienced voice for its locker room of young talent, there may not be a better choice than Belichick. It could be a good step toward the Falcons ending their six-year playoff drought.

Pierce 'Exploring All Options,' Set to Interview with Titans

Ian Maule/Getty Images

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 07: Interim head coach Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders reacts prior to the game against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on January 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ian Maule/Getty Images)

Antonio Pierce gained his first head-coaching experience in 2023, leading the Las Vegas Raiders with an interim tag for the final nine games of the season. It's possible he could now get that job on a full-time basis, as players are publicly campaigning for the 45-year-old.

But the Raiders aren't the only team considering hiring Pierce as a head coach. He's set to interview with the Titans this weekend, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, who also reported Pierce is "exploring all options."

It's still possible Pierce stays with Las Vegas, which is "firmly in the mix," per Garafolo. The former NFL linebacker went 5-4 as interim HC after previously serving as the team's LB coach, a role he assumed prior to the 2022 season.

However, it's interesting to hear Tennessee will also be in pursuit of Pierce after the team fired Mike Vrabel at the end of the season. Perhaps other franchises could be considering Pierce as a head-coaching candidate, too.