Ranking Most Desirable NFL OC Openings and Ideal Candidates in 2024 Coaching Carousel
Most of the coaching carousel buzz understandably focuses on the seven head-coaching vacancies that still exist throughout the NFL. However, plenty of significant openings have emerged (or could still emerge) at the coordinator level.
In fact, half a dozen offensive coordinator vacancies (or potential vacancies) are particularly intriguing as we enter the depths of the 2024 offseason.
Let's rank those, make some predictions and run down the rest of the OC openings/potential openings throughout the league.
6. New Orleans Saints
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Why it's vacant: After 18 seasons as part of the New Orleans Saints' coaching staff (and 15 as offensive coordinator), Pete Carmichael was relieved of his duties this week. That despite the fact the Saints were the league's ninth-highest-scoring team in 2023.
Why it's desirable: As I mentioned, only eight teams scored more points than New Orleans. And that was despite the fact Alvin Kamara missed four games while Derek Carr was banged up for much of the season. Those guys will be back, along with Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed and Michael Thomas. Plenty of toys there for a team that also has a strong defense and should continue to compete.
Why Pep Hamilton is the man for the job: This is a veteran roster that needs an OC with considerable experience, and Hamilton is about as experienced as they come. He's done great things with quarterbacks of all shapes and sizes and he deserves another shot. He gets the edge here over Eric Bieniemy, who is also due a year removed from working plenty of magic in Kansas City.
5. Cleveland Browns
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Why it's vacant: Somewhat surprisingly, the Cleveland Browns fired Alex Van Pelt after the offense ranked 10th in scoring despite not having quarterback Deshaun Watson for a large chunk of the '23 campaign.
Why it's desirable: While head coach Kevin Stefanski isn't likely to relinquish play-calling duties to a new hire, the chance to work with Watson with considerable defensive support has got to be tempting. The Browns should absolutely contend in 2024 and beyond.
Why Tim Kelly is the man for the job: He was in Houston with Watson during the quarterback's peak, and he's still only 37, so there's plenty of room for him to grow regardless of whether he has a chance to call plays. Regardless, his history there makes him a good backup plan as a play-caller if things go awry in 2024. Kelly is currently the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator but is up for grabs following the Mike Vrabel's ouster.
4. New England Patriots
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Why it is vacant: With Bill O'Brien set to become the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Ohio State, the Patriots will be seeking a new offensive coordinator for new head coach Jerod Mayo. It's too early to tell what Mayo will do as he takes over for the departed Bill Belichick in New England, but replacing O'Brien will be a high priority.
Why it's desirable: It's a high-profile job that most likely entails working with an exciting rookie quarterback like Caleb Williams, Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels. The Patriots hold the No. 3 overall pick in April's draft.
Why Shane Waldron is the man for the job: He's someone fresh not named O'Brien or McDaniels for an organization that needs a fresh start with a new young quarterback. Waldron did good things with Geno Smith in Seattle and has learned from two of the best in Sean McVay and Pete Carroll. For what it's worth, he also served on the New England staff early in his coaching career.
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3. Philadelphia Eagles
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Why it is (or could become) vacant: It's also technically not, as Brian Johnson serves in the role for a Philadelphia Eagles team that collapsed in 2023. Johnson could either become a scapegoat or land a head-coaching gig, so there's a good chance the Eagles will soon be looking for a new OC.
Why it's desirable: Before said collapse, the Eagles offense was riding a year-and-a-half run that was nearly unmatched. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was an MVP candidate for the second year in a row, and he's surrounded by quality weapons at the age of 25. There's some work to be done here, but the ingredients are in place to cook a masterpiece.
Why Frank Reich is the man for the job: It wouldn't shock me if head coach Nick Sirianni were to reclaim play-calling duties in order to right the ship, and there are so many cooks in Philly's offensive kitchen (see: Kevin Patullo and Marcus Brady) that the team is unlikely to lure a big name that desires more control over the offense. But Reich could be an exception because of his history with both the Eagles and Sirianni. Wouldn't you love to see him working with Hurts?
2. Detroit Lions
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Why it is (or could become) vacant: Current Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is one of the hottest names on the head-coaching carousel and has already reportedly interviewed for a handful of HC gigs.
Why it's desirable: With Jared Goff playing arguably the best football of his career, Detroit ranked in the top five in points, yards and yards per play during the regular season. For the first time in several decades, the team has become a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Why Pete Carmichael is the man for the job: I'm not sure head coach Dan Campbell will necessarily want to shake things up with such a high-profile hire, but Carmichael's experience could come in handy compared to an in-house hire like passing game coordinator Tanner Engstrand or running backs coach Scottie Montgomery. My money's on one of those two, though.
1. Chicago Bears
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Why it's vacant: Following another season in which quarterback Justin Fields failed to become a clear-cut franchise leader, the Chicago Bears relieved Luke Getsy of his offensive coordinator duties.
Why it's desirable: Fields is an incredibly unique talent with a ceiling that remains rather high at age 24. And still, they could opt to replace him with Williams or another primo quarterback prospect since they hold the No. 1 and No. 9 overall selections in this year's draft.
Why Kliff Kingsbury is the man for the job: They're reportedly set to interview the senior offensive analyst and quarterbacks coach who worked with Williams this past season at USC. But even if they don't roll with Williams in the draft, Kingsbury is one of the game's top offensive minds, and he can bring both that and plenty of experience to Chicago.
As for the "other gigs"...
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Atlanta Falcons: Dave Ragone could move (or be let go), depending on how they replace fired head coach Arthur Smith.
Buffalo Bills: They'd be silly not to stick with interim OC Joe Brady, who has done a heck of a job in place of the fired Ken Dorsey.
Carolina Panthers: Thomas Brown could move (or be let go), depending on how they replace fired head coach Frank Reich.
Las Vegas Raiders: To be determined once they've replaced fired head coach Josh McDaniels.
Los Angeles Chargers: Kellen Moore could move (or be let go), depending on how they replace fired head coach Brandon Staley.
Pittsburgh Steelers: This is by no means intriguing considering the state of the offense, but it's a high-profile job because it's Pittsburgh and Matt Canada took plenty of heat.
Seattle Seahawks: Waldron could move (or be let go) following Carroll's move out of the head-coaching role.
Tennessee Titans: Kelly could move (or be let go) depending on how they replace fired head coach Mike Vrabel.
Washington Commanders: Bieniemy could move (or be let go) depending on how they replace fired head coach Ron Rivera.
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