NFL Coaching Cycle 2025: Jobs, Candidates, and Hot Coaching Rumors | Deadspin.com

NFL Coaching Cycle 2025: Jobs, Candidates, and Hot Coaching Rumors | Deadspin.com

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Cleveland Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders (12) talks with coach Kevin Stefanski during a game against the Tennessee Titans on Dec. 7, 2025, in Cleveland. PHOTO USA TODAY SPORTS IMAGES

We’re halfway through December, so you know what season it is. That’s right, kids! Happy NFL coaching-cycle season to all those who celebrate.

Coaching carousel is actually a better term, since the merry-go-round after round of interview requests, interviews, second interviews, courtesy interviews and Rooney Rule interviews often creates a circus atmosphere.

Besides, “coaching cycle” sounds more like another term for the spin bike pedaled by Peloton instructor Cody.

Before we gather around the coaching tree, let’s see what jobs are likely to be available and identify the candidates most likely to fill them. As always, they come from three places: the recycle bin, the coordinator pool and the collegiate ranks. The list is certain to include a handful of buzzworthy young hotshots in the never-ending quest for the “next Sean McVay.”

Remember, there have been at least five head coaching vacancies every year since 2011, a streak that almost certainly will reach a 15th consecutive year this winter.

We are already 40 percent there with the firings of two Brians. The Titans canned Callahan in October and the Giants dumped Daboll in November, replacing them on an interim basis with two Mikes — McCoy in Tennessee and Kafka in New York. Entering Week 15, McCoy and Kafka are a combined 1-9 and are both long shots to stick around.

Other teams shopping in the coaching aisle may include Arizona, Atlanta, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Miami and Las Vegas. At least one unexpected guest could join the party. Perhaps Mike Tomlin will part with Pittsburgh, or recent playoff failures may catch up with Baltimore’s John Harbaugh or even Buffalo’s Sean McDermott.

Those three and the Browns’ Kevin Stefanski would be at the top of many wish lists if they become available.

Others with NFL head coaching experience who could get a call include Mike McCarthy, Jon Gruden, Kliff Kingsbury, Matt Nagy, Leslie Frazier, Brian Flores, Arthur Smith, Steve Spagnuolo and … wait for it … the 73-year-old Bill Belichick.

That brings us to an intriguing pair of hybrid candidates: currently successful coordinators with NFL coaching gigs on their résumés.

Coordinators that could become coaches

Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh walks off of the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Sep 28, 2025; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh walks off of the field after the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Robert Saleh went 20-36 with the Jets from 2021-24 but has turned around a 49ers defense despite injuries to Fred Warner and Nick Bosa, and he’s only 46. Vance Joseph went 11-21 with the Broncos (2017-18) but his current Denver defense ranks third in total defense and fourth in scoring defense.

Two NFL assistants to keep an eye on who were head coaches in college are Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley (Boston College) and Lions passing-game coordinator David Shaw (Stanford). Hafley interviewed for the Jets’ job last offseason and Shaw has met with multiple teams in the past few years.

Three current coordinators who are members of NFL coaching trees and family trees will warrant serious looks.

Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur is the younger brother of Packers coach Matt LaFleur and a Kyle Shanahan disciple. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula is the grandson of Hall of Famer Don Shula and a branch from the McVay tree. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is the son of Gary Kubiak and worked for his dad in Denver and for Mike Zimmer in Minnesota. All three are in their late 30s.

Other coordinators and college coaches

Jul 25, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach ??Dan Lanning speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY SportsJul 25, 2024; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon Ducks head coach ??Dan Lanning speaks to the media during the Big 10 football media day at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Goddin-USA TODAY Sports

Other current coordinators who should get their interview suits dry-cleaned and update their LinkedIn profiles include offensive coordinators Joe Brady (Bills), Jim Bob Cooter (Colts), Josh Grizzard (Buccaneers), Todd Monken (Ravens), Adam Stenavich (Packers) and 29-year-old Declan Doyle (Bears); and defensive coordinators Anthony Campanile (Jaguars), Matt Burke (Texans), Jesse Minter (Chargers), Anthony Weaver (Dolphins), Lou Anarumo (Colts) and Ejiro Evero (Panthers).

Names to know from the college campuses as interview season commences include Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Dan Lanning (Oregon), Lincoln Riley (USC) and P.J. Fleck (Minnesota).

‘Tis almost the season of leadership change for at least a half-dozen teams. Time to make their lists, check them twice and pray they don’t end up here again in two or three years.

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Deadspin | Ticket prices plunge for U.S.-Belgium World Cup knockout match United States fans celebrate outside Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026. SEATTLE — Ticket prices for the United States’ highly anticipated round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday plunged by more than 30% before rebounding slightly early Saturday evening. The get-in price for the final 2026 World Cup match in Seattle hit nearly ,000 on June 1, according to ticket-tracking service TicketData.com. After dipping to as low as ,549 on Tuesday, the get-in price spiked to ,836 after the USMNT solidified their spot in the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the get-in price has steadily declined in the days since. It dropped to ,423 on Saturday afternoon — a 32% decrease over the past three days — but the get-in price rebounded to ,635 at 6 p.m. ET. That late boost pushed the US-Belgium game from the fourth-highest get-in price to the second-highest price among the eight round of 16 matches. Mexico’s game against England in Mexico City on Sunday sits at ,574. ROUND OF 16 TICKET PRICES* Mexico-England, 7/5 (Houston): ,574 USA-Belgium: 7/6 (Seattle): ,635 Argentina-Egypt: 7/7 (Atlanta): ,599 Brazil-Norway: 7/5 (New York): ,537 Portugal-Spain: 7/6 (Dallas): ,367 Switzerland-Colombia: 9 (Vancouver): 2 Paraguay-France: 7/4 (Philadelphia): 4 Canada-Morocco: 7/4 (Houston): 1 *TicketData.com as of 6 p.m. ET on July 4 The significant drop in the get-in price for the US-Belgium game is somewhat surprising considering the Red Devils’ base camp is located just 10 miles south of Seattle Stadium at the Sounders FC Performance Center. Monday will mark Belgium’s third match in Seattle following a 1-1 draw with Egypt in the group stage and a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the round of 32. Canada was the first team eliminated from the round of 16 with their 3-0 loss to Morocco on Saturday. The get-in price for that match dropped 14% from 8 over the final 72 hours. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ticket #prices #plunge #U.S.Belgium #World #Cup #knockout #matchUnited States fans celebrate outside Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026.

SEATTLE — Ticket prices for the United States’ highly anticipated round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday plunged by more than 30% before rebounding slightly early Saturday evening.

The get-in price for the final 2026 World Cup match in Seattle hit nearly $4,000 on June 1, according to ticket-tracking service TicketData.com. After dipping to as low as $1,549 on Tuesday, the get-in price spiked to $2,836 after the USMNT solidified their spot in the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

However, the get-in price has steadily declined in the days since. It dropped to $1,423 on Saturday afternoon — a 32% decrease over the past three days — but the get-in price rebounded to $1,635 at 6 p.m. ET.

That late boost pushed the US-Belgium game from the fourth-highest get-in price to the second-highest price among the eight round of 16 matches. Mexico’s game against England in Mexico City on Sunday sits at $3,574.

ROUND OF 16 TICKET PRICES*

Mexico-England, 7/5 (Houston): $3,574

USA-Belgium: 7/6 (Seattle): $1,635

Argentina-Egypt: 7/7 (Atlanta): $1,599


Brazil-Norway: 7/5 (New York): $1,537

Portugal-Spain: 7/6 (Dallas): $1,367

Switzerland-Colombia: $959 (Vancouver): $972

Paraguay-France: 7/4 (Philadelphia): $914

Canada-Morocco: 7/4 (Houston): $721

*TicketData.com as of 6 p.m. ET on July 4

The significant drop in the get-in price for the US-Belgium game is somewhat surprising considering the Red Devils’ base camp is located just 10 miles south of Seattle Stadium at the Sounders FC Performance Center. Monday will mark Belgium’s third match in Seattle following a 1-1 draw with Egypt in the group stage and a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the round of 32.

Canada was the first team eliminated from the round of 16 with their 3-0 loss to Morocco on Saturday. The get-in price for that match dropped 14% from $838 over the final 72 hours.

–Derek Harper, Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Ticket #prices #plunge #U.S.Belgium #World #Cup #knockout #match">Deadspin | Ticket prices plunge for U.S.-Belgium World Cup knockout match United States fans celebrate outside Seattle Stadium on June 19, 2026. SEATTLE — Ticket prices for the United States’ highly anticipated round of 16 game against Belgium on Monday plunged by more than 30% before rebounding slightly early Saturday evening. The get-in price for the final 2026 World Cup match in Seattle hit nearly ,000 on June 1, according to ticket-tracking service TicketData.com. After dipping to as low as ,549 on Tuesday, the get-in price spiked to ,836 after the USMNT solidified their spot in the round of 16 with a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina. However, the get-in price has steadily declined in the days since. It dropped to ,423 on Saturday afternoon — a 32% decrease over the past three days — but the get-in price rebounded to ,635 at 6 p.m. ET. That late boost pushed the US-Belgium game from the fourth-highest get-in price to the second-highest price among the eight round of 16 matches. Mexico’s game against England in Mexico City on Sunday sits at ,574. ROUND OF 16 TICKET PRICES* Mexico-England, 7/5 (Houston): ,574 USA-Belgium: 7/6 (Seattle): ,635 Argentina-Egypt: 7/7 (Atlanta): ,599 Brazil-Norway: 7/5 (New York): ,537 Portugal-Spain: 7/6 (Dallas): ,367 Switzerland-Colombia: 9 (Vancouver): 2 Paraguay-France: 7/4 (Philadelphia): 4 Canada-Morocco: 7/4 (Houston): 1 *TicketData.com as of 6 p.m. ET on July 4 The significant drop in the get-in price for the US-Belgium game is somewhat surprising considering the Red Devils’ base camp is located just 10 miles south of Seattle Stadium at the Sounders FC Performance Center. Monday will mark Belgium’s third match in Seattle following a 1-1 draw with Egypt in the group stage and a dramatic 3-2 comeback victory over Senegal in the round of 32. Canada was the first team eliminated from the round of 16 with their 3-0 loss to Morocco on Saturday. The get-in price for that match dropped 14% from 8 over the final 72 hours. –Derek Harper, Field Level Media #Deadspin #Ticket #prices #plunge #U.S.Belgium #World #Cup #knockout #match

And by Tuesday night, the final eight teams will be left standing.

The Round of 16 kicks off on the Fourth of July here in the United States, as Canada takes on Morocco while later in the day, tournament favorites Kylian Mbappé and company will look to get by a Paraguay side that is coming off a stunning upset of Germany.

And following two huge matches on Sunday — including what could be a massive tilt between Mexico and England in Mexico City — the United States hopes to move on to the Quarterfinals against Belgium on Monday night.

Here is the full schedule for the Round of 16, which will be updated following each match.

Round of 16 schedule and scores

Here is the full schedule for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.

Morocco 3, Canada 0
France 1, Paraguay 0

Brazil vs. Norway (New York/New Jersey Stadium), 4:00 p.m.
Mexico vs. England (Mexico City Stadium), 8:00 p.m.

Portugal vs. Spain (Dallas Stadium), 3:00 p.m.
United States vs. Belgium (Seattle Stadium), 8:00 p.m.

Argentina vs. Egypt (Atlanta Stadium), 12:00 p.m.
Switzerland vs. Colombia (BC Place Vancouver), 4:00 p.m.

#World #Cup #Full #schedule #scores">2026 World Cup Round of 16: Full schedule and scores And by Tuesday night, the final eight teams will be left standing.The Round of 16 kicks off on the Fourth of July here in the United States, as Canada takes on Morocco while later in the day, tournament favorites Kylian Mbappé and company will look to get by a Paraguay side that is coming off a stunning upset of Germany.And following two huge matches on Sunday — including what could be a massive tilt between Mexico and England in Mexico City — the United States hopes to move on to the Quarterfinals against Belgium on Monday night.Here is the full schedule for the Round of 16, which will be updated following each match.Round of 16 schedule and scoresHere is the full schedule for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.Morocco 3, Canada 0France 1, Paraguay 0Brazil vs. Norway (New York/New Jersey Stadium), 4:00 p.m.Mexico vs. England (Mexico City Stadium), 8:00 p.m.Portugal vs. Spain (Dallas Stadium), 3:00 p.m.United States vs. Belgium (Seattle Stadium), 8:00 p.m.Argentina vs. Egypt (Atlanta Stadium), 12:00 p.m.Switzerland vs. Colombia (BC Place Vancouver), 4:00 p.m. #World #Cup #Full #schedule #scores

Round of 16 kicks off on the Fourth of July here in the United States, as Canada takes on Morocco while later in the day, tournament favorites Kylian Mbappé and company will look to get by a Paraguay side that is coming off a stunning upset of Germany.

And following two huge matches on Sunday — including what could be a massive tilt between Mexico and England in Mexico City — the United States hopes to move on to the Quarterfinals against Belgium on Monday night.

Here is the full schedule for the Round of 16, which will be updated following each match.

Round of 16 schedule and scores

Here is the full schedule for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.

Morocco 3, Canada 0
France 1, Paraguay 0

Brazil vs. Norway (New York/New Jersey Stadium), 4:00 p.m.
Mexico vs. England (Mexico City Stadium), 8:00 p.m.

Portugal vs. Spain (Dallas Stadium), 3:00 p.m.
United States vs. Belgium (Seattle Stadium), 8:00 p.m.

Argentina vs. Egypt (Atlanta Stadium), 12:00 p.m.
Switzerland vs. Colombia (BC Place Vancouver), 4:00 p.m.

#World #Cup #Full #schedule #scores">2026 World Cup Round of 16: Full schedule and scores

And by Tuesday night, the final eight teams will be left standing.

The Round of 16 kicks off on the Fourth of July here in the United States, as Canada takes on Morocco while later in the day, tournament favorites Kylian Mbappé and company will look to get by a Paraguay side that is coming off a stunning upset of Germany.

And following two huge matches on Sunday — including what could be a massive tilt between Mexico and England in Mexico City — the United States hopes to move on to the Quarterfinals against Belgium on Monday night.

Here is the full schedule for the Round of 16, which will be updated following each match.

Round of 16 schedule and scores

Here is the full schedule for the Round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. All times listed are Eastern.

Morocco 3, Canada 0
France 1, Paraguay 0

Brazil vs. Norway (New York/New Jersey Stadium), 4:00 p.m.
Mexico vs. England (Mexico City Stadium), 8:00 p.m.

Portugal vs. Spain (Dallas Stadium), 3:00 p.m.
United States vs. Belgium (Seattle Stadium), 8:00 p.m.

Argentina vs. Egypt (Atlanta Stadium), 12:00 p.m.
Switzerland vs. Colombia (BC Place Vancouver), 4:00 p.m.

#World #Cup #Full #schedule #scores

In the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted 250 years ago, the Fourth of July had turned Philadelphia into a festival and a furnace. At Reading Terminal Market, locals mixed with French and Paraguayan supporters over cheesesteaks, pizza slices, and iced drinks, while the bridge above offered a patch of shade from the 42-degree heat. There was no such cover at the Lincoln Financial Field, where France spent much of the afternoon labouring in the sun before Kylian Mbappé’s penalty finally broke Paraguay’s resistance and sealed a 1-0 win that sent Les Bleus into the World Cup quarterfinals.

Philadelphia wore its history loudly. Around the Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, where Thomas Jefferson’s words and the signatures of the founding fathers gave birth to the Declaration in 1776, tourists queued through the day in the punishing heat, posing cheerfully with a costumed Statue of Liberty, France’s most memorable gift to the United States.

The holiday mood had travelled to the stadium as well, where an extended fireworks display entertained the crowd before kick-off. It added a little more heat and a veil of smoke to an already punishing evening, where France was stripped of its usual fluency and reduced to the impatience of a side being made to wait.

For long stretches, Gustavo Alfaro’s side dragged another heavyweight into frustration. Paraguay, which had already eliminated Germany in the previous round, turned the game into a scrap with its compact defending and relentless closing of space. France had the ball almost constantly, finishing the first half with more than 80 per cent possession, but not the control it had exerted for much of this tournament.

Didier Deschamps had been forced into a change before kick-off, with Manu Koné brought into the midfield after Aurélien Tchouaméni had picked up an injury in training.

Sensing there was little room through the middle, Les Bleus went wide early and almost found a reward when Mbappé narrowly failed to connect with a teasing delivery.

France’s clearest opening before the break came from a quick transition as Mike Maignan released Mbappé into open grass with a quick throw after a Paraguay corner. Juan Cáceres, however, was ready for the sprint race with one of football’s fastest. He matched the Real Madrid forward stride for stride before making a last-ditch clearance.

Paraguay offered little in attack, but Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez held their line together, attacking crosses and crowding the box, while those ahead continued to break opposition’s rhythm and add to the frustration inside the French contingent.

France resumed with greater urgency after the interval and in the 54th minute, Dembélé let fly from distance, drawing an acrobatic save from Orlando Gill, who pushed the ball away at full stretch. The breakthrough, when it finally came, arrived through VAR rather than open play.

Desire Doué went down inside the area under Diego Gomez’s challenge, and the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor, and a sense of dread descended upon the Paraguayan bench. After a brief review, the spot-kick was awarded and the stadium erupted. Mbappé stepped up and rolled his penalty low into the corner, as the goalkeeper dived the wrong way.

Gill’s double save to deny Mbappé in stoppage time did little to alter the course of this contest.

This was not France at its fluent best. But, in the end, one penalty was enough to send Deschamps’ side through and leave Paraguay’s rearguard effort unrewarded.

Published on Jul 05, 2026

#Mbappe #penalty #breaks #Paraguay #resistance #France #reaches #World #Cup #quarters">Mbappe penalty breaks Paraguay resistance as France reaches World Cup quarters In the city where the Declaration of Independence was adopted 250 years ago, the Fourth of July had turned Philadelphia into a festival and a furnace. At Reading Terminal Market, locals mixed with French and Paraguayan supporters over cheesesteaks, pizza slices, and iced drinks, while the bridge above offered a patch of shade from the 42-degree heat. There was no such cover at the Lincoln Financial Field, where France spent much of the afternoon labouring in the sun before Kylian Mbappé’s penalty finally broke Paraguay’s resistance and sealed a 1-0 win that sent Les Bleus into the World Cup quarterfinals.Philadelphia wore its history loudly. Around the Independence Hall and Liberty Bell, where Thomas Jefferson’s words and the signatures of the founding fathers gave birth to the Declaration in 1776, tourists queued through the day in the punishing heat, posing cheerfully with a costumed Statue of Liberty, France’s most memorable gift to the United States.The holiday mood had travelled to the stadium as well, where an extended fireworks display entertained the crowd before kick-off. It added a little more heat and a veil of smoke to an already punishing evening, where France was stripped of its usual fluency and reduced to the impatience of a side being made to wait.For long stretches, Gustavo Alfaro’s side dragged another heavyweight into frustration. Paraguay, which had already eliminated Germany in the previous round, turned the game into a scrap with its compact defending and relentless closing of space. France had the ball almost constantly, finishing the first half with more than 80 per cent possession, but not the control it had exerted for much of this tournament.Didier Deschamps had been forced into a change before kick-off, with Manu Koné brought into the midfield after Aurélien Tchouaméni had picked up an injury in training.Sensing there was little room through the middle, Les Bleus went wide early and almost found a reward when Mbappé narrowly failed to connect with a teasing delivery.France’s clearest opening before the break came from a quick transition as Mike Maignan released Mbappé into open grass with a quick throw after a Paraguay corner. Juan Cáceres, however, was ready for the sprint race with one of football’s fastest. He matched the Real Madrid forward stride for stride before making a last-ditch clearance.Paraguay offered little in attack, but Junior Alonso, Omar Alderete and Gustavo Gómez held their line together, attacking crosses and crowding the box, while those ahead continued to break opposition’s rhythm and add to the frustration inside the French contingent.France resumed with greater urgency after the interval and in the 54th minute, Dembélé let fly from distance, drawing an acrobatic save from Orlando Gill, who pushed the ball away at full stretch. The breakthrough, when it finally came, arrived through VAR rather than open play.Desire Doué went down inside the area under Diego Gomez’s challenge, and the referee was sent to the pitch-side monitor, and a sense of dread descended upon the Paraguayan bench. After a brief review, the spot-kick was awarded and the stadium erupted. Mbappé stepped up and rolled his penalty low into the corner, as the goalkeeper dived the wrong way.Gill’s double save to deny Mbappé in stoppage time did little to alter the course of this contest.This was not France at its fluent best. But, in the end, one penalty was enough to send Deschamps’ side through and leave Paraguay’s rearguard effort unrewarded.Published on Jul 05, 2026 #Mbappe #penalty #breaks #Paraguay #resistance #France #reaches #World #Cup #quarters

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