In what can be described as shocking news, the Ravens and Steelers are among the nine NFL teams seeking new head coaches. The number represents more than 25% of the league’s franchises, and highlights the growing sense of urgency for some organizations and the increased lack of patience for several others. Pittsburgh and Baltimore are outliers, with John Harbaugh (18 years) and Mike Tomlin (19 years) holding tenure that hasn’t been seen since the late 80s, early 90s, maybe.
It’s been a slow-building process, but one that should speed up and create headlines as we get closer to the Conference Championship games and eventual Super Bowl over the next three or four weeks.
Dec 14, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
With John Harbaugh in New York and the first dominoes set to drop any day now, we’re ranking all nine openings based on the quarterback room for that current organization.
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Arizona’s situation will be the toughest sell for the more established candidates because of recent history and the notion that Kyler Murray will be jettisoned, while his huge dead cap hit will remain. One of the young star head coaches will land this opening and pick their own quarterback with the No. 3 overall pick.
8. Miami Dolphins — Tua Tagovailoa or draft pick
The Dolphins face a similar situation with Tagovailoa, with close to $55 million guaranteed regardless of what the organization chooses to do with his contract. Miami owns the 11th pick.
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7. Pittsburgh Steelers — Aaron Rodgers
On Wednesday, Steelers owner Art Rooney II made it clear, saying, “Aaron came here to play for Mike, so I think it will most likely affect his decision,” Rooney said. Experts have talked at nauseam about Pittsburgh pursuing Malik Willis in free agency, and such a move would move the organization up this list, but most of the jobs could be filled by then.
6. Atlanta Falcons — Michael Penix Jr.
The question for John Harbaugh, or any candidate, is what he thinks of the quarterback situation in Atlanta. Michael Penix Jr. will be entering his third season and coming off a major knee injury, while the next coach knows exactly what he’ll get in Kirk Cousins.
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5. Cleveland Browns — Shedeur Sanders
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and the next coach could be sold on rolling with Shedeur Sanders and using picks 6 and 24 in the first round on complementary parts.
4. Las Vegas Raiders — Fernando Mendoza
The winner of this sweepstakes will report to a Hall of Famer, Tom Brady, and must have a plan for the offensive coordinator and for the development of a young quarterback, likely Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza.
The Giants have Jaxson Dart, a talented rookie who works best off-platform, and will need a coach who can extract a disciplined rushing approach and efficiency as a passer.
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2. Tennessee Titans — Cam Ward
The expectation is that Tennessee will be looking to hire an offense-minded head coach to efficiently oversee the next stage of Cam Ward’s development.
Steve Bisciotti’s press conference alongside GM Eric DeCosta shows that Baltimore offers a winning culture, a history of winning, and a motivated two-time MVP and franchise quarterback in Lamar Jackson.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ranking NFL head coach openings by team starting quarterback
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