Sideline Shakeup: How New Coaching Hires Will Impact Team Performance in the 2025 NFL Season

The NFL is a league of constant change, and the 2025 season is no exception. Following a dramatic 2024 season that saw the Kansas City Chiefs defeat the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX, several teams have opted for a fresh start, ushering in a new era with significant coaching changes. With nearly a quarter of the league employing new leadership, the question on everyone’s mind is: how will these sideline shakeups impact team performance?

The New Faces of 2025

The 2025 coaching carousel was particularly active, with several high-profile moves shaking up the league’s landscape. Here’s a look at some of the key changes:

Chicago Bears: Ben Johnson
The Bears snagged one of the hottest names in the coaching world, hiring former Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson. Johnson’s arrival in Chicago is generating considerable buzz, especially considering the presence of quarterback Caleb Williams and receiving threats like DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. In 2024, Johnson’s Lions offense led the league in scoring, averaging 33.1 points per game. The hope is that Johnson can replicate that success in Chicago, turning the Bears into a formidable offensive force. Johnson has brought in Declan Doyle as Offensive Coordinator.
New England Patriots: Mike Vrabel
A Patriots legend returns! After a less than stellar year under Jerod Mayo, New England brought back former linebacker Mike Vrabel. Vrabel, who previously led the Tennessee Titans to the playoffs three times, brings a no-nonsense approach and a winning pedigree to Foxborough. To further bolster the coaching staff, Vrabel brought back Josh McDaniels as Offensive Coordinator. McDaniels, who has multiple stints as New England OC on his resume, will be charged with developing quarterback Drake Maye.
Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll
The Raiders opted for experience and stability, hiring former Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. Carroll, who guided the Seahawks to their first Super Bowl title in 2014, takes over for Antonio Pierce. At 73 years old, Carroll is now the oldest head coach in the NFL. Raiders minority owner Tom Brady was involved in the hiring. Carroll has brought in Chip Kelly as Offensive Coordinator.
New Orleans Saints: Kellen Moore
The Saints are hoping Kellen Moore can inject some life into their offense. Moore, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles, is known for his innovative play-calling. In New Orleans, he inherits a team with offensive weapons but inconsistent quarterback play from Derek Carr. Moore will be calling plays, and has brought in Doug Nussmeier as Offensive Coordinator.
New York Jets: Aaron Glenn
The Jets are banking on Aaron Glenn to turn around their fortunes. Glenn, a former Jets player and most recently the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, brings a defensive-minded approach to a team that has struggled on both sides of the ball. Glenn has brought in Tanner Engstrand as Offensive Coordinator, and Steve Wilks as Defensive Coordinator.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Liam Coen
The Jaguars are entrusting Liam Coen with the task of revitalizing their offense and helping Trevor Lawrence reach his full potential. Coen, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, is known for his ability to develop quarterbacks and create explosive passing attacks. Coen has hired Grant Udinski as Offensive Coordinator.
Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer
The Cowboys promoted Brian Schottenheimer from offensive coordinator to head coach after parting ways with Mike McCarthy. Schottenheimer, who has a long history as an NFL assistant coach, will look to maintain the Cowboys’ offensive firepower while also improving their overall consistency. The Cowboys hired Klayton Adams as Offensive Coordinator.

Impact on Team Performance

The impact of these coaching changes on team performance remains to be seen, but several factors could play a significant role:

Offensive Philosophy: New offensive-minded coaches like Ben Johnson, Kellen Moore, and Liam Coen could bring immediate improvements to their respective teams’ passing games and overall offensive production. The Bears, Saints, and Jaguars could see a significant jump in points scored and yards gained.
Defensive Identity: Defensive-minded coaches like Mike Vrabel and Aaron Glenn will prioritize improving their teams’ defensive discipline and toughness. The Patriots and Jets could become more difficult to score against and force more turnovers.
Player Development: The ability of these new coaches to develop young talent, particularly quarterbacks, will be crucial. Ben Johnson’s work with Caleb Williams in Chicago, and Liam Coen’s work with Trevor Lawrence in Jacksonville, will be closely watched.
Team Culture: A new coach can often bring a fresh perspective and create a more positive team culture. Mike Vrabel’s return to New England and Pete Carroll’s arrival in Las Vegas could have a significant impact on team morale and chemistry.

Early Predictions

While it’s impossible to predict the future with certainty, here are some early predictions based on the coaching changes:

Chicago Bears: The Bears are poised to make a significant leap forward on offense under Ben Johnson. Caleb Williams could emerge as a star quarterback, and the Bears could contend for a playoff spot.
New England Patriots: Mike Vrabel will bring stability and discipline to the Patriots, but the team’s offensive success will depend on the development of Drake Maye. A return to the playoffs is possible, but it may take time.
Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll’s experience and leadership will stabilize the Raiders, but the team still faces challenges in a tough AFC West division. A playoff berth may be a long shot.
New Orleans Saints: Kellen Moore’s offensive creativity could revitalize the Saints’ offense, but the team’s overall success will depend on Derek Carr’s consistency. A playoff appearance is within reach.
New York Jets: Aaron Glenn will improve the Jets’ defense, but the team’s offensive struggles may continue. A playoff berth is unlikely.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Liam Coen’s arrival could unlock Trevor Lawrence’s full potential, but the Jaguars need to improve their offensive line to protect their quarterback. A playoff appearance is a realistic goal.
Dallas Cowboys: Brian Schottenheimer will look to maintain the Cowboys’ offensive firepower, but the team’s overall success will depend on their ability to improve their defense and special teams. A playoff appearance is expected.

The 2025 NFL season promises to be an exciting one, with new coaching hires set to reshape the league’s landscape. While the impact of these changes remains to be seen, one thing is certain: the sideline shakeup will have a significant impact on team performance and the overall competitiveness of the NFL.