Sideline Shift: Analyzing How NFL Coaching Changes are Reshaping Team Performance in 2025 on Afterthesnap.com
The NFL is a league of constant change, and the 2025 season is already shaping up to be one of the most transformative in recent memory. With a flurry of coaching changes sweeping across the league, the landscape of team performance is being redrawn. Afterthesnap.com dives deep into these “sideline shifts,” analyzing how these new leaders are impacting their respective teams and what it means for the upcoming season.
New Faces, New Fortunes?
The 2025 coaching carousel saw several high-profile moves, each with the potential to dramatically alter a franchise’s trajectory. One of the most talked-about changes was Ben Johnson’s arrival in Chicago to lead the Bears. After the Bears fired Matt Eberflus on November 29, Johnson, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, has been tasked with revitalizing the Bears’ offense and maximizing the potential of quarterback Caleb Williams, who had an efficient rookie season with 20 touchdowns and 6 interceptions. Johnson, who added Declan Doyle as a first-year offensive coordinator, also has two foundational wide receivers in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. The Bears also brought in veteran Dennis Allen, former New Orleans Saints head coach, as their defensive coordinator.
In Dallas, the Cowboys parted ways with Mike McCarthy on January 13 and promoted Brian Schottenheimer to head coach after two seasons as the team’s offensive coordinator. The Cowboys’ offense flourished in 2023, with quarterback Dak Prescott posting 36 touchdowns, 4,566 passing yards, and just 9 interceptions. Schottenheimer will also call the offensive plays, which is a heavy lift for a first-time NFL head coach.
Raiders Go Veteran with Carroll
The Las Vegas Raiders made a splash by bringing in veteran coach Pete Carroll after firing Antonio Pierce on January 7. Carroll’s experience and leadership are expected to bring stability to a franchise that has been searching for an identity.
Vrabel Returns to New England
The New England Patriots also made a significant move, hiring Mike Vrabel after firing Jerod Mayo on January 5. Vrabel, a former Patriots linebacker and former Tennessee Titans head coach, brings a wealth of knowledge and a winning pedigree back to Foxborough.
Saints Look to Moore for Offensive Spark
The New Orleans Saints are hoping that Kellen Moore, hired after Dennis Allen was fired on November 4, can inject some life into their offense. Moore, previously the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers and Dallas Cowboys, is known for his innovative play-calling and ability to develop quarterbacks. Moore will bring along an assistant from the Eagles’ staff with him to New Orleans. The Saints will hire Eagles quarterbacks coach Doug Nussmeier to be their offensive coordinator. Moore will call plays for the Saints in 2025.
Glenn Takes the Helm in New York
The New York Jets, after firing Robert Saleh on October 8, turned to Aaron Glenn to lead their team. Glenn, formerly the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, is known for his defensive prowess and ability to motivate players.
Coen in Jacksonville
The Jacksonville Jaguars fired head coach Doug Pederson on January 6 and hired Liam Coen as their new head coach. The Jaguars have hired Pro Football Hall of Fame left tackle Tony Boselli as the franchise’s next executive vice president of football operations. The Jaguars hired Packers linebackers coach/defensive running game coordinator Anthony Campanile as their new defensive coordinator. Vikings assistant offensive coordinator and assistant quarterbacks coach Grant Udinski has been hired by the Jaguars to be their next offensive coordinator, the team announced.
Tactical Shifts and Play Calling
Beyond the changes in leadership, these coaching moves often bring about significant tactical shifts. New coaches implement their own offensive and defensive schemes, leading to changes in play-calling tendencies and player utilization. For example, with Liam Coen taking over in Jacksonville, the Jaguars are expected to incorporate more of the Rams’ offensive principles, emphasizing pre-snap motion and play-action passing.
Player Performance Under New Regimes
Coaching changes can have a profound impact on individual player performance. Some players thrive under new leadership, while others struggle to adapt to new systems. In Carolina, Bryce Young is expected to make huge progress. According to CBS Sports’ Jeff Kerr, the Panthers were highly competitive in the second half of last season, going 4-5 in its final nine games. Kerr says the Panthers “may have something in Young after all,” noting that Young is firmly beginning to resemble a QB worthy of the top selection. “Carolina averaged 23.1 points per game in Young’s final 10 starts, compared to just 12.3 in his first 18. Significant progress has been made on that side of the ball,” he said.
The Ripple Effect: Trades and Free Agency
Coaching changes also influence team strategies in the trade market and free agency. New coaches often identify specific needs and target players who fit their schemes. The Los Angeles Chargers will have to figure out how to replace J.K. Dobbins if the veteran running back lands elsewhere in free agency.
Early Predictions and Super Bowl Windows
As the 2025 season approaches, analysts are already making predictions about which teams will benefit most from their coaching changes. Bucky Brooks believes that the Philadelphia Eagles, led by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, have the biggest Super Bowl window right now.
The Sideline Shift is Here
The NFL’s coaching carousel has set the stage for a fascinating 2025 season. With new leaders at the helm of several key franchises, the balance of power is shifting. Only time will tell which of these sideline shifts will result in sustained success. Keep visiting Afterthesnap.com for ongoing coverage, analysis, and insights as the season unfolds.