Dianna Russini of The Athletic stopped by GoJo and Golic to discuss which coaches are expected to be in high demand as the NFL’s head coaching carousel gets ready to start spinning once again.
As the NFL playoffs loom for some, for others attention shifts toward gearing up to make bold moves in the head coaching market. Before diving into the top candidates, Russini unpacked the latest on the endless drama surrounding the league’s longest-running soap opera, the New York Jets. Russini explained that after tiring of months of hearing about the Jets’ dysfunction, she, Zach Rosenblatt and Mike Silver decided to investigate what is really the problem. They spent six months collecting information to determine what was wrong, keeping a log of reports and verifying details. Their findings revealed issues with ownership, including excessive influence from family members and questionable practices like using Madden ratings to evaluate players for trades, free agency or the draft.
One story that stood out to Russini was about Mike White. After nearly leading the team to the playoffs, White had a tough game while playing with broken ribs. As he headed to the showers, team owner Woody Johnson reportedly berated him, saying he should throw his helmet because he “stinks,” using harsher language. Russini emphasized that this kind of treatment reflects a toxic culture. Dianna says the Jets later apologized to White, but the incident highlighted deeper organizational problems.
Russini noted that the Jets were allowed to refute the findings, including the use of Madden ratings, but couldn’t deny their accuracy. She added that the Jets are aware of their issues, particularly that Johnson needs to back off, and have tasked Mike Tannenbaum with leading the search for a new GM and head coach. While the team’s strong roster makes the job appealing, prospective candidates must weigh whether they can navigate the challenges posed by the organization’s structure and ownership.
"The Jets now know they've got a problem. They've discussed this. They know that Woody needs to back off, so Mike Tannenbaum is leading the search for the GM and the Head Coach.
[Coaches interested in the Jets job] know that it will come with some issues with the owner."… pic.twitter.com/HHdnE6r7R2
— GoJo and Golic (@GoJoandGolic) December 31, 2024
One guy who is at the top of most NFL franchises’ head coaching wishlist is Mike Vrabel. Russini shared that the pendulum of what teams look for in a head coach has shifted back to the coach of men, the player’s guy and the disciplinarian from the young hot shot play-callers from past seasons. She noted that Vrabel embodies both qualities as he’s a coach who can inspire players while also being a smart game manager. She highlighted his strategic moves, like using Bill Belichick’s clock management trick in a playoff game, as evidence of his coaching intelligence.
To her point, Vrabel consistently got the most out of his teams, even when the Tennessee Titans didn’t have the most talented rosters, pointing to their victories over top-tier teams like the Chiefs, Bills and Bengals. She believes general managers and owners view Vrabel as someone who can change a culture and maximize team potential. Teams like the Jets, Saints and Bears are expected to pursue him aggressively now that he’s eligible for interviews early as his consulting contract with Cleveland expired on Monday. Dianna thinks his early availability gives him a head start in the interview process.
Mike Vrabel is going to be a man in demand in the upcoming NFL head coaching hiring cycle.
"So I think he's the combination that a lot of teams are looking for. He's got to immediately change a culture, but also he's going to be able to get the most out of teams, right? Because… pic.twitter.com/UqrODEREMs
— DraftKings Network (@DKNetwork) December 31, 2024
The Bears may be in a strong position as they look for a new head coach thanks to Caleb Williams, whose season in Chicago has showcased both the traits that won him the Heisman Trophy and moments where his confidence has wavered. Russini said that the Bears are open to meeting with both Ben Johnson and Vrabel as they work to determine the best fit for their head coaching position and what type of coach they are looking for. She explained that Chicago hasn’t solidified exactly what they’re looking for but is wisely casting a wide net to determine what philosophy aligns best with their needs.
Russini said there are very few people around the league who think Williams doesn’t have it, but people are being blinded by recent standout performances from fellow rookies like Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels and Michael Penix Jr. While the Bears have multiple issues to address, she believes Johnson will be their top coaching target. Especially considering there will likely be stiff competition for Vrable from teams like the Saints and even other potential openings that could arise in the next few weeks that we don’t even know about yet.
Watch or listen to the full show below and tune into GoJo and Golic weekday mornings from 8-10 a.m. ET on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Hour 1: Dianna Russini on NYE Parenting, the Jets’ HC Search and Mike Vrabel’s Next Gig + PSU vs Boise, Fiesta Bowl Preview
VIDEO
Watch GoJo and Golic every weekday on Samsung TV Plus, Roku, Xumo Play, Google TV and DraftKingsNetwork.com from 8 to 10 a.m. ET. The show is also available via audio on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also follow Mike Golic Sr. on X at @golic and Mike Golic Jr. on X at @mikegolicjr.
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