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NFL Coaching Changes: Jets, Saints, Bears and More

New York Jets: The team needs to make a fresh start and ensure everyone is aligned. The Aaron Rodgers experiment has been a disappointment; it’s time to move on.

The best approach is to hire a duo from Kansas City. They should appoint Mike Borgonzi as the new front office leader. He is the assistant GM. Additionally, they should make Matt Nagy the head coach. He is the current Chiefs offensive coordinator.

Nagy meets several important criteria for the Jets. He has prior head coaching experience. He also has a successful track record as an assistant. Additionally, he brings a calming presence to a franchise that desperately needs it.

Together, he and his counterpart should form a steady partnership that helps steer the Jets in the right direction. The next key decision will be selecting a quarterback. Having these two at the helm makes that decision feel much more reassuring.

New Orleans Saints: Aaron Glenn. Teams often prefer to hire someone they are familiar with. Who is better suited for this than the defensive coordinator of the best team in the NFL?

Glenn is a former player and coach for the Saints. This makes him a strong candidate to take the helm. He will lead the franchise into the future. Hiring Glenn for the Saints seems like an ideal match.

Chicago Bears: The Bears typically avoid hiring former head coaches for leadership positions. They prefer young coordinators who can develop in the role.

Nonetheless, this time, a change in strategy is needed. Kliff Kingsbury would be the ideal choice, especially with franchise quarterback Caleb Williams in mind.

Kingsbury spent a year working with Williams at USC. Jayden Daniels likely will be the Rookie of the Year candidate. After witnessing his impressive performance under Kingsbury’s guidance, it’s clear that the Bears should consider making this hire.

Kliff had an experience as an NFL head coach in Arizona, which likely provided valuable lessons. He will definitely need a strong defensive coordinator who can take charge of the defense.

With Kingsbury’s offensive skill, this move would make perfect sense for the team.

Dallas Cowboys: The sports media scene is buzzing in Dallas, with PT Barnum Jones, aka Jerry Jones, at the helm.

On the same day, Jerry made the wise decision to part ways with Mike McCarthy. He also proposed pursuing Deion Sanders as the new head coach. I wouldn’t be shocked if that happens, but I would be surprised.

That said, the head coach of the number one sports brand in the world must have prior head coaching experience. The choice can’t be someone without this experience. The Cowboys need a coach who has at least led a Division One college team. Ideally, this person has experience in the NFL.

They must also have a proven track record of success at that level. This coach should have a strong network of potential assistants. The stage is too big for someone to learn on the job.

Finally, he must have enough confidence to deal with Jerry’s vocal presence. I often chuckle when media personalities focus on this topic. Still, any self-assured coach knows that success does not ultimately rely on Jerry’s influence.

There are many options available, but my top choice is current Denver executive David Shaw. His resume is impressive, and his former employers, including Harbaugh and Payton, are even more so.

However, I can’t see Jerry making that move. The media has discussed several great candidates, and my pick is Pete Carroll.

Carroll has a strong defensive mind and excels at developing coaching talent. He was just one bad offensive decision away (thanks to Darrell Bevell) from being a back-to-back Super Bowl-winning coach.

At 73, his options are limited. He doesn’t have the luxury of sitting out too many seasons. He needs to act quickly if he wants to get back on the sideline.

He could quickly assemble a staff. He would certainly bring in Brennan Carroll. He could even agree to add Jason Witten in some capacity.

Dallas Cowboys Pre-Everything 2025 Mock Draft

This mock draft is conducted before the McCarthy decision is finalized. With free agency, the playoffs, and numerous other offseason events yet to unfold, this approach logically addresses team needs, particularly in light of probable free-agent departures.

We may eventually uncover the reasons behind the Jones family’s unexpected frugality and struggles with the salary cap, but that is beyond our control now.

12 Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB

Dallas makes a promising addition after choosing not to sign Derrick Henry, which likely cost them games. The Frisco native has drawn significant comparisons for his vision and elusiveness, making him a contender for ROY discussions early in the season. Fans will be excited for the 2025 NFL season as he joins 1,000-yard rusher Rico Dowdle, enhancing the offense significantly.

44. Isaiah Bond,  WR  Texas

Dallas owes it to CeeDee Lamb to get him a good running mate. With Brandin Cooks’s expected departure/retirement, grabbing Bond as a long-term partner makes a lot of sense. For the 2025 season, I could still see Dallas adding a veteran option such as Stefon Diggs on an incentive-type deal (maybe one or two years), but Bond would be considered the long-term partner. The NFL stage will not be too big for this former Alabama stud player and current Longhorn.

76. Xavier Watts  S  Notre Dame

Now that the offense has new weapons, Dallas can shift to the defense, especially stopping the run.   What better way than adding a young, dynamic former Bronko Nagurski winner in Xavier Watts?     Watts excels in run support and has all the skills to assume a starting role early in his career and with the up and downplay of current starters Malik Hooker (2 years left) and Donovan Wilson (free agent in 2026). 

148. Nazir Stackhouse  DL  Georgia

Adding a 300 + pound, 6-4 run stuffer in Stackhouse will help the Dallas defense immediately, and money moves around the cap. They give them a strong player with a high football IQ and a more than moderate salary cap hit.   Stackhouse has been a corner of the Georgia defense and will help immediately with run-stuffing for Dallas while developing additional skills.

168. Jay Higgins,  LB  Iowa

Due to DeMarvion Overshown’s injury and the upcoming free agency, Dallas needs young linebackers. They require players who can take on multiple roles, and Higgins fits that description perfectly. Although he was a full-time starter for only one year, he has accumulated 27 starts overall. Higgins possesses the versatility to contribute in various capacities on the team and brings valuable special teams experience. He showcases strong run and pass defense skills, and with the solid fundamental coaching he received at Iowa, he is poised to make an immediate impact in the draft class.

170. Jermari Harris,  CB  Iowa

Given his impressive length and ability to play along the boundary, Harris is an excellent addition for the Cowboys, especially as they navigate changes in their secondary due to free-agent departures and injuries. He could become a starter early in his career in Dallas, particularly with Trevon Diggs returning from surgery and currently facing challenges. Harris offers a solid long-term option for the team, complementing DaRon Bland and Caelen Carson.

171. Jack Nelson,  OT  Wisconsin

With the absence of future Hall of Fame right guard Zach Martin, the Cowboys’ young offensive line showed promising potential that should carry into 2025. The ideal candidate for this team is someone who can play multiple positions, and Nelson fits that description. He has made 38 starts in college, with 25 at left tackle and 13 at right guard. Nelson knows how to protect the quarterback and enhance the run game, making him likely to assume a significant role with the team in 2025.

187. Kyle McCord,  QB  Syracuse

Cooper Rush and Trey Lance are free agents, meaning the quarterback room will look different this year. McCord had an impressive season, throwing for 4,779 yards and 34 touchdowns; he’s a pure pocket passer who could develop into a better version of Cooper Rush. Ideally, Lance will return, as he will be 25 next year and may face a limited market. This fact would allow McCord to slide into the third quarterback position.

209. Rylie Mills  DL  Notre Dame

The player’s wide frame makes him an ideal rotational run-stuffer for the team, which struggled with run defense last season. At 6 feet 4 inches and 300 pounds, Mills is an excellent developmental prospect. He has performed well at the highest level, demonstrating flexibility in both system and scheme. He will secure a spot on the Cowboys’ roster in 2025.

247. Jack Kiser  LB  Notre Dame

The Cowboys need young and healthy linebackers, and Kiser is a good fit for that role and more. He excels as a special teams player and is a strong run supporter, which will help him secure a spot on the roster. However, his coverage skills are limited, making him a one-dimensional player primarily known for his special teams abilities. As the team transitions, his special team contributions will allow him to get on the field while he works on improving his skills in defensive assignments.

Well, there you go—the preliminary mock draft. Just for the record, the fact that it includes two Iowa and three Notre Dame players is purely coincidental, but selecting players from schools known for strong fundamental teaching is undoubtedly a smart strategy.