The 7 worst NFL coaching candidates in 2025 from Ron Rivera to Rex Ryan

With Black Monday 2025 in the rearview mirror, this year’s NFL head coach hiring cycle is already well underway. That means we’re seeing all six teams with openings — including a late addition from Mark Davis’ inept Las Vegas Raiders — beginning their searches in earnest for the people who could potentially turn their respective organizations around (Ben Johnson, perhaps?).

That also means we’re seeing some squads cast an extremely wide net with unconventional and unforeseen candidates. For example, I’m not entirely sure the New York Jets aren’t just consulting owner Woody Johnson’s sons for advice about who to hire based on their running list so far. Of course, not every interview means someone is being seriously considered. Most interviews and requests announced at this early stage of the process are short introductory video conversations at best and courtesy information-gathering phone calls at worst. It’s important to make a distinction between the serious and unserious candidates.

Still, it’s admittedly quite amusing seeing some of the below names invoked in any head coaching capacity in 2025. It’s like some NFL leadership structures can’t help themselves and have no idea how to win in modern football. Which, duh. Is anyone surprised?

Let’s take a look at the worst NFL coaching candidates during this specific hiring cycle and break down exactly why teams should stay away from them. Please note: this is in no particular order. That’s because it’s impossible to rank retreads and people who would likely embody the Peter principle to a tee on the same list. With that said, it should also surprise no one the Jets are reportedly interested in most of these people.