What’s New in the NFL This Season?
Get ready for a fresh start in the NFL! With a quarter of teams having new head coaches, this season is shaping up to be an exciting one. Frank Schwab breaks down the essential info you need to know.
The high rate of coaching turnover reflects the growing impatience of NFL team owners. New coaches should be aware that they’ll need to deliver results quickly, or their seats will get hot.
Let’s take a closer look at the eight new head coaches for the 2024 NFL season and what changes they’ll bring to their respective teams.
Mike Callahan, Tennessee Titans
Callahan is expected to shake things up in Tennessee, transforming the Titans into a more pass-happy team. With the signing of Calvin Ridley, the Titans are investing in their passing game. As a first-time head coach, Callahan brings new ideas to the table, having previously served as an offensive coordinator with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Ken Canales, Carolina Panthers
Canales, the former offensive coordinator of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, played a significant role in Baker Mayfield’s career revival. Now, he’s tasked with doing the same for Bryce Young, who struggled last season with a weak supporting cast. Canales will focus on developing the run game and using play-action passing to get Young back on track.
Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are in for a significant change with Harbaugh at the helm. Expect a more run-heavy offense that focuses on controlling possession. With talented quarterback Justin Herbert on board, it’ll be interesting to see how Harbaugh’s approach evolves.
Brian Macdonald, Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have gone from the oldest coach in the NFL to the youngest. Macdonald, 37, brings a respected defensive scheme and a new approach to offense, which will feature play-action, running backs involved in the passing game, and quick releases to skill-position players. This could be a refreshing change for the franchise.
Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots
Mayo is considered a players’ coach, which will be a significant departure from the Bill Belichick era. As a former linebacker, Mayo will maintain some of the same schematic principles, but his coaching style will be more collaborative. It’s hard to predict exactly what Mayo will be like as a head coach, given his lack of experience as a coordinator.
Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
Morris is getting another shot at being a head coach, and his defensive expertise is a big reason why. He’ll deploy multiple schemes and coverages in a complicated approach. The Falcons hope he can help a defense that has struggled in recent years. With new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson on board, there’s renewed excitement in Atlanta.
Antonio Pierce, Las Vegas Raiders
We’ve seen Pierce in action as Raiders head coach, and players responded well to his leadership style. The Raiders played hard last season, and there’s no guarantee Pierce will work out as their permanent coach, but the team is willing to give him a chance.
Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders
Quinn has an NFC championship under his belt and is coming off a successful stint as Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator. He’s known for creating turnovers, and that’s exactly what the Commanders need after finishing last season with a -14 turnover margin. Quinn wants to call blitzes and create chaos, leading to mistakes. With rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels on board, the offense will look different, but defensive improvement could be a welcomed change for Washington.
Get ready for a thrilling NFL season with these new coaches at the helm!