The NFL unemployment line has gotten fairly long this winter.

Already, nine of the league’s 32 teams have parted ways with their head coaches, with Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin the latest to exit. Depending on what happens in the wild card round, there might be more. For a top coordinator or a proven coach looking for a new challenge, it is important to be selective if multiple opportunities present themselves.

That is what Ben Johnson did last year. The former Lions offensive coordinator was in contention for multiple jobs, choosing the Bears over the Raiders and Jaguars. And while Jacksonville did just fine with Liam Coen, Las Vegas is once again looking for a coach after parting ways with Pete Carroll.

Finding the right fit can be the difference between seeing a coach’s career take off and seeing it stagnate or even fall apart. Here is a ranking of the nine available jobs in the NFL.

1. Baltimore Ravens

Steve Bisciotti is the kind of owner any coach would love to have in their corner. He does not get involved any more than absolutely necessary and lets qualified people do their jobs. That is why the job in Baltimore does not come open very often. The Ravens have only ever had three coaches, and John Harbaugh just lasted 18 seasons in Baltimore.

Whoever gets this job will inherit a proven winner, a quality quarterback in Lamar Jackson, and a front office that does the job right.

2. Pittsburgh Steelers

Much of the reasons to pursue the Ravens job also apply to the Steelers. Mike Tomlin spent 19 years in Pittsburgh, which followed 15 years under Bill Cowher. The Steelers are renowned for their patience with their coaches, long a staple of the Rooney family.

But this job is a step below Baltimore for one reason: the Steelers do not have a long-term solution at quarterback. In Baltimore, Lamar Jackson is 29 and has several good years ahead of him. In Pittsburgh, Aaron Rodgers is 42 and likely threw his last pass as an NFL quarterback. It is going to take a year or two before Pittsburgh can draft the type of quarterback it can build around.

3. New York Giants

The Giants are moving in the right direction on defense. Jaxson Dart might be the answer at quarterback. And while the Eagles remain a top contender in the NFC, the Cowboys and Commanders are the epitome of inconsistency.

There is a drawback here, and it is New York’s lack of patience. Since Bill Parcells left in 1990, the Giants have had eight coaches. Only Jim Fassel and Tom Coughlin made it to a fifth season in New York. There is a fair amount to work with here, but the amount of time given is critical.

4. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons can sell opportunity. They just finished in a three-way tie for the NFC South title at 8–9. They are not far away from contending for the postseason. They have also got a young quarterback in Michael Penix Jr. who has shown signs of promise.

What the Falcons cannot sell is draft capital. Atlanta does not have a first round pick in 2026 and only has five picks total. It is going to be hard for a new coach to change directions in 2026. But someone will give it a shot.

5. Tennessee Titans

It has to be said: the Titans have watched their division transform overnight around them. Houston is again in the playoffs, but now the Texans are joined by Jacksonville atop the AFC South. Indianapolis is not far behind, assuming Daniel Jones comes back healthy.

So why pursue this job? Cam Ward looks legitimate at quarterback. Having the right quarterback makes a lot of difference, especially one on a team-friendly deal. The Titans can afford to be patient and give Ward a reasonable time frame along with his coach.

6. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins have a weaker division than Tennessee. But Miami does not have a stable quarterback situation. Tua Tagovailoa’s contract makes him an albatross the Dolphins cannot realistically move. So Miami is stuck with him until the contract ends.

If Tagovailoa can play well and stay healthy, the Dolphins have the pieces in place to make a run. But that is a very big if.

7. Las Vegas Raiders

On the hardwood of the WNBA, Mark Davis is making all the right moves with the Aces. In the NFL with the Raiders, things are very different. The Raiders may be the most unstable franchise in the NFL for coaches. Since Jon Gruden left for Tampa Bay in 2001, not one Raiders coach has made it to year four, and only Jack Del Rio managed to finish his third year.

The Raiders do have the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft, which opens up a lot of possibilities. But the Raiders need to give their next coach time to build a culture.

8. Arizona Cardinals

The Cardinals have been a mess for a decade now. Ever since losing the 2015 NFC Championship to Carolina, the Cardinals have one winning season and no playoff wins. They are also locked in a difficult decision of sticking with Kyler Murray or going for a new plan at quarterback.

There is not a lot to like here, especially with a division that includes three playoff teams in Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The next coach will need a lot of patience on their side.

9. Cleveland Browns

The Browns have never won the AFC North since they returned to the league in 1999. With Shedeur Sanders playing well down the stretch, Cleveland has a decision to make. The Browns did not invest much in Sanders, so moving on would not cost too much.

The AFC North is wide open, but it is not easy for the Browns to match up to their divisional rivals. There is also an owner who draws constant headlines and attention, which tends to work against Cleveland.

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