This story has been updated from a previous version.
The New England Patriots struck quickly during the NFL's coach hiring cycle in 2025, hiring Mike Vrabel just a week after firing Jerod Mayo. Since then, things have stagnated despite the Dallas Cowboys job opening up.
NFL teams have done a lot of homework. The Chicago Bears and New York Jets interviewed more than a dozen prospective coaching candidates. Finally, another coaching hire was made after the divisional round of the NFL playoffs.
The Bears are reportedly hiring Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach after the Washington Commanders surprisingly eliminated the Lions.