> At a Glance
> – Seven teams (Ravens, Giants, Titans, Raiders, Falcons, Browns, Cardinals) fired head coaches and are now searching for replacements
> – Playoff assistants can begin virtual interviews as early as Tuesday, but in-person talks are blocked until Jan. 19
> – Rooney Rule requires two external minority or female candidates to be interviewed in person for every HC, GM or coordinator opening
> – Why it matters: The league’s calendar keeps contenders from losing staff mid-playoff run while still giving hopefuls a shot at promotion
January is the NFL’s two-track season: 14 franchises chase a championship while the rest hunt new leaders. With five-plus vacancies already open, the league’s anti-tampering rules now govern how and when playoff assistants can talk to suitors.
Interview Windows Explained
Teams that missed the postseason could request permission to interview assistants on other clubs starting Monday. Virtual sessions are capped at three hours and must fit within narrow slots.
Non-playoff coaches could be interviewed virtually:
- Buccaneers assistants – Tuesday
- All other non-playoff staffs – Wednesday
Playoff assistants follow a staggered calendar:
- Seattle & Denver (bye week) – virtual talks allowed through wild-card weekend
- Wild-card coaches – Jan. 13 (Jan. 14 for Houston & Pittsburgh because they play Monday)
In-Person Hurdles
Face-to-face meetings can’t begin until Jan. 19, unless the candidate’s team is still in contention for the conference title. Those hopefuls must wait until Jan. 26. Super Bowl participants may interview only through Feb. 1; a blackout runs until Feb. 9.
No coach may sign-or even agree to sign-a contract until his current team is finished playing.
GM Rules Differ Slightly
Permission requests for front-office candidates who weren’t the primary decision maker also opened Monday. Playoff executives can accept offers if their club provides written permission. The Rooney Rule still demands two external minority or women interviews.
Key Takeaways
- Seven teams are shopping for head coaches while playoffs continue
- Virtual interviews are limited to three hours and specific calendar slots
- In-person interviews are barred until Jan. 19 at the earliest
- The Rooney Rule applies to every head-coach, coordinator and GM search
- Super Bowl staffs get a brief pre-game window, then a pre-Super Bowl blackout
The NFL’s structured timeline keeps the hiring process moving without derailing postseason preparations.
