NFL Coaching Carousel Heats Up: Cowboys, Jets, Buccaneers, and Jaguars Make Key Hires
The NFL coaching landscape continues to evolve as teams across the league make strategic moves to bolster their staffs ahead of the 2025 season. On January 31, 2025, several teams made significant coaching announcements, with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Jets, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars all adding key members to their coaching staffs. From offensive coordinator hires to defensive coordinator changes, these moves reflect the ongoing effort to build championship-contending teams in an ever-competitive league.
Cowboys Hire Klayton Adams as Offensive Coordinator
In a move that has sent waves of excitement through the Cowboys’ fanbase, the team has announced that Klayton Adams will be their new offensive coordinator. The highly regarded Adams brings a wealth of experience from his time as an assistant coach in the NFL, where he’s developed a reputation for fostering elite offensive units.
Adams joins the Cowboys after a successful stint with the Arizona Cardinals, where he was instrumental in developing one of the league’s most potent offenses. His work with the Cardinals’ offensive line has been especially notable, with Adams helping transform the team into a top-tier rushing attack while also working on the development of the quarterbacks. Under Adams’ guidance, the Cardinals’ offense was known for its balanced attack and explosive playmaking ability.
Now, as the Cowboys’ new offensive coordinator, Adams will have the task of overseeing an offense that already includes one of the NFL’s most talented quarterbacks in Dak Prescott and a dynamic receiving corps featuring star wideout CeeDee Lamb. Additionally, Adams will look to continue the development of the Cowboys’ offensive line and integrate young talent into a system that has the potential to be one of the league’s most dangerous.
The hire of Adams comes after the Cowboys’ decision to part ways with former offensive coordinator, Kellen Moore, who is now rumored to be in line for a head coaching position with the New Orleans Saints. With Adams’ reputation for developing high-powered offenses, many expect him to take the Cowboys to the next level.
Jets Hire Tanner Engstrand as Offensive Coordinator
In another noteworthy move, the New York Jets have hired Tanner Engstrand as their new offensive coordinator. Engstrand, who has spent several seasons coaching quarterbacks and working as an offensive assistant for various NFL teams, is seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks. His hiring signals a new direction for the Jets’ offense, which has struggled to find consistency in recent years.
Engstrand’s coaching background includes successful tenures with several NFL teams, where he worked with young quarterbacks, helping them refine their skills and achieve peak performance. Known for his creative play designs and innovative offensive strategies, Engstrand’s hiring has generated significant excitement among Jets fans who are hoping for a return to offensive relevance.
The Jets’ offense has been a sore spot for the team in recent seasons, with quarterback Zach Wilson failing to live up to expectations. With Engstrand now at the helm, the focus will likely be on revitalizing Wilson’s development while ensuring that the offense becomes more dynamic and explosive. Engstrand’s prior experience with developing quarterbacks could prove invaluable as he looks to unlock Wilson’s potential, and the hope is that his new system will provide the foundation for long-term success.
Buccaneers Promote Josh Grizzard to Offensive Coordinator
After a thorough review of their coaching staff, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have decided to promote Josh Grizzard to the role of offensive coordinator. Grizzard, who has been with the team for several seasons in various roles, was previously serving as the quarterbacks coach. His promotion comes after the Buccaneers parted ways with their previous offensive coordinator.
Grizzard’s promotion to OC is seen as a natural progression after his success in developing quarterback talent, particularly with veteran quarterback Baker Mayfield. Under his tutelage, Mayfield had one of his most productive seasons in recent memory, leading the Buccaneers’ offense to respectable numbers despite dealing with various challenges at the quarterback position.
Now, Grizzard will have the opportunity to oversee the entire offensive scheme for the Buccaneers, including working with their talented wide receiver corps, which features stars like Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Grizzard’s familiarity with the team’s personnel is expected to ensure a smooth transition, and many believe his offensive vision will help the Buccaneers find consistency on that side of the ball moving forward.
This hire also gives Grizzard the chance to put his stamp on the offense, making his mark as one of the NFL’s brightest young coaching minds. The move signals that the Buccaneers are committed to building around their young quarterback and taking advantage of their offensive weapons to remain competitive in the NFC South.
Jaguars Hire Anthony Campanile as Defensive Coordinator
In a strategic move to shore up their defense, the Jacksonville Jaguars have hired Anthony Campanile as their new defensive coordinator. Campanile comes to the Jaguars after a successful tenure as the defensive coordinator for the Michigan Wolverines, where he helped elevate the team’s defensive unit to one of the most formidable in college football.
Known for his aggressive defensive schemes and ability to develop top-tier talent, Campanile will now be tasked with improving a Jaguars defense that showed promise in the 2024 season but still has room for improvement. His ability to maximize his players’ potential and get the most out of his defensive line and secondary will be key to the Jaguars’ success moving forward.
Campanile’s hiring also signals the Jaguars’ continued commitment to building a complete team around their young, talented quarterback Trevor Lawrence. With an elite offense led by Lawrence, the addition of Campanile is seen as an effort to ensure that the Jaguars have a balanced roster capable of contending for the playoffs and potentially a Super Bowl appearance in the near future.
Jets to Hire Steve Wilks as Defensive Coordinator
Another big move comes from the New York Jets, who are reportedly set to hire Steve Wilks as their new defensive coordinator. Wilks, a respected veteran defensive coach, has previously served as the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals and has extensive experience coaching in the NFL and college ranks. His reputation as a defensive-minded coach with a focus on fundamentals and aggressive play has made him a sought-after name in coaching circles.
Wilks’ hire is seen as a major boost for a Jets defense that has already established itself as one of the league’s top units. The Jets’ defense, led by standout players like cornerback Sauce Gardner and pass rusher Quinnen Williams, was a key factor in the team’s success last season. With Wilks now coming on board, the expectation is that he will further elevate the defense and build on its already strong foundation.
Wilks’ coaching style emphasizes a tough, physical approach to defense, and his ability to coach up young players will be key in developing the Jets’ next generation of defensive stars. His addition to the Jets coaching staff is expected to solidify their place among the NFL’s elite defensive teams for years to come.
Mike McCarthy Withdraws from Saints’ HC Search; Kellen Moore In Place as Lead Candidate
In a development that shook up the coaching search world, Mike McCarthy has withdrawn from consideration for the New Orleans Saints’ head coaching position. McCarthy, the head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, had initially been rumored as a potential candidate for the Saints’ vacancy, but after careful consideration, he decided to remain in Dallas.
As McCarthy pulls out of the race, the Saints are turning their attention to Kellen Moore, the Cowboys’ former offensive coordinator, who is now the lead candidate for the head coaching role. Moore has been highly regarded for his innovative offensive strategies, and his ability to develop quarterbacks and maximize offensive production has made him a top candidate for several head coaching vacancies this offseason.
Darren Rizzi Expected to Become Special Teams Coordinator in Denver
Finally, after a rollercoaster of coaching changes, it’s expected that Darren Rizzi will become the new special teams coordinator for the Denver Broncos. Rizzi’s hiring marks a reunion with Broncos head coach Sean Payton, as the two previously worked together with the New Orleans Saints. Rizzi is known for his expertise in managing special teams units, and his addition to the Broncos staff will bolster an already solid special teams group.
As the Broncos move forward with new leadership and a renewed focus on special teams, Rizzi’s experience and success in the role are expected to play a pivotal role in Denver’s ability to improve in all three phases of the game.
As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, the moves made by the Cowboys, Jets, Buccaneers, and Jaguars are setting the stage for what could be an exciting 2025 season. With fresh faces in key positions, these teams are aiming to make significant strides toward championship contention. Only time will tell how these coaching changes will impact the teams and their respective paths to success.
