3 potential head coaching openings Ben Johnson might leave the Lions for in 2025
2. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles have won four games in a row heading into Week 10 to push their record to 6-2 on the season. But the combined record of those four opponents heading into Week 10 (Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars) is 10-26, and head coach Nick Sirianni is within range of the hot seat until further notice. The wins over the Browns (20-16) and Jaguars (28-23) were a little too close for comfort.
If Sirianni is fired after the season, and it is a huge 'if' even if feels like there's a path to it happening if/when the Eagles stumble, owner Jeffrey Lurie may go big-game hunting for his replacement (Bill Belichick?).
But would Belichick, as an example of a big name who will be available, be willing to co-exist with general manager Howie Roseman? Roseman seems to have complete control over personnel moves, and his track record says he shouldn't have to give up any control to a head coach who wants to take it from him. Belichick's personnel evaluation acumen has taken a big hit in recent years (see the current state of the Patriots). But it's fair to assume he'll want to "shop for the groceries", like his mentor Bill Parcells once famously said, if he takes a head coaching job in 2025.
With anything shy of a playoff win, the chance the Eagles clean out their coaching staff after the season would seemingly increase. Sirianni's relationship with quarterback Jalen Hurts has been scrutinized and appears to be strained, so hiring someone who can do better there would be a pre-requisite for a head coaching hire.
In Detroit, Johnson has greatly prioritized his relationship with Jared Goff. The level of play Goff has maintained for basically the equivalent of three seasons has been a reflection of that synergy.
Should the Eagles have a head coaching opening and Johnson is willing to interview, the pairing of how he calls plays and the relationship he has cultivated with Goff would seem to easily make him a top candidate for them. It takes two to tango and there are moving parts, but there's a world where Johnson is the Eagles' head coach in 2025.