With eight NFL teams searching for new head coaches, the quarterback position becomes the most critical factor in their success. From Lamar Jackson’s system fit in Baltimore to Tua Tagovailoa’s uncertain future in Miami, we analyze the biggest QB questions facing each franchise.
The NFL’s coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever, with eight teams currently searching for new leadership. While defensive schemes and offensive philosophies will dominate interviews, the most critical factor in each team’s success will be their quarterback situation. The right coach-QB pairing can transform a franchise overnight, as demonstrated by Ben Johnson’s Bears, Liam Coen’s Jaguars, and Mike Vrabel’s Patriots this season.
As teams evaluate candidates, they must simultaneously assess their quarterback rooms. Some franchises offer proven stars, while others present high-ceiling projects or complete unknowns. Here’s our ranking of the quarterback questions facing each team with a head coaching vacancy, from smallest to biggest concerns:
8. Baltimore Ravens: Maximizing Lamar Jackson’s Dual-Threat Ability
The Ravens present the most attractive opening thanks to Lamar Jackson, the two-time MVP who remains one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers. Jackson’s $74.5 million salary cap hit over the next two seasons creates urgency for a contract extension, but the bigger question is schematic: How can Baltimore’s next coach maximize Jackson’s unique skill set?
League sources emphasize that pairing Jackson with the wrong offensive system could waste his “superpowers.” While the Shanahan/McVay timing-based system has succeeded elsewhere, it may not suit Jackson’s improvisational strengths. “It would be silly to put him in that system,” an NFC assistant told Yahoo Sports, comparing it to forcing Joe Burrow into a run-heavy offense.
7. New York Giants: Can Jaxson Dart Be Saved From Himself?
Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart showed flashes of brilliance in 2025, accounting for 24 touchdowns in 13 starts while playing without star receiver Malik Nabers for most of the season. However, Dart’s reckless playing style led to multiple concussions and two missed games, creating concern about his long-term durability.
The Giants’ next coach must balance Dart’s dual-threat abilities with necessary caution. “He was dynamic… after our game we said ‘Holy smokes, this Dart kid’s for real,'” one talent evaluator admitted. The challenge will be teaching Dart when to take risks (game-winning drives) versus when to protect himself (routine third downs).
6. Tennessee Titans: Developing Cam Ward’s Raw Talent
First overall pick Cam Ward showed promising growth in his rookie season, improving his passer rating from 75.2 to 95.0 over his final four games. Titans GM Mike Borgonzi, who spent 16 years in Kansas City during Patrick Mahomes’ development, must find a coach who can accelerate Ward’s progression.
Evaluators note Ward’s decision-making improved significantly late in the season. “He’s doing a better job of taking easy completions and yards,” one scout observed. With Tennessee’s offensive weapons still developing, the next coach must design a system that protects Ward while allowing his creativity to shine.
5. Las Vegas Raiders: The Fernando Mendoza Gamble
The Raiders appear poised to select Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Scouts compare Mendoza to Jared Goff, praising his ideal size, athleticism, and cerebral approach to the game.
“He’s been good extending plays outside of structure all year,” one evaluator noted. With Geno Smith’s future uncertain (one year, $26.5M cap hit remaining), the Raiders must decide whether to commit fully to Mendoza or pursue a veteran bridge option. The involvement of minority owner Tom Brady in the coaching search suggests the franchise is prioritizing quarterback development.
4. Atlanta Falcons: The Michael Penix Jr. Dilemma
Second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. faces an uncertain future after suffering his third ACL tear in November. While Penix showed promise (227 yards per start, 12 TDs), his injury history creates significant concern. “Three ACLs scares the hell out of me,” one AFC evaluator admitted.
The Falcons must decide whether to trust Penix’s recovery or pursue alternatives. Veteran Kirk Cousins proved capable late in 2025, winning five games after Penix’s injury. With new leadership at both head coach and general manager, Atlanta’s quarterback decision will shape their immediate future.
3. Cleveland Browns: Is Shedeur Sanders the Answer?
The Browns drafted two quarterbacks in 2025, but neither Shedeur Sanders nor Dillon Gabriel has secured the starting job. Sanders showed slightly better production (193 yards per game, 59.2% completion) but also more turnovers (7 TDs, 9 INTs in seven starts).
League sources suggest Cleveland’s next coach may prefer “their own guy” at quarterback. With two first-round picks in 2026, including the sixth overall selection, the Browns could reset at the position. Owner Jimmy Haslam’s patience and the new coach’s evaluation of Sanders will determine whether Cleveland chases a free-agent solution or commits to further development.
2. Arizona Cardinals: Kyler Murray’s Uncertain Future
General manager Monti Ossenfort’s decision to keep Kyler Murray on injured reserve through November raises questions about the former first overall pick’s future. Murray’s limited 2025 production (two wins, 6:3 TD-INT ratio) and Jacoby Brissett’s superior performance create uncertainty.
With $36.8 million in 2026 guarantees and additional money due in March, Arizona faces a difficult decision. The Cardinals hold the third overall pick, which they could use on a quarterback or trade for additional assets. “All options are on the table,” Ossenfort stated, suggesting Murray’s job is far from secure.
1. Miami Dolphins: The Tua Tagovailoa Crossroads
The Dolphins present the most uncertain quarterback situation among teams with coaching vacancies. Tua Tagovailoa remains under contract but lost the team’s confidence after a 20-touchdown, 15-interception season. His $99.2 million dead cap hit makes moving on difficult until 2027.
New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, who spent 23 years with Green Bay, understands quarterback development but lacks immediate draft capital (first pick at No. 11). The Dolphins must decide whether to attempt another Tagovailoa revival or pursue alternatives, with rookie Quinn Ewers failing to secure his future in limited action.
As Mike McDaniel noted before his dismissal: “He’ll have to work to get himself back to where we’re all used to seeing.” That work must begin with Miami’s next coaching hire.
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