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The 2024 NFL Draft has officially set several records. Anyone who was watching the opening day of the event on ESPN or attended knows that the numbers were totally out of control. This year is a very special one for the NFL Draft, and that's partly because it's taking place in Detroit. The Detroit Lions became America's sweetheart team last year when they made it to the NFC championship game for the first time in 30 years. So, it appears America is happy to be in Detroit for the big event.
2024 NFL Draft Sets Records
First up, there was the attendance record. Officials expected 300,000 to 400,000 attendees for the draft throughout the full weekend. But, it's going to be more than that. More than 275,000 people attended day one of the 2024 NFL Draft, breaking a new record for day-one attendance. About halfway through night one of the draft on Thursday (April 25), NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced that Detroit had set the all-time attendance record for the first day of the draft. Way to go, Motor City. The negative, of course, was that some people weren't able to be in the main draft area. Earlier in the afternoon, alerts went out from the NFL stating that there was a surge in attendees. Then, around 6:30 p.m., NFL Draft officials had to stop general admission entry because of capacity limits. At first, they just paused entry. But, just a few minutes later, they actually stopped entry until noon Friday (April 26). That said, if you're heading to the draft for day two or three, you should get there early to ensure a spot.
When it comes to records, it wasn't just the numbers, either. A record 23 offensive players were picked in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, including the first 14 selections off the board. Both of those are records, according to ESPN. Previously, the high for offensive players picked in a draft's first 32 selections was 19, which happened in 1968, 2004 and 2009, reports ESPN.
The first day of the 2024 NFL Draft also marked the first time four quarterbacks were picked among the first eight picks. It was also the first time five quarterbacks were selected among the first 10 picks and six quarterbacks were selected among the first 12 picks. That's a lot of history being made and a lot of good quarterbacks that have new homes. Listen to my interview with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff below. If you were at the draft, I'd love to hear from you. Reach out to me.
It's been quite a wild NFL offseason already. I feel like every day, I wake up to some kind of major news breaking about one or more NFL teams. But, a lot of the changes happened right before the end of the season, in the form of a bevy of new coaches. So, let's get into ranking every coach NFL hired for 2024.
It's hard to believe, but the NFL is replacing a quarter of its head coaches in 2024. That's so wild. I guess it goes to show that there is very little forgiveness in the NFL when it comes to those leaders. The same is true of college football, too. If coaches aren't able to deliver in a few years, they're out. The football world can also be very fickle. When you're winning, you're on top. When you're losing, you're out. I get it, though, because these teams want to win. There's a lot of money and pride on the line. So, let's hope the new coaches for the NFL this year deliver some good games.
Some of the head coaching changes have been shocking. For example, I was surprised when the Seattle Seahawks let Pete Carroll go after so many successful seasons. Another shocker, albeit not quite as surprising, was Bill Belichick. Sure, the New England Patriots had a terrible season. The worst. But, there's no denying that Belichick is one of the greatest NFL coaches of all time. Will Carroll or Belichick resurface as the head coach of another NFL team down the line? Time will tell. But, for now, they'll be watching from the sidelines. So, here I go with ranking the NFL's eight new head coaches. While all of these guys look solid, some moves are just more winning than others. Reach out to me with your thoughts on the new NFL coaches here.
8. Dan Quinn, Commanders
The Commanders looked like favorites to get Ben Johnson from the Detroit Lions as their new head coach, but Johnson decided to stay in the Motor City. So, they snagged Dan Quinn. Of course, Quinn got the Falcons all the way to Super Bowl 51, so he has experience. But, it's not really an exciting hire. Sill, Quinn could deliver the goods.
7. Brian Callahan, Titans
Brian Callahan is the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans, and he comes with football in his blood. His father, Bill, once took the Raiders to the Super Bowl. Brian stands on his own, though, and helped take Cincinnati on the Super Bowl run with Joe Burrow. Let's see if he can bring that magic to Nashville.
6. Jerod Mayo, Patriots
Jerod Mayo has big shoes to fill as the new head coach for the New England Patriots. He's replacing the great Bill Belichick. They're keeping it in the family, though, as Mayo has been with the Patriots for years. Robert Kraft promoted the former Patriots star from within, much like former player Dan Campbell was given the head coaching role with the Detroit Lions.
5. Raheem Morris, Falcons
Like many of the coaches on this list, Raheem Morris has his work cut out for him with the challenging Atlanta Falcons. He's no stranger to the NFC South and was with the Buccaneers years ago. Of course, Morris' name got big as the defensive coordinator for Sean McVay when the L.A. Rams won the Super Bowl. Let's see if he can make it happen in Atlanta.
4. Antonio Pierce, Raiders
Antonio Pierce helped Las Vegas come back at the end of last season, after Josh McDaniels was let go after his short time there. The players and fans seemed to really love Pierce and what he was doing in just a few games. So, this pick definitely makes sense.
3. Jim Harbaugh, Chargers
Well, Jim Harbaugh finally got back to the NFL. Every year, it seemed like Harbaugh was flirting with the NFL, trying to snag a gig and leave the Michigan Wolverines. Well, hot off a national championship win with the Wolverines, he's back, now with the Chargers. He's super motivated to get a Super Bowl. He also already has a good roster. So, this could go up quickly.
2. Mike Macdonald, Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks let go of a great coach in Pete Carroll, but they got a great one, too. What's more, the Seahawks knabbed a defensive-minded coach, which is a rare gem in the NFL. I mean, the NFL is usually so offensive-minded, so it's nice to see someone on the defensive side of things leading the pack. MacDonald has a lot on his side, including some strong players and a great GM in John Schneider. He's also known to be well-liked by players, which can go a long way.
1. Dave Canales, Panthers
It's ironic that one of the most challenged teams has the No. 1 new coach on this list. But, it's true. Dave Canales is a great fit for the Panthers, and boy, do they need the help. Canales has lots of history with the Seattle Seahawks and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He should be a great QB-coaching fit with Bryce Young, too.
