NFL head-coach firings, hirings and openings: Latest news, rumors and interview candidates on nine open jobs

The NFL regular season is behind us, and we now have nine head-coaching openings, none of which has been filled.

With the Jacksonville Jaguars firing Urban Meyer on Dec. 16 after less than one season, we know they are going to be on the hunt for a permanent option, and they've already started requesting interviews with candidates. Same with the Las Vegas Raiders, who had interim coach Rich Bisaccia in place after Jon Gruden's resignation in October. They have been interviewing candidates as well.

The Denver Broncos were the next to fire their coach, as Vic Fangio was let go after three seasons. The day after the season ended, the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Chicago Bears fired their coaches. The New York Giants followed the day after, and the Houston Texans did two days later.

On Tuesday, sources confirmed New Orleans Saints coach Sean Payton is retiring.

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NFL head-coach movement, with news on open jobs, potential open jobs and candidates.

More: Latest buzz on each open NFL coach job

Former coach: Sean Payton (retired)

Saints longtime coach Sean Payton, 58, has decided to retire after 16 years, a source confirmed to ESPN. New Orleans missed the playoffs for the first time in five seasons with a 9-8 record in 2021. But in many ways, it ranked among Payton's most impressive coaching jobs considering quarterback Drew Brees' retirement, a roster that was depleted by major injuries, salary-cap cuts and COVID-19 issues, and a hurricane evacuation to Dallas for the first month of the season. Payton acknowledged how trying the season was in Week 18, and although he is under contract, he recently had remained uncommitted to coaching in 2022.

Payton posted a career