Just two squads remain in contention. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are slated to clash in Super Bowl LX on February 8th in Santa Clara, California.
However, numerous other franchises are still navigating the league’s coaching changes.
A week prior to the championship game, reports indicate the Las Vegas Raiders have reached a preliminary agreement with Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. The official signing of this contract is contingent on the conclusion of the February 8th contest involving the New England Patriots. Kubiak is poised to be the third individual to take the head coaching role for the Raiders in as many seasons, succeeding Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.
A significant recent event occurred on Wednesday, when the Cleveland Browns reportedly selected Todd Monken, formerly the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive coordinator, to be their new head coach. Monken was chosen after a selection process that also considered Nate Scheelhaase, the Rams’ pass game coordinator, and Jim Schwartz, the Browns’ defensive coordinator.
Conversely, the Buffalo Bills are elevating Joe Brady to the head coaching position, following the dismissal of Sean McDermott the previous week. Brady has held the role of offensive coordinator since November of 2023.
Across the AFC, reports suggest the Tennessee Titans are bringing in Brian Daboll as their upcoming offensive coordinator. Daboll was dismissed from his head coaching duties with the Giants partway through the season, having been appointed in 2022; he will now have an opportunity to mentor the 2025 top overall draft selection, Cam Ward, under the guidance of head coach Robert Saleh. This announcement follows Monday’s news that the Los Angeles Chargers engaged Mike McDaniel, ex-Dolphins head coach, as their new offensive coordinator.
During the recent weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers brought on Mike McCarthy to lead their team as the next head coach. McCarthy steps into the role vacated by Mike Tomlin, who stepped down at the conclusion of the Steelers’ season. He will represent only the fourth head coach for the organization since 1969.
Preceding the Steelers’ announcement, the Baltimore Ravens appointed Jesse Minter, the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator, to succeed John Harbaugh, who was let go post-regular season and eventually accepted the head coaching role with the Giants. Below is an overview of recent appointments, terminations, and notable developments.
HEAD COACHES HIRED
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns
Head coaching tenure: First time in this position; previously served as Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025.
Rationale for selection: The Browns sought an individual to revitalize a struggling and underperforming offensive unit. Their choice was Monken, whose recent experience includes several years in Baltimore and a collegiate tenure at Georgia, where he contributed to the Bulldogs’ two national championships as offensive coordinator. (He also held the Browns’ offensive coordinator role in 2019.) Whether this extensive background will enable a turnaround in Cleveland is yet to be determined, though significant roster enhancements on offense are anticipated for the upcoming offseason.
A key secondary inquiry involves the potential retention of Jim Schwartz. Reports indicated Schwartz was a contender for the position, and owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly desired to keep him on staff throughout the hiring period. Should he remain, allowing Monken to largely concentrate on the offensive strategy (and presumably play-calling), the team’s organizational structure would appear to align seamlessly.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching tenure: Inaugural role; previously served as Bills offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025.
Rationale for selection: Superficially, it appears an unusual decision, at minimum, to dismiss head coach Sean McDermott, declare that coaching was an issue with the Bills’ roster, and then elevate an existing staff member. In fairness, Brady is recognized as an insightful offensive strategist, highly regarded for his innovative approaches and ability to optimize player capabilities. Frankly, as a first-time head coach, he is unlikely to disrupt the established hierarchy maintained by owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane.
With Josh Allen still leading Buffalo, Brady’s consistent contribution to his development into an MVP-caliber quarterback is undeniable. McDermott’s stewardship of the roster, particularly on the defensive side, might have been undervalued throughout his nine years with the Bills; therefore, the selection of the next defensive coordinator will be critical. Ultimately, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this period has largely been attributed to unfortunate circumstances. Perhaps Brady is the leader who can propel them to overcome this obstacle.
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers
Head coaching statistics: Regular season record of 174-112-2; playoff record of 11-11, accumulated over five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys and 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
Rationale for selection: While his Super Bowl victory occurred some time ago, McCarthy possesses a championship ring, a distinction he shares with Aaron Rodgers as the quarterback’s sole career title. McCarthy solidified his credentials following his time with the Packers by guiding Dallas to the postseason in three of his five years under Jerry Jones. He abstained from the previous hiring period, seemingly anticipating an ideal opportunity. Having been raised in the Pittsburgh region, McCarthy is intimately familiar with the team’s rich history.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching tenure: Initial appointment; previously held the role of Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024 to 2025.
Rationale for selection: While the Ravens parted ways with John Harbaugh, they opted to choose his successor from within his coaching lineage. Minter served as a defensive assistant for four seasons in Baltimore under Harbaugh from 2017 to 2020. He then joined Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, as the defensive coordinator for the University of Michigan. Following a national championship win in Ann Arbor, he moved with Jim to the Chargers, where he has spent the last two seasons directing a defense that consistently ranked among the top-10 in DVOA, garnering widespread recognition for his unit’s adaptability and his skillful play-calling. At only 42 years old, Minter was regarded as a premier prospect in the coaching market, particularly for those new to head coaching.
He enters an environment where anticipations are exceptionally high. Lamar Jackson is a dual NFL MVP recipient, the Ravens possess elite talent comparable to any team, and the sole remaining objective for this phase of the franchise is to achieve and win the Super Bowl. Minter appears to be the right individual for this task. Baltimore is well-known for its proficiency in drafting and cultivating talent while being frugal with free-agent acquisitions, making a coach like Minter, who excels at maximizing player potential, an ideal fit. Furthermore, Jackson guarantees a strong offensive foundation, allowing Minter to direct more attention toward strengthening a defense that underperformed relative to expectations last season.
This represents a shrewd strategic move, even though the franchise’s definition of success might solely hinge on securing a Lombardi Trophy.
John Harbaugh, New York Giants
Head coaching statistics: 180 wins and 113 losses in the regular season; 13 wins and 11 losses in the playoffs, encompassing a Super Bowl championship, accumulated over 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Rationale for selection: The Giants have seen four permanent head coaches and two interim leaders since Tom Coughlin departed following the 2015 season, indicating their frustration with leadership changes. Harbaugh, at 63, maintains considerable vigor and is expected to instill constancy in a venerable franchise that has endured some of its most challenging periods. (The Giants’ 59 victories since 2015 rank second-lowest in the NFL, only surpassing the Jets).
The roster features developmental potential, including quarterback Jaxson Dart (who could potentially harmonize with Harbaugh’s favored offensive coordinator, Todd Monken), running back Cam Skattebo, wide receiver Malik Nabers, left tackle Andrew Thomas, and a defensive unit comprising defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. Additionally, general manager Joe Schoen, as reported by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, was seemingly prepared to grant Harbaugh authority over personnel decisions, irrespective of the team’s established organizational structure. Furthermore, John Mara, the team owner and a prominent figure in the league, disclosed a diagnosis of an unspecified form of cancer last September, which probably intensified the urgency to secure a head coach capable of instantly commanding reverence.
For years, the Giants have struggled, but acquiring the coach widely considered the most desirable available instantly restores their standing. The focus now shifts to how rapidly they can achieve success collaboratively.
Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons
Head coaching statistics: Regular season record of 45 wins and 56 losses; playoff record of 1 win and 2 losses, accumulated over six seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
Rationale for selection: Stefanski ranked among the most sought-after candidates, with the broader NFL community evaluating his tenure with the Browns beyond mere win-loss records as he endeavored to elevate a struggling team into playoff contention. Does this resonate with Atlanta’s experience? Stefanski’s offensive expertise synthesizes various schemes and coaching philosophies, which can assist new president of football operations Matt Ryan in assessing the Falcons’ offensive talent (including Kirk Cousins, a player Stefanski coached in Minnesota). Furthermore, the Falcons are keeping defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, whose defense showed significant improvement this season.
Stefanski assuming the role of head coach and offensive architect, with Ulbrich staying to further develop his defensive unit, appears to be a robust strategy moving forward. This is despite considerable hurdles posed by the quarterback situation and the absence of a first-round draft selection this spring. Should team owner Arthur Blank demonstrate patience and allow this initiative to unfold, Stefanski might conclude the Falcons’ eight-season playoff absence sooner than anticipated, particularly within a less competitive NFC South division.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching tenure: Initial role; served as Packers defensive coordinator from 2024 to 2025.
Rationale for selection: The direct link stems from Jon-Eric Sullivan, appointed Dolphins general manager on January 9th, having spent more than twenty years within the Packers organization, most recently as vice president of player personnel.
Regarding the overall suitability? The Dolphins have emerged as a less appealing destination for coaching candidates this cycle than initially projected, as per Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, primarily due to the necessary salary cap adjustments following the departure of Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh no longer an option, Hafley represents the most sensible next step, potentially benefiting both the coach and the team. Hafley previously served as head coach at Boston College from 2020 to 2023, and he enhanced Green Bay’s defensive performance over the past two seasons. Miami would be prudent to emphasize its defensive strength—alongside star running back De’Von Achane and an improved offensive line—as the Dolphins address their quarterback situation, which now appears to be a multi-year undertaking.
Hafley is regarded as a formidable candidate available, and the Dolphins acted decisively to achieve their most favorable result.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching statistics: 20 wins and 36 losses, dismissed five games into his fourth season with the New York Jets.
Rationale for selection: The prevailing sentiment throughout the league suggests that Saleh’s shortcomings with the Jets were mostly beyond his influence, and he has consistently fielded strong defenses in previous roles. He is expected to oversee defensive play-calling in Tennessee, making the Titans’ choice for their offensive staff, tasked with further developing Cam Ward—who showed increasing promise during his rookie year—a point of interest.
Crucially, Saleh is anticipated to bring stability to a Titans organization that has appointed its second general manager and now its second head coach (or third, including interim roles) since Mike Vrabel’s dismissal after the 2023 season. It is somewhat unexpected that Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy did not secure the position, given his availability and connection to GM Mike Borgonzi from their shared tenure in Kansas City; however, Nagy might still be considered for the offensive coordinator role now that Saleh has been appointed. Regardless, Saleh embodies the type of resolute, composed leader who could significantly contribute to ending the team’s struggles in Tennessee.
FIRED
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans (mid-season termination)
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (mid-season termination)
Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
RESIGNED
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL coaching news live blog
-
Ian Casselberry
Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak looks on during an NFL football divisional playoff game against the San Francisco 49ers, Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026 in Seattle. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
According to Sunday reports from NFL Network and ESPN, the Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly nearing an agreement to appoint Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. As per these accounts, the deal’s finalization must await the conclusion of the Super Bowl. If this appointment is confirmed, Kubiak would mark the Raiders’ third head coach within three seasons and their sixth since 2021. ESPN also stated that Kubiak had discussions with both the Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.
MORE
-
Criss Partee
Ian Rapoport reports that the Baltimore Ravens have sought to interview Tyler Tettleton, currently an assistant with the Jacksonville Jaguars, for their wide receivers coach vacancy. Tettleton played a significant role in Jacksonville’s offensive strategy development. Last year, he was considered for the head coaching position at Ohio University.
-
Criss Partee
Prentice Gill, currently an assistant wide receivers coach for the Baltimore Ravens, is scheduled to interview for the team’s primary wide receivers coach role this week, according to reports. Gill has been with the Baltimore squad for the last two years, contributing substantially to the development of their wideouts.
-
Chris Cwik
Brian Callahan, previously head coach of the Tennessee Titans, and Kliff Kingsbury, formerly offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, are both candidates in the New York Giants’ pursuit of an offensive coordinator. Callahan’s tenure with the Titans concluded with a 4-19 record before his dismissal only six games into the 2025 NFL season. Kingsbury was released by the Commanders following the season’s end. Both individuals possess prior experience as head coaches and offensive coordinators. The Giants are likely seeking an experienced coach capable of fostering Jaxson Dart’s growth into a foundational player for the franchise.
-
Chris Cwik
The Atlanta Falcons are reportedly enlisting Tanner Engstrand, previously the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator, to bolster their aerial attack. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport indicates the Falcons are set to appoint Engstrand as their pass-game coordinator. Engstrand’s initial term as an offensive coordinator was challenging, with the Jets finishing 31st in scoring last season. Before that, he held the role of pass-game coordinator for the Detroit Lions. The Falcons would benefit from enhancing their passing game, especially given Michael Penix’s inconsistent performance in his debut year as a starter. Developing Penix, or identifying an alternative effective passer, would significantly aid the Falcons’ prospects of contending as early as next season.
-
Ian Casselberry
Taking advantage of the Super Bowl bye week, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak has completed a second interview with the Las Vegas Raiders regarding their head coaching vacancy. Kubiak is scheduled for another second interview, this time with the Arizona Cardinals, for their head coach opening. His prior experience includes serving as offensive coordinator for both the Minnesota Vikings and New Orleans Saints. This season, the Seahawks secured the 8th position among NFL teams in overall offense (5,973 yards) and average yards per game (351.4). Quarterback Sam Darnold amassed 4,048 passing yards, ranking fifth among NFL quarterbacks, alongside 25 touchdown throws.
-
Ian Casselberry
It is possible that Daniel Stern will join new head coach Todd Monken at the Cleveland Browns. He is slated to interview for the associate head coach role, as reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Over the last two years, Stern has served as the Baltimore Ravens’ assistant quarterback coach and director of football strategy. His tenure with the Ravens spans a decade, having started as an analytics assistant and advancing through roles such as football analyst, football research coach, offensive assistant, and defensive quality control coach.
-
Ian Casselberry
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network states that the Atlanta Falcons are incorporating Tanner Engstrand into their offensive coaching staff as the passing game coordinator. Engstrand, aged 43, was recently relieved of his duties as the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator after a single season. Prior to his dismissal, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn reportedly planned to retain him as OC, albeit without play-calling authority. Before his time with the Jets, Engstrand spent four years with the Detroit Lions, advancing from offensive assistant to offensive quality control, then to tight ends coach and passing game coordinator. Preceding his NFL coaching career, Engstrand functioned as the offensive coordinator for the XFL’s DC Defenders. He also instructed running backs and quarterbacks at San Diego before undertaking an offensive analyst role at Michigan.
-
Tarohn Finley
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reports that the Dallas Cowboys are anticipated to bring on Derrick Ansley, currently the Packers’ defensive pass game coordinator. In 2024, the Packers’ defense was rated 11th in pass defense and among the top six league-wide for takeaways, total defense, and scoring defense. Ansley previously held the defensive coordinator position for both the Los Angeles Chargers and the University of Tennessee. The 44-year-old’s resume also includes coaching defensive backs for the Raiders, the University of Alabama, and Huntingdon College. Jonathan Gannon, former Arizona Cardinals head coach, is taking over from Jeff Hafley as the Packers’ defensive coordinator.
-
Tarohn Finley
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the New York Giants have appointed Donald D’Alesio, previously the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive backs coach, to serve as their defensive pass game coordinator and secondary coach. D’Alesio worked for a single year with the Ravens under current Giants head coach John Harbaugh. His coaching career also includes stints in Kansas City, at Louisiana State University, and at Youngstown State University.
-
Tarohn Finley
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the Baltimore Ravens have sought an interview with Ronald Curry, the Buffalo Bills’ quarterback coach, for an equivalent role. Curry guided Bills quarterback Josh Allen during his MVP-winning season in 2024 and was interviewed for multiple offensive coordinator vacancies earlier in this hiring period. Curry had a lengthy tenure as an assistant coach for the New Orleans Saints under Sean Payton, now the Denver Broncos head coach. Declan Doyle, the Ravens’ recently appointed offensive coordinator, also coached under Payton in Denver. Following his career as an NFL wide receiver, Curry also coached with the San Francisco 49ers.
-
Tarohn Finley
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Buffalo Bills have brought in Jeff Rodgers, who served as assistant head coach and special teams coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, to fill their special teams coordinator role. Rodgers, 48, is an experienced coach with prior tenures at the Bears, Broncos, Panthers, 49ers, Kansas State, and the University of Arizona. The Bills recently appointed Joe Brady as head coach, Pete Carmichael as offensive coordinator, and reportedly Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator.
-
Tarohn Finley
Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reports that the Washington Commanders have reportedly parted ways with assistant linebackers coach Ryan Kerrigan, defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons, assistant defensive line coach Sharrif Floyd, and player development coach Pete Ohnegian. Kerrigan has coached in Washington since 2022 and holds the franchise record for career sacks. Simmons is reportedly departing for a different coaching role, possibly in Pittsburgh. Ohnegian and ex-Vikings defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd were part of the Commanders’ staff for the past two seasons. Commander’s head coach Dan Quinn appointed Daronte Jones, formerly the Vikings’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, to replace previous defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Last season, the Commanders’ defense was the worst in yards allowed per game and only outperformed the Jets in forced turnovers, with a total of 10.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Buffalo Bills have announced the appointment of Pete Carmichael, previously offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, to an identical position. Carmichael had an extensive tenure working under Sean Payton, now head coach of the Broncos, in both Denver and New Orleans. He was concurrently on the Saints’ staff with Bills head coach Joe Brady in 2017 and 2018. Carmichael’s 26 years of experience, including stints with the Chargers, Washington, and Cleveland prior to his time in New Orleans and Denver, will benefit the rookie head coach.
-
Tarohn Finley
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the Atlanta Falcons are expected to recruit Alex Van Pelt, currently the Los Angeles Rams’ senior offensive assistant, to be their quarterback coach. Van Pelt held the offensive coordinator role for the Browns under current Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski from 2020 through 2023.
-
Andy Backstrom
A day after the Minnesota Vikings relieved general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of his duties, further changes were announced. These are additions, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported on Saturday, stating that head coach Kevin O’Connell has brought in Frank Smith, former Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator, as his assistant head coach. O’Connell is also reportedly elevating Keith Carter to the role of offensive line coach.
Smith previously worked under McDaniel in Miami and will now assist the Vikings’ run-game strategy, according to Rapoport.
Furthermore, the NFL Media insiders revealed that Gerald Alexander will become the defensive backs coach and defensive pass game coordinator. Ryan Nielsen, formerly the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, will assume responsibilities as both defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.
Alexander coached with the Steelers’ defensive backs, while Nielsen served as a senior defensive assistant for the Bills last season. These adjustments follow the departure of Daronte Jones, formerly the Vikings’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, who left to become the Commanders’ defensive coordinator.
-
Yahoo Sports Staff
Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady has identified a defensive coordinator for his incoming staff: Jim Leonhard, recognized for his contribution to developing the Denver Broncos’ strong defensive squad. Leonhard, who drew interest from several teams during the current hiring period, has consented to join the Bills, as per various reports.
-
Tarohn Finley
-
Tarohn Finley
-
Tarohn Finley
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers have brought in Patrick Graham, previously defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, to fill an identical position. Graham, 47, spent his last three seasons with the Raiders, having previously held single-season tenures as defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants. In 2018, Graham coached in Green Bay under current Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy, serving as both linebackers coach and run game coordinator.
