2026 NFL Coaching News: Cardinals name LaFleur HC; Raiders agree with Kubiak; 49ers hire Morris as DC.

Just a pair of franchises remain active on the field. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are slated to clash in Super Bowl LX on February 8th, taking place in Santa Clara, California.

Concurrently, the rotational movement of head coaches within the National Football League seems to have concluded.

Filling the NFL’s last head coach opening, the Arizona Cardinals finalized a deal with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to become their next head coach, the team announced Sunday. LaFleur, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, will reportedly get a five-year contract with Arizona.

(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)

(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)

Seven days prior to the Super Bowl, the Las Vegas Raiders are said to have reached an understanding with Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ offensive coordinator. The formal agreement cannot be completed until the contest on February 8th against the New England Patriots has concluded. Kubiak is anticipated to be the Raiders’ third head coach within a span of three seasons, succeeding Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.

Raheem Morris is relocating as well, reportedly appointed by the San Francisco 49ers to serve as their new defensive coordinator. Morris had been relieved of his duties as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach following the conclusion of their 2025-26 playing season.

In the preceding week, the Cleveland Browns engaged Todd Monken, previously the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, as their forthcoming head coach. Monken became the selected candidate through a selection process that also considered Nate Scheelhaase, the Rams’ pass game coordinator, and Jim Schwartz, the Browns’ defensive coordinator.

The Buffalo Bills, in the interim, elevated Joe Brady to the position of head coach subsequent to terminating Sean McDermott. Brady has held the role of offensive coordinator since November 2023.

Across the American Football Conference, other notable movements include:

  • The Tennessee Titans brought in Brian Daboll to be their upcoming offensive coordinator. Daboll was released from his head coaching role with the Giants during the middle of the season, having initially been appointed in 2022, and he will now have the opportunity to develop the 2025 top overall draft selection, Cam Ward, guided by head coach Robert Saleh.

  • The Pittsburgh Steelers secured Mike McCarthy as their next leading coach. McCarthy is taking over for Mike Tomlin, who stepped down at the conclusion of the Steelers’ season. He is poised to be the team’s fourth head coach since 1969.

Presented below is a summary of the most significant appointments (and terminations) during the current coaching period.

NEW LEAD COACHES APPOINTED

Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals

Head coaching record: Inaugural top coaching position, previously held the role of Rams’ offensive coordinator from 2023 through 2025.

Why he was hired: The Cardinals organization is decisively shifting its strategic approach after three campaigns with the defense-oriented Jonathan Gannon at the helm. The Rams achieved the NFL’s highest total offense, accumulating 6,709 yards during the recent season, guided by LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay. Los Angeles ranked number one in aerial yardage and seventh in ground yardage en route to reaching the NFC championship contest.

A significant choice facing LaFleur right from the outset involves the quarterback situation. The Cardinals seem inclined to part ways with Kyler Murray, who participated in merely five contests prior to sustaining a season-ending foot ailment. Arizona subsequently concluded the season with the league’s 19th-ranked offensive unit.

The Cardinals possess the third overall choice in the upcoming April NFL Draft, yet no signal-caller appears deserving of such a high selection. Consequently, the franchise might need to acquire a field general through free agency. (Daniel Jones and Malik Willis stand as the premier quarterbacks on the market.) Established players such as Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones also present potential trade options.

Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders

Head coaching record: First head coaching position, held the offensive coordinator role for the Seahawks during 2025.

Why he was hired: The Raiders sought a mentor capable of implementing a more dynamic offensive scheme following their difficulties over the last two campaigns. Las Vegas recorded the lowest total offense this season (4,168 yards), positioned within the bottom five for passing and dead last in rushing, even with first-round selection Ashton Jeanty on the roster.

Equally crucial was identifying an individual who could foster the growth of a nascent quarterback, given that Las Vegas is expected to draft Indiana’s signal-caller Fernando Mendoza with the top overall pick in April. Should it be required, the Raiders will additionally feature Geno Smith providing seasoned experience as Mendoza becomes accustomed to Kubiak’s system and the professional football environment.

Kubiak fulfills both these requirements, having supervised Seattle’s eighth-ranked offense which amassed 5,973 yards and averaged 351.4 yards per game in the current season. During his inaugural year with the Seahawks, Sam Darnold compiled 4,048 passing yards, ranking fifth among professional quarterbacks, along with 25 scoring throws, guiding a deep playoff push culminating in a Super Bowl appearance.

Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns

Head coaching record: First head coaching role, previously served as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator from 2023 to 2025.

Why he was hired: The Browns require an individual to revitalize a dysfunctional and skill-deprived offensive unit, and they settled on Monken, who has dedicated recent years to Baltimore and collegiate football at Georgia, assisting the Bulldogs in securing two national titles as their offensive coordinator. (He also held the Browns’ offensive coordinator position in 2019.) Whether this extensive background will translate into a turnaround for Cleveland is yet to be determined, but a significant off-season lies ahead irrespective, regarding enhancements to the offensive player lineup.

Monken will reportedly be tasked with identifying a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz is said to have informed staff he will not return after not being selected for the head coaching position. The Browns’ defensive unit has performed as one of the league’s elite over two of the previous three seasons, thus securing a competent new appointment while Monken concentrates on rejuvenating the offense will be vitally important.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills

Head coaching record: First time as a head coach, previously served as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2023 through 2025.

Why he was hired: Superficially, it appears to be an odd maneuver at best to dismiss head coach Sean McDermott, openly declare that coaching presented issues within the Bills’ team composition… then proceed to elevate a coach from the very same staff. To be equitable, Brady is an esteemed offensive strategist, widely recognized for his ingenuity and ability to optimize player capabilities. Frankly speaking, he is also an initial-time head coach who is not expected to disrupt the hierarchical arrangement that team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane evidently maintain.

Buffalo continues to feature Josh Allen, and it is undeniable that Brady has been instrumental in his consistent evolution into an MVP-caliber quarterback each season. McDermott’s oversight of the squad, particularly on the defensive side, might have been undervalued during his nine-year tenure with the Bills, making the identity of their next defensive coordinator a crucial factor. However, in reality, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this period of the franchise has largely been attributable to misfortune as much as anything else. Perhaps Brady is the individual destined to help them overcome this obstacle.

Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers

Head coaching record: 174 wins, 112 losses, 2 ties in the regular season; 11 wins, 11 losses in the postseason; served five years with the Dallas Cowboys and thirteen years with the Green Bay Packers.

Why he was hired: Certainly, it occurred some time ago, but McCarthy possesses a Super Bowl championship ring for a valid cause — and it coincidentally stands as the sole one achieved by Aaron Rodgers throughout his distinguished career. McCarthy reaffirmed his credentials following his time with the Packers, guiding Dallas into the playoffs in three of his five campaigns under the leadership of Jerry Jones. He abstained from the previous hiring period, ostensibly awaiting an ideal opportunity. McCarthy’s upbringing was in the Pittsburgh vicinity, meaning he is well-acquainted with the team’s historical traditions.

Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens

Head coaching record: Initial head coaching appointment, previously functioned as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator during 2024-25.

Why he was hired: The Ravens might have relieved John Harbaugh of his duties, yet they are maintaining continuity by selecting a successor from his coaching lineage. Minter served four years as a defensive assistant in Baltimore under Harbaugh from 2017 to 2020 before joining Harbaugh’s sibling, Jim, as the University of Michigan’s defensive coordinator. Subsequent to claiming a national title in Ann Arbor, he accompanied Jim to the Chargers, where he has directed a defensive squad that has consistently ranked among the top-10 in DVOA for the past two years, garnering widespread recognition for the versatility of his schemes and his strategic play-calling skill. At only 42 years of age, Minter was regarded as a leading contender in the coaching market, particularly among those seeking their first head coaching role.

He enters a scenario where the level of anticipation could not be greater. Lamar Jackson holds two NFL MVP titles, the Ravens possess elite talent comparable to any other team’s, and the sole remaining objective for this version of the franchise is to advance to and secure victory in the Super Bowl. Minter appears to be the type of individual capable of achieving this. Baltimore is well-known for selecting and nurturing talent while investing minimally in free agents, making a coach like Minter, who optimizes his players, seem perfectly suited. Moreover, Jackson guarantees a strong baseline for the offense, enabling Minter to dedicate more attention to reinforcing a defensive unit that underperformed compared to expectations in the previous season.

This represents a shrewd strategic move — even if the organization’s sole measure of accomplishment might be a Lombardi Trophy.

John Harbaugh, New York Giants

Head coaching record: 180 regular season victories, 113 defeats; 13 playoff wins, 11 playoff losses (encompassing a Super Bowl championship); accumulated 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.

Why he was hired: The Giants have employed four permanent head coaches and two temporary ones since Tom Coughlin departed following the 2015 campaign, and they are weary of the frequent leadership changes. Harbaugh, at 63 years old, retains considerable vigor and is expected to instill constancy in a venerable organization that has endured some of its most challenging periods. (The Giants’ 59 victories since 2015 represent the second-lowest total in the NFL, surpassing only the Jets).

The team roster features promising individuals for development, including quarterback Jaxson Dart (who could potentially align effectively 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. Furthermore, General Manager Joe Schoen, as detailed by Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, was reportedly prepared to transfer player personnel authority to Harbaugh, notwithstanding the theoretical organizational structure. Additionally, team owner John Mara, a prominent figure within the league, disclosed his struggle with an unspecified type of cancer last September, which likely intensified the urgency to secure a head coach capable of immediately commanding deference.

The Giants have struggled for a considerable duration, but acquiring the coach widely considered the most desirable available instantly restores their standing. Now, the speed at which they can achieve collective success remains to be observed.

Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons

Head coaching record: 45 wins, 56 losses in regular season play; 1 win, 2 losses in postseason contests; six years spent with the Cleveland Browns.

Why he was hired: Stefanski emerged as a leading figure in the available coaching pool, with the broader NFL community evaluating beyond his mere win-loss record with the Browns, recognizing his efforts to elevate a struggling organization into playoff contention. Does this resonate with you, Atlanta? Stefanski’s offensive intellect represents a fusion of various tactical approaches and coaching philosophies, which can assist incoming president of football Matt Ryan in assessing the talent available to the Falcons on the offensive side (including Kirk Cousins, whom Stefanski mentored in Minnesota). The team is also opting to keep defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, given the significant progress shown by the Falcons’ defense this season.

Stefanski serving as the lead coach and offensive strategic genius, with Ulbrich remaining to further develop his defensive unit? This constitutes a robust formula for the future, even with the uncertainty at quarterback and the absence of a first-round selection this spring posing considerable obstacles. If team owner Arthur Blank is ultimately prepared to exercise patience and allow this undertaking to unfold, Stefanski might conclude the Falcons’ eight-year playoff absence earlier than anticipated, particularly within a less formidable NFC South division.

Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins

Head coaching record: Initial head coaching role, held the position of Packers’ defensive coordinator from 2024-25.

Why he was hired: The immediate link is Jon-Eric Sullivan, appointed as the Dolphins’ general manager on January 9th, following more than two decades within the Packers’ organization, most recently as the vice president of player personnel.

Regarding the overall compatibility? The Dolphins have indeed demonstrated themselves to be a less appealing prospect among potential coaching hires this period than initially anticipated, as reported by Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports, primarily due to the necessary salary cap restructuring as the team transitions away from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh no longer an option, Hafley represents the most sensible subsequent step, potentially benefiting both sides. Hafley possesses prior head coaching experience at Boston College from 2020-23, he enhanced Green Bay’s defensive performances over the past two seasons, and Miami would be wise to rely on that defensive strength — alongside star running back De’Von Achane and an improving offensive line — while the Dolphins attempt to resolve their quarterback circumstances in what now appears to be an endeavor spanning multiple seasons.

Hafley is widely regarded as one of the more formidable prospects in the available talent pool, and the Dolphins acted decisively in securing what they deemed their optimal result.

Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans

Head coaching record: 20 wins, 36 losses; terminated five games into his fourth campaign with the New York Jets.

Why he was hired: The widespread sentiment throughout the league suggests that Saleh’s unsuccessful tenure with the Jets was mostly beyond his influence, and he has consistently overseen effective defensive units wherever he has coached. He is reportedly slated to orchestrate defensive strategies in Tennessee, so it will be intriguing to observe who the Titans appoint to the offensive coaching staff to further cultivate Cam Ward, whose potential became increasingly apparent during his inaugural professional season.

Primarily, however, Saleh is expected to contribute to stabilizing a Titans organization that is now on its second general manager and its second head coach (third if temporary appointments are included) since the dismissal of Mike Vrabel following the 2023 season. It is somewhat unexpected that Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy did not secure the role, given his availability and connections to General Manager Mike Borgonzi from their shared time in Kansas City, but Nagy might still be a candidate for the same coordinator position now that Saleh has been designated. Regardless, Saleh embodies the type of resolute, composed leader who could significantly contribute to ending the streak of defeats in Tennessee.

TERMINATED

Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans (mid-season)
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (mid-season)
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

STEPPED DOWN

Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL coaching updates live log

Live429 updates
  • Criss Partee

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    Reports indicate that the Minnesota Vikings are bringing on Ryan Nielsen to serve as the squad’s updated defensive run game coordinator. Nielsen functioned as a senior defensive assistant for the Buffalo Bills during 2025. For the two seasons prior, he acted as the defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars (2024) and the Atlanta Falcons (2023). In 2022, Nielsen held the co-defensive coordinator position in New Orleans with the Saints.

  • Tarohn Finley

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    Mike Bajakian is set to rejoin Todd Monken among the Cleveland Browns’ coaching personnel. He is anticipated to be appointed as the team’s quarterbacks coach, as per various news outlets.

  • Chris Cwik

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    Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley is opting for a familiar individual to oversee his defensive unit. Sean Duggan, who previously coached linebackers for the Green Bay Packers, is slated to join Hafley in Miami, according to numerous sources.

  • Criss Partee

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    The Arizona Cardinals have secured Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to be the franchise’s new top coach. LaFleur is receiving a five-year agreement for his fresh appointment. He has dedicated the last three seasons as offensive coordinator in Los Angeles, serving under Rams head coach Sean McVay.

    LaFleur is the junior sibling of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur. Mike launched his professional coaching journey in 2014 with the Cleveland Browns and rapidly advanced through the coaching hierarchy.

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    The San Francisco 49ers have brought in Raheem Morris, previously the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach, to be the team’s updated defensive coordinator. Morris served the prior two seasons as head coach in Atlanta, achieving consecutive campaigns with eight victories.

    Prior to that period in Atlanta, Morris held the defensive coordinator role for the Rams for a three-year span, encompassing their Super Bowl-winning season in 2021.

  • Tarohn Finley

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    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)

    The Las Vegas Raiders are said to be progressing toward an agreement to appoint Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, as reported by NFL Network and ESPN on Sunday. According to the same report, the arrangement cannot be formalized until subsequent to the Super Bowl event.

    Should this be substantiated, Kubiak will take on the role as the Raiders’ third head coach over three seasons and their sixth since the year 2021. Kubiak held discussions with both the Raiders and the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, as stated by ESPN.

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    The Baltimore Ravens have inquired about Jacksonville Jaguars assistant Tyler Tettleton for the wide receivers coaching position, Ian Rapoport conveys. Tettleton has been deeply engaged in the strategic offensive preparations for Jacksonville. He underwent an interview for the head coaching vacancy at Ohio University in the previous year.

  • Criss Partee

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    Prentice Gill, currently an assistant wide receivers coach for the Baltimore Ravens, is expected to interview for the team’s lead wide receiver coaching role this week. Gill has been affiliated with Baltimore for the prior two seasons and has contributed significantly to the growth of the wide receivers during that period.

  • Chris Cwik

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    Brian Callahan, previously the head coach for the Tennessee Titans, and Kliff Kingsbury, formerly the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, are both participating in the New York Giants’ pursuit of an offensive coordinator.

    Callahan achieved a 4-19 record with the Titans prior to his dismissal merely six games into the 2025 NFL season. Kingsbury was released by the Commanders subsequent to the season’s conclusion.

  • Chris Cwik

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    The Atlanta Falcons are enlisting Tanner Engstrand, formerly the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator, to contribute to their aerial attack. The Falcons are expected to appoint Engstrand as the club’s passing game coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

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  • Ian Casselberry

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  • Tarohn Finley

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    Ansley previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers and the University of Tennessee. The 44-year-old has also held the position of defensive backs coach with the Raiders, the University of Alabama, and Huntingdon College.

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  • Tarohn Finley

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  • Tarohn Finley

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    Curry served as a long-standing assistant coach for the New Orleans Saints, working under Sean Payton, now the Denver Broncos’ head coach. Declan Doyle, the Ravens’ newly appointed offensive coordinator, previously coached under Payton in Denver. Curry also held coaching positions with the San Francisco 49ers following the conclusion of his career as a professional wide receiver.

  • Tarohn Finley

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    Rodgers, at 48 years of age, is an experienced coach with prior tenures coaching with the Bears, Broncos, Panthers, 49ers, Kansas State, and the University of Arizona.

    The Bills recently engaged Joe Brady as head coach, Pete Carmichael as the offensive coordinator, and are said to have appointed Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator.

  • Tarohn Finley

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    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, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.

    Kerrigan has coached in Washington since 2022 and held the record for career sacks within the organization. Simmons is reportedly departing for a different coaching prospect, possibly in Pittsburgh. Ohnegian and former Vikings defensive lineman Sharrif Floyd dedicated the past two years to the Commanders’ staff.

    Commanders head coach Dan Quinn substituted former defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with Daronte Jones, formerly the Vikings’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. In the previous season, the Commanders were rated as the least effective team in defensive yards surrendered per contest and surpassed only the Jets in generating turnovers, with a total of 10.

  • Tarohn Finley

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    The Buffalo Bills secured Pete Carmichael, who previously served as offensive coordinator for both the Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints, for an identical position, as confirmed by the team.

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    Carmichael will contribute 26 years of professional experience to the inaugural-year head coach, having also served the Chargers, Washington, and Cleveland prior to his tenures in New Orleans and Denver.

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    Van Pelt held the offensive coordinator position for the Browns under Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski from 2020 through 2023.