Merely two teams are still competing. The New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks are set to clash in Super Bowl LX on February 8th, in Santa Clara, California.
Concurrently, the National Football League’s head coaching rotations appear to have concluded.
Filling the NFL’s final vacant head coaching position, the Arizona Cardinals finalized an agreement with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to assume their next head coaching role, as declared by the team on Sunday. LaFleur, the younger sibling of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, is reportedly receiving a five-year contract with the Arizona organization.
(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)
A week prior to the Super Bowl event, the Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly reached an agreement with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. A definitive contract cannot be formalized until after the February 8th contest with the New England Patriots. Kubiak is poised to become the Raiders’ third head coach in a span of three seasons, succeeding Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.
Following considerable conjecture regarding his potential destination, former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will reportedly integrate into John Harbaugh’s coaching staff in the identical capacity in New York.
Raheem Morris is also undertaking a new role, having been recruited by the San Francisco 49ers as their fresh defensive coordinator, according to various reports. Morris was relieved of his duties as Atlanta Falcons head coach after their 2025-26 season concluded.
Last week, the Cleveland Browns engaged former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach. Monken emerged as the selected candidate in a selection process that also considered Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The Buffalo Bills, in the interim, elevated Joe Brady to head coach subsequent to the dismissal of Sean McDermott. Brady has functioned as offensive coordinator since November 2023.
In other developments within the AFC:
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The Tennessee Titans appointed Brian Daboll as their upcoming offensive coordinator. Daboll was terminated as Giants head coach mid-season after his hire in 2022, and he will now have the prospect of developing the 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick, Cam Ward, under the guidance of head coach Robert Saleh.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers enlisted Mike McCarthy to take on the role of their next head coach. McCarthy assumes the position vacated by Mike Tomlin, who tendered his resignation at the conclusion of the Steelers’ season. He would become the franchise’s fourth head coach since 1969.
Presented here is a summary of the most notable hirings (and firings) during this coaching transition period.
APPOINTED HEAD COACHES
Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals
Head coaching record: First head coaching role, previously served as Rams offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Justification for appointment: The Cardinals are initiating a significant strategic shift after three seasons with the defensively oriented Jonathan Gannon as head coach. The Rams concluded the season leading the NFL in total offensive yardage with 6,709 yards under LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay. Los Angeles ranked first in passing yards and seventh in rushing en route to the NFC championship game appearance.
A primary decision confronting LaFleur immediately involves the quarterback situation. The Cardinals appear poised to transition away from Kyler Murray, who participated in only five games before sustaining a season-ending foot injury. Arizona subsequently concluded the season with the 19th-ranked offense across the league.
The Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall selection in the upcoming April’s NFL Draft, but no quarterback candidate seems to warrant that specific pick. Consequently, the team may need to secure a field leader through free agency. (Daniel Jones and Malik Willis represent the top available quarterbacks.) Veterans such as Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones are also considered trade prospects.
Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders
Head coaching record: First head coaching role, previously served as Seahawks offensive coordinator for 2025
Justification for appointment: The Raiders sought a coach capable of implementing a more dynamic offense after experiencing difficulties over the past two seasons. Las Vegas finished last in total offense this season (4,168 yards), ranking among the bottom five in passing and last in rushing despite featuring first-round draft pick Ashton Jeanty.
Equally crucial was the selection of someone who could cultivate a young quarterback, as Las Vegas is likely to choose Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April. If deemed necessary, the Raiders will also have Geno Smith as an experienced presence while Mendoza acclimates himself to Kubiak’s offensive scheme and the professional league’s play.
Kubiak fulfills both criteria, having overseen Seattle’s eighth-ranked offense, which generated 5,973 yards and an average of 351.4 yards per game this season. In his inaugural season with the Seahawks, Sam Darnold amassed 4,048 passing yards, placing him fifth among NFL quarterbacks, alongside 25 touchdowns, guiding a Super Bowl contention.
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns
Head coaching record: First head coaching role, previously served as Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Justification for appointment: The Browns require an individual to rectify a struggling and talent-deficient offensive unit, and they opted for Monken, who has dedicated the past few seasons in Baltimore and collegiately at Georgia, where he assisted the Bulldogs in securing two national championships as offensive coordinator. (He also served as Browns offensive coordinator in 2019.) Whether all that prior experience will translate into a turnaround for Cleveland remains uncertain, but a substantial offseason lies ahead irrespective of improving the roster on that side of the ball.
Monken will reportedly need to identify a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz reportedly communicated to coaches his intention not to return after being overlooked for the head coaching position. The Browns’ defense has consistently been among the league’s elite units in two of the past three seasons, making a successful new hire while Monken concentrates on revitalizing the offense critically important.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching record: First head coaching role, previously served as Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Justification for appointment: Superficially, it appears to be an unusual decision at best to terminate head coach Sean McDermott, publicly declare that coaching was an issue with the Bills’ roster … then proceed to promote a coach from that same staff. To be equitable, Brady is a well-regarded offensive strategist known for his inventiveness and optimizing player capabilities. To be direct, he is also a first-time head coach who is not expected to disrupt the established power structure clearly in place by team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane.
Buffalo still possesses Josh Allen, and there is no doubt Brady has played a pivotal role in his development into an MVP-caliber quarterback consistently. McDermott’s management of the roster, particularly on defense, may have been underestimated throughout his nine seasons with the Bills, making the identity of their next defensive coordinator a crucial watch point. Fundamentally, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this franchise era has been as much due to unfortunate circumstances as anything else. Perhaps Brady is the individual who can guide them past this obstacle.
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers
Head coaching record: 174-112-2 regular season, 11-11 playoffs, five seasons with Dallas Cowboys, 13 seasons with Green Bay Packers.
Justification for appointment: Granted, it was some time ago, but McCarthy possesses a Super Bowl championship for a specific reason — and it happens to be the singular one Aaron Rodgers has achieved in his distinguished career. McCarthy re-established his credibility following his tenure with the Packers, guiding Dallas to the playoffs in three of his five seasons under Jerry Jones’ leadership. He remained inactive during the preceding hiring cycle, seemingly awaiting the ideal opportunity. McCarthy was raised in the Pittsburgh vicinity, so he is well-acquainted with the franchise’s legacy.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching record: First head coaching role, previously served as Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
Justification for appointment: The Ravens may have dismissed John Harbaugh, but they are maintaining continuity within his coaching lineage for his replacement. Minter dedicated four seasons as a defensive assistant in Baltimore under Harbaugh from 2017-2020 before joining Harbaugh’s brother, Jim, as the University of Michigan’s defensive coordinator. After securing a national championship in Ann Arbor, he followed Jim to the Chargers, where he has spent the last two seasons directing a defense that has consistently ranked among the top-10 in DVOA during both years, garnering widespread recognition for the unpredictability of his units and his strategic play-calling prowess. At only 42 years old, Minter was regarded as one of the premier candidates on the market, especially among first-time head coaches.
He assumes a role where expectations could not be higher. Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP, the Ravens possess elite talent comparable to any team, and the sole remaining objective for this iteration of the franchise is to reach and win the Super Bowl. Minter appears to embody the profile of someone capable of achieving this. Baltimore is renowned for its talent acquisition and development while spending minimally on free agents, positioning a coach like Minter, who maximizes his players, ideally. Furthermore, Jackson guarantees a high floor offensively, allowing Minter to concentrate more of his efforts on fortifying a defense that fell short of expectations last season.
It represents a shrewd gamble — even if a Lombardi Trophy might be the only metric by which the franchise measures its achievement.
John Harbaugh, New York Giants
Head coaching record: 180-113 regular season, 13-11 playoffs (including a Super Bowl title), 18 seasons with Baltimore Ravens
Justification for appointment: The Giants have employed four full-time head coaches and two interim coaches since Tom Coughlin resigned following the 2015 season, and they are dissatisfied with the persistent turnover. Harbaugh, at 63, retains considerable energy and is expected to bring stability to a venerable franchise that has endured some of its most challenging periods. (The Giants’ 59 victories since 2015 represent the second-lowest in the NFL, surpassing only the Jets).
There is talent to nurture on the roster, encompassing QB Jaxson Dart (who might harmonize effectively with Harbaugh’s preferred offensive coordinator, Todd Monken), RB Cam Skattebo, WR Malik Nabers, LT Andrew Thomas, and a defensive unit that includes DT Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. Additionally, there is general manager Joe Schoen, who, as Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson elucidated, was seemingly prepared to concede personnel decision-making authority to Harbaugh despite the ostensible organizational hierarchy. And team owner John Mara, a highly influential voice within the league, disclosed his battle with an undisclosed form of cancer last September, likely strengthening the desire for a head coach who could immediately command respect.
The Giants have struggled for years, but securing the coach widely considered the best available instantly restores credibility. Now, the focus shifts to how rapidly they can achieve success together.
Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons
Head coaching record: 45-56 regular season, 1-2 playoffs, six seasons with Cleveland Browns
Justification for appointment: Stefanski was among the premier names on the market, with the NFL broadly evaluating more than just his win-loss record with the Browns while attempting to elevate a struggling franchise into playoff contention. Does this sound familiar, Atlanta? Stefanski’s offensive acumen is a blend of various schemes and coaching philosophies, which can assist new president of football Matt Ryan in assessing the talent the Falcons possess on that side of the ball (including Kirk Cousins, whom Stefanski coached in Minnesota). They are also retaining defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after the Falcons’ defense demonstrated significant improvements this season.
Stefanski serving as head coach and offensive architect, with Ulbrich remaining to continue cultivating his side of the ball? That constitutes a robust formula moving forward, even if the quarterback solution and the absence of a first-round pick this spring present considerable obstacles. If team owner Arthur Blank is finally prepared to exercise patience and allow this undertaking to unfold, Stefanski could potentially conclude the Falcons’ eight-year playoff drought sooner than anticipated, particularly within a weaker NFC South division.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching record: First head coaching role, previously served as Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
Justification for appointment: The direct link is Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was appointed as Dolphins general manager on January 9th after dedicating over two decades to the Packers’ organization, most recently as vice president of player personnel.
Regarding the broader compatibility? The Dolphins have proven to be a less appealing option among coaching candidates this cycle than initially projected, as reported by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, largely due to the required salary cap restructuring as the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh no longer available, Hafley represents the most logical subsequent choice, perhaps for both entities. Hafley possesses head coaching experience at Boston College from 2020-23, he enhanced Green Bay’s defenses over the last two seasons, and Miami would benefit from emphasizing that side of the ball — not to mention star RB De’Von Achane and an improving offensive line — while the Dolphins endeavor to resolve their quarterback situation in what now appears to be a multi-season endeavor.
Hafley is regarded as one of the stronger candidates on the market, and the Dolphins acted decisively in securing their most favorable outcome.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching record: 20-36, terminated five games into his fourth season with the New York Jets
Justification for appointment: The general consensus around the league is that Saleh’s shortcomings with the Jets were largely beyond his influence, and he has consistently fielded effective defenses wherever he has coached. He will reportedly be calling defensive plays in Tennessee, so it will be intriguing to observe who the Titans enlist for the offensive staff to continue nurturing Cam Ward, who demonstrated increasing promise throughout his rookie season.
Above all, however, Saleh is expected to help stabilize a Titans franchise that is on its second general manager and now its second head coach (third including an interim) since the dismissal of Mike Vrabel after the 2023 season. It is somewhat surprising that Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy did not secure the position, considering his availability and connections to GM Mike Borgonzi from their shared time in Kansas City, but perhaps Nagy is now a candidate for the same role now that Saleh has been appointed. Regardless, Saleh is the type of firm, composed leader who could significantly contribute to halting the consistent losses in Tennessee.
TERMINATED
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans (during season)
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (during 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
RESIGNED
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL coaching news live blog
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Sean Leahy
Monken and Sanders conducted their initial meeting last week.
Sanders commenced in seven matchups for the Browns in 2025. His performance included 1,400 aerial yards, seven scoring passes, and ten turnovers, achieving a 68.1 passer efficiency rating. The Browns concluded their season with a 5-12 record, missing the postseason for the second consecutive year.
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Criss Partee
Cincinnati Bengals wide receivers coach Troy Walters has declined an invitation for an interview for the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator position. Walters played wide receiver in the NFL for eight seasons during the 2000s, representing the Vikings, Colts, Cardinals, and Lions. He was selected as a fifth-round pick by Minnesota in 2000.
Walters commenced his coaching career at Indiana State in 2009 and has been an assistant with the Bengals since 2020.
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Sean Leahy
The 56-year-old Bevell held the Dolphins’ QB coach and passing game coordinator roles from 2022-2025. He previously served as offensive coordinator and interim head coach for the Jaguars and Lions between 2019-2021. He also functioned as Vikings and Seahawks offensive coordinator from 2006-2017.
Roman, aged 53, was the Chargers’ passing game coordinator for the previous two seasons. He has been an NFL offensive coordinator for the 49ers (2011-2014), Bills (2015-2016), and Ravens (2019-2020).
Both Bevell and Roman had completed remote interviews with the Jets last week, along with Ronald Curry, Frank Reich, and Lunda Wells.
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Chris Cwik
After dedicating the last three years to the Kansas City Chiefs, Matt Nagy will embrace a fresh challenge in 2026. Nagy was reportedly recruited to be the New York Giants’ next offensive coordinator, as per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Nagy, aged 47, brings extensive expertise to the role. In addition to his tenure as offensive coordinator with the Chiefs, Nagy also spent four years serving as head coach for the Chicago Bears.
The Bears achieved a 34-31 record under Nagy’s leadership, reaching the playoffs twice during his time with the squad.
Further details on this news are available.
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Sean Leahy
The 38-year-old conversed with the Steelers on Monday regarding their offensive coordinator vacancy. Tolzien, a former NFL quarterback, served as QB coach for the Cowboys from 2023-2024 before joining the Saints prior to this season.
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Tarohn Finley
The Buffalo Bills appointed former Arizona Cardinals passing game coordinator and WR coach Drew Terrell as their wide receivers coach, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Terrell will integrate into the Bills’ coaching staff alongside new head coach Joe Brady and offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr.
Terrell also interviewed for the Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator position before they hired former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel.
Terrell has dedicated the last three seasons to the Cardinals. Prior to his time in Arizona, Terrell spent periods with the Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers.
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Criss Partee
The Miami Dolphins and head coach Jeff Hafley are bringing in Brock Olivo as assistant special teams coordinator to work alongside special teams coordinator Chris Tabor. Olivo was most recently associated with the University of Missouri, but also possesses previous NFL coaching experience with Denver, Chicago, and Kansas City.
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Ryan Young
Gus Bradley is joining Robert Saleh in Tennessee.
The Titans secured an agreement to enlist Bradley as their next defensive coordinator on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Bradley most recently functioned as the associate head coach with the 49ers, where Saleh spent the previous season as the defensive coordinator.
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Criss Partee
The Pittsburgh Steelers have concluded an interview with New Orleans Saints tight ends coach Chase Haslett for their open passing game coordinator/TEs coach role on Mike McCarthy’s staff. Haslett, the son of long-serving NFL coach Jim Haslett, commenced his coaching career on McCarthy’s staff in Dallas in 2020 as a quality control coach. He has consistently advanced through the ranks over the past five years, joining the Saints’ staff in 2025 under first-year head coach Kellen Moore, who also served on McCarthy’s staff in Dallas.
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Tarohn Finley
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Tarohn Finley
Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton announced the team’s promotion of Davis Webb to offensive Coordinator and Logan Kilgore as Quarterbacks Coach. Webb will take over from former Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi.
Webb previously held the roles of offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach, while Kilgore was formerly the offensive quality control coach for the Broncos. Webb was a finalist for the Las Vegas Raiders head coaching position before withdrawing his candidacy. The Raiders are reportedly set to hire Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak following the Super Bowl.
Webb, aged 31, has rapidly ascended in the coaching ranks since his NFL playing career concluded in 2022. Webb has spent the last three seasons under head coach Sean Payton with the Broncos. He initially served as the quarterback coach, contributing to Bo Nix’s development before adding passing game coordinator to his responsibilities last season after John Morton departed to become the Lions’ offensive coordinator.
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Criss Partee
Here are the confirmed appointments for the Baltimore Ravens and new head coach Jesse Minter’s coaching staff.
Offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, Assistant OL coach Shawn Flaherty, inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci (retained from John Harbaugh’s staff), defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs coach Mike Mickens, defensive assistant P.J. Volker, and game management coordinator Charlie Gelman.
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Jason Owens
A familiar face is making a return to Baltimore.
The Ravens are working towards enlisting Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for the same position, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Weaver will rejoin the Ravens team that initially drafted him into the NFL as a player in 2002. As a defensive end, Weaver played four seasons for the Ravens and an additional three for the Houston Texans through the 2008 season.
Weaver also previously served on John Harbaugh’s staff in Baltimore. He has held defensive line coach or defensive coordinator roles in the NFL since 2012. He spent three seasons from 2021-24 as Baltimore’s defensive line coach, two of which also included the title of associate head coach.
Additional information is available on this matter.
Anthony Weaver is reportedly returning to the Ravens after working two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Dolphins.
(Miami Herald via Getty Images)
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Tarohn Finley
The Pittsburgh Steelers are adding Jason Simmons as defensive pass game coordinator and defensive backs, Scott McCurley as inside linebackers coach, and Steve Scarnecchia as chief of staff, according to the team’s social media presence.
Simmons’ most recent experience was with the Washington Commanders as the defensive pass game coordinator and he previously coached with Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy with the Green Bay Packers. McCurley spent the last four years with the Dallas Cowboys and has a history of coaching alongside McCarthy in Green Bay.
Scarnecchia last worked for the Falcons under former head coach Raheem Morris. He is the offspring of former New England Patriots assistant coach Dante Scarnecchia.
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Criss Partee
The Miami Dolphins will reportedly retain assistant coaches Austin Clark and Joe Barry on new head coach Jeff Hafley’s staff. Clark as defensive line coach, and Barry coaching the inside linebackers.
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Criss Partee
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy is reportedly scheduled to meet with former Saints quarterback coach Scott Tolzein on Monday. Tolzein was active in the league as a backup for several years during the 2010s for Green Bay and Indianapolis. He initiated his coaching career in 2019 at Wisconsin, before transitioning to the Dallas Cowboys in 2020 on McCarthy’s staff.
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Criss Partee
It is being reported that the Arizona Cardinals are a more probable destination for long-serving coach Gus Bradley compared to the Tennessee Titans, given that he would assume play-calling responsibilities as defensive coordinator on Mike LaFleur’s staff, according to Albert Breer. In Tennessee, new head coach Robert Saleh, who also has a background as a defensive coordinator, is anticipated to initially handle play-calling duties.
Bradley served as head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars for four seasons from 2013-2016 and has also been a defensive coordinator for multiple NFL teams.
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Tarohn Finley
The Baltimore Ravens are bringing in Navy defensive coordinator and head coach Jesse Minter’s college colleague, P.J. Volker, to their defensive coaching staff, according to the Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec. Volker dedicated the last three seasons as Navy’s defensive coordinator and has instructed linebackers for the past seven years.
Volker and Minter coached collaboratively at Georgia St and Indiana St and competed together at College of Mount St. Joseph (Ohio), where Volker was a three-year letterwinner and a two-time all-conference selection.
He also spent time as the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator at Thiel College, coaching linebackers and serving as the program’s recruiting coordinator at Thomas More College in Kentucky.
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Criss Partee
Mike LaFleur will be officially presented as the Arizona Cardinals’ new head coach at a press conference on Tuesday at noon. LaFleur dedicated the last three seasons as offensive coordinator for the Rams and prior to that, served as the Jets’ offensive coordinator for two years.
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Tarohn Finley
Head coach Sean McVay stated that the Los Angeles Rams appointed Bubba Ventrone as the team’s special teams coordinator. McVay mentioned he’s “someone I’ve had my eye on for a considerable time.”
Ventrone served as an assistant head coach and special teams coordinator with the Cleveland Browns before joining the Rams. The 46-year-old also spent time coaching the special teams units of the New England Patriots and the Indianapolis Colts.
Ventrone is a former NFL safety and played for the Patriots, Browns, New York Jets, San Francisco 49ers, and the Cologne Centurions in NFL Europe.
