The Super Bowl has concluded, with the Seattle Seahawks emerging victorious, and the NFL’s search for new head coaches is finally drawing to a close.
After Klint Kubiak’s Seahawks secured the championship, he confirmed his transition to the Las Vegas Raiders, reportedly with a five-year contract. Kubiak is set to become the Raiders’ third head coach in a span of three campaigns, succeeding Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.
Earlier in this period, the Arizona Cardinals reached an agreement with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to assume the role of their new head coach. LaFleur, the sibling of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, is expected to secure a five-year deal with Arizona.
(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)
Following considerable conjecture about his next destination, former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is anticipated to join John Harbaugh’s staff in an identical capacity in New York.
Raheem Morris is also relocating, appointed by the San Francisco 49ers as their new defensive coordinator, according to various reports. Morris was relieved of his duties as the Atlanta Falcons’ head coach after their 2025-26 season concluded.
In the preceding week, the Browns appointed former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their upcoming head coach. Monken was selected from a pool of candidates that also included Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Meanwhile, the Bills elevated Joe Brady to head coach following the dismissal of Sean McDermott. Brady has occupied the position of offensive coordinator since November 2023.
In other AFC developments:
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The Titans enlisted Brian Daboll for their offensive coordinator post. Daboll was relieved of his head coaching duties with the Giants during the season after being appointed in 2022, and he will now have the opportunity to mentor 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick Cam Ward under the guidance of head coach Robert Saleh.
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The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Mike McCarthy to serve as their upcoming head coach. McCarthy takes over for Mike Tomlin, who stepped down at the conclusion of the Steelers’ season. He will mark the franchise’s fourth head coach since 1969.
Below is a summary of the prominent coaching appointments and terminations during this hiring period.
HEAD COACHES HIRED
Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals
Head coaching record: First job, was Rams offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Why he was hired: The Cardinals are markedly shifting their organizational philosophy after three seasons under the defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon as head coach. The Rams led the NFL in total offense, accumulating 6,709 yards this season 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.
A critical decision facing LaFleur immediately is the quarterback situation. The Cardinals appear prepared to move on from Kyler Murray, who participated in only five games before sustaining a season-ending foot injury. Arizona subsequently finished with the 19th-ranked offense in the league.
The Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall selection in April’s NFL Draft, but no quarterback seems worthy of such an early pick. Consequently, the team may need to identify a field leader through free agency. (Daniel Jones and Malik Willis are among the top quarterbacks available.) Veterans like Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones are also potential trade targets.
Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders
Head coaching record: First job, was Seahawks offensive coordinator for 2025
Why he was hired: The Raiders sought a coach capable of implementing a more dynamic offense after struggling over the past two seasons. Las Vegas ranked last in total offense this season (4,168 yards), among the bottom five in passing, and last in rushing despite featuring first-round pick Ashton Jeanty.
Also crucial was finding someone who could cultivate a young quarterback, as Las Vegas is likely to select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April. If required, the Raiders will also have Geno Smith providing a veteran presence while Mendoza familiarizes himself with Kubiak’s offensive scheme and the professional game.
Kubiak fulfills both criteria, having overseen Seattle’s eighth-ranked offense with 5,973 yards and 351.4 yards per game this season. In his inaugural season with the Seahawks, Sam Darnold passed for 4,048 yards, placing him fifth among NFL quarterbacks, with 25 touchdowns, guiding the team on a Super Bowl run.
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns
Head coaching record: First job, was Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Why he was hired: The Browns require someone to revitalize a fractured and talent-deficient offense, and they have settled on Monken, who has spent the last few seasons in Baltimore and in college at Georgia, where he contributed to the Bulldogs winning two national championships as offensive coordinator. (He also served as Browns offensive coordinator in 2019.) Whether all that experience will translate to turning around Cleveland remains to be seen, but a significant offseason lies ahead for improving the roster on that side of the ball.
Monken reportedly will need to secure a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz reportedly informed coaches he will not return after being overlooked for the head coaching position. The Browns’ defense has been one of the league’s top units in two of the past three seasons, so a successful new hire while Monken concentrates on rebuilding the offense will be vital.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching record: First job, was Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Why he was hired: Superficially, it appears to be a peculiar decision to dismiss head coach Sean McDermott, publicly declare that coaching was an issue with the Bills’ roster … then proceed to promote a coach from that very staff. To be fair, Brady is a well-regarded offensive strategist, fairly recognized for his ingenuity and ability to maximize talent. To be direct, he is also a first-time head coach who is unlikely to disrupt the power structure clearly established by team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane.
Buffalo still boasts Josh Allen, and Brady has undoubtedly played a crucial role in his consistent development into an MVP-caliber quarterback each year. McDermott’s management of the roster, particularly on defense, may have been underestimated during his nine seasons with the Bills, so the next key focus will be whomever they appoint as defensive coordinator. Ultimately, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this franchise era has been as much due to misfortune as anything else. Perhaps Brady is the individual who can guide them past this hurdle.
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.
Why he was hired: While it was some time ago, McCarthy possesses a Super Bowl ring for a reason — and it happens to be the sole one Aaron Rodgers has achieved in his distinguished career. McCarthy re-established his credibility after his Packers tenure, leading Dallas to the playoffs in three of his five seasons under Jerry Jones. He sat out the previous hiring cycle, seemingly awaiting the ideal opportunity. McCarthy grew up in the Pittsburgh area, so he is intimately familiar with the franchise’s history.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore RavensHead coaching record: First job, was Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
Why he was hired: The Ravens may have parted ways with John Harbaugh, but they are retaining a connection to his coaching tree for his replacement. Minter spent 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 past two seasons coordinating a defense that has ranked within the top-10 in DVOA in both years, earning widespread respect for the unpredictability of his units and his strategic play-calling. At just 42 years old, Minter was considered one of the leading candidates on the market, particularly among first-time head coaches.
He enters a situation 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 only remaining objective for this iteration of the franchise is to reach and win the Super Bowl. Minter appears to fit the profile of someone who can achieve this. Baltimore is renowned for drafting and developing talent and investing minimally in free agents, positioning a coach like Minter, who maximizes his players, ideally. Furthermore, Jackson guarantees a strong offensive baseline, allowing Minter to concentrate more of his efforts on bolstering a defense that underperformed expectations this past season.
It is a bold move — even if a Lombardi Trophy might be the sole measure of success for the franchise.
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
Why he was hired: The Giants have employed four full-time head coaches and two interims since Tom Coughlin’s resignation after the 2015 season, and they are weary of the constant turnover. Harbaugh, at 63, still possesses considerable energy and is expected to bring stability to a storied franchise that has endured some of its most challenging periods. (The Giants’ 59 wins since 2015 represent the second-fewest in the NFL, surpassed only by the Jets).
There is talent on the roster to develop, including QB Jaxson Dart (who might gel well with Harbaugh’s preferred offensive coordinator, Todd Monken), RB Cam Skattebo, WR Malik Nabers, LT Andrew Thomas, and a defense featuring DT Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. Additionally, there is a general manager in Joe Schoen, who, as Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson explained, was apparently willing to yield personnel decision-making to Harbaugh despite the nominal organizational hierarchy. And team owner John Mara, a highly influential figure in the league, revealed he is battling an undisclosed form of cancer last September, which likely intensified the desire for a head coach who could immediately command respect.
The Giants have struggled for years, but securing the coach widely regarded as the best available instantly restores credibility. Now, the focus shifts to how quickly they can achieve success together.
Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons
Head coaching record: 45-56 regular season, 1-2 playoffs, six seasons with Cleveland Browns
Why he was hired: Stefanski was one of the premier names on the market, with the NFL at large evaluating more than just his win-loss record with the Browns while attempting to elevate a struggling franchise into playoff contention. Sound familiar, Atlanta? Stefanski’s offensive expertise is a blend of multiple schemes and coaching lineages, 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 as head coach and offensive architect, with Ulbrich remaining to continue building his defensive unit? That constitutes a solid strategy moving forward, even if the quarterback situation 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 endeavor to unfold, Stefanski could potentially end the Falcons’ eight-year playoff drought sooner than anticipated, especially within a less competitive NFC South.
Jeff Hafley, Miami DolphinsHead coaching record: First job, was Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
Why he was hired: The direct link is Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was appointed as Dolphins general manager on Jan. 9 after spending over two decades within the Packers’ organization, most recently as vice president of player personnel.
As for the broader compatibility? The Dolphins have evidently proven to be a less appealing option among coaching candidates this cycle than previously anticipated, as Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson reported, largely due to the necessary salary cap restructuring as the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh off the table, Hafley represents the most logical subsequent move, perhaps for both parties. 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 considered one of the stronger candidates available, and the Dolphins acted decisively in securing their most favorable outcome.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching record: 20-36, fired five games into fourth season with New York Jets
Why he was hired: The general consensus across the league suggests Saleh’s shortcomings with the Jets were largely beyond his influence, and he has consistently overseen strong defenses wherever he has been. He will reportedly call defensive plays in Tennessee, so it will be interesting to observe who the Titans recruit for the offensive staff to continue developing Cam Ward, who demonstrated increasing promise as his rookie season progressed.
Above all, however, Saleh is expected to help stabilize a Titans franchise that is now on its second general manager and its second head coach (third including interim) since Mike Vrabel’s dismissal 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 time together in Kansas City, but perhaps Nagy is being considered 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 period of losses in Tennessee.
FIRED
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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Andy Backstrom
While former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Terrell Williams was undergoing treatment for prostate cancer during the 2025 campaign, inside linebackers coach Zak Kuhr assumed play-calling duties.
He performed commendably, contributing to the Patriots finishing fourth in the NFL for scoring defense. The unit conceded merely 18.8 points per game.
Williams subsequently returned to the team, cancer-free, for the Super Bowl, but has since been moved to a senior position on head coach Mike Vrabel’s staff, as reported by ESPN.
That created a vacancy at defensive coordinator, and Kuhr was the natural successor.
The Patriots are formalizing that promotion, according to multiple reports released on Tuesday.
ESPN’s Mike Reiss further reported that Vinny DePalma, a defensive assistant who played college football at Boston College from 2018-23, is anticipated to take on Kuhr’s previous role as inside linebackers coach.
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Criss Partee
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to elevate Parks Frazier to quarterbacks coach. Frazier served as the team’s passing game coordinator during the 2025 season. Before joining the Eagles, Frazier had tenures with Miami, Carolina, and Indianapolis.
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Criss Partee
The San Francisco 49ers are reportedly hiring veteran defensive backs coach Jerry Gray for an as-yet-undisclosed role, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Gray possesses nearly 30 years of NFL coaching experience and spent the last three seasons in Atlanta. He also has previous experience as a defensive coordinator with the Buffalo Bills and the Tennessee Titans. Gray was a first-round selection for the Los Angeles Rams in 1985 and was named to the Pro Bowl in four consecutive seasons with the team. He was also recognized as a two-time second-team All-Pro selection during his tenure with the Rams.
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Criss Partee
The Washington Commanders are still completing their coaching staff for 2026, though most positions have been filled:
David Blough assumes the role of head coach, serving as Dan Quinn’s new offensive coordinator after holding the position of assistant quarterbacks coach for the past two seasons. Washington brings in Daronte Jones from Minnesota as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Larry Izzo will continue as the special teams coordinator.
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Ryan Young
The Seattle Seahawks have identified a successor for Klint Kubiak. The Seahawks are appointing San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury as their next offensive coordinator, according to various reports. Fleury will take over for Kubiak, who accepted the Raiders’ head coaching position after guiding the team to their Super Bowl victory.
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Seahawks QB coach Andrew Janocko is following Klint Kubiak to Las Vegas, as Janocko is poised to become the Raiders’ new offensive coordinator, per multiple reports.
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Ian Casselberry
The Cleveland Browns appear to be narrowing down their selection for defensive coordinator. The team will conduct an in-person interview with Houston Texans defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin this upcoming week, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Also reportedly under consideration are internal candidate Jason Tarver, Cleveland’s linebackers coach since 2020, and Atlanta Falcons pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg, who also interviewed for the Titans’ defensive coordinator opening.
Cleveland is seeking a replacement for Jim Schwartz, the defensive coordinator who resigned when Todd Monken was named as the Browns’ new head coach.
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Andy Backstrom
The Las Vegas Raiders reportedly have their new defensive coordinator. New head coach Klint Kubiak is promoting from within the organization he just joined, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who reported Saturday that the Raiders are expected to elevate defensive line coach and defensive run-game coordinator Rob Leonard to DC.
Leonard has a close relationship with five-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Maxx Crosby, according to Rapoport, which is particularly significant given Vegas’s efforts to retain Crosby for the Kubiak era.
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The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly appointing Western Michigan defensive ends coach and pass rush specialist Sean Spence as their linebackers coach, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz.
Spence collaborated with new Chargers defensive coordinator Chris O’Leary at WMU. Spence also had a playing career in the NFL as a linebacker with the Steelers, Tennessee Titans, and the Indianapolis Colts.
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The Las Vegas Raiders will reportedly interview Packers defensive line coach and run game coordinator DeMarcus Covington for their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Covington served as the defensive coordinator for the New England Patriots before spending last season with the Packers. The 36-year-old has also held coaching roles at Eastern Illinois, UT Martin, Ole Miss, and UAB. He also played wide receiver at Samford.
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Ian Casselberry
The Las Vegas Raiders will reportedly conduct an interview with Seattle Seahawks safeties coach Jeff Howard for their defensive coordinator position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Jeff Howard has coached safeties with the Seattle Seahawks for the past two seasons under head coach Mike Macdonald. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Howard, 43, has been with the Seahawks since 2024 when Mike Macdonald became head coach. His NFL coaching career commenced in 2013 with the Minnesota Vikings as a defensive assistant. During his time in Minnesota, he was on the same staff as Klint Kubiak, now the Raiders’ head coach. After their tenure in Seattle, they could potentially collaborate again in Las Vegas.
Following his seven-year stretch with the Vikings, Howard coached defensive backs with the Cleveland Browns and linebackers for the Los Angeles Chargers.
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Ian Casselberry
The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly considering a division rival to potentially fill their offensive coordinator vacancy. Seattle is scheduled to interview San Francisco 49ers tight ends coach Brian Fleury on Saturday, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Brian Fleury has been on the San Francisco 49ers’ coaching staff since 2019. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
(Chris Unger via Getty Images)
Fleury, 46, has served with the 49ers since 2019, initially as a defensive quality control coach. He transitioned to the same role on offense before being promoted to coach tight ends. Last season, Fleury also assumed additional responsibilities as run game coordinator. Prior to his 49ers stint, Fleury coached with the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns. He interviewed for the New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator position in 2024.
The Seahawks are replacing Klint Kubiak, who departed to become the Las Vegas Raiders’ head coach after Seattle’s Super Bowl victory.
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