Following the conclusion of the Super Bowl, where the Seattle Seahawks emerged victorious, the National Football League’s coaching search activities are finally drawing to a close.
After guiding his Seahawks team to a championship, Klint Kubiak confirmed his transition to the Las Vegas Raiders, reportedly under a five-year agreement. Kubiak will become the third head coach for the Raiders in as many seasons, succeeding Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.
Earlier in this hiring period, the Arizona Cardinals finalized arrangements with Mike LaFleur, the Los Angeles Rams’ offensive coordinator, to assume their head coaching duties. LaFleur, who is the younger sibling of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, is expected to sign a five-year contract with Arizona.
(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)
After considerable conjecture regarding his next destination, former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is reportedly set to join John Harbaugh’s coaching staff in New York, retaining his offensive coordinator position.
Raheem Morris is also reportedly making a professional move, having been recruited by the San Francisco 49ers to serve as their new defensive coordinator. Morris had been dismissed from his role as Atlanta Falcons head coach after the conclusion of their 2025-26 season.
In the previous week, the Browns secured Todd Monken, the former Ravens offensive coordinator, as their next head coach. Monken was selected after a search that also considered Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Meanwhile, the Bills elevated Joe Brady to head coach following the termination of Sean McDermott. Brady has been fulfilling the role of offensive coordinator since November 2023.
Other significant developments in the AFC include:
-
The Titans brought in Brian Daboll as their new offensive coordinator. Daboll was released from his position as Giants head coach mid-season, having been hired in 2022, and now has the opportunity to mentor the 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick, Cam Ward, under head coach Robert Saleh.
-
The Pittsburgh Steelers appointed Mike McCarthy as their next head coach. McCarthy assumes the role vacated by Mike Tomlin, who stepped down at the end of the Steelers’ season. He would be the franchise’s fourth head coach since 1969.
Below is an overview of the most notable personnel changes in this coaching cycle, encompassing both hirings and firings.
HEAD COACHES APPOINTED
Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Rams offensive coordinator from 2023-25.
Justification for hiring: The Cardinals are pursuing a dramatically different approach after three seasons led by the defensively oriented Jonathan Gannon. Under LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay, the Rams’ offense was top-ranked in the NFL this season with 6,709 total yards. Los Angeles led the league in passing yards and was seventh in rushing on its path to the NFC championship game.
A critical initial decision for LaFleur will concern the quarterback position. The Cardinals appear prepared to move on from Kyler Murray, who participated in only five games before a season-ending foot injury. Arizona’s offense concluded the season ranked 19th in the league.
The Cardinals hold the No. 3 overall selection in the upcoming April NFL Draft, but no quarterback seems to warrant such a high pick. Consequently, the team might need to secure a signal-caller through free agency. (Daniel Jones and Malik Willis are among the leading quarterbacks available.) Veterans like Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones are also potential trade targets.
Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Seahawks offensive coordinator in 2025.
Justification for hiring: 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), ranked among the bottom five in passing, and last in rushing despite having first-round pick Ashton Jeanty.
Equally important was finding 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 required, Geno Smith will also be available as an experienced presence while Mendoza acclimates to Kubiak’s offensive scheme and the professional league.
Kubiak fulfills both requirements, 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 achieved 4,048 passing yards, ranking fifth among NFL quarterbacks, with 25 touchdowns, leading to a Super Bowl appearance.
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023-25.
Justification for hiring: The Browns needed a leader to revitalize a struggling and talent-deficient offense, and they opted for Monken, who has spent recent seasons with Baltimore and at the University of Georgia, where he helped the Bulldogs secure two national championships as offensive coordinator. (He also served as Browns offensive coordinator in 2019.) Whether this extensive experience will translate into a turnaround for Cleveland remains to be seen, but a significant offseason lies ahead for enhancing the roster on the offensive side of the ball.
Monken will reportedly need to identify a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz is said to have informed coaches he will not return after being overlooked for the head coaching position. The Browns’ defense has been among the league’s elite in two of the last three seasons, making a strong new hire crucial while Monken concentrates on rebuilding the offense.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25.
Justification for hiring: At first glance, it seems peculiar to dismiss head coach Sean McDermott, publicly attributing coaching issues to the Bills’ roster… only to then promote a coach from that same staff. To be fair, Brady is a well-regarded offensive strategist known for his ingenuity and ability to maximize player talent. To be direct, he is also a first-time head coach unlikely to challenge the established power structure clearly in place with team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane.
Buffalo still boasts Josh Allen, and Brady has undoubtedly been instrumental in his consistent development into an MVP-caliber quarterback. McDermott’s management of the roster, particularly on defense, may have been underestimated during his nine seasons with the Bills, so the next critical watch will be their defensive coordinator hire. Ultimately, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this franchise era has been as much due to misfortune as anything. Perhaps Brady is the individual to help them overcome this hurdle.
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers
Head coaching background: 174-112-2 regular season record, 11-11 playoffs, five seasons with Dallas Cowboys, 13 seasons with Green Bay Packers.
Justification for hiring: While it was some time ago, McCarthy’s Super Bowl championship is a testament to his capabilities — and it happens to be the only one Aaron Rodgers secured in his illustrious career. McCarthy re-established his credibility after his tenure with the Packers, 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 region, making him intimately familiar with the franchise’s rich history.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25.
Justification for hiring: The Ravens may have parted ways with John Harbaugh, but they are selecting a replacement from within his coaching lineage. 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 achieving 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 in the top 10 in DVOA in both years, earning widespread acclaim for his units’ unpredictability and his play-calling skill. At just 42 years old, Minter was considered a leading candidate in the market, particularly among first-time head coaches.
He assumes a role where expectations are exceptionally high. Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP, the Ravens possess elite talent comparable to any team, and the sole remaining objective for this franchise iteration is to reach and win the Super Bowl. Minter appears to be the type of individual who can achieve this. Baltimore is known for its proficiency in drafting and developing talent and spending modestly on free agents, making a coach like Minter, who maximizes his players’ potential, seem ideally suited. Furthermore, Jackson guarantees a strong offensive foundation, allowing Minter to concentrate more on bolstering a defense that underperformed this past season.
It represents a calculated risk — even if a Lombardi Trophy might be the only measure of success for the franchise.
John Harbaugh, New York Giants
Head coaching background: 180-113 regular season record, 13-11 playoffs (including a Super Bowl championship), 18 seasons with Baltimore Ravens.
Justification for hiring: The Giants have employed four full-time head coaches and two interim coaches since Tom Coughlin’s resignation after the 2015 season, and they are weary of the instability. Harbaugh, at 63, still possesses considerable energy and is expected to bring consistency to a revered franchise that has endured some of its most challenging periods. (The Giants’ 59 victories since 2015 are the second-lowest in the NFL, surpassing only the Jets).
There is talent to cultivate on the roster, including QB Jaxson Dart (who might integrate well with Harbaugh’s favored 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. There is also general manager Joe Schoen, who, as Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson explained, was seemingly prepared to delegate personnel decisions to Harbaugh despite the nominal organizational hierarchy. Moreover, team owner John Mara, a prominent figure in 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 quickly they can achieve collective success.
Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons
Head coaching background: 45-56 regular season record, 1-2 playoffs, six seasons with Cleveland Browns.
Justification for hiring: Stefanski was among the most sought-after individuals on the market, with the NFL as a whole evaluating more than just his win-loss record with the Browns as he aimed to elevate a struggling franchise into playoff contention. Does this sound familiar, Atlanta? Stefanski’s offensive expertise combines elements from 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 showed significant improvement this season.
Stefanski as head coach and offensive architect, with Ulbrich remaining to continue developing his defensive unit? That presents a strong foundation moving forward, even if the quarterback situation and the absence of a first-round draft pick this spring pose considerable hurdles. If team owner Arthur Blank is finally prepared to exercise patience and allow this project to unfold, Stefanski could potentially end the Falcons’ eight-year playoff drought sooner than anticipated, particularly within a weaker NFC South division.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25.
Justification for hiring: The direct link is Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was appointed Dolphins general manager on January 9 after spending over two decades within the Packers’ organization, most recently as vice president of player personnel.
Regarding the broader suitability? The Dolphins have proven to be a less appealing option among coaching candidates this cycle than previously anticipated, as reported by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, largely due to the necessary salary cap restructuring as the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh no longer available, Hafley represents the most logical subsequent move, perhaps benefiting both parties. Hafley possesses head coaching experience at Boston College from 2020-23, he improved Green Bay’s defenses over the last two seasons, and Miami would do well to emphasize that side of the ball — in addition to 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 widely regarded as one of the stronger candidates available, and the Dolphins acted decisively to secure their optimal outcome.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching background: 20-36 record, dismissed five games into his fourth season with the New York Jets.
Justification for hiring: The general consensus across the league is that Saleh’s struggles with the Jets were largely beyond his influence, and he has consistently fielded strong defenses wherever he has coached. He will reportedly handle defensive play-calling in Tennessee, so it will be intriguing to observe who the Titans appoint to the offensive staff to continue the development of Cam Ward, who showed increasing promise throughout his rookie season.
Most importantly, however, Saleh is expected to help stabilize a Titans franchise that is now on its second general manager and 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 shared time in Kansas City, but perhaps Nagy is now a candidate for the offensive coordinator role given Saleh’s appointment. In any case, Saleh embodies the kind of steadfast, composed leader who could significantly contribute to halting Tennessee’s losing trend.
TERMINATIONS
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
RESIGNATIONS
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL coaching news latest updates
-
Criss Partee
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly set to appoint Keary Colbert, formerly the wide receivers coach for the Denver Broncos, to the same role. Keary has spent the last three seasons in Denver and has also coached wide receivers at the collegiate level with Florida and USC.
Keary’s NFL playing career as a wide receiver spanned six seasons across five teams. He was a second-round selection by the Carolina Panthers in the 2004 NFL Draft.
-
Criss Partee
The Green Bay Packers are reportedly elevating Luke Getsy to the position of offensive coordinator, according to a report from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Getsy had two prior tenures in Green Bay under Mike McCarthy and Matt LaFleur. Getsy returned to the Packers last season as a senior offensive assistant after holding offensive coordinator roles in Chicago and Las Vegas.
Getsy served as Aaron Rodgers’ quarterback coach for three years during his time in Green Bay.
-
Andy Backstrom
The New York Giants are recruiting former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan as their new quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.
Callahan finds a new role after being discharged by the Titans just six games into the past season — his second as Tennessee’s head coach — as he will become part of John Harbaugh’s inaugural coaching staff in New York.
He will transition from collaborating with Cam Ward to aiding the development of another first-round quarterback from the 2025 draft class, Jaxson Dart.
-
Criss Partee
Reports indicate that the Las Vegas Raiders and their new head coach, Klint Kubiak, hold former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in high esteem, according to Jason LaCanfora of SportsBoom.
“Multiple NFL executives whose teams have been involved in forming new coaching staffs suggested that Schwartz is highly regarded by the Raiders and rookie head coach Klint Kubiak, and they anticipate that the respected defensive play-caller will join their ranks. Sources have informed SportsBoom that Schwartz is quite amenable to assisting Brady and Kubiak in rejuvenating that unit after Pete Carroll’s unsuccessful single year there as head coach (and defensive architect).”
-
Criss Partee
Former NFL wide receiver Wes Welker is reportedly set to assume an offensive role with the Washington Commanders in 2026. Welker spent last season with Washington in operations as a personnel analyst. Prior to joining the Commanders’ front office last season, Welker served as an assistant coach for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins from 2017 to 2024.
Welker is a former NFL wideout who was named to the Pro Bowl five times, received All-Pro honors twice, and led the league in receptions on three occasions.
-
Ryan Young
Klint Kubiak’s agreement with the Raiders, which he alluded to last night after winning the Super Bowl, has now been finalized. He has secured a five-year contract.
-
Criss Partee
Former New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka was brought on by the Detroit Lions as an offensive assistant during this coaching transition period. There were reports that the Seattle Seahawks had shown interest in Kafka, but following their Super Bowl victory, it is being reported that they will seek to fill their now-vacant offensive coordinator position internally, with Klint Kubiak departing for Las Vegas.
Kafka is a former quarterback and has experience working with quarterbacks in previous coaching assignments. He has served as an assistant in the NFL since 2017 and joined the Giants in 2022 as offensive coordinator.
-
Ian Casselberry
Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg could be a contender for another defensive coordinator vacancy. The Cleveland Browns have reportedly requested an interview with Rutenberg for their defensive coordinator position, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Rutenberg, 44, had also interviewed for the Tennessee Titans’ defensive coordinator opening before Gus Bradley was hired from the San Francisco 49ers last week.
He recently completed his first season with the Falcons after serving four seasons as linebackers coach with the New York Jets. In the NFL, Rutenberg also coached seven seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and another with the
-
Tarohn Finley
The Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals will reportedly hold interviews with Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The former Wisconsin safety also spent time coaching in Green Bay, Detroit, Washington, Cleveland, at the University of Michigan, and at Grand Blanc High School.
-
Criss Partee
The New York Jets are reportedly adding Matthew Sargent to their offensive assistant staff. Sargent previously served as an assistant coach at Stanford, where he worked with quarterbacks and wide receivers. This will mark his initial coaching opportunity in the
-
Tarohn Finley
The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly brought in Adam Gase for an offensive assistant coaching position, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Gase previously held head coaching roles with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. The 47-year-old also served as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Cleveland Browns have reportedly sought to interview Carolina Panthers defensive pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley for their defensive coordinator vacancy, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Cooley has spent the last three seasons with the Panthers, working with players such as Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Prior to his time with the Panthers, Cooley coached with the Los Angeles Rams.
He also coached at the collegiate level at the University of Akron, Kent State, the University of Kentucky, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, John Carroll University, Bluffton University, and Millikin University. He played in the secondary at John Carroll.
-
Criss Partee
The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly nearing an internal hire to fill the offensive coordinator role left vacant by Klint Kubiak, who is departing to assume the head coach position with the Las Vegas Raiders. After winning Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Kubiak officially became the Raiders’ new head coach on Monday.
-
Tarohn Finley
Fresh off a Super Bowl triumph, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak confirms his intention to become the head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders next season.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Philadelphia Eagles will reportedly hire Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper for the same position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Kuper will take over from former Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
Kuper, 43, previously interacted with new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion when Mannion was a quarterback for the Vikings. Kuper also spent time coaching the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Kuper played as an offensive lineman for the Broncos during his playing career.
-
Tarohn Finley
The New York Jets are reportedly expected to bring on Ryan Slowik as safeties coach, according to CBS Sports Matt Zenitz.
Slowik has spent the past season with the Miami Dolphins. He is also the elder brother of Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.
-
Tarohn Finley
Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso will reportedly withdraw from consideration for the remaining defensive coordinator vacancy and return to the team, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Vasso, 38, has spent the last five seasons with the Texans, working with players such as Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter, and Jalen Pitre. Vasso has also coached with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, the University of Missouri, and Temple. He played football at the University of New Hampshire before beginning his coaching career.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Cleveland Browns have reportedly interviewed safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver for their defensive coordinator opening, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz resigned from the Browns on Friday after the team selected Todd Monken as head coach over him.
Banda previously coordinated defenses at Miami and Utah State and was reportedly a finalist for multiple defensive coordinator positions this year. Tarver served as the Raiders’ defensive coordinator from 2012-14. Monken intends to maintain the existing defensive system regardless of the new defensive coordinator hire.
-
Ian Casselberry
Following Declan Doyle’s departure for the Baltimore Ravens, the Chicago Bears are reportedly set to elevate Press Taylor to offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network.
Taylor, 38, recently concluded his first season on Ben Johnson’s staff with the Bears as passing game coordinator.
Previously, he spent three years as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offensive coordinator. Before that, Taylor worked eight years with the Philadelphia Eagles, advancing from offensive quality control to quarterbacks coach and ultimately passing game coordinator. He also served one season with the Indianapolis Colts as a senior offensive assistant.
-
Yahoo Sports Staff
Atlanta has undertaken a comprehensive overhaul this year, having already brought in a new general manager and head coach.
Now, the team is parting ways with Ryan Pace, their vice president of football operations. He has been with the Falcons since 2022.
