[Current NFL coaching updates]
This year’s National Football League coaching changes are proving to be exceptionally captivating, with many situations still unfolding.
A significant coaching development occurred on Tuesday as long-serving Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin concluded his 19-year tenure with the franchise. This decision came less than a day after the Steelers’ 30-6 defeat to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. With this departure, Pittsburgh will embark on a search for only its third head coach since 1969.
The coaching market accelerated rapidly the week following the regular season’s conclusion. On Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons officially appointed former team star Matt Ryan as their new football operations president. This appointment was anticipated after the previous head coach, Raheem Morris, and general manager, Terry Fontenot, were let go.
The Dolphins dismissed head coach Mike McDaniel last Thursday, and the following day, they brought in Jon-Eric Sullivan, previously the Green Bay Packers’ vice president of player personnel, to serve as their new general manager. Sullivan will be instrumental in finding McDaniel’s successor.
McDaniel’s termination followed by two days the Baltimore Ravens’ surprising separation from head coach John Harbaugh, who had been with the team for 18 seasons and secured a Super Bowl victory. According to Frank Schwab of Yahoo Sports, that particular vacancy quickly emerged as the most sought-after opportunity available.
As might be expected, Harbaugh is projected to be a highly desirable candidate in this coaching cycle, with reports indicating that both the Dolphins and Cleveland Browns have made contact to request interviews for their vacant head coaching roles.
Adjustments have extended beyond just head coaches. The Philadelphia Eagles removed offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo from his role on Tuesday, following a less-than-stellar year for Jalen Hurts and his teammates. The Los Angeles Chargers also parted ways with offensive coordinator Greg Roman after another disappointing playoff performance. Furthermore, as widely anticipated, the Dallas Cowboys dismissed defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus last week, after the team allowed over 500 points in a single season for the first time in its history.
Within the NFC East, the Washington Commanders released defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and mutually agreed to separate with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Both individuals were part of Dan Quinn’s initial Commanders staff, which had guided Washington to its first conference championship game appearance since the 1991 season. The Commanders promoted assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to offensive coordinator.
Below is a comprehensive roster of head coaches needing replacement this offseason.
RESIGNED
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
Team record: 201-126-2 (including postseason), over 19 years
Reason for resignation: Following almost two decades of successful leadership in Pittsburgh, Tomlin recently faced scrutiny for his inability to achieve deep postseason runs. It’s plausible that the pressures of the role, after such an extended period, began to impact Tomlin. Alternatively, he may have simply desired a sabbatical after nearly twenty years in a high-pressure position. Since Tomlin’s departure was voluntary—not a dismissal—the Steelers retain his contractual rights should he decide to return to coaching. Tomlin might also choose to take a year or two off before re-entering the game. If he opts to coach again, he would likely be a highly sought-after candidate for numerous teams.
TERMINATED
Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
Team record: 35-35 (including postseason), spanning four seasons
Reason for termination: The season commenced poorly, with the Dolphins suffering an embarrassing loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1. Subsequently, the Dolphins exhibited increasingly creative ways to lose games. After a 1-6 start to the season, McDaniel and the team displayed renewed vigor towards the end of the season. They secured victories in five of their subsequent six games, mitigating what had been a difficult beginning. However, this late-season rally was insufficient to preserve McDaniel’s position, or that of Tua Tagovailoa.
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
Team record: 193-124 (including playoffs), throughout his 18th season
Reason for termination: The Ravens’ performance this season was surprisingly average, and this cannot be entirely attributed to Lamar Jackson’s injuries. Their defensive unit displayed inconsistent performance, fluctuating between notably poor and merely adequate, while some of Harbaugh’s in-game tactical choices drew criticism. Harbaugh’s inability to guide the team back to the Super Bowl with a two-time MVP quarterback in Jackson had fostered a general sentiment that a fresh perspective in head coaching might benefit the Ravens organization.
Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
Team record: 15-36, over three seasons
Reason for termination: Gannon’s appointment was partly intended to fortify Arizona’s defense, a goal that largely went unfulfilled. This season’s defensive unit ranked 26th in EPA per play allowed and 27th in success rate allowed, and generally showed no advancement despite 17 of Gannon’s 28 draft selections being defensive players, including six of seven from the previous spring. It is challenging to assert that the Cardinals have improved noticeably since Gannon assumed the coaching role.
Potential candidates: Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator; Klayton Adams, Cowboys offensive coordinator; Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator; Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator; Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator; Mike McCarthy, former Cowboys and Packers head coach.
Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Team record: 3-14, across one season
Reason for termination: Carroll was expected to bring consistency to the franchise, but his single season saw more losses for the 74-year-old former Super Bowl champion. The Raiders secured a victory against the Kansas City Chiefs in their season finale, breaking a winless streak that had extended since Week 6. The offseason acquisition of Carroll’s preferred quarterback, Geno Smith, did not yield significant results, both the offensive and special teams coordinators were let go in November, and a disagreement arose with Maxx Crosby regarding the star pass rusher being placed on injured reserve. None of these events reflected positively on Carroll, who seemed overwhelmed in his attempt to mend a franchise with deeper-seated issues (and higher up the organizational chart).
Potential candidates: Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator; Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator; Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator; Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator; Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator; Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator; Brian Daboll, former Giants coach; Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator.
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
Team record: 46-58 (including postseason), over six seasons
Reason for termination: Under Stefanski, the Browns recorded their fourth losing season in six years, along with a second consecutive year of holding a top-seven draft pick. The calamitous trade for Deshaun Watson is partly attributable to Stefanski, who advocated for him in the spring of 2022. Despite Stefanski’s offensive expertise, none of the 13 quarterbacks who have started under his leadership have emerged as a permanent solution for the team.
Potential candidates: Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator; Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator; Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator; Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator; Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator; Mike McCarthy, former Cowboys and Packers head coach.
Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
Team record: 16-18, over two seasons
Reason for termination: Morris’s performance wasn’t overtly poor. The Falcons secured victories in their final four games of the season, which seemingly strengthened Morris’s case. However, the Falcons’ overall performance declined this season, and the team’s operations appeared unstable under his guidance. While he, along with general manager Terry Fontenot, who orchestrated an all-in strategy for 2025 that included trading away the team’s first-round draft pick next spring, ultimately took the fall, Morris didn’t consistently present the strongest argument for his retention. The Falcons now appear set to completely restructure their football operations, with former quarterback Matt Ryan reportedly poised to assume the role of Atlanta’s new president of football.
Potential candidates: Kevin Stefanski, former Browns head coach; Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator; Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator; Joe Brady, Bills offensive coordinator; Mike LaFleur, Rams offensive coordinator; Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator; Mike McCarthy, former Cowboys and Packers head coach.
Brian Daboll, New York Giants
Team record: 21-41-1, across three full seasons and 10 games
Reason for termination: Daboll was recognized as Coach of the Year in his inaugural season, guiding the Giants to a playoff victory with key contributions from Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. Nevertheless, a combination of injuries and underperformance created difficulties that Daboll could not overcome. His management of the Giants’ overall functioning—from game strategy and interference with concussion protocols to repeatedly subjecting 2025 first-round rookie QB Jaxson Dart to excessive contact in the ground game—became untenable for the organization.
Potential candidates: Kevin Stefanski, former Browns head coach; Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator; Mike McCarthy, former Cowboys and Packers head coach; Antonio Pierce, former Raiders head coach; Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator; Jeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinator; Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinator; Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator; Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator.
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans
Team record: 4-19, over one full season and six games
Reason for termination: Callahan garnered more attention for his off-field behavior than for his on-field victories. He was observed confronting QB Will Levis multiple times during games, admitted ignorance of a rule that cost the Titans early in the season, vociferously criticized officials, and more. Despite his reputation as an offensive innovator, the top overall draft pick, Cam Ward, did not appear to significantly develop under his direction, leading the Titans to acknowledge their error and move on.
Potential candidates: Kevin Stefanski, former Browns head coach; Raheem Morris, former Falcons head coach; Lou Anarumo, Colts defensive coordinator; Steve Spagnuolo, Chiefs defensive coordinator; Vance Joseph, Broncos defensive coordinator; Matt Nagy, Chiefs offensive coordinator; Robert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator; Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator; Kliff Kingsbury, Commanders offensive coordinator.
NFL coaching developments live log
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Criss Partee
The Arizona Cardinals have formally sought an interview with Arthur Smith, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offensive coordinator. Smith previously served as the head coach in Atlanta for three seasons before taking on the OC role in Pittsburgh in 2024.
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Sean Leahy
The Giants are perceived as strong contenders to acquire the services of the former Ravens coach. Both Tennessee and Atlanta are also anticipated to engage in discussions with Harbaugh this week concerning their available positions.
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Chris Cwik
The Miami Dolphins are actively engaging with various coaching candidates. Early on Wednesday, the team announced the completion of an interview with Kevin Stefanski, formerly the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
Stefanski, 43, is among the more sought-after coaches currently available, having compiled a 45-56 record during his six seasons with the Browns.
While his tenure in Cleveland concluded unfavorably, Stefanski was a two-time Coach of the Year award recipient with the franchise and guided the Browns to two playoff appearances during his time there.
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Jack Baer
John Harbaugh does not seem to be rushing into any choices after being dismissed by the Baltimore Ravens, but we now have an initial indication of his potential direction. The coach is anticipated to meet with the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, and Atlanta Falcons by the week’s end, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero suggests that these three organizations appear to be the “frontrunners” for Harbaugh’s services, though other teams maintain interest. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini had previously reported on Tuesday that this same trio was considered the top contenders for Harbaugh.
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Tarohn Finley
The Philadelphia Eagles announced on Tuesday that offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo had been dismissed, following Sunday’s 23-19 wild-card loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
Head coach Nick Sirianni released a statement, affirming Patullo “is an exceptional coach who commands my utmost respect. He has been fundamental to this team’s achievements over the past five years, not only in terms of on-field results but also behind the scenes as a valued leader for our athletes and the organization… Ultimately, when we fail to meet our objectives, that accountability rests with me.”
Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was questioned after the season whether he desired Patullo’s return for the next season.
“It’s too premature to consider that,” Hurts remarked. “As I stated, I place my confidence in Howie, Nick, and Mr. Lurie.”
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Sean Leahy
The 46-year-old Graham has overseen the Raiders’ defense since 2022. Prior to his tenure in Las Vegas, he held the defensive coordinator role with the Dolphins and New York Giants from 2019-2021, after spending seven seasons in various capacities with New England.
During Graham’s four seasons, the Raiders’ defense has conceded an average of 336.9 yards and 23.8 points per game. Last season, they allowed 317.8 yards and 25.4 points per game.
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Criss Partee
The Baltimore Ravens have completed an interview with Brian Flores for their open head coach position. Flores is recognized as one of the most brilliant defensive minds in the NFL, having served as the defensive coordinator in Minnesota for the past three seasons, following a three-year stint as head coach in Miami.
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Chris Cwik
After 19 seasons, Mike Tomlin’s leadership of the Pittsburgh Steelers has concluded. The coach has opted to step down from the Steelers the day following a 30-6 defeat to the Houston Texans in the wild-card round.
Tomlin, 53, consistently maintained a winning record with the Steelers throughout his tenure, guiding the team to a Super Bowl championship in 2008.
The Steelers now face an unusual situation this offseason. The team will be seeking a new head coach for only the third time since Chuck Noll’s hiring in 1969. This marks a remarkably stable period for a franchise known for making astute leadership choices.
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Criss Partee
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell has announced the retirement of assistant head coach Mike Pettine in Minnesota. Pettine spent the last four years as assistant head coach in Minnesota and previously served as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for two years, from 2014 to 2015.
Pettine began his coaching journey in 1988, having held positions at the high school, collegiate, and professional levels.
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Criss Partee
The Los Angeles Chargers have dismissed offensive coordinator Greg Roman, as reported by Tom Pelissero. Roman has a lengthy history as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, beginning in 2011 with the San Francisco 49ers under Jim Harbaugh.
Roman’s two-year period with the Chargers marked his second time working for a Harbaugh, following a six-year tenure with John Harbaugh in Baltimore. His NFL coaching career commenced in 1995 with the Carolina Panthers.
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Sean Leahy
Stefanski compiled a 45-56 record during his six seasons leading the Browns. Cleveland reached the playoffs twice under his direction, but managed only eight wins combined over the previous two seasons.
In early November, Stefanski relinquished offensive play-calling responsibilities for the second consecutive season, after the Browns ranked 31st in total offense, 31st in passing offense, and 29th in rushing offense through the first nine weeks of the 2025 season.
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Chris Cwik
Mike Kafka’s time as the New York Giants’ head coach appears to be concluding. After leading the team to a 2-5 record in an interim capacity, Kafka is likely to be replaced by a different candidate.
However, he is expected to secure a new role swiftly. Kafka reportedly interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator position on Tuesday, according to ESPN.
This interview was conducted virtually.
Kafka, 38, initially gained recognition after his period in Kansas City, where he functioned as a quarterbacks coach for the Chiefs. He subsequently joined the Giants and, despite some challenging offensive seasons, continued to build momentum within coaching circles.
Following a difficult debut as head coach, Kafka will likely aim to rebuild his professional standing in anticipation of future head-coaching interviews.
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Chris Cwik
The Washington Commanders are reportedly looking to interview Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for their vacant defensive coordinator position, according to NFL Network.
Flores has spent the past three seasons with the Vikings, during which the team’s points allowed ranking under his leadership was No. 13, No. 7, and No. 5, respectively.
Flores’s contract with the Vikings has expired in Minnesota, granting him the freedom to pursue any job opportunity he wishes. Flores possesses head-coaching experience, having achieved a 24-25 record in three seasons with the Miami Dolphins.
Despite this, he has not yet received many head-coaching interview requests this offseason.
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Chris Cwik
Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter is expected to be a sought-after head-coaching candidate this offseason. Minter has reportedly received interview requests from all eight teams currently seeking a new head coach, according to MMQB’s Albert Breer.
In his two seasons with the Chargers, Minter has overseen defenses that ranked No. 1 and No. 9 in points allowed.
The 42-year-old is scheduled to interview with the Titans and Cardinals on Tuesday, with additional meetings planned with other clubs.
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Chris Cwik
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley faces a busy schedule this week. Hafley is slated to interview for the Titans’ head-coaching position on Tuesday before engaging in discussions with at least four additional teams about their openings.
Hafley is expected to meet with the Atlanta Falcons, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and Miami Dolphins regarding their vacant head-coaching roles, according to NFL Network.
Under Hafley’s direction, the Packers have produced two consecutive strong defensive seasons. In 2024, the team ranked sixth in points allowed. While this metric declined in 2025, it only dropped to 11th place.
Despite Hafley’s achievements with the franchise, the Packers failed to secure a victory after losing star pass rusher Micah Parsons for the season. The defensive unit appeared to regress without Parsons, conceding at least 30 points during the team’s season-ending five-game losing streak.
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Chris Cwik
Former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh finds himself in an advantageous position this offseason. Harbaugh is widely regarded as the premier coaching talent available on the market, and is expected to be able to hand-pick his next team.
Harbaugh, 63, has reportedly already engaged in phone conversations with teams as he prepares to refine his list of contenders. The subsequent phase involves in-person meetings with specific teams, which Harbaugh intends to conduct by the end of the week.
The exact teams remaining on Harbaugh’s list or the number of organizations he will visit remain undisclosed. Presumably, the teams Harbaugh meets with in person would represent the finalists for his leadership.
Harbaugh was dismissed after 18 seasons in Baltimore. He achieved a 180-113 record with the franchise.
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Chris Cwik
Todd Monken’s subsequent professional role might be quite familiar. With John Harbaugh’s dismissal, Monken will reportedly interview for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ vacant offensive coordinator position, as per NFL Network.
Monken possesses extensive familiarity with the franchise, having served as Tampa Bay’s OC from 2016 to 2018. He departed in 2019 to join the Cleveland Browns for a year before transitioning to the Ravens.
Monken, 59, is anticipated to have several opportunities this offseason. It is plausible that he will follow Harbaugh to his next team, given their recent collaboration in Baltimore.
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Chris Cwik
Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is set to receive another opportunity in a head-coaching role, months after his dismissal. Daboll is reportedly scheduled to interview with the Tennessee Titans on Friday, as per NFL Network.
Daboll was removed from his position by the Giants in November.
Daboll guided the team to a successful season in his inaugural year, achieving a 9-7-1 record and securing a playoff berth. However, performance declined thereafter, with Daboll posting an 11-33 record over the subsequent two and a half seasons before his termination.
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Criss Partee
The Baltimore Ravens have completed an interview with Anthony Weaver, the Miami Dolphins’ defensive coordinator. Weaver recently concluded his second year as DC in Miami.
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Criss Partee
The Washington Commanders have extended an interview request to Mike Bercovici, the Carolina Panthers’ assistant quarterbacks coach, for their QBs coach position on OC David Blough’s staff. Bercovici has been a key contributor on the Panthers’ staff, working closely with quarterback Bryce Young.
