Just two professional football teams are still actively competing. The New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks are scheduled to face off in Super Bowl LX on February 8th in Santa Clara, California.
However, many more organizations are currently engaged in the NFL’s process of filling coaching vacancies.
Key coaching news from recent days:
On Friday, a significant announcement came when the Minnesota Vikings relieved GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah of his duties. On Thursday evening, the Atlanta Falcons secured their next general manager, naming Ian Cunningham, previously the assistant GM for the Chicago Bears.
Further coaching updates this week included:
NEW HEAD COACH APPOINTMENTS
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023-25.
Reason for appointment: The Browns sought a solution for their struggling, talent-deficient offense and ultimately chose Monken. He spent the last few seasons in Baltimore and also with the University of Georgia, where his contributions as offensive coordinator led the Bulldogs to two national championships. (He also held the Browns’ offensive coordinator position in 2019.) Whether this extensive background will enable him to revitalize Cleveland remains uncertain, but a crucial offseason focused on enhancing the offensive roster lies ahead regardless.
Monken will reportedly need to identify a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz is said to have informed coaches he would not return after being overlooked for the top coaching position. The Browns’ defense has ranked among the league’s elite in two of the last three seasons, making a successful new defensive hire vital while Monken concentrates on revitalizing the offense.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25.
Reason for appointment: Ostensibly, replacing head coach Sean McDermott, publicly acknowledging coaching issues with the Bills’ roster, then promoting a coach from that same staff appears, at best, a peculiar decision. To be fair, Brady is recognized as an astute offensive strategist, widely respected for his innovative approaches and ability to maximize player potential. To be direct, he is also a first-time head coach unlikely to disrupt the established hierarchy clearly maintained by team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane.
Buffalo still boasts Josh Allen, and Brady’s significant influence in shaping him into an MVP-caliber quarterback each year is undeniable. McDermott’s handling of the roster, particularly on the defensive side, might have been undervalued during his nine seasons with the Bills, so the next crucial step is observing whom they appoint as defensive coordinator. Ultimately, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this era is often attributed as much to misfortune as anything else. Perhaps Brady is the individual who can guide them past this hurdle.
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers
Head coaching background: 174-112-2 regular season, 11-11 postseason record; five seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, 13 seasons with the Green Bay Packers.
Reason for appointment: While it was some time ago, McCarthy possesses a Super Bowl championship for a clear reason — and it marks the sole title Aaron Rodgers secured 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. He opted out of the previous hiring cycle, seemingly awaiting the ideal opportunity. McCarthy’s upbringing in the Pittsburgh vicinity means he is well-acquainted 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.
Reason for appointment: The Ravens may have parted ways with John Harbaugh, but they are selecting his successor from his coaching lineage. Minter spent four years 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 spent the past two seasons directing a defense that consistently ranked in the top 10 in DVOA, earning widespread acclaim for his unit’s unpredictability and astute play-calling. At only 42 years old, Minter was regarded as a premier candidate on the market, especially among those seeking their first head coaching role.
He enters a situation where expectations are exceedingly 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 iteration of the franchise is to reach and win the Super Bowl. Minter appears to be the type of individual capable of achieving this. Baltimore is renowned for its knack in drafting and cultivating talent while minimizing free agent spending, making a coach like Minter, who maximizes player potential, seem perfectly suited. Furthermore, Jackson ensures a strong offensive foundation, allowing Minter to concentrate more on bolstering a defense that underperformed this past season.
It represents an intelligent gamble — even if a Lombardi Trophy might be the only benchmark for the franchise’s success.
John Harbaugh, New York Giants
Head coaching background: 180-113 regular season, 13-11 postseason (including a Super Bowl victory); 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens.
Reason for appointment: 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 changes. Harbaugh, at 63, still possesses considerable energy and is expected to bring stability to a historic 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).
The roster contains developing talent, including quarterback Jaxson Dart (who might gel well with Harbaugh’s preferred offensive coordinator, Todd Monken), running back Cam Skattebo, wide receiver Malik Nabers, left tackle Andrew Thomas, and a defensive unit featuring defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. There is also General Manager Joe Schoen who, as detailed by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, was apparently prepared to cede personnel decision-making authority to Harbaugh despite the theoretical organizational structure. Additionally, team owner John Mara, a prominent figure in the league, disclosed his battle with an undisclosed form of cancer last September, likely intensifying 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 success together.
Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons
Head coaching background: 45-56 regular season, 1-2 postseason record; six seasons with the Cleveland Browns.
Reason for appointment: Stefanski was among the most sought-after individuals on the market, with the wider NFL 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 operations 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 substantial improvement this season.
Stefanski as the head coach and offensive architect, with Ulbrich remaining to further develop his defensive unit? This constitutes a solid strategy moving forward, even if the quarterback situation and the absence of a first-round draft 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 end the Falcons’ eight-year playoff drought sooner than anticipated, especially within a less competitive NFC South.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching background: First head coaching role; previously served as Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25.
Reason 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 suitability? The Dolphins have demonstrated themselves to be a less appealing prospect among coaching candidates this cycle than initially expected, as reported by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, largely due to the necessary salary cap adjustments as the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh no longer available, Hafley represents the most logical subsequent choice, perhaps for both parties. Hafley brings head coaching experience from Boston College (2020-23), he enhanced Green Bay’s defenses over the past two seasons, and Miami would benefit from emphasizing that side of the ball — alongside star running back 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 in the market, and the Dolphins acted swiftly 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.
Reason for appointment: The general consensus across the league suggests Saleh’s struggles with the Jets were largely beyond his influence, and he has consistently overseen effective defenses wherever he has been. He will reportedly be responsible for defensive play-calling in Tennessee, so it will be intriguing to observe whom the Titans recruit for the offensive staff to continue the development of Cam Ward, who demonstrated 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 its second head coach (third including interim) since Mike Vrabel’s departure after the 2023 season. It is somewhat surprising that Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy did not secure the position, given his availability and connections to GM Mike Borgonzi from their shared time in Kansas City, but Nagy might still be considered for the same role now that Saleh has been named. Regardless, Saleh embodies the kind of steadfast, composed leader who could significantly contribute to halting the losing trend in Tennessee.
DISMISSED
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans (dismissed mid-season)
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (dismissed mid-season)
Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
STEPPED DOWN
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
LIVE BLOG: NFL COACHING UPDATES
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The Pittsburgh Steelers have brought in Patrick Graham, previously the defensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders, to serve in the same capacity, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Graham, aged 47, spent his last three seasons with the Raiders, following single-season stints as defensive coordinator for both the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants.
Graham served under Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay in 2018 as a linebackers coach and run game coordinator.
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Tarohn Finley
The Baltimore Ravens are reported to have hired Declan Doyle, the Chicago Bears’ offensive coordinator, for the equivalent position, as per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Doyle will assume play-calling responsibilities in Baltimore, a task not part of his previous role in Chicago.
In his inaugural year as the Bears’ offensive coordinator, Doyle contributed to guiding Chicago to its initial NFC North championship since 2018.
Doyle was reportedly also under consideration for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator vacancy before withdrawing his name. The Eagles subsequently hired Sean Mannion on Thursday.
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The Buffalo Bills have reportedly appointed Jeff Rodgers, the special teams coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, to the same position, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic.
Rodgers has been with the Cardinals since 2018 and has also worked with the Broncos, Bears, Panthers, 49ers, University of Arizona, and Kansas State.
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Travis Switzer, the Baltimore Ravens’ run-game coordinator, is reportedly considered a leading candidate for the Cleveland Browns’ offensive coordinator vacancy and is expected to interview for the role soon, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Switzer has spent the past nine seasons with the Ravens and played center at the University of Akron.
Switzer has collaborated with the new Cleveland Browns head coach, Todd Monken, for the last two seasons.
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Sean Leahy
The Minnesota Vikings announced on Friday that they have terminated the contract of general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah after four seasons.
Vikings owners Mark and Zygi Wilf released a statement on Friday, indicating that the decision was in “the best interest of the team” to part ways with Adofo-Mensah. Executive vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski will oversee operations through the 2026 NFL Draft.
Following the conclusion of the draft, the search for a new general manager will commence.
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Sean Leahy
Tanney, 38, concluded his NFL playing career with the Giants from 2018-2020. He served as an offensive quality control coach and quarterbacks coach with the Eagles from 2021-2023. For the past two seasons, he has been the Colts’ offensive passing game coordinator.
Cooter, 41, has held the position of offensive coordinator for the Colts since 2023. He has worked as an offensive coach for seven NFL teams since beginning his career in Indianapolis in 2009.
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Sean Leahy
Grizzard, aged 35, was released from his position earlier this month after a single season as the Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator. Prior to leading Tampa’s offense, he was promoted from the role of the team’s pass game coordinator.
Grizzard began his NFL coaching career in 2017, serving as an offensive quality control coach, quality control coach, and wide receivers coach for the Dolphins from 2017-2023.
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Following the team’s decision to dismiss Joe Whitt Jr. after the season, Washington has appointed Daronte Jones as his successor. Jones previously spent several seasons with the Minnesota Vikings as their defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator.
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Sean Leahy
Carmichael, aged 54, served as a senior offensive assistant with the Broncos for the last two seasons. He possesses extensive experience as an NFL offensive coordinator, having held the role with the Saints from 2009-2023.
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Following the withdrawal of Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported that Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero could be a potential candidate for the Raiders’ head coaching opening. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is still reportedly the individual most frequently associated with the Raiders.
Evero has spent three seasons with the Panthers, leading two top-10 defenses for the team. Evero has also previously served as the Broncos’ defensive coordinator and coached under Sean McVay with the Rams.
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The Kansas City Chiefs extended an interview request to Deland McCullough, the Las Vegas Raiders’ running backs coach, for their vacant running backs coach position. McCullough previously served as the Chiefs’ running backs coach from 2018 to 2020 under head coach Andy Reid and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.
His past experience also includes coaching running backs at Notre Dame, the University of Indiana, and USC.
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Andy Backstrom
The Atlanta Falcons are bringing in Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham as their new general manager, according to multiple reports from Thursday.
Here is the Falcons’ updated leadership team:
President of Football: Matt Ryan
General Manager: Ian Cunningham
Head Coach: Kevin Stefanski -
Andy Backstrom
The Los Angeles Rams have hired Bubba Ventrone, formerly the special teams coordinator for the Cleveland Browns and Indianapolis Colts, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Special teams proved to be the Rams’ Achilles’ heel this season. Of L.A.’s six total defeats, four involved special teams errors, including a critical fumble by returner Xavier Smith in the NFC championship on Sunday. Ventrone, who was a prominent special teams player for the Browns and San Francisco 49ers during his career, spent the last three seasons not only as Cleveland’s ST coordinator but also as Kevin Stefanski’s assistant head coach. He will now join Sean McVay’s staff.
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Jack Baer
Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb is no longer being considered for the head coaching position with the Las Vegas Raiders, one of the two remaining vacancies alongside the Arizona Cardinals, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Webb has reportedly received multiple interview requests for offensive coordinator roles and is viewed as a prime candidate for that position with his current team, the Broncos. Broncos offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi was let go on Tuesday, creating a potential internal promotion opportunity.
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Criss Partee
Veteran NFL special teams coach John Fassel has been retained in his role with the Tennessee Titans under newly appointed head coach Robert Saleh. Fassel possesses 21 years of NFL coaching expertise, primarily focusing on special teams units.
John is the offspring of former NFL coach Jim Fassel, who managed the New York Giants when they reached the Super Bowl during the 2000-01 season, where they suffered a loss to Baltimore’s highly acclaimed defense. Fassel also earned the AP Coach of the Year award in 1997.
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Sean Leahy
Despite a right shoulder ailment limiting him, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel expressed no concern regarding quarterback Drake Maye.
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Criss Partee
Nathaniel Hackett, formerly the head coach of the Denver Broncos, is reportedly joining Jeff Hafley’s staff in Miami as the quarterbacks coach, according to ESPN NFL Insider Dan Graziano. Both coaches previously worked on Matt LaFleur’s staff in Green Bay, though at different times.
Most recently, Hackett served as the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets during the 2023 & 2024 seasons.
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Criss Partee
Jerrod Johnson, quarterback coach for the Houston Texans, was among the individuals who received a second, in-person interview for the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator vacancy. Johnson has served as the QB coach in Houston for the past three seasons.
Sean Mannion, formerly the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback coach, ultimately secured the offensive coordinator position in Philadelphia.
