Only two professional football teams remain in contention. The Patriots and Seahawks are scheduled to compete in Super Bowl LX on February 8th, taking place in Santa Clara, California.
A greater number of franchises are still involved in the ongoing coaching adjustments across the NFL.
A significant announcement occurred on Wednesday when the Browns appointed Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their new head coach. Monken was selected after a search that also considered Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who reportedly informed his colleagues he would not be returning.
Meanwhile, the Bills are elevating Joe Brady to the head coach position, following the dismissal of Sean McDermott last week. Brady has held the offensive coordinator role since November 2023.
Elsewhere in the AFC, reports indicate the Titans are set to hire Brian Daboll as their next offensive coordinator. Daboll was removed from his position as Giants head coach mid-season, having been appointed in 2022, and will now have the opportunity to develop the 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick, Cam Ward, under head coach Robert Saleh’s guidance. This development follows Monday’s announcement that the Chargers recruited former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator.
Over the past weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers engaged Mike McCarthy to become their next head coach. McCarthy assumes the role previously held by Mike Tomlin, who resigned at the conclusion of the Steelers’ season. He would become the organization’s fourth head coach since 1969.
Before the Steelers made their coaching change, the Ravens recruited Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to take over from John Harbaugh, who was let go after the regular season and eventually secured the Giants’ head coaching job. Here is a summary of recent hirings, terminations, and notable situations worth monitoring.
HEAD COACHES HIRED
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns
Head coaching record: First top coaching role, previously served as Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Why he was hired: The Cleveland Browns required a leader to revitalize their struggling and talent-deficient offense, and they opted for Monken. He has spent the last few seasons in Baltimore and in collegiate football at Georgia, where he contributed to the Bulldogs’ two national championship victories as offensive coordinator. (He also previously served as Browns offensive coordinator in 2019.) Whether this extensive background will successfully transform Cleveland’s performance remains to be seen, but a significant offseason awaits, focused on improving the offensive roster.
Monken will reportedly need to identify a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz has reportedly informed coaches of his departure after being overlooked for the head coaching position. The Browns’ defense has been among the league’s top units in two of the last three seasons, making a successful new hire critical while Monken concentrates on rejuvenating the offense.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching record: First top coaching role, previously served as Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Why he was hired: Superficially, it appears to be an unusual decision, at best, to dismiss head coach Sean McDermott, publicly declare coaching as a roster issue for the Bills, and then proceed to promote a coach from the very same staff. To be fair, Brady is recognized as an astute offensive strategist, widely praised for his innovative approaches and ability to maximize player capabilities. Bluntly speaking, he is also a first-time head coach unlikely to challenge the established power hierarchy clearly maintained by team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane.
Buffalo continues to feature Josh Allen, and Brady has undeniably played a crucial role in developing him into an MVP-caliber quarterback consistently year after year. McDermott’s management of the roster, particularly on defense, might have been underestimated throughout his nine seasons with the Bills, making the identity of their next defensive coordinator a key aspect to observe. However, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this franchise era has largely been attributable to misfortune. 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.
Why he was hired: While some time has passed, McCarthy possesses a Super Bowl championship for a clear reason — and it happens to be the singular title Aaron Rodgers secured during his illustrious career. McCarthy re-established his credibility following his tenure with the Packers, guiding Dallas to the postseason in three of his five seasons under Jerry Jones’ leadership. He chose to sit out the previous hiring cycle, seemingly awaiting the ideal opportunity. McCarthy’s upbringing in the Pittsburgh vicinity means he is intimately familiar with the franchise’s historical significance.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching record: First top coaching role, previously served as Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
Why he was hired: The Ravens may have terminated John Harbaugh, but they are selecting his replacement from within his coaching lineage. Minter served 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 in the top-10 of DVOA for both years, earning widespread recognition for his units’ unpredictability and his strategic play-calling skill. At just 42 years old, Minter was regarded as one of the most promising candidates available, particularly among those seeking their first head coaching position.
He takes on a role with exceptionally high expectations. 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 be precisely the type of individual capable of achieving this. Baltimore is renowned for its approach to drafting and developing talent while spending minimally 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 of his efforts on fortifying a defense that underperformed expectations last season.
It represents a shrewd gamble — even if a Lombardi Trophy might be the sole benchmark 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
Why he was hired: The Giants have employed four full-time head coaches and two interim coaches since Tom Coughlin departed after the 2015 season, and they are tired of the constant changes. 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 victories since 2015 represent the second-lowest total in the NFL, surpassing only the Jets).
There is existing talent on the roster to develop, including quarterback Jaxson Dart (who might complement Harbaugh’s favored 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. Furthermore, general manager Joe Schoen, as explained by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, was reportedly prepared to transfer personnel decision-making authority to Harbaugh, despite the established organizational hierarchy. 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 and authority.
The Giants have struggled for numerous years, but securing a coach widely regarded as the best available on the market instantly restores credibility. Now, the focus shifts to how swiftly 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 among the most sought-after individuals in the market, with the NFL broadly evaluating more than just his win-loss record with the Browns in their attempt to elevate a struggling franchise into playoff contention. Does that resonate with Atlanta? Stefanski’s offensive expertise blends 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 building his defensive unit? That constitutes a robust strategy moving forward, even if uncertainties at quarterback 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, particularly within a weaker NFC South division.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching record: First top coaching role, previously served as 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 January 9th after more than two decades within the Packers’ organization, most recently as vice president of player personnel.
Regarding the broader suitability? Reportedly, the Dolphins have emerged as a less appealing option among coaching candidates this cycle than initially projected, as indicated by Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson, primarily due to the necessary salary cap adjustments as the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh no longer an option, Hafley appears to be the most logical subsequent choice, potentially for both parties. Hafley brings prior head coaching experience from Boston College between 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 considered one of the stronger candidates available, and the Dolphins acted decisively in securing what they deemed their best possible outcome.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching record: 20-36, terminated five games into fourth season with New York Jets
Why he was hired: The widespread belief across the league is that Saleh’s shortcomings with the Jets were largely beyond his influence, and he has consistently overseen effective defenses wherever he has coached. He is reportedly set to manage defensive play-calling in Tennessee, making the Titans’ choice for offensive staff intriguing as they continue to cultivate Cam Ward, who demonstrated increasing promise throughout his rookie campaign.
Most importantly, however, Saleh is expected to provide stability to a Titans franchise that has seen its second general manager and now its second head coach (third if including interims) 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 selected. Regardless, Saleh embodies the type of steadfast, composed leader who could significantly contribute to reversing Tennessee’s trend of losses.
FIRED
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans (mid-season termination)
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (mid-season termination)
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
The Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders are currently the sole franchises yet to appoint a head coach in the current hiring period.
Both clubs are scheduled to conduct follow-up interviews with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, as reported by NFL analyst Tony Pauline.
Kubiak contributed to the Seahawks’ Super Bowl appearance this season, orchestrating an offensive scheme that showcased Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold, top receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and a dominant ground game led by Kenneth Walker III.
Seattle’s offense achieved an average of 28.4 points per game throughout the 2025 regular season, ranking third highest across the NFL.
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Criss Partee
The Steelers plan to interview Las Vegas defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Al Harris is not on their initial list, despite his strong connections to Mike McCarthy.
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Criss Partee
Jason Simmons, the Washington Commanders defensive pass-game coordinator, is scheduled for an interview today for the Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator role, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Simmons was selected by the Steelers in the fifth round of the 1998 draft. He also served as a secondary coach for Mike McCarthy in Green Bay from 2011 to 2015.
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Criss Partee
The Cleveland Browns informed defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz that Todd Monken had been chosen over him for the head coach position, and he has communicated to his close contacts that he will not remain with the team, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Schwartz is still under contract with the team, and they would prefer to retain his services.
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Criss Partee
Lunda Wells, the Dallas Cowboys tight end coach, has an interview scheduled with the New York Jets for their offensive coordinator position. Wells has been with Dallas in this role since 2020 and previously served on the New York Giants’ staff before joining the Cowboys.
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Criss Partee
The Cleveland Browns have informed Nate Scheelhaase that they are pursuing a different direction for their offensive coordinator position. This suggests Scheelhaase is likely to remain with the Rams for the 2026 season.
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Sean Leahy
The 36-year-old Duker is acquainted with Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn from their shared time with the Lions, where Duker served as defensive assistant coach, safeties coach, and defensive backs coach from 2021-2023.
Duker previously worked as a defensive analyst with the Ravens and 49ers.
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Sean Leahy
This marks the 59-year-old Monken’s initial foray into an NFL head coaching role. He previously served as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator since 2023 and directed the Browns’ offense during the 2019 season.
With this appointment, Monken will be tasked with revitalizing a franchise that has recorded only two winning seasons over the past 18 years and has not seen any quarterbacks selected to the Pro Bowl during that period.
Further details can be found here.
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Sean Leahy
Leonhard has already interviewed with the Jets for the same position on Aaron Glenn’s staff. The former NFL safety has also garnered interest for the Bills’ defensive coordinator job following Joe Brady’s replacement of Sean McDermott.
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Andy Backstrom
The New York Jets are engaged in an overhaul of their offensive coaching staff. News emerged Tuesday that head coach Aaron Glenn has separated from offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
Hours later, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported that the Jets had contacted former Buccaneers and Raiders head coach Jon Gruden regarding the possibility of him joining Glenn’s staff.
However, Gruden expressed no interest, according to Rosenblatt.
Gruden has not held a position in the NFL since serving as a consultant with the New Orleans Saints in 2023.
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Andy Backstrom
The Denver Broncos declared on Tuesday their decision to part ways with three assistant coaches. They formally confirmed the termination of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and also disclosed the departure of wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton had earlier stated during his end-of-season press conference that the team needed to address their issues with dropped passes this offseason.
For more details on Denver’s staff changes, visit here
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Criss Partee
The Denver Broncos have released Joe Lombardi from his responsibilities as offensive coordinator. Denver suffered a loss in the AFC Championship game at home on Sunday to the New England Patriots, with the offense managing only seven points in the 10-7 defeat.
Denver’s defense played exceptionally well, limiting Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to just 86 passing yards and sacking him five times. The Patriots had averaged 23.6 points per game during the regular season. The Broncos restricted them to 10 points and still could not secure a victory.
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Andy Backstrom
The Buffalo Bills announced Tuesday that they have promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach. Brady had served as the team’s offensive coordinator for the past two seasons.
He will continue to call plays for quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense next season, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Buffalo’s offense averaged 28.3 points per game during the 2025 campaign, tying for the fourth-highest average in the NFL.
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Andy Backstrom
The Arizona Cardinals conducted an in-person interview with former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera for their head-coaching vacancy, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Rivera currently holds the position of general manager for Cal football. He compiled a 76-63-1 record over nine seasons as the Panthers’ head coach from 2011-19 and a 26-40-1 record during four seasons as the Commanders’ head coach from 2020-23.
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Andy Backstrom
The Jacksonville Jaguars confirmed on Tuesday that offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will remain with the team for the 2026 season.
Udinski, who removed himself from consideration for the Cleveland Browns’ head-coaching search, was expected to return to the Jaguars as long as he didn’t secure the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching position, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Campanile had a second interview with the Arizona Cardinals but is committed to returning to Jacksonville.
Liam Coen retains his roles as offensive coordinator and defensive coordinator after a successful first year.
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Andy Backstrom
Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard is anticipated to be a strong contender for the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator position, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Leonhard also holds the role of assistant head coach for the Broncos, working under Sean Payton. He joined Denver’s staff before the 2024 season and coached the team’s defensive backs.
His last defensive coordinator role was at Wisconsin, his alma mater. Leonhard served as the Badgers’ defensive coordinator from 2017-22. He concluded the 2022 season as Wisconsin’s interim head coach.
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Criss Partee
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand engaged in multiple discussions about the role moving forward. Ultimately, they mutually agreed to part ways. The Jets’ search for a new offensive coordinator will commence immediately.
The Jets were recently reported to have met and held talks with former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich about joining Glenn’s offensive staff. Today’s development may have created broader opportunities.
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Criss Partee
The Atlanta Falcons are scheduled to interview Houston Texans assistant general manager James Liipfert and Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham for their general manager position on Thursday, according to Albert Breer. Following these interviews, a decision could be imminent in the coming days.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Brian Daboll, formerly the Giants’ head coach, is expected to become the Tennessee Titans’ next offensive coordinator if he is not appointed by the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple reports. Daboll will join the staff of former Jets coach Robert Saleh, after Saleh was hired by the Titans last week. The duo will be tasked with nurturing quarterback Cam Ward following a challenging rookie season.
Daboll has completed two interviews with Las Vegas, most recently on Monday. Broncos offensive pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb and Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak are also considered leading candidates for the position.
Further information can be found.
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Criss Partee
The Buffalo Bills are reportedly set to sign new head coach Joe Brady to a five-year contract. Brady has spent the last three seasons in Buffalo as the offensive coordinator, establishing a solid working relationship with quarterback Josh Allen.
