Only a pair of teams remain in contention. The Patriots are scheduled to face the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX on February 8 in Santa Clara, California.
Meanwhile, the process of filling NFL head coaching vacancies seems to have concluded.
Concluding the search for the NFL’s final head coach position, the Arizona Cardinals reached an agreement with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to appoint him as their new head coach, the franchise announced on Sunday. LaFleur, who is the younger sibling of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, is reportedly set to receive a five-year contract with Arizona.
(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)
A week prior to the Super Bowl, the Las Vegas Raiders have reportedly reached an agreement with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The deal cannot be finalized until after the February 8 contest against the New England Patriots. Kubiak is poised to become the Raiders’ third head coach in as many seasons, succeeding Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.
Following considerable speculation about his next destination, former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy is reportedly set to join John Harbaugh’s coaching staff in the same capacity in New York.
Raheem Morris is also making a move, having been hired by the San Francisco 49ers as their new defensive coordinator, according to various reports. Morris was relieved of his duties as Atlanta Falcons head coach after their 2025-26 season concluded.
Last week, the Browns brought in former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach. Monken emerged as the top choice from a selection process that also considered Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
The Bills, in the meantime, elevated Joe Brady to head coach following the dismissal of Sean McDermott. Brady has served as the offensive coordinator since November 2023.
Elsewhere in the AFC, these developments unfolded:
-
The Titans have brought in Brian Daboll as their new offensive coordinator. Daboll was let go as Giants head coach mid-season after being appointed in 2022, and he will now have the opportunity to develop the 2025 No. 1 overall draft pick, Cam Ward, under head coach Robert Saleh’s guidance.
-
The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Mike McCarthy to lead their team as the next head coach. McCarthy takes over from Mike Tomlin, who stepped down at the conclusion of the Steelers’ season. He would become the fourth head coach in the franchise’s history since 1969.
Here is a summary of the most significant coaching appointments (and departures) during this hiring period.
LEAD COACHES APPOINTED
Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals
Head coaching background: First head coaching role, previously Rams offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Justification for hiring: The Cardinals are making a decisive shift in strategy after three seasons with defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon at the helm. Under LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay, the Rams’ offense topped the NFL with 6,709 total yards this season. Los Angeles ranked first in passing yardage and seventh in rushing en route to the NFC championship game.
A critical initial decision for LaFleur involves the quarterback position. 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 concluded the season with the 19th-ranked offense in the league.
The Cardinals possess the No. 3 overall selection in the upcoming April NFL Draft, but no quarterback seems to warrant such an early pick. Consequently, the team might need to secure a field general through free agency. (Daniel Jones and Malik Willis are the top available quarterbacks.) Veterans such as Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones are also potential trade targets.
Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders
Head coaching background: First head coaching role, served as Seahawks offensive coordinator for 2025
Justification for hiring: The Raiders sought a coach capable of implementing a more dynamic offense after struggling 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 dead last in rushing despite having first-round pick Ashton Jeanty.
Equally important was finding someone who could develop 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 NFL game.
Kubiak meets both criteria, having overseen Seattle’s eighth-ranked offense with 5,973 yards and an average of 351.4 yards per game this season. In his inaugural season with the Seahawks, Sam Darnold passed for 4,048 yards, placing fifth among NFL quarterbacks, with 25 touchdowns, guiding the team to a Super Bowl appearance.
Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns
Head coaching background: First head coaching role, served as Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Justification for hiring: The Browns require someone to revitalize a struggling and talent-deficient offense, and they opted for 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 previously served as Browns offensive coordinator in 2019.) Whether all that experience will translate into a turnaround for Cleveland remains to be seen, but a significant offseason lies ahead regardless for improving the roster on that side of the ball.
Monken will reportedly need to find a new defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz reportedly informed coaches he would not be returning after being overlooked for the head coaching position. The Browns’ defense has been one of the league’s top units in two of the last three seasons, so securing a strong new hire while Monken concentrates on revitalizing the offense will be critical.
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching background: First head coaching role, served as Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25
Justification for hiring: On the surface, dismissing head coach Sean McDermott and publicly citing coaching issues with the Bills’ roster, then subsequently promoting a coach from that same staff, appears to be an unusual decision at best. To be fair, Brady is a respected offensive strategist widely known for his innovative approaches and ability to maximize player talent. To be blunt, he is also a first-time head coach who is unlikely to disrupt the established power structure clearly maintained by team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane.
Buffalo still has Josh Allen, and there is no doubt Brady has 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 undervalued during his nine seasons with the Bills, so the next key observation will be who they hire as defensive coordinator. Ultimately, the Bills’ failure to reach a Super Bowl in this franchise era has often been attributed to bad luck as much as anything. 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 playoffs, five seasons with Dallas Cowboys, 13 seasons with Green Bay Packers.
Justification for hiring: While it may have been some time ago, McCarthy possesses a Super Bowl ring for a reason — and it happens to be the only one Aaron Rodgers has 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 sat out the previous hiring cycle, seemingly awaiting the ideal opportunity. McCarthy grew up in the Pittsburgh area, so he is well-acquainted with the franchise’s rich history.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching background: First head coaching role, served as Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
Justification for hiring: The Ravens may have dismissed John Harbaugh, but they are drawing from his coaching lineage to find 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 last two seasons coordinating a defense that has consistently ranked in the top-10 of DVOA both years, earning widespread respect for the unpredictability of his units and his strategic play-calling. At just 42 years old, Minter was regarded as one of the premier candidates on the market, especially among first-time head coaches.
He steps into a situation with exceptionally high expectations. 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 who can achieve this. Baltimore is renowned for drafting and developing talent while spending minimally on free agents, making a coach like Minter, who maximizes his players, seem perfectly suited. Furthermore, Jackson guarantees a high floor on offense, allowing Minter to concentrate more of his efforts on fortifying a defense that fell short of expectations last season.
It is a bold and intelligent move — even if a Lombardi Trophy might be the only metric by which the franchise measures its success.
John Harbaugh, New York Giants
Head coaching background: 180-113 regular season, 13-11 playoffs (including a Super Bowl title), 18 seasons with Baltimore Ravens
Justification for hiring: The Giants have employed four full-time head coaches and two interims since Tom Coughlin resigned 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 proud 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 align 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 general manager Joe Schoen, who, as Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson explained, was apparently willing to delegate personnel decision-making to Harbaugh despite the theoretical hierarchy within the organization. Furthermore, team owner John Mara, a highly influential figure in the league, disclosed his battle with 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 considered the best available on the market 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 playoffs, six seasons with Cleveland Browns
Justification for hiring: Stefanski was among the most sought-after names on the market, with the NFL broadly evaluating more than just his win-loss record with the Browns while he attempted to elevate a struggling franchise into playoff contention. Does that sound familiar, 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 showed significant improvement this season.
Stefanski as head coach and offensive architect, with Ulbrich staying on to continue building his defensive unit? That presents a solid strategy moving forward, even if the quarterback situation and the absence of a first-round draft pick this spring pose considerable challenges. If team owner Arthur Blank is finally prepared to be patient and allow this project to unfold, Stefanski could potentially end the Falcons’ eight-year playoff drought sooner than anticipated, especially within a weaker NFC South division.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching background: First head coaching role, served as Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
Justification for hiring: The direct link is Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was appointed as 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 fit? The Dolphins have 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 beyond Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh no longer available, Hafley represents the most logical next step, perhaps for both sides. Hafley has prior head coaching experience at Boston College from 2020-23, he improved 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 attempt to resolve the quarterback situation in what now appears to be a multi-season endeavor.
Hafley is widely considered one of the stronger candidates available, and the Dolphins acted swiftly to secure their most favorable outcome.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching background: 20-36, 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 overseen effective defenses wherever he has coached. He will reportedly call defensive plays in Tennessee, so it will be interesting to observe who the Titans hire for the offensive staff to continue developing Cam Ward, who appeared increasingly promising as his rookie season progressed.
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 an 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 still a contender for the same offensive coordinator role now that Saleh has been appointed. In any case, Saleh is the type of resolute, composed leader who could significantly contribute to halting the ongoing losses in Tennessee.
DISMISSED
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
STEPPED DOWN
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL COACHING UPDATES LIVE
-
Ian Casselberry
The New York Jets are anticipated to bring in Seth Ryan as their passing game coordinator, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Ryan, 31, has been with the Detroit Lions since 2021, serving on Dan Campbell’s initial staff, first as an assistant wide receivers coach, then as an assistant tight ends coach.
As noted by Schefter, Seth Ryan will be the third member of his family to coach with the Jets. Buddy Ryan was a defensive coach for the team from 1968-75, and Rex Ryan served as the Jets’ head coach for six seasons from 2009-14.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Cleveland Browns are reportedly looking to appoint Bobby Johnson as an assistant offensive line coach, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Johnson has spent his last two seasons as the offensive line coach for the Washington Commanders.
The former Miami (OH) offensive lineman also coached for the Giants, Bills, Lions, Colts, Jaguars, Raiders, Indiana, Akron, and his collegiate alma mater.
-
Ian Casselberry
New York Giants head coach John Harbaugh is reportedly adding Mike Bloomgren to his staff as offensive line coach, according to Bob Brookover of NJ.com. Bloomgren, 49, coached with the Cleveland Browns last season, returning to an NFL staff after seven years as head coach at Rice University.
Earlier in his career, Bloomgren spent four years with the New York Jets as an offensive quality control coach before advancing to an assistant role. During his time with the Jets, he worked under current Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer and long-serving offensive line coach Bill Callahan, who is now with the Atlanta Falcons.
Before his appointment at Rice, Bloomgren coached at Stanford for seven years, progressing from offensive line coach and run game coordinator to offensive coordinator, and eventually assistant head coach. In 2015, Christian McCaffrey achieved 2,019 rushing yards (with 645 receiving yards) while Bloomgren was the offensive coordinator.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly set to employ Chargers offensive pass game coordinator Marcus Brady, according to Matt Zenitz of CBS Sports. Brady has spent the last two years with the Chargers alongside new Ravens head coach Jesse Minter.
The 46-year-old also previously held positions as the offensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts and a senior offensive assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles. Brady has experience working with quarterbacks such as Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts, and Philip Rivers.
After concluding his CFL playing career, Brady spent time coaching wide receivers with the Montreal Alouettes before becoming the offensive coordinator for both that team and the Toronto Argonauts.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly going to bring in Duke’s Harland Bower as their new outside linebackers coach, according to CBS Sports Matt Zenitz. Bower has coached for the past three seasons at Duke.
His coaching history also includes stints at Texas A&M, South Alabama, Notre Dame, Central Arkansas, Troy, Rutgers, Murray State, and Georgia Military College. Bower is familiar with defensive tackle and Ravens Inside Linebackers Coach Tyler Santucci from their shared time at Texas A&M.
New Ravens head coach Jesse Minter continues to explore collegiate ranks to build his staff. Bower is the fifth coach Minter has reportedly recruited from college, along with pass game coordinator and secondary Mike Mickens (Notre Dame), defensive Line Coach Lou Esposito (Michigan), safeties coach P.J. Volker (Navy), and assistant defensive backs coach Miles Taylor (Nebraska).
Minter spent the majority of his career in the college system before his roles with the Los Angeles Chargers and the Ravens. Minter coached at the University of Michigan, Cincinnati, Vanderbilt, Georgia State, and Indiana State.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Los Angeles Chargers are reportedly considering hiring Adam Gase in an offensive assistant coach capacity, according to CBS Sports Matt Zenitz.
Gase previously served as head coach for the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. The 47-year-old also formerly held positions as offensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears.
-
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly poised to recruit Denver Broncos pass game specialist Zack Grossi as their tight ends coach, according to CBS Sports Matt Zenitz. Grossi has coached with the Broncos for the past four years.
Grossi has also served as a coach for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and at Southern University, A&M College (Baton Rouge, La.), Hampton University, and Concord University. Grossi, a former quarterback at Concord University, specializes in offensive strategies, quarterbacks, wide receivers, and the passing game.
-
Yahoo Sports Staff
Former Commanders offensive coordinator and Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is reportedly joining Sean McVay’s staff in Los Angeles, as per ESPN.
-
Kate Magdziuk
The Cleveland Browns unexpectedly find themselves in search of a defensive coordinator, as Jim Schwartz stepped down from his role on Friday, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Because Schwartz resigned rather than being terminated, Cleveland will retain the rights to his contract.
-
Andy Backstrom
The Buffalo Bills have reportedly looked to the collegiate ranks to identify their next defensive line coach.
They are bringing in Illinois co-defensive coordinator and D-Line coach Terrance Jamison to fill the vacant position, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Jamison helped guide a Fighting Illini defense that ranked within the top 50 with 29 sacks last season while also finishing 36th nationally against the run.
Jamison and the new Bills DC, Jim Leonhard, share a history. Jamison played at Wisconsin shortly after Leonhard and later worked on the Badgers’ staff, albeit well before Leonhard returned to coach at his alma mater.
Leonhard served as a senior football analyst at Illinois in 2023, the same year Jamison added co-DC to his title with the Fighting Illini.
-
Criss Partee
The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly appointed University of Miami running backs coach Matt Merritt as the team’s new running backs coach. Merritt’s coaching experience spans Ohio State, Tennessee, and USF. Last season, he oversaw a running back group at Miami that included standout rusher Mark Fletcher.
-
Andy Backstrom
The Detroit Lions are promoting assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver to the role of tight ends coach, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
Oliver has been with the Lions for five seasons, with the last three dedicated to working with the team’s offensive line.
He initially joined the Lions as an offensive quality control coach in 2021. Prior to that, he was in the collegiate ranks, where he worked for Idaho, Montana State-Northern, and the University of San Diego.
Oliver will now supervise a tight end room that includes 2023 second-team All-Pro Sam LaPorta.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Baltimore Ravens have reportedly hired former Arizona Cardinals quarterback coach to the same position, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Woolfork also interviewed for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator role and was reportedly prevented multiple times from considering other vacancies.
Woolfork has spent the last three seasons coaching Cardinals quarterbacks like Kyler Murray. After Murray was sidelined this season, Cardinals quarterback Jacoby Brissett achieved career-highs of 3,366 yards and 23 touchdowns under Woolfork. Woolfork will now collaborate with new Ravens offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The former Grand Valley wide receiver also coached with the Cleveland Browns and Miami (OH).
-
Tarohn Finley
The Washington Commanders reportedly brought in USC’s co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson as defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator, according to CBS Sports Matt Zenitz and USCFootball.com’s Connor Morrissette.
Before his tenure at USC, Henderson served as the defensive line coach & run game coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, where he coached players such as Aaron Donald. The 43-year-old also coached with the Los Angeles Chargers, UTSA, Oklahoma State, and at Georgia Military College. The former Georgia Tech defensive lineman also had brief playing stints with the Cincinnati Bengals and the Las Vegas Locomotives of the UFL.
-
Andy Backstrom
Jeff Stoutland’s 13-year tenure as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive line coach has concluded, he announced on Wednesday via X.
“I’ve decided my time coaching with the Eagles has come to an end,” Stoutland stated.
“When I arrived here in 2013, I did not know what I was embarking on. I quickly understood what this city requires. But more importantly, what it gives back. The past 13 years have been the greatest privilege of my coaching career. I didn’t just work here, I became one of you.”
“Stout out”
Stoutland served as the Eagles’ offensive line coach from 2013-25 and as the team’s run-game coordinator since 2018.
Now, Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion will be seeking a new offensive line coach as he assembles his staff.
-
Criss Partee
New York Giants outside linebacker coach Charlie Bullen is attracting interest from the Arizona Cardinals for their defensive coordinator vacancy. Bullen has not previously held a coordinator position but has coached in the NFL since 2012. He began his coaching journey at the high school level as an assistant in Iowa in 2006.
-
Tarohn Finley
The New York Jets are reportedly interviewing Nathaniel Willingham for their linebackers coach position, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Willingham served as the assistant linebackers coach with the team last season.
He also previously coached with the Denver Broncos, Stanford University, Menlo College, and Skyline (WA) HS before his time with the Jets.
-
Tarohn Finley
The Arizona Cardinals have reportedly requested an interview with Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso for their defensive coordinator position, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.
Vasso, 38, has spent the last five seasons with the Texans, collaborating 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 commencing his coaching career.
-
Criss Partee
The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially appointed Brian Angelichio as offensive coordinator, Danny Crossman as special teams coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr. as assistant head coach/secondary coach, Domata Peko as defensive line coach, and Pat Reilly for defensive quality control.
Angelichio has been coaching since 1995 but made his NFL coaching debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a tight ends coach in 2012. This marks his inaugural position as an offensive coordinator in the NFL, though he possesses prior experience in that role at the college level.
-
Andy Backstrom
The Arizona Cardinals have extended a request to interview Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach and defensive pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant for their defensive coordinator opening, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The Cardinals, now under the leadership of head coach Mike LaFleur, are reportedly bringing on Nathaniel Hackett as their new offensive coordinator.
They are now actively searching for their defensive coordinator, and Pleasant is reportedly a contender. As Rapoport noted, Pleasant was also considered for the Los Angeles Chargers’ defensive coordinator position.
Pleasant and LaFleur previously collaborated on the Rams’ coaching staff.
