The coaching carousel this offseason has created a whirlwind of intrigue and drama around the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens let go of John Harbaugh after an impressive 18 seasons, Mike Tomlin stepped down from his long-term role with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Buffalo Bills parted ways with Sean McDermott following a difficult divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos.
New head coaches often mean an overhaul in coaching staffs. The significance of coordinator hires can rival that of the head coach position itself. Just look at the impact that occurred with the Detroit Lions last year. Many assistants will now be stepping into crucial leadership roles. For instance, Brian Flores will take the reins of the Minnesota Vikings’ defense, while Klint Kubiak will oversee the Seattle Seahawks’ offense.
Coordinator turnover has been rampant in the past few weeks. Below, CBS Sports writers Jordan Dajani and Bryan DeArdo provide grades for each coordinator hire across the NFL.
Remaining openings
Offensive coordinator (8): Cardinals, Bears, Raiders, Rams, Giants, Jets, Steelers, Seahawks
Defensive coordinator (3): Cardinals, Browns, Raiders
Offensive coordinator: Tommy Rees
Grade: C
Dajani: The Atlanta Browns? Kevin Stefanski isn’t exploring other offensive coordinator choices, as he’s bringing his current OC along to the Falcons. The former Notre Dame quarterback spent the last two seasons in Cleveland, first as a pass-game specialist and tight ends coach, then earning a promotion to offensive coordinator in 2025.
Stefanski handed off play-calling duties to Rees mid-season as Cleveland struggled for consistency at the quarterback position. Unfortunately, the Browns finished with the third-worst total offense (262.1 yards per game) and ranked second-worst in scoring, averaging only 16.4 points per game.
Browns fans might not shed many tears over Rees’s departure. Was it a coaching issue or a lack of talent? Time will tell.
Offensive coordinator: Declan Doyle
Grade: B
DeArdo: Doyle, just 29, was born in the same season as the Ravens’ inception. Despite being under 30, Doyle has already made three notable NFL coaching stops, including last season as the Bears’ offensive coordinator. He previously spent four years as an offensive assistant in New Orleans before joining Sean Payton in Denver as tight ends coach for two seasons.
While Doyle has already held the offensive coordinator title, stepping up to Baltimore represents a significant promotion. He will be in charge of play-calling for the first time, paired with a first-time head coach in Jesse Minter, who has indicated he will handle defensive play-calling.
Defensive coordinator: Anthony Weaver
Grade: A+
DeArdo: The Ravens scored big by hiring Weaver, who many deemed the best available defensive coordinator this offseason. This hiring gains even more value considering how late it was made. The Ravens showed commendable patience, waiting to see if Weaver would become available following his interview for the Steelers’ head coach position.
From a historical perspective, the 2000 Ravens, infamous for their defense, had Marvin Lewis in the same role and he enjoyed a storied career before becoming a head coach. Weaver, a former Ravens pass rusher who played alongside legends like Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs, appears to fit the mold for success.
Weaver transitioned into coaching shortly after his playing career, enjoying a successful tenure as a defensive line coach, including three seasons on John Harbaugh’s staff. In Miami, he led a Dolphins defense that ranked 10th in scoring in 2024, while achieving remarkable outcomes from linebackers like Jordyn Brooks and Tyrel Dodson, along with pass rusher Bradley Chubb.
Ravens expected to hire Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, 29, for same role in Baltimore
Offensive coordinator: Pete Carmichael Jr.
Grade: A-
DeArdo: Carmichael fits seamlessly into the Bills’ plans with first-time head coach Joe Brady, who will continue to manage Buffalo’s offense. Carmichael brings valuable experience, having worked alongside Drew Brees for 19 of his 20 seasons with the Chargers and Saints, which includes a Super Bowl victory in 2009.
In addition to mentoring quarterbacks, he has been part of successful rushing attacks featuring legends like LaDainian Tomlinson and Alvin Kamara.
Over the last two seasons, Carmichael acted as a senior offensive assistant in Denver, contributing to the development of Bo Nix. Now, he’ll work with Josh Allen, the recent NFL MVP who continues to pursue a Super Bowl appearance.
Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard
Grade: A-
Dajani: Sometimes exceptional talent comes in unassuming packages; Jim Leonhard exemplifies this. The Bills recognized his potential first as a player, and now he’s back to lead their defense.
This 43-year-old has climbed the coaching ladder from Wisconsin’s defensive backs coach to coordinating the Bills’ defense. The Chargers pursued him, but he opted to join Joe Brady’s staff instead.
In 2024, as defensive backs coach, he led Patrick Surtain II to a Defensive Player of the Year win, and as pass game coordinator in 2025, his defensive unit was second in opponent completion rate and seventh in passing yards allowed.
Leonhard may lack extensive play-calling experience, but he has certainly earned this chance.
Defensive coordinator: Christian Parker
Grade: B
DeArdo: If Cooper DeJean’s recommendation holds weight, the Cowboys have unearthed a significant talent in Parker. He played a part in the Eagles’ Super Bowl run on Vic Fangio’s veteran coaching staff. The Cowboys’ hiring a rising coach from a division rival enhances the hiring’s appeal.
Parker’s diverse coaching background includes time in Philadelphia, Denver, and Green Bay. He initially started as a quality control coach before moving up to defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.
While Parker shows promise, the Cowboys are taking a calculated risk, especially with the offensive-minded head coach Brian Schottenheimer leading the team. This risk could pay off for a franchise eager to reach its first conference title game since 1995.
Offensive coordinator: Drew Petzing
Grade: C+
DeArdo: This might be an under-the-radar acquisition for the Lions, but Petzing could easily qualify as one of the best candidates not vying for a head-coaching spot.
At just 36, Petzing boasts 16 years of coaching experience, including 12 in the NFL. He had a tenure with the Vikings before working with Kevin Stefanski’s crew in Cleveland. As Kyler Murray’s quarterbacks coach, he made strides in 2022 before ascending to the Cardinals’ offensive coordinator since 2023.
Petzing’s offense led to an unexpected upset against the Steelers last season, but injuries hindered his potential thereafter. Looking toward Detroit, he’ll find himself surrounded by skill players eager to perform.
Defensive coordinator: Jonathan Gannon
Grade: A-
Dajani: The social media buzz around this hiring seemed bewildering. Packers fans understand Gannon is being introduced as a defensive coordinator, right?
Despite being let go by the Cardinals after a lackluster 15-36 record over three seasons, Gannon was widely viewed as one of the league’s top coordinators during his tenure with the Eagles. Under his leadership, Philadelphia’s defense ranked highly across several categories during their Super Bowl LVII campaign.
This new role may provide a promising opportunity for Micah Parsons. Gannon may not have excelled as a head coach, but he possesses valuable defensive insight and experience.
Offensive coordinator: Eric Bieniemy
Grade: B-
DeArdo: Like a nostalgic sitcom trying to regain its former glory, the Chiefs appear to be banking on Bieniemy to help them reclaim their past successes.
From a familiarity perspective, this hire makes sense. Although his strict coaching style may not resonate with everyone, Bieniemy has a solid working relationship with Patrick Mahomes, which is crucial. If Bieniemy can facilitate Mahomes’ return to his MVP form, that’s what really counts.
However, a coach’s success is directly tied to the talent at his disposal. At 37, Travis Kelce’s effectiveness may decrease, and Mahomes is now 31. Kansas City also lacks an immediate replacement for Tyreek Hill’s role during their earlier Super Bowl-winning seasons. Bieniemy must adapt to the Chiefs’ current roster makeup rather than the one they once had.
Offensive coordinator: Mike McDaniel
Grade: A+
Dajani: Mike McDaniel has emerged as one of the standout figures this year in the offensive coordinator hiring spree. Regardless of one’s opinion on McDaniel’s leadership, he displays promise as one of the league’s elite offensive coordinators for the Chargers.
In the 2023 season, he maximized Tua Tagovailoa’s abilities as Miami led the league in offense, averaging 401.3 total yards per game. While production dipped later on, McDaniel’s innovative schemes to optimize running back performance were notable. Remember when Raheem Mostert led the NFL in rushing touchdowns at 31 years old?
With high-caliber talents like De’Von Achane, who averaged the second-highest yards per carry in NFL history, McDaniel excels at creating explosive plays. He ranks among the top head coaches in team yards per play during the Super Bowl era.
Anticipate the excitement when he takes the helm with Justin Herbert and Omarion Hampton
Defensive coordinator: Chris O’Leary
Grade: A-
DeArdo: Another remarkable move for Jim Harbaugh, who rehires O’Leary after his exceptional stint improving a Western Michigan defense ranked among the nation’s best last year.
O’Leary previously served as the Chargers’ safeties coach and oversaw a Western Michigan defense ranked ninth in the FBS for scoring. This success underpinned the Broncos’ 10-4 season and their subsequent conference title.
At only 34, he carries an impressive track record, including a successful six-year tenure at Notre Dame, where the Chargers’ defense claimed the top spot in scoring defense after limiting opponents in critical situations.
Offensive coordinator: Bobby Slowik
Grade: A-
Dajani: Slowik deserves another chance after his time with the Houston Texans. He played a pivotal role in C.J. Stroud’s path to winning Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2023, achieving the highest TD-to-INT ratio against winning teams in NFL history for a rookie.
Nonetheless, Slowik struggled to adapt and enhance his strategy. During the 2023 season, the Texans ranked 12th in total yards and 13th in scoring, but slipped badly the following year, leading to his dismissal.
After witnessing Stroud’s development over the two years, Slowik may indeed prove to be Houston’s superior offensive mind amidst the DeMeco Ryans era. With his new role as the Dolphins’ senior passing game coordinator, he’s undoubtedly returning to lead a robust offensive unit.
Defensive coordinator: Sean Duggan
Grade: B
DeArdo: Typically, head coaches managing play-calling duties tend to bring familiar faces up with them. This explains Duggan’s hiring, a strategic move.
Duggan’s experience as a co-defensive coordinator was limited to Boston College in 2023, and he has just two years of NFL experience. After a role as a defensive assistant with the Packers, he became their linebackers coach, further strengthening the team’s defensive expertise.
While Duggan’s overall experience may raise eyebrows, his rapport with Hafley—and the absence of play-calling pressure—could lead to a solid fit.
Defensive coordinator: Dennard Wilson
Grade: B+
Dajani: On the surface, hiring the former Titans defensive coordinator might not seem like a wise decision, especially considering the last Giants DC came from Tennessee. However, Wilson is highly regarded and maintains a solid relationship with John Harbaugh.
As the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach with the Eagles, Wilson contributed to the team reaching Super Bowl LVII. His transition to Baltimore saw the Ravens’ defense become the first in NFL history to lead the league in points allowed per game, sacks, and takeaways in a single season.
Last season, Wilson received his first shot as a defensive coordinator, and his unit ranked second overall despite a challenging year. Look for him to bring that same resilience to New York.
Defensive coordinator: Brian Duker
Grade: C+
DeArdo: This choice makes sense in terms of familiarity; Duker has previously collaborated with Jets head coach Aaron Glenn during their time on the Lions’ coaching staff.
Though Duker lacks play-calling experience, this hiring implies Glenn will retain the defensive play-calling responsibilities for the Jets this offseason. This arrangement allows Duker to handle other aspects on that side without the added pressure of calling plays.
Given Glenn’s desire for someone he knows and trusts, it’s tough to fault this decision too heavily.
Offensive coordinator: Sean Mannion
Grade: B
DeArdo: Mannion’s rise through the coaching ranks has been rapid since his retirement from the NFL less than two years ago. Once an NFL quarterback, he spent part of the 2023 season on the Vikings’ practice squad and served as Jared Goff’s backup on the Rams’ Super Bowl journey in 2018.
After hanging up his cleats, Mannion quickly transitioned to coaching, starting as an offensive assistant before becoming the Packers’ quarterbacks coach this past season, helping Jordan Love deliver a standout year.
Eagles fans should welcome this hiring, based on Mannion’s positive track record with Green Bay. Being less than two years removed from active play affords him a unique perspective that could enhance his effectiveness in calling plays.
Defensive coordinator: Patrick Graham
Grade: B+
DeArdo: As a coach with an offensive background, finding a reliable defensive coordinator was key for Mike McCarthy as he built the Steelers’ defense. He achieved this by hiring Graham, who has previously served as a defensive coordinator for three NFL teams.
In his second season with the Raiders, Graham managed to elevate the defense from 26th to 9th in points allowed. Las Vegas also ranked impressively in passing touchdowns allowed, indicating his strong grip on defensive strategy.
Working with a blend of experience and potential, Graham takes charge of a Steelers defense boasting a balance of seasoned veterans and emerging talents.
Defensive coordinator: Raheem Morris
Grade: A
Dajani: The Falcons may have made a significant mistake letting Morris go following a strong season. He finished 2025 riding a four-game winning streak, with the defense ranking well in yards allowed.
Morris was key in developing rookie playmakers, including James Pearce Jr., who set a franchise record for rookie sacks, alongside safety Xavier Watts, who forced multiple turnovers.
Morris guided a Rams defense to top-10 finishes in both yards and points before returning to the NFC West with the 49ers. Replacing an impactful figure like Robert Saleh is no small feat, but Morris’s experience should serve him well.
Offensive coordinator: Zac Robinson
Grade: B+
DeArdo: The Buccaneers may have stumbled upon a strong hire in Robinson for numerous reasons.
At 39, Robinson is familiar with Tampa Bay from facing them twice a year for the last two seasons, having coached the Falcons’ offense. More crucially, he has profound insights into NFC South defenses.
Under his guidance in Atlanta, Bijan Robinson arguably emerged as the top running back while setting a franchise record. Key receivers, including Drake London, also thrived under his scheme.
Robinson now has the opportunity to work with Baker Mayfield at a pivotal juncture in his career.
Offensive coordinator: Brian Daboll
Grade: B+
DeArdo: Despite his overall disappointing run as the Giants’ head coach, Daboll has a strong reputation as an offensive coordinator with an impressive record mentoring young quarterbacks.
He played a crucial role in transforming Josh Allen into one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. Daboll also helped Daniel Jones achieve his best performance in years, leading to the Giants’ first playoff victory since Super Bowl XLVI.
Now, he will mentor Cam Ward, who, despite facing challenges, exhibited considerable potential during his rookie season.
Offensive coordinator: David Blough
Grade: C-
Dajani: This decision is indeed a considerable risk for Dan Quinn. After an impressive 12-5 season in 2024, the Commanders plummeted to a 5-12 record the following year. While you could attribute some failures to Jayden Daniels’s injury troubles, he didn’t show the superstar potential expected during his play.
Washington hastily promoted the 30-year-old former quarterback—who has never called plays—to lead the offense, potentially fraught with danger.
If Blough’s struggles persist, could it lead to Quinn’s exit? After witnessing a wave of changes across the league, one cannot completely rule that possibility out.
Defensive coordinator: Daronte Jones
Grade: B
Dajani: Daronte Jones returns to Washington after a four-year stint as the Vikings’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. He has cultivated expertise with defensive backs across a variety of levels, from college to the NFL.
His experience also includes a notable year as LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2021. As multiple teams sought his services, Jones ultimately chose to reunite with Quinn in Washington.
