The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing, with a significant number of franchises making major changes. This year, ten teams are seeking new head coaches, which represents over 30% of the league actively looking for new leadership.
This year’s hires contrast sharply across the board. For example, teams like the Browns, Giants, Raiders, Titans, and Cardinals parted ways with their coaches midseason after enduring disappointing performances, landing among the bottom tier in the standings. In contrast, clubs such as the Bills, Ravens, and Steelers made moves following successful tenures that had simply lost their momentum and failed to meet heightened expectations.
Now, each of these franchises is gearing up to welcome new leadership as they aim for a more promising future. With nine coaching positions filled and one more set to be finalized after the Super Bowl, it’s the perfect time to evaluate these hires and their potential impact starting next season.
Kevin Stefanski: B+
The Atlanta Falcons have made a strong statement by securing Matt Ryan as president of football operations alongside head coach Kevin Stefanski. This combination brings a wealth of experience and strategic acumen, signaling a fresh start for the franchise.
Stefanski has weathered a quarterback crisis during his time with the Browns, especially through the tumult of Deshaun Watson’s arrival and draft selections that included Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. Despite this, he earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 2020 and 2023, showcasing his ability to lead despite instability.
However, his success with the Falcons will largely hinge on his development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Unlike his previous experiences, Stefanski comes into a situation stocked with talented playmakers such as Bijan Robinson and Drake London, enhancing his chances of a successful tenure.
Additionally, having veteran Kirk Cousins in the mix offers depth and experience, as Stefanski previously helped him achieve significant success with the Vikings in 2019, when Cousins reached Pro Bowl status.
The decision to retain defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich further reinforces the Falcons’ commitment to maintaining a balanced roster and enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Jesse Minter: A
While many anticipated the Ravens would opt for an offensive-minded approach to pair with Lamar Jackson, the selection of Minter as head coach could be an inspired choice.
Baltimore has faced challenges in securing a Super Bowl berth, largely due to a struggling defense despite possessing high-caliber players like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith. Injuries played a part, but overall performance was lacking.
As the former defensive coordinator for the Chargers, Minter has proven his prowess, with his unit ranking in the top five in essential defensive categories this past season.
| Total YPG | 285.2 | 5th |
| Passing YPG | 179.9 | 5th |
| TD-INT ratio | 16-19 | 1st |
| INT | 19 | T-3rd |
| Passer rating | 75.0 | 1st |
Minter’s connection to the Ravens adds depth to the hire, as he previously served under John Harbaugh from 2017 to 2020 and climbed the ranks under Jim Harbaugh as defensive coordinator at Michigan.
The choice of offensive coordinator will be crucial for Minter, but given his strong coaching background, he’s well-positioned to find someone who can complement Baltimore’s explosive offense.
Jeff Hafley: C+
Miami’s decision to hire Jon-Eric Sullivan, formerly of the Packers, as general manager hinted that they would likely continue their connection with Green Bay when selecting Jeff Hafley as head coach.
This move capitalizes on the Dolphins’ improved play toward the end of the previous season, where they went 6-4 across their final ten games, significantly strengthening their defense. In that span, they allowed 21.9 points per game, a substantial improvement from the 29.3 points per game given up prior.
During Hafley’s tenure in Green Bay, the defense surrendered 20.5 points per game and boasted a top-ten ranking across various metrics. However, the unit’s performance dipped toward the end of the 2025 season.
As Hafley steps into this head coaching role, concerns linger on the offensive side. Miami is poised for a major transition at quarterback, potentially parting ways with Tua Tagovailoa, and lacking options amid salary cap constraints.
Hafley’s defensive background raises questions about his ability to address offensive deficiencies, which may prove challenging in the upcoming season.
John Harbaugh: A
The Giants have made a significant move by hiring John Harbaugh as head coach.
This hire comes at a crucial time for New York, which needed a leader with established credibility, particularly after several recent coaching hires failed to deliver impactful results. Harbaugh brings a wealth of experience, being the first head coach in franchise history to have previously secured a Super Bowl victory, which aligns with the organization’s aspirations to stabilize and grow.
| Span | 2004-15 | 2016-25 |
| W-L | 102-90 | 55-109-1 |
| Rank | 15th | 31st |
From Harbaugh’s perspective, this was an opportune choice among available positions, especially since it comes with a promising roster that includes franchise quarterback Jaxson Dart, skill players like Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, and an impressive defensive line featuring Brian Burns, Dexter Lawrence, and Abdul Carter.
The Giants also possess the fifth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, enhancing their ability to acquire top talent. Expect to see significant improvements under Harbaugh’s leadership as he seeks to reverse the team’s recent fortunes.
Robert Saleh: B
There’s a strong case for the Titans to consider hiring an offensive-minded head coach, particularly as they look to nurture second-year quarterback Cam Ward. Following the previous season, which saw the franchise rank near the bottom in points per game and total yards, a new strategic direction seemed necessary.
However, Saleh deserves this second chance. While his offensive strategies with the Jets encountered difficulties, his defensive units often shone. If he can replicate this success in Tennessee, it could lead to significant improvements, especially after the Titans recorded poor defensive statistics in recent years.
Saleh faced a challenging situation with the Jets—beginning with the struggles of Zach Wilson before pivoting to Aaron Rodgers, whose Achilles injury curtailed Saleh’s ability to establish a strong team culture. Fortunately, he won’t face the same uncertainties with Ward, particularly with his impressive second-half performance from last season.
| Team PPG | 14.3 | 20.1 |
| Completion percentage | 58.4% | 62.0% |
| Total TD-TO | 6-12 | 11-2 |
| Passer rating | 73.8 | 90.5 |
The presence of a secure quarterback will aid Saleh, who also inherits a Titans team that holds the fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and boasts substantial cap space—projected at around $100.7 million. This sets the stage for a fresh beginning.
Mike McCarthy: C+
The Steelers opted for continuity by hiring Mike McCarthy, a 62-year-old coach, to succeed Mike Tomlin. Pittsburgh is clearly in a win-now mode, choosing to place their faith in a familiar name rather than restarting from scratch.
McCarthy brings a solid resume to the role, mirroring Harbaugh’s history in terms of playoff success, winning the same number of Super Bowls. However, where Harbaugh adapts and evolves with the current game, McCarthy has struggled to keep pace, often criticized for stagnant offenses and poor game management.
Moreover, there are concerns regarding McCarthy’s ability to achieve success without elite quarterback play—something he was fortunate to have in both Green Bay and Dallas but might not experience in Pittsburgh. This hire feels more like a slight shift rather than a meaningful change.
Joe Brady: B
The Bills opted for internal continuity by promoting Joe Brady to head coach following Sean McDermott’s departure. While this choice reflects a degree of familiarity, it raises questions about the potential for significant change within the team’s culture.
Owner Terry Pegula’s comments post-McDermott indicated frustration with the coaching staff, including Brady, which casts some doubt on the direction of this hire.
Nevertheless, Brady has established himself as a capable offensive play-caller in Buffalo, earning the trust of quarterback Josh Allen. This pre-existing rapport will help facilitate a smoother transition during this critical overhaul.
While this isn’t a groundbreaking choice, it merits a respectable grade due to the stability it offers as Brady will likely continue to manage offensive plays. The next steps will focus on bringing in a new defensive coordinator while collaborating with GM Brandon Beane to reshape the roster around Allen.
Todd Monken: C-
From one perspective, Monken has an impressive track record, helping Lamar Jackson secure an MVP and multiple All-Pro selections during his time in Baltimore. Yet, recent challenges within the Ravens’ offense raise concerns about Monken’s adaptability, particularly with a less capable quarterback situation in Cleveland.
With uncertainty surrounding the future of quarterbacks Sheduer Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson, coupled with the looming salary cap constraints, the Browns’ job was among the most challenging to fill during this hiring cycle. Monken’s selection feels like a compromise—a decision that may not drive long-term success.
Klint Kubiak: A
Klint Kubiak’s value has been apparent across the coaching conversation this offseason, especially evidenced by admiration from Raiders minority owner Tom Brady. The Raiders are poised to bring Kubiak onboard, marking a significant acquisition among available offensive mindsets.
Kubiak, who represents a prominent branch of the Shanahan coaching tree, brings a wealth of offensive expertise to Las Vegas. His alignment with the expected No. 1 draft pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza, highlights a strong fit as teams increasingly seek head coaches who can effectively nurture young quarterbacks.
Mike LaFleur: C
The Cardinals’ decision to hire Mike LaFleur encapsulates a season marked by strategic shifts and mismatched expectations. With LaFleur’s prior experiences under strong offensive leaders, his track record is somewhat clouded by a failed stint at the Jets.
As he steps into Arizona, uncertainty abounds, particularly with the quarterback situation. His success is contingent not just on creative scheming, but on his ability to adapt amid the chaos surrounding the Cardinals’ depth chart.
The hiring of LaFleur raises pertinent questions regarding the direction Arizona aims to take, especially given his history—holding a previous preference for play-calling, which was thwarted during his tenure in New York. As the organization seeks a definitive pathway forward, LaFleur’s capabilities remain to be fully assessed.
