Head coach Dan Quinn and the Washington Commanders filled their defensive coordinator opening with the hire of Minnesota Vikings assistant Daronte Jones, according to a report from ESPN on Monday evening.
Meanwhile the Pittsburgh Steelers, who hired Mike McCarthy to become their next head coach, will formally introduce him Tuesday afternoon. That hire leaves four of the 10 NFL head coaching openings left. McCarthy replaces Mike Tomlin, who resigned at the end of the Steelers’ season. He would become the franchise’s fourth head coach since 1969.
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Before this move from the Steelers, the coaching carousel featured the Baltimore Ravens’ hiring of Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to replace John Harbaugh. Minter, who’s the fourth head coach in Ravens history, agreed to a five-year contract with the team, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Chargers will also have a new offensive coordinator, as former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is heading to Los Angeles.
Another two offensive coordinator positions have also been filled, as the Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back Eric Bieniemy in the role he held from 2018 to 2022. Former Atlanta Falcons OC Zac Robinson is joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the same role.
Earlier, the coaching carousel featured:
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The New York Giants and John Harbaugh finalizing their deal, which was expected to be five years in length and with a total value of $100 million — one of the largest contracts in the league — according to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz. Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is reportedly expected to join Harbaugh on his staff.
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The Atlanta Falcons officially announcing that Kevin Stefanski will be the team’s next head coach. The former Cleveland Browns coach takes over for Raheem Morris, becoming the Falcons’ third head coach in the past six seasons and 20th in franchise history.
Here’s a rundown of the hirings, firings and buzzy situations to watch.
HIRED
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 had four full-time head coaches and two interims since Tom Coughlin resigned after the 2015 season, and they’re fed up with the turnover. Harbaugh is 63, but he has a lot of juice left and figures to bring stability to a proud franchise that’s fallen on some of the hardest times it’s ever faced. (The Giants’ 59 wins since 2015 are the second-fewest in the NFL, ahead of only the Jets).
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There’s talent to develop on the roster between QB Jaxson Dart (who might sync well with Harbaugh’s preferred offensive coordinator, Todd Monken), RB Cam Skattebo, WR Malik Nabers, LT Andrew Thomas, and a defense that includes DT Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. There’s also a general manager in Joe Schoen, as Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson explained, who was apparently willing to cede personnel decision-making to Harbaugh despite the nominal hierarchy inside the franchise. And team owner John Mara, one of the more influential voices in the league, revealed he’s battling an undisclosed form of cancer last September, which likely emboldened the desire for a head coach to come in and command respect immediately.
The Giants have floundered for years, but landing the coach widely viewed as the best on the market brings back instant credibility. Now we’ll see how quickly they can win together.
Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons
Head coaching record: 45-56 regular season, 1-2 playoffs, six seasons with Cleveland Browns
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Why he was hired: Stefanski was one of the top names on the market, with the NFL at large looking at more than just his wins and losses with the Browns while trying to lift a struggling franchise into playoff contention. Sound familiar, Atlanta? Stefanski’s offensive acumen is a hybrid of multiple schemes and coaching trees, which can help new president of football Matt Ryan sort through the talent the Falcons have on that side of the ball (including Kirk Cousins, whom Stefanski coached in Minnesota). They’re also retaining defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after the Falcons’ defense made big strides this season.
Stefanski as head coach and offensive mastermind, with Ulbrich sticking around to continue building his side of the ball? That’s a solid recipe going forward, even if the answer at quarterback and no first-round pick this spring present significant challenges. If team owner Arthur Blank is finally willing to be patient and let this project play out, Stefanski could end the Falcons’ eight-year playoff drought sooner than expected, especially in a weak NFC South.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching record: First job, was Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
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Why he was hired: The direct connection is Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was hired as Dolphins general manager on Jan. 9 after spending over two decades in the Packers’ organization, most recently as vice president of player personnel.
As for the broader fit? Well, the Dolphins have proven to be a less attractive option among coaching candidates this cycle than previously expected, Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson reported, based largely on the salary cap cleanup required as the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh off the board, Hafley is the most logical next move, perhaps for both parties. Hafley has head coaching experience at Boston College from 2020-23, he improved Green Bay’s defenses the last two seasons, and Miami would do well to lean on that side of the ball — not to mention star RB De’Von Achane and an improving O-line — while the Dolphins try to sort out the QB situation in what now looks like a multi-season project.
Hafley is considered to be one of the stronger candidates on the market, and the Dolphins didn’t mess around in securing their best possible outcome.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching record: 20-36, fired five games into fourth season with New York Jets
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Why he was hired: The general consensus around the league is Saleh’s failures with the Jets were largely out of his control, and he’s had good defenses wherever he’s been. He’ll reportedly call defensive plays in Tennessee, so it’ll be interesting to see who the Titans hire on the offensive staff to continue developing Cam Ward, who looked more and more promising as his rookie season went on.
Most of all, however, Saleh figures to help stabilize a Titans franchise that’s on its second general manager and now second head coach (third counting interim) since firing Mike Vrabel after the 2023 season. It’s a little surprising Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy didn’t get the job, considering his availability and ties to GM Mike Borgonzi from their time together in Kansas City, but perhaps Nagy is in play for the same position now that Saleh has been tabbed. Either way, Saleh is the kind of firm, even-keeled leader who could go a long way toward halting all the losing in Tennessee.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching record: First job, was Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
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Why he was hired: The Ravens may have fired John Harbaugh, but they’re staying within his tree to replace him. 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 winning a national championship in Ann Arbor, he followed Jim to the Chargers, where he has spent the past two seasons coordinating a defense that’s finished top-10 in DVOA both years, earning leaguewide respect for the unpredictability of his units and his play-calling prowess. Just 42 years old, Minter was considered one of the top candidates on the market, especially among first-time head coaches.
He steps into a situation where the expectations couldn’t be higher. Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP, the Ravens have top-end talent as good as anybody’s, and the only thing left for this iteration of the franchise is to reach the Super Bowl and win it. Minter seems to fit the bill of a guy who can do that. Baltimore is notorious for drafting and developing talent and spending little on free agents, so a coach like Minter who maximizes his players seems ideally placed. Plus, Jackson ensures a high floor on offense, so Minter can focus more of his efforts on shoring up a defense that fell short of expectations this past season.
It’s a smart swing — even if a Lombardi Trophy might be the only way the franchise gauges its success.
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.
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Why he was hired: Sure, it was a while ago, but McCarthy has a Super Bowl ring for a reason — and it happens to be the only one Aaron Rodgers has won in his stellar career. McCarthy re-established his bona fides after his Packers run, leading Dallas to the playoffs in three of his five seasons under Jerry Jones. He sat out the last hiring cycle, seemingly waiting for the perfect job. McCarthy grew up in the Pittsburgh area, so he’s no stranger to the franchise’s lore.
FIRED
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans (in season)
Brian Daboll, New York Giants (in 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
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RESIGNED
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL coaching news live blog
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Ian Casselberry
The New York Jets are in talks with former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich for a deal to add him to Aaron Glenn’s offensive staff, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes.
Reich would reportedly call offensive plays for the Jets, though Tanner Engstrand is expected to stay on as offensive coordinator. Prior to his two head coaching stints, Reich was an OC for the then-San Diego Chargers and Philadelphia Eagles (winning Super Bowl LII).
This season, the Jets ranked 29th among NFL teams in total offense. Their passing offense was last in the league.
With head coaching experience (including a one-year interim stay at Stanford this past season), Reich could be a useful asset for Glenn. Skeptics might also say Reich is a leading candidate to be an interim coach if the Jets made a coaching change.
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Jason Owens
The Washington Commanders are hiring Minnesota Vikings defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones as their defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports.
Jones has coached under Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for three seasons. He spent two seasons as Minnesota’s defensive backs coach prior to Flores’ arrival in 2023.
The Vikings missed the playoffs this season but fielded one of the league’s best defenses. Under Flores and Jones, Minnesota finished third in the league in total yards allowed and seventh in points allowed per game (19.6). Minnesota ranked second in passing yards allowed behind the Buffalo Bills.
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Criss Partee
The Los Angeles Chargers have completed an interview with Adam Fuller for their defensive coordinator role. Fuller joined Jim Harbaugh’s defensive staff in 2025 as safeties coach. Before that, Fuller was Florida State’s defensive coordinator from 2020-2024.
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Ian Casselberry
New Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley is bringing one of his fellow coaches from the Green Bay Packers to South Florida. Defensive backs coach Ryan Downard is joining Hafley’s staff, Aaron Wilson of Houston’s KPRC reports.
Downard, 37 has been with the Packers since 2018, beginning as a defensive quality control coach. He progressed to assistant DBs coach, then oversaw the team’s safeties before being promoted to coach defensive backs.
Green Bay ranked 11th among NFL teams in pass defense this season. During Downard’s three seasons as DBs coach, the Packers have tallied 31 interceptions.
Downard and Hafley were on the same defensive staff with the Cleveland Browns from 2014-15.
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Jason Owens
Nate Scheelhaase has a suitor other than the Cleveland Browns.
Per ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Buffalo Bills have requested an interview with Scheelhaase for their head coaching vacancy. Scheelhaase is the passing game coordinator for the Rams who helped shape Matthew Stafford’s season as an MVP candidate. The Rams lost in Sunday’s NFC championship game to the Seattle Seahawks.
Scheelhaase has interviewed with the Browns for their head coaching vacancy and is considered a top contender for the job.
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Jason Owens
The Detroit Lions have hired former interim Giants head coach Mike Kafka for a “high-ranking offensive staff role,” NFL Network reports.
The report did not designate what that role is. Kafka, 38, joins Detroit’s staff after four seasons with the Giants. Kafka was the offensive coordinator under former coach Brian Daboll for three-plus seasons and took over as interim head coach when the Giants fired Daboll in November.
The Lions fired offensive coordinator John Morton at the conclusion of a season in which they missed the playoffs. They hired former Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to fill that role last week.
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Tarohn Finley
The Baltimore Ravens requested to interview Detroit Lions assistant head coach and wide receivers coach Scottie Montgomery for the team’s offensive coordinator opening, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano.
Montgomery joined the Lions in 2023, previously as an assistant head coach and running back coach. Montgomery has helped develop players such as Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery in his time with the Lions.
Montgomery has also been the running backs coach of the Indianapolis Colts and the wide receivers coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He last served as an offensive coordinator at the college level at Maryland and Duke. He also has experience as the head coach of East Carolina.
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Jason Owens
The Los Angeles Chargers announced Monday that they’ve interviewed defensive assistant Dylan Roney for their defensive coordinator vacancy.
A former graduate assistant under head coach Jim Harbaugh at Michigan, Roney came from Michigan with Harbaugh to the Chargers in 2024 and has worked as a defensive assistant and linebackers coach. The Chargers are seeking a new defensive coordinator after the Ravens hired Jesse Minter as head coach last week.
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Tarohn Finley
The Arizona Cardinals are scheduled to meet with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur and Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for their head coaching vacancy on Monday.
LaFleur has spent the last two seasons as the Rams’ offensive coordinator. He was also the New York Jets’ offensive coordinator for a season in 2021. Before his time with the Jets, the 38-year-old spent time coaching various offensive roles with the 49ers, Falcons and Browns under Kyle Shanahan. He is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.
Weaver spent the last two seasons as the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator. Weaver spent three seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, serving in roles including assistant head coach, defensive line coach, and run game coordinator.
Weaver now follows Seahawks Mike MacDonald and Ravens Jesse Minter as the latest head coaching hire from John Harbaugh’s coaching tree. Weaver also served as defensive coordinator and defensive line coach for the Houston Texans.
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Tarohn Finley
The Philadelphia Eagles promote Joe Kasper to defensive pass game coordinator and DB coach, according to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe. Kasper will replace Christian Parker, who left the role to become the Dallas Cowboys’ defensive coordinator.
Kasper previously worked as the team’s safeties coach and also worked under Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio with the Miami Dolphins. This is Kasper’s second stint with the Eagles. He has also worked at Duke University, John Carroll University and his alma mater, Mentor (OH) High School.
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Criss Partee
The Detroit Lions have reached an agreement on a deal to retain assistant coach Jim O’Neil, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. O’Neil interviewed for the New York Jets’ defensive coordinator vacancy.
O’Neil served as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns for three seasons from 2014-2016. He’s spent the last two years with Detroit as a defensive assistant after returning to the NFL following two seasons as Northwestern University’s DC.
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Chris Cwik
The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly hired former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel to be the team’s offensive coordinator, but there was some uncertainty over whether the deal was done. McDaniel was still in the running for some head-coaching roles, and it sounded like there was a possibility he could spurn the Chargers for a better opportunity.
But that’s not going to happen. After a few days of uncertainty, the team announced McDaniel as its offensive coordinator Monday.
McDaniel joins the team after going 35-33 in four seasons with the Dolphins.
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Criss Partee
The Dallas Cowboys hired Christian Parker as the team’s new defensive coordinator. Dallas went into its rival’s den to get Parker, stealing him away from the Philadelphia Eagles. Parker played a big role in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense in Philly while helping to develop Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean into All-Pro defensive backs.
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Criss Partee
The Atlanta Falcons have hired Robert Prince as wide receivers coach and Bob Quinn as senior advisor to the head coach. Quinn is the former general manager for the Detroit Lions, and Prince is a longtime wide receivers coach. Prince spent the 2025 season with Miami and recently interviewed with the New York Giants for their offensive coordinator position.
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Tarohn Finley
Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle and LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. withdrew their names from the Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator search, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Doyle is coming off his first year as the Bears’ offensive coordinator, working with quarterback Caleb Williams and head coach Ben Johnson. Before joining the Bears, Doyle coached under Sean Payton with the Denver Broncos and the New Orleans Saints.
Weis is entering his first season as LSU’s offensive coordinator. He followed new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss. Weis has served as offensive coordinator at Florida Atlantic and South Florida. Weis has only one year of NFL experience with the Atlanta Falcons, but he is the son of former NFL coach Charlie Weis.
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Criss Partee
The Falcons have reportedly hired former Miami Dolphins special teams coordinator for the same role in Atlanta. Aukerman was also the Tennessee Titans’ special teams coordinator from 2018 to 2023.
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Criss Partee
The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly hiring Notre Dame defensive back Mike Mickens to come in and coach their defensive backfield. Mickens was part of the Fighting Irish staff for nearly six years.
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Criss Partee
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski has informed the Browns that he is removing himself from consideration for their head coach position. Udinski has a new deal with the Jaguars with a pay bump for next season, but Jacksonville will allow him to continue pursuing Buffalo’s head coaching job.
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Chris Cwik
Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb has a busy day ahead of him Monday. Webb will interview with both the Buffalo Bills and Las Vegas Raiders about their head-coaching vacancies, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
It will be Webb’s second interview with the Raiders and his first with the Bills.
Webb is a sought-after name this offseason after being a member of the Broncos’ coaching staff under Sean Payton the past three years. Webb has overseen the development of Bo Nix during his tenure, which has gotten Webb extra attention from teams in need of a new head coach this offseason.
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Chris Cwik
Former NFL quarterback Philip Rivers isn’t ready for his football journey to continue in the league just yet. Rivers reportedly pulled out of consideration for the Bills’ head-coaching role Monday, per The Athletic.
Rivers, 44, was a surprise candidate for the role after returning to the NFL for the first time since 2020.
Rivers, who has coached high-school football since his first retirement from the NFL, started three games with the Indianapolis Colts down the stretch as the team tried to rally to a playoff spot.
Following that stint, Rivers apparently became a head-coaching candidate for the Bills, who surprisingly fired Sean McDermott after another playoff loss.
Rivers reportedly isn’t ready to be an NFL head coach just yet, per NFL Network, though could eventually try and secure a head-coaching role in the league in the future.
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