Only two teams are left playing. The Patriots and Seahawks will meet in Super Bowl LX on Feb. 8 in Santa Clara, Calif.
Many more teams are still aboard the NFL’s coaching carousel.
The latest big developments landed Tuesday, with the Bills reportedly promoting Joe Brady to head coach after firing Sean McDermott last week. Brady has served as offensive coordinator since November 2023.
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Elsewhere in the AFC, the Titans are reportedly hiring Brian Daboll as their next offensive coordinator. Daboll was fired as Giants head coach midseason after being hired in 2022, and now he’ll get a chance to mold 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward under head coach Robert Saleh’s leadership. That follows news on Monday that the Chargers hired former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel as their new offensive coordinator.
Over the weekend, the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to become their next head coach. McCarthy replaces Mike Tomlin, who resigned at the end of the Steelers’ season. He would become the franchise’s fourth head coach since 1969.
Before the Steelers made their move, the Ravens hired Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to replace John Harbaugh, who was fired after the regular season and ultimately landed the Giants head coaching job.. Here’s a rundown of the hirings, firings and buzzy situations to watch.
HEAD COACHES HIRED
Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills
Head coaching record: First job, was Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25
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Why he was hired: On the surface, it’s a weird move at best to fire head coach Sean McDermott, publicly state that coaching was a problem with the Bills’ roster … then turn around and promote a coach from that staff. To be fair, Brady is a respected offensive mind who’s fairly renowned for his creativity and maximization of talent. To be blunt, he’s also a first-time head coach who doesn’t figure to upset the power structure team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane clearly have in place.
Buffalo still has Josh Allen, and there’s no doubt Brady has played a key role in developing him into an MVP-level quarterback year in and year out. McDermott’s management of the roster, especially on defense, perhaps went underappreciated during his nine seasons with the Bills, so whomever they hire as defensive coordinator is the next key to watch. But really, the Bills not making a Super Bowl in this era of the franchise has been due to poor luck as much as anything. Maybe Brady is the man to get them over the hump.
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.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching record: First job, was Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
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.
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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.
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
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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).
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.
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
RESIGNED
Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
NFL coaching news live blog
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Andy Backstrom
The New York Jets are trying to revamp their offensive staff. News broke Tuesday that head coach Aaron Glenn has parted ways with offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand.
Hours later, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reported that the Jets reached out to former Bucanneers and Raiders head coach Jon Gruden about the idea of joining Glenn’s staff.
But Gruden wasn’t interested, per Rosenblatt.
Gruden hasn’t held a position in the NFL since he was a consultant with the New Orleans Saints in 2023.
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Andy Backstrom
The Denver Broncos announced Tuesday that they’re moving on from three assistants. They made the firing of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi official, but they also revealed that they’re parting ways with wide receivers coach Keary Colbert and cornerbacks coach Addison Lynch.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton spoke earlier in the day during his end-of-season news conference about how they have to shore up their drop issues this offseason.
For more on Denver’s staff changes, go here
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Criss Partee
The Denver Broncos have relieved Joe Lombardi of his offensive coordinator duties. Denver lost the AFC championship game at home on Sunday to the New England Patriots, with the offense posting just seven points in the 10-7 loss.
Denver’s defense couldn’t have played much better, holding Patriots quarterback Drake Maye to 86 passing yards and sacking him five times. The Patriots averaged 23.6 points per game in the regular season. The Broncos held them to 10 and still couldn’t win.
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Andy Backstrom
The Buffalo Bills promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach on Tuesday. Brady had served as the team’s OC the past two seasons.
He’ll still be calling plays for quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense next season, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Buffalo averaged 28.3 points per game during the 2025 campaign, tied for the fourth most in the NFL.
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Andy Backstrom
The Arizona Cardinals interviewed former Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera in-person for their head-coaching vacancy, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Rivera currently serves as the general manager for Cal football. He posted a 76-63-1 record in nine seasons as the Panthers’ head coach from 2011-19 and a 26-40-1 record in four seasons as the Commanders’ head coach from 2020-23.
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Andy Backstrom
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced Tuesday that offensive coordinator Grant Udinski and defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile will remain with the team for the 2026 season.
Udinski, who withdrew from the Cleveland Browns’ head-coaching search, was set to return to the Jags as long as he didn’t land the Buffalo Bills’ head job, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
Campanile had a second interview with the Arizona Cardinals, but he is committed to returning to Jacksonville.
Liam Coen retains his OC and DC after a successful Year 1.
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Andy Backstrom
Denver Broncos defensive pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard is expected to be a leading candidate to land the Buffalo Bills’ defensive coordinator job, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Leonhard also serves as the Broncos’ assistant head coach, under Sean Payton. He joined Denver’s staff ahead of the 2024 season and coached the team’s defensive backs.
He last held a DC gig at Wisconsin, his alma mater. Leonhard was the Badgers’ defensive coordinator from 2017-22. He finished 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 had multiple conversations about the role moving forward. Ultimately, they made the mutual decision to move on. The Jets’ search for a new OC will begin immediately.
The Jets were reported as recently meeting and having talks with former Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich about joining Glenn’s offensive staff. Today’s move may have just opened up greater possibilities.
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Criss Partee
The Atlanta Falcons will interview Houston Texans assistant general manager James Liipfert and Chicago Bears assistant GM Ian Cunningham for their general manager job on Thursday, according to Albert Breer. After interviewing these candidates, a decision could be on the horizon in the coming days.
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Former Giants head coach Brian Daboll is set to become the Tennessee Titans’ next offensive coordinator if he isn’t hired by the Las Vegas Raiders, according to multiple reports. Daboll will join former Jets coach Robert Saleh’s staff, after Saleh was hired by the Titans last week. The pair will be tasked with developing quarterback Cam Ward after a rocky 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 thought to be frontrunners for the job.
Read more.
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Criss Partee
The Buffalo Bills will reportedly sign new head coach Joe Brady to a five-year deal. Brady has spent the last three seasons in Buffalo as the offensive coordinator, so the relationship with quarterback Josh Allen is well-established.
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Criss Partee
The Philadelphia Eagles have set up an in-person interview with Green Bay Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion for the offensive coordinator position. Mannion has been with Green Bay the past two years, serving as an offensive assistant in 2024 and being promoted to QB coach in 2025.
Mannion was a third-round pick for the St. Louis Rams in 2015 and played in the NFL through the 2021 season.
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Sean Leahy
On Tuesday, the Bills found the man it believes can succeed where McDermott failed, reportedly promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to become its next head coach, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The Bills know the 36-year-old Brady well after bringing him on as quarterbacks coach in 2022 following his two seasons as the Carolina Panthers offensive coordinator. Josh Allen threw for over 4,000 yards and 64 total touchdowns while working with Brady for those two seasons. In 2023, Brady would take over offensive coordinator duties on an interim basis following Ken Dorsey’s dismissal. A season later, he would be promoted to full-time in the position and be voted a finalist for the Assistant Coach of the Year Award.
Read more here.
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Criss Partee
The Las Vegas Raiders have completed a second interview with former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll. He has also interviewed for other head coaching vacancies, including the Buffalo Bills. Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Buffalo from 2018-2021 before leaving to take the head coach job with the Giants.
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Chris Cwik
The Baltimore Ravens are expected to bring in Atlanta Falcons run-game coordinator and offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ledford has overseen a dominant rushing unit with the Falcons over the past few seasons, but was made available after new head coach Kevin Stefanski brought in Bill Callahan to coach the offensive line.
Ledford is expected to take on the same role with the Ravens. The team is looking for a bounce-back year after going 8-9 and missing the playoffs.
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Chris Cwik
The Pittsburgh Steelers might be looking to reunite head coach Mike McCarthy with a few of his old assistants. The team is expected to interview Dallas Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells for its offensive coordinator role this week, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Wells was on McCarthy’s staff when he was the head coach of the Cowboys, so there’s plenty of familiarity between the two coaches.
In addition to interviewing for the Steelers’ offensive coordinator role, Wells interviewed for that same position with the Washington Commanders in January. The Commanders wound up hiring David Blough for the role.
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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.
MORE
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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.
