The coaching carousel continues to spin, with the Baltimore Ravens the latest team to make their hire, selecting Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to replace John Harbaugh. Minter, who’s the fourth head coach in Ravens history, has 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 coach Mike McDaniel is expected to head to Los Angeles. But McDaniel may not be in LA for long as he will be interviewing for the Buffalo Bills head coach opening on Friday.
Advertisement
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 this week, the Tennessee Titans finalized a deal to hire Robert Saleh as their new head coach.
Saleh spent the past season as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator after being fired by the New York Jets in 2024. He‘s had good defenses wherever he’s been, and now he gets a chance to help stabilize the Titans franchise and build a winner around No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.
The Bills shocked the league Monday morning by firing their head coach, Sean McDermott. General manager Brandon Beane retained his job and will find McDermott’s replacement.
Advertisement
Meanwhile, the Bills’ AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins, finalized their own head coaching hire with Jeff Hafley, who spent the past two years as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator.
The moves follow a busy weekend that saw the two biggest names on the NFL head coaching market officially find new teams to lead.
After about two days of silence since news broke of their pending union, the New York Giants and John Harbaugh finalized their deal, and the Giants made the hire official. The deal is 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.
Harbaugh becomes the Giants’ fifth head coach (seven counting interims) since Tom Coughlin resigned in January 2016. Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is reportedly expected to join Harbaugh on his staff.
Advertisement
Also on Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons officially announced 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.
Green Bay, meanwhile, is standing pat with its leadership. Head coach Matt LaFleur is reportedly getting a contract extension, as is general manager Brian Gutekunst. There was some question if LaFleur would return after the Packers lost their last five games, including blowing an 18-point lead against the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round, but the Packers’ braintrust ultimately chose to bring them back after injuries ravaged what looked at times like a Super Bowl team this season.
Here’s a rundown of the hirings, firings and buzzy situations to watch.
HIREDJohn Harbaugh, New York Giants
Head coaching record: 180-113 regular season, 13-11 playoffs (including a Super Bowl title), 18 seasons with Baltimore Ravens
Advertisement
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
Advertisement
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
Advertisement
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
Advertisement
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
Advertisement
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.
FIREDSean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
Record with team: 106-58 (including playoffs), nine seasons
Advertisement
Why he was fired: Quite simply, McDermott didn’t reach a Super Bowl with Josh Allen, who won NFL MVP in 2024 and is arguably the best quarterback in the league. Even with Allen playing an uncharacteristically sloppy game in Saturday’s divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos, there were ample chances to win, and McDermott’s Bills couldn’t get it done. No team has arguably been victimized more by the recent Chiefs dynasty than the Bills, who lost to Kansas City four times in the playoffs, and in every way imaginable — from the infamous 13 seconds game in the 2021 season, to at home in the divisional round in the 2023 season, to both a blowout (2020 season) and a close game (2024 season) at Arrowhead. But there have been other gut-wrenching losses too, including Saturday’s, and the Bills decided they had enough of a coach who helped the defense constantly overperform its talent but went just 8-8 in the playoffs, and ceded the AFC East to the rising New England Patriots this season.
STEPPED DOWNMike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers
Record with team: 201-126-2 (including playoffs), 19 seasons
Advertisement
Why he stepped down: After nearly two decades of success in Pittsburgh, Tomlin faced criticism in recent seasons for his failure to make deep postseason runs. It’s possible those demands began to weigh on Tomlin after such a long time coaching. It’s also possible he was simply ready to take a break after nearly 20 years in a high-stress role. Since Tomlin is leaving — and was not fired — the Steelers still hold his rights should he want to return to coaching. Tomlin also could opt to take a gap year or two before returning to the game. If he decides to get back into coaching, he would presumably be a highly sought-after target for teams.
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
NFL coaching news live blogLive290 updates
Sean Leahy
The 33-year-old had a short playing career with the Ravens before moving in to coaching. He spent four seasons as a defensive analyst in Baltimore before becoming the Jaguars’ outside linebackers coach for one season. He returned to the Ravens in 2022 as inside linebackers coach before taking over as defensive coordinator in 2024.
Sean Leahy
Nagy interviewed this week for the open Eagles offensive coordinator job and has drawn interest from the Cardinals and Raiders.
With Nagy’s contract expiring after this season, there was a path to bring Eric Bieniemy back as OC.
The 47-year-old Nagy had been with the Chiefs since 2022, first as a senior assistant and QB coach and then OC from 2023-2025.
Sean Leahy
Mike McDaniel may have a new job with the Chargers, but he may not be in LA for long as he’ll be interviewing for the Bills’ head coach opening on Friday.
The Bills will then speak with Commanders run game coordinator Anthony Lynn and former Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver on Saturday. On Sunday, it will be Jaguars OC Grant Udinski’s turn.
Andy Backstrom
With Jesse Minter taking the Baltimore Ravens’ head-coaching job, the Los Angeles Chargers need a new defensive coordinator.
They’ve requested to interview Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach/defensive pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Sean McVay’s coaching tree is growing by the year, and Rams assistants have once again been popular in another cycle.
As for Pleasant, he helped the Rams hold opponents to the 10th-fewest points per game (20.4) in the regular season. He’s in his second stint on McVay’s staff. This one started in 2023. Previously, he served as the Rams’ cornerbacks coach from 2017-20. In between, he worked as a defensive assistant for the Detroit Lions (2021-22) and as an offensive consultant for the Green Bay Packers (2022).
Criss Partee
New Miami Dolphins head coach confirms that he will call plays on defense in year one with the team. He also said the team will be bringing in a new offensive coordinator. Hafley served as defensive coordinator for the past two seasons in Green Bay.
Criss Partee
The Atlanta Falcons interviewed Houston Texans assistant general manager James Liipfert for their open GM position on Thursday.
Criss Partee
The Buffalo Bills have reportedly scheduled their interview with Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski on Sunday for the head coach position. Before that interview, Udinski is expected to have his second interview for the head coach job with the Cleveland Browns.
Criss Partee
Los Angeles Chargers DC Jesse Minter will not be interviewing for the Cleveland Browns head coaching vacancy on Thursday as scheduled. The belief is that he likely feels he has other HC opportunities that are more certain, according Browns beat writer Mary Kay Cabot.
Criss Partee
The Buffalo Bills have completed their interview with Brian Daboll for the head coach position. Daboll was Buffalo’s offensive coordinator for the first four years of Josh Allen’s career. He played a huge part in Allen’s progression in the early stages of his NFL career.
Thu, January 22, 2026 at 7:21 AM PST
The Philadelphia Eagles have requested an interview with Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Declan Doyle. Boyle just finished his first season as Bears OC, and the offense finished third in the NFL in rushing yards (144.5), sixth in total yards (369.2), ninth in points (25.9), and 10th in passing yards per game (225.1).
Philadelphia ranked lower in each of those offensive categories in 2025.
Chris Cwik
The Washington Commanders will interview Chicago Bears defensive pass-game coordinator Al Harris for the team’s vacant defensive coordinator position, according to NFL Network.
While Harris has not been a defensive coordinator yet, he received high marks for his work with the Bears, who led the NFL in takeaways this season.
Harris previously worked with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn in Dallas, so does have a connection in Washington.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is meeting with the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday about their head-coaching position, according to ESPN.
Brady interviewed with the Bills a day earlier for their head-coaching job. He served as the offensive coordinator under Sean McDermott, who was fired earlier in the week.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Gannon also has been a candidate for the Dallas Cowboys’ DC job.
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are finalizing an agreement to hire Zac Robinson as their new offensive coordinator, according to multiple reports.
Robinson had been the Atlanta Falcons OC.
Ryan Young
Senior Vice President of Football Operations and Strategy Kevin Abrams, who has been with the team since 1999, is leaving the Giants organization as part of a restructuring effort. He was with the team through six head coaches and two Super Bowl wins.
Andy Backstrom
The Minnesota Vikings have signed defensive coordinator Brian Flores to a contract extension, the team announced Wednesday.
Flores remains a candidate to fill head-coaching vacancies for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who reported that if Flores doesn’t land those jobs, he’ll stay in Minnesota.
Following his three-year stay as the Miami Dolphins’ head coach and one-year stint as the Steelers’ senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach, he’s served as the Vikings’ DC for three seasons.
In that span, he’s coached units that have ranked 13th, fifth and seventh in scoring defense.
Criss Partee
The Buffalo Bills will interview Washington Commanders run game coordinator/running backs coach Anthony Lynn for the team’s head coach position, according to Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson.
Lynn was head coach of the Chargers for four years and led the team to winning seasons in his first two with the franchis
Ryan Young
Eric Bieniemy is headed back to Kansas City. After days of speculation, the Chiefs have agreed to terms with Bieniemy to bring him back as their next offensive coordinator, according to the NFL Network.
Bieniemy spent five seasons with Kansas City as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator, and helped lead the team to multiple Super Bowl titles. Now, with Matt Nagy out, the path is clear for Bieniemy to return.
Criss Partee
The Buffalo Bills completed an interview with offensive coordinator Joe Brady for the head coach position on Wednesday. Brady has spent four seasons in Buffalo as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator for the last two years. He has never been a head coach in the NFL.
Andy Backstrom
The Atlanta Falcons are expected to hire former Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Tommy Rees to occupy the same role in their organization, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
That means that Rees is on track to once again serve as the OC for Kevin Stefanski, whom the Falcons hired as their next head coach this past weekend.
With the Browns, Rees got the bump to OC in 2025. He took over play-calling duties from Stefanski and helped the team reach five wins despite a revolving door at quarterback and an array of injuries.
Before that, the former Notre Dame QB was the Browns’ pass game specialist and tight ends coach in 2024.
He was also the OC at his alma mater from 2020-22 and at Alabama during the 2023 season.