The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Mike McCarthy to become their next head coach. That would leave 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.
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.
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The Chargers will also have a new offensive coordinator, as former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel is expected to head to Los Angeles. McDaniel declined to interview for the Buffalo Bills head coach opening Friday but remains in the mix for the Las Vegas Raiders’ top job.
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 carousel featured:
Last weekend’s coaches moves included:
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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.
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.
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
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 blogLive311 updates
Ian Casselberry
After hiring Robert Saleh as their new head coach, the Tennessee Titans will interview Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso for their defensive coordinator position, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports.
Vasso, 38, has been with the Texans since 2021, progressing from cornerbacks coach to DBs coach. He has also had coaching stints with the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles during his career.
Houston had the fifth-ranked pass defense in the NFL this season, allowing 3.058 yards (183.5 per game), while leading the league in total defense.
Ian Casselberry
The Arizona Cardinals are bringing Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver back for a second interview for their head coach opening, NFL Network reports. However, the team reportedly has three candidates it’s focusing on.
Former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, Jacksonville Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile and Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur are viewed as the leading candidates for the position, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Campanile has had a second interview with the Cardinals, the Arizona Republic reports. Additionally, the team has conducted virtual interviews with LaFleur, Seattle Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, Rams DC Chris Shula and Broncos DC Vance Joseph.
Ian Casselberry
The Buffalo Bills announced on Saturday that they have completed an interview with Anthony Lynn for their head coach opening.
Lynn, 57, has been the run game coordinator and running backs coach with the Washington Commanders for the past two seasons. He was head coach of the then-San Diego Chargers for four seasons from 2017-20.
Additionally, Lynn was the Bills’ interim head coach for one game after Rex Ryan was fired during the 2020 season. In two seasons with Buffalo, he was an assistant head coach and running backs coach, and also worked as an interim offensive coordinator.
Yahoo Sports Staff
Miami Dolphins senior passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik will be the team’s offensive coordinator under new coach Jeff Hafley, ESPN reported.
Slowik also had spoken with the Philadelphia Eagles about their OC vacancy.
Andy Backstrom
San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak has removed from himself from head-coaching consideration and is staying in San Francisco, according to The Athletic.
Kubiak has been with the 49ers since the 2021 season. He begin his climb up the team’s staff as a defensive quality control coach. Then he served as the assistant quarterbacks coach from 2022-23, including when the Niners drafted Brock Purdy. Kubiak was San Francisco’s offensive passing game specialist in 2024.
Ahead of this season, he got the bump to OC, and the Niners navigated a slew of injuries and still finished averaging 25.7 points per game, good for 10th in the NFL.
Andy Backstrom
The Pittsburgh Steelers are working toward a deal to hire former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
McCarthy, 62, is a Pittsburgh native. He’s responsible for 12 playoff trips in his 18 seasons as a head coach. During that span, he’s posted a 174-112-2 record. He won a Super Bowl while coaching the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers was his quarterback at the time.
While the Steelers aren’t hiring McCarthy to convince Rodgers to come back for another season in Pittsburgh, per Pelissero, McCarthy’s presence could be enticing for the four-time NFL MVP.
Tarohn Finley
The Dolphins interviewed Eagles defensive line coach Clint Hurtt for their defensive coordinator opening, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Over the past two seasons with the Eagles, Hurtt helped develop players such as Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Previously, he served as the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator before joining the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 47-year-old also spent time coaching with the Chicago Bears, Louisville, the University of Miami and FIU. Hurtt is a former Miami Hurricanes defensive tackle.
Sean Leahy
The 62-year-old Martindale has been in charge of Michigan’s defense the past two seasons. He was previously the Giants DC for two seasons and worked with the Ravens’ linebackers and defense from 2012-2021.
Steve Wilks was hired by the Jets as part of Aaron Glenn’s staff, but he was fired following Week 15,
Sean Leahy
Weaver has been the Dolphins’ DC for the past two seasons. He has also drawn interest from the Bills and Steelers for their head coaching positions.
Weaver was also a candidate for the Ravens job before they hired Jesse Minter.
Sean Leahy
McDaniel was set to meet with Bills executives on Friday, one day after he was scheduled to interview for the Browns head coaching job.
Unless McDaniel gets the Las Vegas Raiders job, he will take over as Jim Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator with the Charg
Andy Backstrom
The Miami Dolphins introduced Jeff Hafley as their next head coach, and he’s now building his staff.
The Dolphins are bringing aboard former Buffalo Bills special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Notably, Tabor was the Cleveland Browns’ ST coordinator from 2011-17, and Hafley served as the Browns’ defensive backs coach from 2014-15.
In more Dolphins news, general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan is hiring Kyle Smith as his assistant GM, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Smith previously held the same title with the Atlanta Falcons.
Sean Leahy
The former Chargers and Colts quarterback could jump into the job of an NFL coach following his short return at the end of the regular season.
According to the NFL, only four players have ever gone from playing one season to a head coach job the next year — Norm Van Brocklin, Walt Kiesling, Ray Flaherty, Red Weaver.
Tarohn Finley
The Falcons interviewed Chicago Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham for the general manager position, according to the team.
Cunningham has spent the last four seasons with the Bears and has spent time in the Eagles and Ravens front offices. Falcons’ former quarterback and new president of football, Matt Ryan, played at Boston College with Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who Cunningham worked under in Chicago.
Tarohn Finley
The Tennessee Titans will interview Chicago Bears defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Al Harris for their defensive coordinator opening, according to NFL insider Josina Anderson.
Harris helped the Bears’ defensive unit lead the NFL with 22 turnovers in the regular season. Bears safety Kevin Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions. Bears cornerback Nashon Wright broke out under Harris with five interceptions.
Before Harris joined the Bears, he coached with the Cowboys, FAU, Chiefs and the Dolphins. Harris also spent 14 seasons playing in the NFL.
The Titans have also asked to interview Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton for their defensive coordinator opening. The Titans recently hired former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as head coach.
Sean Leahy
The 56-year-old Bieniemy previous served as the Chiefs’ running backs coach and later OC from 2013-2022. He was OC at UCLA in between stops with the Commanders (OC) and Bears (running backs coach).
Bieniemy was part of the Chiefs’ title-winning teams in Super Bowls LIV and LVII.
Tarohn Finley
The Tennessee Titans reportedly spoke to Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith about their offensive coordinator position, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Smith spent 10 seasons coaching with the Titans in various roles and was the offensive coordinator for his last two seasons with the team.
Smith spent the last two seasons as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. Smith was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he compiled a 21-30 record in three seasons with the team.
The Titans recently hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their head coach.
Tarohn Finley
The Philadelphia Eagles interviewed Dolphins senior passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik for the offensive coordinator opening, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Before joining the Dolphins, Slowik served as the offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans for two seasons. Slowik also spent eight seasons coaching under 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan in Washington and San Francisco.
Tarohn Finley
Giants head coach John Harbaugh will only retain two coaches from former head coach Brian Daboll’s staff, according to the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz.
The Giants will reportedly retain outside linebackers coach Charlie Bullen and tight ends coach Tim Kelly. Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo is reportedly not expected to be part of the Giants’ new staff.
Tarohn Finley
The Tennessee Titans asked to interview Cowboys defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton for their defensive coordinator opening, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Despite the team trading Micah Parsons before the season, Whitecotton’s defensive line remained among the top in quarterback hits.
Aaron Whitecotton was an assistant defensive line coach for the 49ers when Robert Saleh was the defensive coordinator in 2020. He then spent four seasons with Saleh at the New York Jets before joining the Cowboys in the previous season.
Kate Magdziuk
The Commanders have interviewed Steelers DC Teryl Austin for their own defensive coordinator opening, The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala reported Friday.
Austin has been with the Steelers since 2019, serving three years as a senior defensive assistant and secondary coach before being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022. He served in the role for each of the past four seasons under former head coach Mike Tomlin.
Austin has nine total seasons of experience as a defensive coordinator, including four years with the Detroit Lions and one with the Cincinnati Bengals. Though his defenses have ranked in the 44th and 58th percentiles in yards and points allowed, per Pro Football Reference, his units have ranked in the top eight in the league in takeaways in five of nine seasons.