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. McDaniel declined to interview for the Buffalo Bills head coach opening on Friday but remains in the mix for the Las Vegas Raiders’ top job.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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.
FIREDSean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
Record with team: 106-58 (including playoffs), nine seasons
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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
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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 blogLive305 updates
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.
Kate Magdziuk
Just 26 days since his last NFL start, Philip Rivers is reportedly set to interview for the Buffalo Bills’ head coach opening, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Friday.
He joins Mike McDaniel, Anthony Lynn, Anthony Weaver and Grant Udinski as those who will meet with the team in Florida through the weekend — meetings which will reportedly include quarterback Josh Allen, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports.
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.