The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing following the conclusion of the 2025 regular season. The first two head coaching appointments have already been confirmed, with John Harbaugh taking over the New York Giants and Kevin Stefanski being named the new coach of the Atlanta Falcons.
Seven NFL franchises still have vacancies at the head coach position, and the race to fill these roles promises drama as teams aim to enter the 2026 season with fresh leadership. This tracker provides the latest updates on coaching hires, interviews, and top candidates.
Harbaugh and Stefanski: Back to Work Immediately
The New York Giants, one of two teams to sack their head coach mid-season, moved quickly to secure Harbaugh after he was released by the Baltimore Ravens following a missed playoff appearance.
Harbaugh, 63, had been one of the most sought-after candidates in this hiring cycle after an 18-year tenure with Baltimore, including a Super Bowl victory in 2013. He also interviewed with Atlanta and had planned meetings with Tennessee, but the Giants were first to offer a reported five-year deal, making him one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches.
Meanwhile, Kevin Stefanski, 43, who has twice earned Coach of the Year honors during six seasons leading the Cleveland Browns, replaces Raheem Morris as Atlanta’s head coach. Stefanski interviewed with multiple teams, including the Giants, Baltimore, Tennessee, Las Vegas, and Miami, before accepting the Falcons position on a reported five-year contract.
Pittsburgh Steelers Seek Fourth Coach Since 1969
Long-time Ravens rival Mike Tomlin chose to end his 19-year tenure with the Pittsburgh Steelers following a first-round playoff loss. The Steelers are now seeking only their fourth head coach since the moon landing in 1969, highlighting the rarity of coaching stability in Pittsburgh.
Reported candidates include:
- Former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy
- Brian Flores, former Miami head coach and current Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator
- Jeff Hafley, Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator
- Jesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinator
- Chris Shula, Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator
Baltimore Ravens: Multiple Candidates Under Consideration
The Ravens are also actively searching for a new leader, interviewing several high-profile candidates:
- Brian Flores – former Miami head coach
- Mike McDaniel – Miami head coach
- Robert Saleh – ex-New York Jets head coach and current 49ers defensive coordinator
Other names in the mix include Nate Scheelhaase, Rams pass-game coordinator, and Klint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinator.
AFC North Hiring Cycle: Browns and Titans
The Cleveland Browns are the third AFC North team making a coaching hire this cycle. Their interviews have included:
- Mike McDaniel
- Todd Monken, Baltimore offensive coordinator
- Grant Udinski, Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator
- Aden Durde, Seattle Seahawks British defensive coordinator
Durde, who has been instrumental in helping the Seahawks achieve the NFC’s top seed and reach the NFC Championship Game, is also being considered by Atlanta. He could become the first British NFL head coach if selected.
The Tennessee Titans, the first team to fire a head coach this season, have reportedly spoken to McCarthy, McDaniel, and former Giants head coach Brian Daboll.
Miami, Arizona, and Other Teams
The Miami Dolphins have interviewed Saleh, while Chris Shula, grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, is an exciting prospect for fans. Shula has experience in coaching defensive schemes and comes from an NFL coaching lineage highlighted by back-to-back Super Bowl wins in the 1970s.
Arizona Cardinals have requested interviews with Saleh, Shula, Morris, and former Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith.
Other teams making coaching changes or seeking replacements include:
- Las Vegas Raiders – interviewing Rams OC Mike LaFleur and Chiefs OC Matt Nagy
- Carolina Panthers – interviewing Ejiro Evero, Colchester-born defensive coordinator, to replace Pete Carroll
Summary: The 2026 NFL Coaching Landscape
- Confirmed Hires: John Harbaugh (Giants), Kevin Stefanski (Falcons)
- Vacancies: Seven remaining NFL head coach positions
- Top Candidates in Multiple Interviews: Mike McCarthy, Brian Flores, Robert Saleh, Mike McDaniel, Chris Shula, Aden Durde
- Historic Possibility: Aden Durde may become the first British head coach in NFL history
As the hiring cycle progresses, NFL fans can expect “Black Monday” style turnover to continue influencing the league’s landscape. Teams are seeking leaders who can combine strategic expertise, motivational skill, and adaptability to guide franchises into the 2026 season and beyond.
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