Earlier than the NFL hiring cycle can start, the firing cycle must decelerate.
The soccer world is ready for a decision between the Inexperienced Bay Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur. On Tuesday, Mike Tomlin knowledgeable the Pittsburgh Steelers that he’s executed teaching them after 19 seasons.
The NFL has 9 openings proper now.
Groups eradicated from the NFL Playoffs have already performed first-round interviews during the last week.
Earlier than the divisional spherical of the NFL Playoffs, let’s undertaking how this hiring course of may settle.
Arizona Cardinals: Los Angeles Rams OC Mike LaFleur
The Cardinals desperately want path after losing the final three seasons with Jonathan Gannon.
It looks like Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona will likely be up as nicely, except the brand new head coach by some means mends that relationship.
The Cardinals ought to rent LaFleur, who has excelled beneath Sean McVay and the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams.
Atlanta Falcons: Former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski
Dec 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski appears to be like on in opposition to the Tennessee Titans throughout the first quarter at Huntington Financial institution Discipline. Obligatory Credit score: Scott Galvin-Imagn Photos The Falcons have premium offensive expertise that has been underutilized over the previous couple of seasons. They’ve additionally invested a first-round decide into quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has had an up and down profession to this point.
That’s precisely the surroundings Stefanski walked into in Cleveland forward of the 2020 season. Baker Mayfield was a query mark, Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb have been within the prime of their careers, and so they had premium expertise on protection.
Baltimore Ravens: Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter
Doesn’t this appear to be a Ravens rent?
Perhaps it’s the Harbaugh connection from Minter’s time at Michigan. Hell, perhaps it’s the truth that he spent 4 years in Baltimore already as a place coach.
Minter is a pacesetter of males, and it looks like that’s what the Ravens may chase.
Cleveland Browns: Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Grant Udinski
Whereas former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could possibly be in play right here, the Browns are a dangerous second job within the NFL, particularly since they don’t have a solution at quarterback.
That units up completely for Udinski, who simply turned 30 on Monday.
After firing Stefanski, Browns GM Andrew Berry famous that Cleveland was the one group to interview with the previous NFL Coach of the Yr in each 2019 and 2020. Udinski is a fast-riser that is sensible for a company in transition mode.
Las Vegas Raiders: Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak reacts in opposition to the Carolina Panthers throughout the pregame at Caesars Superdome. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen Lew-Imagn Photos This simply makes an excessive amount of sense.
Kubiak is likely one of the most sought-after coordinators this teaching cycle after Sam Darnold has appeared like an MVP candidate throughout his first yr in Seattle.
Kubiak and Heisman quarterback Fernando Mendoza would be the future in Vegas.
Miami Dolphins: Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard
The Dolphins are paying Tua Tagovailoa a ton of cash. Unsure any offensive-minded coach would contact that state of affairs with a 10-foot pole.
However maybe they will attain out to their former linebacker, Sheppard, to usher the group into its subsequent chapter.
New York Giants: John Harbaugh
Dec 27, 2025; Inexperienced Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh walks off the sector after the sport in opposition to the Inexperienced Bay Packers at Lambeau Discipline. Obligatory Credit score: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Photos Right here’s the one you’ve all been ready for.
It feels just like the Giants have placed on a full-court press for Harbaugh since he was fired from the Ravens. They have been the primary group to fireside their head coach as soon as Brian Daboll was axed in November.
Harbaugh chooses the Giants due to first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart’s promise in addition to premium younger expertise all through the roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
Traditionally, the Steelers like youthful head coaches. It’s a part of the rationale why the group is trying to find their fourth coach because the Nineteen Sixties.
However Flores additionally looks like a tradition match for the Steelers who’re trying to find a brand new path. Nonetheless simply 44, Flores has loads of teaching left.
Tennessee Titans: Former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel
Right here’s the touchdown spot for McDaniel.
No. 1 general decide Cam Ward confirmed a little bit of promise throughout his rookie season, however the Titans have to construct round him.
Insert one of many recreation’s brightest offensive minds, and the Titans may try to flip Ward right into a family identify.
