The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired Mike McCarthy to grow to be their subsequent head coach. That would go away four of the 10 NFL head coaching openings left. McCarthy replaces Mike Tomlin, who resigned on the finish of the Steelers’ season. He would grow to be the franchise’s fourth head coach since 1969.
Before this transfer from the Steelers, the coaching carousel featured the Baltimore Ravens’ hiring of Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter to exchange John Harbaugh. Minter, who’s the fourth head coach in Ravens historical past, agreed to a five-year contract with the workforce, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
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The Chargers can even have a brand 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 however stays within the combine for the Las Vegas Raiders’ prime job.
Another two offensive coordinator positions have additionally been crammed, because the Kansas City Chiefs are bringing back Eric Bieniemy within the function he held from 2018 to 2022. Former Atlanta Falcons OC Zac Robinson is becoming a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the identical function.
Earlier this week, the carousel featured:
Last weekend’s coaches strikes included:
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The New York Giants and John Harbaugh finalizing their deal, which was anticipated to be 5 years in size and with a complete worth of $100 million — one of many largest contracts within the league — in accordance to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz. Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is reportedly anticipated to be part of Harbaugh on his workers.
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The Atlanta Falcons officially announcing that Kevin Stefanski would be the workforce’s subsequent head coach. The former Cleveland Browns coach takes over for Raheem Morris, turning into the Falcons’ third head coach up to now six seasons and twentieth in franchise historical past.
Here’s a rundown of the hirings, firings and buzzy conditions to watch.
HIRED
John Harbaugh, New York Giants
Head coaching document: 180-113 common season, 13-11 playoffs (together with a Super Bowl title), 18 seasons with Baltimore Ravens
Why he was employed: The Giants have had 4 full-time head coaches and two interims since Tom Coughlin resigned after the 2015 season, and so they’re fed up with the turnover. Harbaugh is 63, however he has a number of juice left and figures to deliver stability to a proud franchise that is fallen on a number of the hardest instances it is ever confronted. (The Giants’ 59 wins since 2015 are the second-fewest within the NFL, forward of solely the Jets).
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There’s expertise to develop on the roster between QB Jaxson Dart (who may sync properly with Harbaugh’s preferred offensive coordinator, Todd Monken), RB Cam Skattebo, WR Malik Nabers, LT Andrew Thomas, and a protection that features DT Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. There’s additionally a normal supervisor in Joe Schoen, as Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson explained, who was apparently keen to cede personnel decision-making to Harbaugh regardless of the nominal hierarchy contained in the franchise. And workforce proprietor John Mara, one of many extra influential voices within the league, revealed he is battling an undisclosed type of most cancers final September, which doubtless emboldened the will for a head coach to are available in and command respect instantly.
The Giants have floundered for years, however touchdown the coach broadly seen as the very best available on the market brings again on the spot credibility. Now we’ll see how shortly they will win collectively.
Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons
Head coaching document: 45-56 common season, 1-2 playoffs, six seasons with Cleveland Browns
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Why he was employed: Stefanski was one of many prime names available on the market, with the NFL at massive taking a look at extra than simply his wins and losses with the Browns whereas making an attempt to carry a struggling franchise into playoff competition. Sound acquainted, Atlanta? Stefanski’s offensive acumen is a hybrid of a number of schemes and coaching bushes, which may also help new president of football Matt Ryan type by means of the expertise the Falcons have on that aspect of the ball (together with Kirk Cousins, whom Stefanski coached in Minnesota). They’re additionally retaining defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after the Falcons’ protection made huge strides this season.
Stefanski as head coach and offensive mastermind, with Ulbrich sticking round to proceed constructing his aspect of the ball? That’s a strong recipe going ahead, even when the reply at quarterback and no first-round decide this spring current important challenges. If workforce proprietor Arthur Blank is lastly keen to be affected person and let this mission play out, Stefanski may finish the Falcons’ eight-year playoff drought ahead of anticipated, particularly in a weak NFC South.
Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins
Head coaching document: First job, was Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
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Why he was employed: The direct connection is Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was hired as Dolphins general manager on Jan. 9 after spending over twenty years within the Packers’ group, most just lately as vp of participant personnel.
As for the broader match? Well, the Dolphins have proven to be a less attractive option amongst coaching candidates this cycle than beforehand anticipated, Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson reported, primarily based largely on the wage cap cleanup required because the workforce strikes on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh off the board, Hafley is essentially the most logical subsequent transfer, maybe for each events. Hafley has head coaching expertise at Boston College from 2020-23, he improved Green Bay’s defenses the final two seasons, and Miami would do properly to lean on that aspect of the ball — not to point out star RB De’Von Achane and an bettering O-line — whereas the Dolphins attempt to type out the QB state of affairs in what now seems to be like a multi-season mission.
Hafley is taken into account to be one of many stronger candidates available on the market, and the Dolphins did not fiddle in securing their absolute best consequence.
Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans
Head coaching document: 20-36, fired 5 video games into fourth season with New York Jets
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Why he was employed: The normal consensus across the league is Saleh’s failures with the Jets had been largely out of his management, and he’s had good defenses wherever he’s been. He’ll reportedly name defensive performs in Tennessee, so it’ll be fascinating to see who the Titans hire on the offensive workers to proceed creating Cam Ward, who seemed increasingly promising as his rookie season went on.
Most of all, nonetheless, Saleh figures to assist stabilize a Titans franchise that’s on its second normal supervisor and now second head coach (third counting interim) since firing Mike Vrabel after the 2023 season. It’s just a little shocking Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy didn’t get the job, contemplating his availability and ties to GM Mike Borgonzi from their time collectively in Kansas City, however maybe Nagy is in play for a similar place now that Saleh has been tabbed. Either method, Saleh is the form of agency, even-keeled chief who may go a good distance towards halting all of the shedding in Tennessee.
Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens
Head coaching document: First job, was Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25
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Why he was employed: The Ravens could have fired John Harbaugh, however they’re staying inside his tree to exchange him. Minter spent 4 seasons as a defensive assistant in Baltimore below Harbaugh from 2017-2020 earlier than becoming a member of Harbaugh’s brother Jim because the University of Michigan’s defensive coordinator. After profitable a nationwide championship in Ann Arbor, he adopted Jim to the Chargers, the place he has spent the previous two seasons coordinating a protection that is completed top-10 in DVOA each years, incomes leaguewide respect for the unpredictability of his items and his play-calling prowess. Just 42 years previous, Minter was thought-about one of many prime candidates available on the market, particularly amongst first-time head coaches.
He steps right into a state of affairs the place the expectations could not be greater. Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP, the Ravens have top-end expertise nearly as good as anyone’s, and the one factor left for this iteration of the franchise is to attain the Super Bowl and win it. Minter appears to match the invoice of a man who can try this. Baltimore is infamous for drafting and creating expertise and spending little on free brokers, so a coach like Minter who maximizes his gamers appears ideally positioned. Plus, Jackson ensures a excessive ground on offense, so Minter can focus extra of his efforts on shoring up a protection that fell in need of expectations this previous season.
It’s a sensible swing — even when a Lombardi Trophy is perhaps the one method the franchise gauges its success.
Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers
Head coaching document: 174-112-2 common season, 11-11 playoffs, 5 seasons with Dallas Cowboys, 13 seasons with Green Bay Packers.
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Why he was employed: Sure, it was some time in the past, however McCarthy has a Super Bowl ring for a purpose — and it occurs to be the one one Aaron Rodgers has gained in his stellar profession. McCarthy re-established his bona fides after his Packers run, main Dallas to the playoffs in three of his 5 seasons below Jerry Jones. He sat out the final hiring cycle, seemingly ready for the right job. McCarthy grew up within the Pittsburgh space, so he is 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 information stay weblog
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Yahoo Sports Staff
Miami Dolphins senior passing recreation coordinator Bobby Slowik would be the workforce’s offensive coordinator below new coach Jeff Hafley, ESPN reported.
Slowik additionally had spoken with the Philadelphia Eagles about their OC emptiness.
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Andy Backstrom
San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak has eliminated from himself from head-coaching consideration and is staying in San Francisco, according to The Athletic.
Kubiak has been with the 49ers because the 2021 season. He start his climb up the workforce’s workers as a defensive high quality management coach. Then he served because the assistant quarterbacks coach from 2022-23, together with when the Niners drafted Brock Purdy. Kubiak was San Francisco’s offensive passing recreation specialist in 2024.
Ahead of this season, he received the bump to OC, and the Niners navigated a slew of accidents and nonetheless completed averaging 25.7 factors per recreation, good for tenth within the NFL.
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Andy Backstrom
The Pittsburgh Steelers are working towards 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 answerable for 12 playoff journeys in his 18 seasons as a head coach. During that span, he is posted a 174-112-2 document. He gained a Super Bowl whereas coaching the Packers.
Aaron Rodgers was his quarterback on the time.
While the Steelers aren’t hiring McCarthy to persuade Rodgers to come again for one more season in Pittsburgh, per Pelissero, McCarthy’s presence may very well be engaging for the four-time NFL MVP.
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Tarohn Finley
The Dolphins interviewed Eagles defensive position coach Clint Hurtt for his or her defensive coordinator opening, per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Over the previous two seasons with the Eagles, Hurtt helped develop gamers akin to Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis. Previously, he served because the Seattle Seahawks’ defensive coordinator earlier than becoming a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.
The 47-year-old additionally frolicked coaching with the Chicago Bears, Louisville, the University of Miami and FIU. Hurtt is a former Miami Hurricanes defensive sort out.
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Sean Leahy
The 62-year-old Martindale has been in command of Michigan’s protection the previous two seasons. He was beforehand the Giants DC for 2 seasons and labored with the Ravens’ linebackers and protection from 2012-2021.
Steve Wilks was employed by the Jets as a part of Aaron Glenn’s workers, however he was fired following Week 15,
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Sean Leahy
Weaver has been the Dolphins’ DC for the previous two seasons. He has additionally drawn curiosity from the Bills and Steelers for his or her head coaching positions.
Weaver was additionally a candidate for the Ravens job earlier than they employed Jesse Minter.
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Sean Leahy
McDaniel was set to meet with Bills executives on Friday, at some point after he was scheduled to interview for the Browns head coaching job.
Unless McDaniel will get the Las Vegas Raiders job, he’ll take over as Jim Harbaugh’s offensive coordinator with the Charg
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Andy Backstrom
The Miami Dolphins launched Jeff Hafley as their subsequent head coach, and he is now constructing his workers.
The Dolphins are bringing aboard former Buffalo Bills particular groups coordinator Chris Tabor, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Notably, Tabor was the Cleveland Browns’ ST coordinator from 2011-17, and Hafley served because the Browns’ defensive backs coach from 2014-15.
In extra Dolphins information, normal supervisor Jon-Eric Sullivan is hiring Kyle Smith as his assistant GM, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Smith beforehand held the identical title with the Atlanta Falcons.
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Sean Leahy
The former Chargers and Colts quarterback may bounce into the job of an NFL coach following his quick return on the finish of the common season.
According to the NFL, solely 4 gamers have ever gone from taking part in one season to a head coach job the following 12 months — Norm Van Brocklin, Walt Kiesling, Ray Flaherty, Red Weaver.
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Tarohn Finley
The Falcons interviewed Chicago Bears assistant normal supervisor Ian Cunningham for the overall supervisor place, in accordance to the team.
Cunningham has spent the final 4 seasons with the Bears and has frolicked within the Eagles and Ravens entrance workplaces. Falcons’ former quarterback and new president of soccer, Matt Ryan, performed at Boston College with Bears normal supervisor Ryan Poles, who Cunningham labored below in Chicago.
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Tarohn Finley
The Tennessee Titans will interview Chicago Bears defensive backs coach and cross recreation coordinator Al Harris for his or her defensive coordinator opening, in accordance to NFL insider Josina Anderson.
Harris helped the Bears’ defensive unit lead the NFL with 22 turnovers within the common season. Bears security Kevin Byard led the NFL with seven interceptions. Bears cornerback Nashon Wright broke out below Harris with 5 interceptions.
Before Harris joined the Bears, he coached with the Cowboys, FAU, Chiefs and the Dolphins. Harris additionally spent 14 seasons taking part in within the NFL.
The Titans have additionally requested to interview Cowboys defensive position coach Aaron Whitecotton for his or her defensive coordinator opening. The Titans just lately employed former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as head coach.
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Sean Leahy
The 56-year-old Bieniemy earlier served because the Chiefs’ operating backs coach and later OC from 2013-2022. He was OC at UCLA in between stops with the Commanders (OC) and Bears (operating backs coach).
Bieniemy was a part of the Chiefs’ title-winning groups in Super Bowls LIV and LVII.
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Tarohn Finley
The Tennessee Titans reportedly spoke to Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith about their offensive coordinator place, in accordance to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
Smith spent 10 seasons coaching with the Titans in numerous roles and was the offensive coordinator for his final two seasons with the workforce.
Smith spent the final two seasons because the Steelers’ offensive coordinator. Smith was the pinnacle coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the place he compiled a 21-30 document in three seasons with the workforce.
The Titans just lately employed former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their head coach.
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Tarohn Finley
The Philadelphia Eagles interviewed Dolphins senior passing recreation coordinator Bobby Slowik for the offensive coordinator opening, in accordance to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Before becoming a member of the Dolphins, Slowik served because the offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans for 2 seasons. Slowik additionally spent eight seasons coaching below 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan in Washington and San Francisco.
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Tarohn Finley
Giants head coach John Harbaugh will solely retain two coaches from former head coach Brian Daboll’s workers, in accordance to the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz.
The Giants will reportedly retain outdoors linebackers coach Charlie Bullen and tight ends coach Tim Kelly. Offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo is reportedly not anticipated to be a part of the Giants’ new workers.
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Tarohn Finley
The Tennessee Titans requested to interview Cowboys defensive position coach Aaron Whitecotton for his or her defensive coordinator opening, in accordance to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Despite the workforce buying and selling Micah Parsons earlier than the season, Whitecotton’s defensive position remained among the many prime in quarterback hits.
Aaron Whitecotton was an assistant defensive position coach for the 49ers when Robert Saleh was the defensive coordinator in 2020. He then spent 4 seasons with Saleh on the New York Jets earlier than becoming a member of the Cowboys within the earlier season.
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Kate Magdziuk
The Commanders have interviewed Steelers DC Teryl Austin for their very 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 earlier than being promoted to defensive coordinator in 2022. He served within the function for every of the previous 4 seasons below former head coach Mike Tomlin.
Austin has 9 complete seasons of expertise as a defensive coordinator, together with 4 years with the Detroit Lions and one with the Cincinnati Bengals. Though his defenses have ranked within the forty fourth and 58th percentiles in yards and factors allowed, per Pro Football Reference, his items have ranked within the prime eight within the league in takeaways in 5 of 9 seasons.
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Kate Magdziuk
Just 26 days since his final NFL begin, 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 that will meet with the workforce in Florida by means of the weekend — conferences which is able to reportedly embody quarterback Josh Allen, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports.
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Sean Leahy
The 33-year-old had a brief taking part in profession with the Ravens earlier than shifting in to coaching. He spent 4 seasons as a defensive analyst in Baltimore earlier than turning into the Jaguars’ outdoors linebackers coach for one season. He returned to the Ravens in 2022 as inside linebackers coach earlier than taking up as defensive coordinator in 2024.
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Sean Leahy
Nagy interviewed this week for the open Eagles offensive coordinator job and has drawn curiosity from the Cardinals and Raiders.
With Nagy’s contract expiring after this season, there was a path to deliver Eric Bieniemy again as OC.
The 47-year-old Nagy had been with the Chiefs since 2022, first as a senior assistant and QB coach after which OC from 2023-2025.
