This is already one of the most intriguing NFL coaching carousels we’ve ever seen, and there’s still a ton to be resolved. One big-market team, however, appears to have landed the first big hire.
The New York Giants and John Harbaugh finalized their deal Saturday, 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.
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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.
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 get 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.
There was a monumental shift in the coaching ranks this past week, as longtime Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stepped away from the team after a 19-year run. His decision came less than 24 hours after the Steelers lost 30-6 against the Houston Texans in the wild-card round. With the move, the Steelers will look to hire their third coach since 1969. Tomlin reportedly isn’t looking to coach in 2026, and any team that wants to hire him before his contract runs out in 2027 will likely have to work out a trade with Pittsburgh.
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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.
HIREDKevin 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’ve also denied at least one team from interviewing defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, and the general sense is there’s a good chance he’ll be retained after Atlanta’s defense made big strides last 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.
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
NFL coaching news live blogLive216 updates
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 6:52 PM PST
Ian Casselberry
Kevin Stefanski interviewed with the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday for their head coach opening, and that meeting ended with an agreement.
The team announced Saturday night that Stefanski will become Atlanta’s next head coach, the 20th person to hold the job in franchise history.
“We’re thrilled to land a lead-by-example leader in Kevin Stefanski who brings a clear vision for his staff, our team and a closely aligned focus on building this team on fundamentals, toughness and active collaboration with every area of the football operation,” said new president of football Matt Ryan. “Coach Stefanski is a team-first leader who puts a premium on accountability for everyone and a player-driven culture.”
This is the second hire of the current coaching cycle, after the New York Giants grabbed former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. Seven NFL head coaching positions remain open, including Stefanski’s and Harbaugh’s former AFC North homes.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 3:55 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
There were rumblings earlier this season that the Green Bay Packers’ Matt LaFleur might be coaching for his job. If that was the case, last weekend’s epic collapse at the hands of the Chicago Bears might have expedited the decision.
But the Packers won’t let one game — or a five-game losing streak — disrupt what has otherwise been an excellent run under LaFleur. The team reportedly agreed to a multiyear contract extension on Saturday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The team is also reportedly extending general manager Brian Gutekunst.
In seven seasons with the Packers, LaFleur, 46, has a 76-40-1 record. He’s led the team to the playoffs in six of those seasons. But the Packers have struggled to make deep runs in the postseason over that period. The team is just 3-6 in the playoffs since LaFleur took over, which fueled some rumors that LaFleur could be fired if the Packers lost to the Bears in the wild-card round.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 3:54 PM PST
Ian Casselberry
The New York Giants officially announced John Harbaugh as their next head coach on Saturday, issuing a statement on the team’s official website.
“We are proud to name John Harbaugh as the next head coach of the New York Giants,” said team president John Mara. “Joe Schoen presented us an outstanding group of candidates, which allowed us to be deliberate and confident in this decision. Through numerous conversations, John consistently stood out for his conviction and vision for leading a winning organization, and we welcome him and his family to the Giants.”
“John is a proven winner whose teams are disciplined, resilient, and prepared,” said Giants chairman Steve Tisch. “His passion for the game, his ability to connect with players, and his experience leading at the highest level made him an outstanding fit for us, and we’re excited to move forward together.”
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 2:54 PM PST
Ian Casselberry
The Minnesota Vikings will not re-sign offensive line coach Chris Kuper. The decision was announced to reporters on Saturday,
Kuper had been with Minnesota since 2022, part of Kevin O’Connell’s original staff. His contract expired and will not be renewed.
The Vikings and O’Connell reportedly sought to make a change after adding free agent center Ryan Kelly and guard Will Fries, and drafting guard Donovan Jackson. Yet the interior line still struggled, particularly in pass protection.
Also factoring into the decision was watching former offensive lineman excel with other teams, including Garrett Bradbury with the New England Patriots, Ed Ingram with the Houston Texans and Ezra Cleveland with the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to The Athletic’s Alec Lewis.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 12:28 PM PST
Sean Leahy
The Giants and Harbaugh reportedly finalized their deal on Saturday, according to multiple reports. 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.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 12:24 PM PST
Andy Backstrom
Former New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is set to interview for the Los Angeles Chargers’ offensive coordinator opening, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport.
Daboll interviewed for the Tennessee Titans’ head-coaching job on Friday, and he’s been a top OC candidate across the league.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 12:08 PM PST
Andy Backstrom
The Philadelphia Eagles have requested to interview Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter for their OC opening, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.
The Eagles removed Kevin Patullo from the position after a streaky 2025 campaign that saw Philly’s offense repeatedly start and stop and, ultimately, drop from seventh to 19th in points per game, compared to last season when they won the Super Bowl.
Notably, Cooter was on Sirianni’s staff as a consultant in 2021. He’s been the Colts’ OC since 2023. This season, Indy got off to a historic start offensively, but the team missed the playoffs after losing its last seven games.
The Colts clocked out with 27.4 points per game, the eighth most of any NFL team this season. Running back Jonathan Taylor was the league’s third-leading rusher with 1,585 yards on the ground.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 11:53 AM PST
Andy Backstrom
The Tennessee Titans are reportedly moving ahead in their expansive search for their next head coach.
They’re scheduling second, in-person interviews with top candidates, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who reported that Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley and Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy are expected in, and that former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is on the Titans’ list as well.
But, as Rapoport noted, Stefanski is reportedly drawing serious interest from the Atlanta Falcons, too.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 10:36 AM PST
Andy Backstrom
Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley has emerged as the frontrunner for the Miami Dolphins’ head-coaching job, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Pelissero noted, though, that no final decisions have been made, and that more interviews are scheduled.
Additionally, four other teams (the Titans, Falcons, Raiders and Cardinals) have requested second interviews with Hafley, per Pelissero.
Notably, the Dolphins hired former Packers executive Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager earlier this month.
Hafley has served as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator the past two seasons. Before that, he was Boston College’s head coach from 2020-23.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 7:58 AM PST
Sean Leahy
The Browns, Ravens and Raiders are also interested in Scheelhasse this coaching cycle. The 35-year-old has been with the Rams since 2024 and served as the team’s pass game coordinator in 2025.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 6:54 AM PST
Sean Leahy
Stefanski has also spoken with the Dolphins, Giants, Ravens, Titans, and Raiders.
The Falcons have already spoken to a number of candidates, including formers Raiders HC Antonio Pierce, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, former Ravens HC John Harbaugh, and former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel, amon
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 6:12 AM PST
Sean Leahy
Evero, who has been the Panthers’ DC since 2023, worked in the same role for one season with the Broncos in 2022. He has also been a coach with the Rams, Packers, 49ers, and Buccaneers.
He is set to meet with the Steelers as well.
Sat, January 17, 2026 at 6:09 AM PST
Sean Leahy
Shula, whose grandfather was legendary Dolphins coach Don Shula, also interviewed with the Steelers and Dolphins. There are other requests in to speak with him, but those will have to wait until after the Rams upcoming game against the Bears.
Fri, January 16, 2026 at 4:21 PM PST
Ian Casselberry
The Jets announced on Friday that they have completed eight interviews with defensive coordinator candidates. All of the interviews were conducted virtually.
Perhaps the most well-known name among the group is Wink Martindale. Martindale, 65, was the DC at Michigan for the past two seasons. But over a 13-year span, he also worked in that role for two seasons with the Giants, six with the Ravens and one with the Broncos.
The other seven candidates interviewed were:
Jim Leonhard, Broncos DBs coach/defensive passing game coordinator
Chris Harris, Jets DBs coach/passing game coordinator (and interim DC)
Mathieu Araujo, Dolphins DBs coach
Jim O’Neil, Lions defensive assistant/safeties
Daronte Jones, Vikings DBs coach/passing game coordinator
Ephraim Banda, Browns safeties coach
Demarcus Covington, Packers DL coach/run game coordinator
Fri, January 16, 2026 at 1:38 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
After the Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel as head coach, he’s interviewing for several jobs, including the Bucs’ open OC job.
Fri, January 16, 2026 at 12:37 PM PST
Andy Backstrom
The Buffalo Bills will face the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs on Saturday. On Sunday, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady is expected to interview with the Baltimore Ravens and Atlanta Falcons for their head-coaching vacancies, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Brady has served as the Bills’ OC since 2023, first in an interim role and then full-time the past two seasons.
Buffalo averaged 28.3 points per game this season, tied for the fourth most of any team in the league.
Fri, January 16, 2026 at 12:31 PM PST
Andy Backstrom
The Los Angeles Chargers have interviewed former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan for their offensive coordinator opening, the team announced Friday.
Callahan was fired six games into this season, his second at the helm of the Titans.
Before that, though, he served as the Cincinnati Bengals’ OC from 2019-23 under Zac Taylor.
The Chargers are in search of new offensive direction after moving on from Greg Roman in the wake of their wild-card defeat to the New England Patriots.
Fri, January 16, 2026 at 12:22 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce interviewed for the Falcons’ head coach opening. He also drew interest from the Giants before they zeroed in on John Harbaugh.
Fri, January 16, 2026 at 9:38 AM PST
Sean Leahy
Hafley has already interviewed with the Titans, Dolphins and Falcons this week. He is scheduled to also meet with the Cardinals and Raiders.
Fri, January 16, 2026 at 9:34 AM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Giants and Harbaugh are working through some language in his contract, but neither side’s intentions have changed.