2026 NFL coaching news: Raiders hire Klint Kubiak; Jim Schwartz resigns as Browns defensive coordinator

The Super Bowl has come and gone, with the Seattle Seahawks coming out on top, and the NFL’s head coaching carousel is finally coming to a stop.

After Klint Kubiak’s Seahawks won it all, he confirmed he’s headed to the Las Vegas Raiders, reportedly on a five-year deal. Kubiak will become the Raiders’ third head coach in three seasons, following Pete Carroll and Antonio Pierce.

Earlier in the cycle, the Arizona Cardinals finalized a deal with Los Angeles Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur to become their next head coach. LaFleur, the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, will reportedly get a five-year contract with Arizona.

(Davis Long/Yahoo Sports)

After much speculation on where he could end up, former Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy will reportedly join John Harbaugh’s staff in the same role in New York.

Raheem Morris is also on the move, hired by the San Francisco 49ers as their new defensive coordinator, according to reports. Morris was dismissed as Atlanta Falcons head coach after their 2025-26 season concluded.

Last week, the Browns hired former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken as their next head coach. Monken emerged as the choice in a process that also centered on Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase and former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.

The Bills, meanwhile, promoted Joe Brady to head coach after firing Sean McDermott. Brady has served as offensive coordinator since November 2023.

Elsewhere in the AFC:

The Titans hired Brian Daboll as their next offensive coordinator. Daboll was fired as Giants head coach midseason after being hired in 2022, and now he’ll get a chance to mold 2025 No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward under head coach Robert Saleh’s leadership.

The Pittsburgh Steelers hired Mike McCarthy to become their next head coach. McCarthy replaces Mike Tomlin, who resigned at the end of the Steelers’ season. He would become the franchise’s fourth head coach since 1969.

Here’s a rundown of the biggest hirings (and firings) this coaching cycle.

HEAD COACHES HIREDMike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals

Head coaching record: First job, was Rams offensive coordinator from 2023-25

Why he was hired: The Cardinals are turning hard in a different direction after three seasons with defensive-minded Jonathan Gannon as head coach. The Rams led the NFL in total offense with 6,709 yards this season under LaFleur and head coach Sean McVay. L.A. finished first in passing yards and seventh in rushing on its way to the NFC championship game.

A major decision confronting LaFleur from the start is what to do at quarterback. The Cardinals appear ready to move on from Kyler Murray, who played in only five games before suffering a season-ending foot injury. Arizona went on to finish with the 19th-ranked offense in the league.

The Cardinals have the No. 3 overall selection in April’s NFL Draft, but no QB looks worthy of that pick. So the team may have to find a field leader in free agency. (Daniel Jones and Malik Willis are the top QBs available.) Veterans like Tua Tagovailoa, Justin Fields and Mac Jones are trade possibilities as well.

Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders

Head coaching record: First job, was Seahawks offensive coordinator for 2025

Why he was hired: The Raiders wanted a coach who could install a more explosive offense after struggling the past two seasons. Las Vegas ranked last in total offense this season (4,168 yards), among the bottom five in passing and last in rushing despite having first-round pick Ashton Jeanty.

Also important was someone who could develop a young quarterback, as Las Vegas will likely select Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April. If necessary, the Raiders will also have Geno Smith as a veteran presence while Mendoza familiarizes himself with Kubiak’s offense and the NFL game.

Kubiak checks off both boxes, overseeing Seattle’s eighth-ranked offense with 5,973 yards and 351.4 yards per game this season. In his first season with the Seahawks, Sam Darnold threw for 4,048 yards, placing fifth among NFL QBs, with 25 touchdowns, leading a Super Bowl run.

Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns

Head coaching record: First job, was Ravens offensive coordinator from 2023-25

Why he was hired: The Browns need someone to fix a broken and talent-deficient offense, and they landed on Monken, who has spent the past few seasons in Baltimore and in college at Georgia, where he helped the Bulldogs win two national championships as offensive coordinator. (He also served as Browns offensive coordinator in 2019.) Will all that experience translate to turning around Cleveland? That remains to be seen, but there’s a big offseason ahead regardless when it comes to improving the roster on that side of the ball.

Monken reportedly will have to find a new defensive coordinator, after Jim Schwartz reportedly told coaches he’s not coming back after being passed over for the head coaching job. The Browns’ defense has been one of the league’s best in two of the past three seasons, so nailing a new hire while Monken focuses on rebooting the offense will be crucial.

Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills

Head coaching record: First job, was Bills offensive coordinator from 2023-25

Why he was hired: On the surface, it’s a weird move at best to fire head coach Sean McDermott, publicly state that coaching was a problem with the Bills’ roster … then turn around and promote a coach from that staff. To be fair, Brady is a respected offensive mind who’s fairly renowned for his creativity and maximization of talent. To be blunt, he’s also a first-time head coach who doesn’t figure to upset the power structure team owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane clearly have in place.

Buffalo still has Josh Allen, and there’s no doubt Brady has played a key role in developing him into an MVP-level quarterback year in and year out. McDermott’s management of the roster, especially on defense, perhaps went underappreciated during his nine seasons with the Bills, so whomever they hire as defensive coordinator is the next key to watch. But really, the Bills not making a Super Bowl in this era of the franchise has been due to poor luck as much as anything. Maybe Brady is the man to get them over the hump.

Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers

Head coaching record: 174-112-2 regular season, 11-11 playoffs, five seasons with Dallas Cowboys, 13 seasons with Green Bay Packers.

Why he was hired: Sure, it was a while ago, but McCarthy has a Super Bowl ring for a reason — and it happens to be the only one Aaron Rodgers has won in his stellar career. McCarthy re-established his bona fides after his Packers run, leading Dallas to the playoffs in three of his five seasons under Jerry Jones. He sat out the last hiring cycle, seemingly waiting for the perfect job. McCarthy grew up in the Pittsburgh area, so he’s no stranger to the franchise’s lore.

Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens

Head coaching record: First job, was Chargers defensive coordinator from 2024-25

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.

John 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).

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

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

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

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.

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

RESIGNED

Mike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers

NFL coaching news live blogLive507 updatesWed, February 11, 2026 at 1:26 PM PST

Criss Partee

The Seattle Seahawks and head coach Mike MacDonald are expected to interview four in-house candidates this week for the vacant offensive coordinator role, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Andrew Janocko, Jake Peetz, Justin Outten and Mack Brown will interview between Thursday and Friday this week.

Wed, February 11, 2026 at 1:03 PM PST

Criss Partee

The Cleveland Browns are reportedly targeting Houston Texans defensive pass game coordinator Cory Undlin for their defensive coordinator position, according to Albert Breer. Undlin has been an assistant in the NFL since 2004 and has spent the past three seasons in Houston.

Wed, February 11, 2026 at 10:39 AM PST

Criss Partee

The Baltimore Ravens will reportedly hire former Denver Broncos wide receivers coach Keary Colbert for the same position. Keary spent the past three seasons in Denver and also spent time coaching wide receivers on the college level with Florida and USC.

Keary spent six NFL seasons playing wide receiver for five teams. He was selected in the second round of the 2004 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers.

Wed, February 11, 2026 at 9:55 AM PST

Criss Partee

The Green Bay Packers are reportedly promoting Luke Getsy to offensive coordinator, per a report from Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Getsy had two previous stints in Green Bay under Mike McCarthy and Matt LaFleur. Getsy returned to the Packers last season as a senior offensive assistant following stints in Chicago and Las Vegas as OC.

Getsy was Aaron Rodgers’ QB coach for three years in Green Bay.

Wed, February 11, 2026 at 5:57 AM PST

Andy Backstrom

The New York Giants are hiring former Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan as their new quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo.

Callahan lands on his feet after being fired by the Titans just six games into this past season — his second as Tennessee’s head coach — as he’ll join John Harbaugh’s inaugural staff in New York.

He’ll go from working with Cam Ward to helping develop another first-round QB from the 2025 draft class, Jaxson Dart.

Tue, February 10, 2026 at 1:27 PM PST

Criss Partee

It is being reported that the Las Vegas Raiders and new head coach Klint Kubiak hold former Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in high regard, according to Jason LaCanfora of SportsBoom.

“Multiple NFL executives whose teams have been engaged in hiring new coaching staffs indicated that Schwartz is thought of very highly by the Raiders and rookie head coach Klint Kubiak, and they expect that’s where the well-regarded defensive play caller will land. Sources have told SportsBoom that Schwartz is more than open to helping Brady and Kubiak rebuild that unit after Pete Carroll failed in one year there as head coach (and defensive mastermind).”

Tue, February 10, 2026 at 10:44 AM PST

Criss Partee

Former NFL wide receiver Wes Welker will reportedly take on a role with the Washington Commanders’ offense in 2026. Welker worked in operations as a personnel analyst with Washington last season. Before joining the Commanders last season in the front office, Welker worked as an assistant coach for the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins from 2017 to 2024.

Welker is a former NFL wideout who was a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time All-Pro selection and led the league in receptions three times.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 4:47 PM PST

Ryan Young

Klint Kubiak’s deal with the Raiders, like he hinted last night after winning the Super Bowl, is now a done deal. He’s got a five-year contract.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 2:50 PM PST

Criss Partee

Former New York Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka was hired by the Detroit Lions as an offensive assistant during this coaching cycle. There were reports that the Seattle Seahawks had interest in Kafka, but after winning the Super Bowl, it is being reported that they will look in-house to fill their now vacant offensive coordinator role, with Klint Kubiak leaving for Las Vegas.

Kafka is a former quarterback and has worked with QBs in past coaching roles. He’s been an assistant in the NFL since 2017 and joined the Giants in 2022 as offensive coordinator.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 11:40 AM PST

Ian Casselberry

Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator Mike Rutenberg could be in the running for another defensive coordinator opening. The Cleveland Browns have reportedly requested an interview with Rutenberg for their DC position, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Rutenberg, 44, had also interviewed for the Tennessee Titans’ DC opening before Gus Bradley was hired from the San Francisco 49ers last week.

He just finished his first season with the Falcons after four seasons as linebackers coach with the New York Jets. In the NFL, Rutenberg also coached seven seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars and another with the

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 11:08 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

The Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals will reportedly interview Los Angeles Rams assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Aubrey Pleasant, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The former Wisconsin safety also spent time coaching in Green Bay, Detroit, Washington, Cleveland, the University of Michigan and at Grand Blanc High School.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 10:53 AM PST

Criss Partee

The New York Jets are reportedly hiring Matthew Sargent as an assistant staff member on offense. Sargent was an assistant coach at Stanford, working with quarterbacks and wide receivers. This will be his first coaching opportunity in the

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 10:22 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

The Los Angeles Chargers reportedly hired Adam Gase in an offensive assistant coach role, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Gase was the former head coach of the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins. The 47-year-old was also the former offensive coordinator of the Denver Broncos and the Chicago Bears.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 10:19 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

The Cleveland Browns reportedly requested to interview Carolina Panthers defensive pass-game coordinator Jonathan Cooley for their defensive coordinator job, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

Cooley has spent the last three seasons on the Panthers, working with guys such as Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson. Before the Panthers, Cooley coached with the Los Angeles Rams.

He also spent time coaching at the college level at the University of Akron, Kent State, the University of Kentucky, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, John Carroll University, Bluffton University and Millikin University. He played in the secondary at John Carroll.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 10:15 AM PST

Criss Partee

The Seattle Seahawks are reportedly closing in on making a hire from within to replace former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who is leaving to take the head coach position with the Las Vegas Raiders. After winning Super Bowl LX on Sunday, Kubiak officially became the Raiders’ new head coach on Monday.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 8:27 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

Fresh a Super Bowl victory, Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak confirms that he will become the Las Vegas Raiders head coach next season.

Mon, February 9, 2026 at 8:21 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

The Philadelphia Eagles will reportedly hire Minnesota Vikings offensive line coach Chris Kuper to the same position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Kuper will replace former Eagles offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

Kuper, 43, crossed paths with new Eagles offensive coordinator Sean Mannion when Mannion was a quarterback with the Vikings. Kuper also spent time coaching the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins. Kuper was an offensive lineman with the Broncos during his playing days.

Sun, February 8, 2026 at 11:27 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

The New York Jets are reportedly expected to hire Ryan Slowik as safeties coach, according to CBS Sports Matt Zenitz.

Slowik has spent the last season with the Miami Dolphins. He is also the older brother of Dolphins offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik.

Sun, February 8, 2026 at 11:10 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

Houston Texans defensive backs coach Dino Vasso will pull out of the running for the remaining defensive coordinator opening and return to the team, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Vasso, 38, has spent the last five seasons with the Texans, working with players such as Derek Stingley Jr., Kamari Lassiter and Jalen Pitre. Vasso has also spent time coaching with the Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, the University of Missouri and Temple. He played football at the University of New Hampshire before he started coaching.

Sun, February 8, 2026 at 8:48 AM PST

Tarohn Finley

The Cleveland Browns have reportedly interviewed safeties coach Ephraim Banda and linebackers coach Jason Tarver for their defensive coordinator opening, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. Former Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz resigned from the Browns on Friday after the team hired Todd Monken as head coach instead of him.

Banda coordinated defenses at Miami and Utah State and was reportedly a finalist for multiple defensive coordinator jobs this year. Tarver was the Raiders DC from 2012-14. Monken will look to keep the same defensive system regardless of the new defensive coordinator.

2026 NFL coaching news: Raiders hire Klint Kubiak; Jim Schwartz resigns as Browns defensive coordinator

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