The NFL coaching carousel isn't just spinning this year; it's basically a blur. If you've been following the news, you know the vibe in the league right now is... chaotic. We aren't just talking about a couple of teams looking for a spark. We are looking at a full-blown identity crisis across the map, with seven franchises—the Titans, Giants, Falcons, Raiders, Browns, Cardinals, and Ravens—all hunting for the person who can stop the bleeding.
Honestly, the most shocking part isn't even the number of openings. It’s the names involved. Seeing John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski on the open market at the same time is like finding a vintage Porsche at a yard sale. You just don't see established, proven winners like this available very often. It's totally flipped the script on how teams are evaluating the usual "hot coordinator" list.
Why the Defensive Renaissance is Changing Everything
For years, every owner wanted the next Sean McVay. They wanted the young guy who could draw up a "leak" concept on a napkin and score 30 points a game. But look at the 2026 landscape. Teams are getting punched in the mouth by sophisticated, disguised pressures, and suddenly, everyone wants a "defensive genius" again.
Jesse Minter is the name on everyone’s lips right now. The Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator didn't just follow Jim Harbaugh from Michigan; he brought a pro-style, suffocating scheme that turned the Chargers into the stingiest scoring defense in the league. Word is, the Baltimore Ravens are practically obsessed with bringing him back to the place where he started his NFL career.
Then you’ve got Jeff Hafley. He took an unconventional path through the college ranks and then completely revitalized the Green Bay Packers' defense. People in the league describe him as a "player's coach" who actually understands how to teach. That matters. It’s not just about the X’s and O’s; it’s about whether a 23-year-old millionaire will actually listen to you at 8:00 AM on a Tuesday.
The Offensive Innovators Still in the Hunt
Don't think the offensive side is dead, though. Klint Kubiak is having a massive moment. After what he’s done with the Seattle Seahawks, blending those wide-zone runs with explosive shot plays, he’s basically the gold standard for teams with young quarterbacks. The Atlanta Falcons have been linked to him heavily, especially as they try to figure out their post-Raheem Morris identity.
And we have to talk about Joe Brady. Remember when he was the wunderkind at LSU? He’s 36 now and has spent the last couple of seasons proving he can actually manage a pro offense with the Buffalo Bills. He’s added a layer of discipline to Josh Allen’s game that wasn't always there. If you’re a team like the Giants, looking at a young core with Jaxson Dart, a guy like Brady is incredibly tempting.
The "Second Chance" Club
There is a weirdly high number of former head coaches getting second (or third) looks this cycle.
- Vance Joseph: He’s the favorite for the Arizona Cardinals job. It’s a bit of a homecoming story, and his work as the Broncos' DC has been statistically elite.
- Kliff Kingsbury: He’s softened his "Air Raid" edges in Washington. Teams are looking at him as a "bridge" coach who can develop a rookie QB without the drama of his first stint.
- Brian Flores: Still arguably the best defensive mind not currently a head coach. The Raiders and Vikings (where he's currently DC) are both keeping him in the conversation.
What Really Matters: The Quarterback Factor
If you want to know which head coach candidates nfl teams will actually hire, look at the roster.
The Cleveland Browns are in a fascinating, if not terrifying, spot. They’ve got Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. You don’t hire a "project" coach for that room. You hire someone who can handle the spotlight. That’s why John Harbaugh is the betting favorite there. Owners like Jimmy Haslam are tired of losing, and Harbaugh brings instant, "plug-and-play" credibility.
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The Giants are in a similar boat. They have Jaxson Dart, a high-ceiling QB who needs a stable environment. The rumor mill says they want a "no-nonsense" culture. If they can't land Harbaugh, expect them to pivot hard toward someone like Ejiro Evero or Lou Anarumo. Anarumo, specifically, is a name that doesn't get enough love. His Colts defense has been a top-10 unit in EPA per play, and he’s known for being "Staten Island in the best possible way"—basically, he’s tough as nails and doesn't take any crap.
Surprising Names to Watch
Keep an eye on Chris Shula. Yes, the grandson of that Don Shula. He’s been the architect of a Rams defense that finished 10th in scoring despite being relatively young. He’s interviewed with the Raiders and the Ravens. He’s quiet, cerebral, and has that Sean McVay "stamp of approval" that still carries weight in front offices.
Also, Nate Scheelhaase. He’s the Rams' pass game coordinator and has become a trendy "dark horse" candidate. He’s young, but he’s brilliant at conceptualizing how to beat modern coverages. If a team wants to take a swing on the "next big thing" rather than a retread, he’s the guy.
The Reality Check
Most of these searches are going to come down to one thing: The Interview.
You can have the best stats in the world, but if you can't explain to an owner how you're going to fix a broken locker room, you're not getting the job. Kevin Stefanski is currently the frontrunner for the Falcons because he’s already done it. He took the Browns—the Browns—to the playoffs twice. That kind of experience is gold when you're an owner like Arthur Blank who is desperate for a Super Bowl before he calls it a career.
Making Sense of the Chaos
If you're trying to track where these guys land, focus on the "fit" rather than the hype.
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- Ravens/Browns/Giants: They want "Adults in the Room." Expect Harbaugh, Stefanski, or Minter.
- Falcons/Titans: They need offensive identity. Watch for Kubiak, Joe Brady, or Matt Nagy.
- Raiders/Cardinals: They are looking for defensive toughness and culture shifts. Vance Joseph and Brian Flores are the names to watch here.
The 2026 coaching cycle is basically a high-stakes game of musical chairs where the chairs are worth $10 million a year and the music is played by frantic GMs.
Next Steps for Following the Carousel:
- Check the NFL Transaction Wire daily; second interviews are usually leaked about 24 hours before they happen.
- Watch for "Coordinator Clusters"—often a head coach candidate like Minter will already have his preferred offensive coordinator (like a David Blough or a Liam Coen) lined up.
- Follow local beat writers in New York and Atlanta; they usually get the "airport sightings" first.