The NFL Coaching Carousel: Grading the Moves That Will Shape the 2026 Season
- Maximus Barrenechea
- 5 days ago
- 7 min read
By Max Barrenechea
Every team in the NFL wants the next Bill Belichick or Don Shula--a coach who can turn a failing franchise into the next dynasty. But in today’s NFL, coaches are under extreme scrutiny, and whenever a team has a losing record, the first person held accountable is the coach.
This season is no exception, and there have been plenty of great coaching options in the carousel that will surely change the dynamics of the entire NFL for this coming season.
Head Coaches
New York Giants: John Harbaugh : A+
After the shocking firing of the Ravens’ head coach of 17 years, everyone was wondering where Harbaugh would go. John Harbaugh is a superstar Super Bowl-winning head coach who consistently makes the playoffs. The New York Giants were looking for a seasoned head coach who could take their elite weapons (Jaxson Dart, Cam Scattebo, and Malik Nabers) into playoff contention. This was a perfect connection for John Harbaugh, who could be the push this franchise needs to rebound.
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski : B+
Two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, former head coach of the Cleveland Browns, made a notable impact with the Browns, taking them to the playoffs in 2020 for the first time since 2002. A major benefit to Kevin Stefanski is his great player development skills, specifically in the quarterback position.
This makes him a great addition to the coaching staff, as Stefanski can help maximize Michael Penix Jr’s potential and develop him into an all-star QB. Finishing the 2025 season tied for first in the NFC South, the Falcons have a real shot at being playoff contenders next season, especially with the push from Stefanski.
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley : C
After a disastrous two-season stretch, the Miami Dolphins cleared house by removing GM Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel. The Dolphins have since given a home to former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. This pickup provides the Dolphins with great coaching at the defensive position, ensuring a strong defensive front in the coming season.
However, the Miami Dolphins have had their main issues in the offensive front, especially in the quarterback position. The Dolphins have seemingly moved on from Tua Tagovailoa, placing him at the third string after his horrendous season, going second in the league for thrown interceptions. Given the issues regarding the offense and Jeff Hafley’s experience as a primarily defensive coach, the Dolphins may find issues this coming year fixing the holes of the previous season.
Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh : B
The former 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is headed east to the Tennessee Titans. While many expected the Titans to pick up a coach that could help develop the rookie Cam Ward, the Titans instead chose a coach responsible for the third-ranked defense this year. With the fourth pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and 100.7 million dollars in cap space (highest in the NFL), Saleh is in a great position to show what he can do as a head coach.
Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter: A
Coming from the Chargers as defensive coordinator, Jesse Minter was hired as the successor to John Harbaugh. Given the big shoes to fill, Jesse Minter, all things considered, is exactly what the Ravens need. Minter was able to coach alongside John Harbaugh’s brother, Jim Harbaugh, so Minter is extremely knowledgeable with offense.
The Ravens already have an amazing offense headed by Lamar Jackson alongside the freight train that is Derrick Henry. The main thing that has held back the Baltimore Ravens from advancing past the Division Championship is their defense, so having a head coach with expertise in defense could be the thing to bring this team together and send them to the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike McCarthy: B-
The Pittsburgh Steelers have hired former Dallas Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy. Mike McCarthy is a Super Bowl-seasoned head coach with 20 years of experience under his belt. However, what lowers his grade is his age; he hasn’t made it to the conference championship in 10 years, and his old-school repetitive play-calling could be to blame.
Yet, you could argue this is exactly what the Steelers need. With the high likelihood of Aaron Rodgers not returning next season, the Steelers may need a veteran coach to help develop or draft the next franchise quarterback for the Steelers. The Steelers lost in the 2025 season in a wild-card game to one of the best defenses in the league, so a change in coaching could be the last thing the Steelers need to make it to the Super Bowl.
Buffalo Bills: Joe Brady: A-
After making the playoffs and losing to the Denver Broncos, the Buffalo Bills made a move fans are calling questionable, following the firing of long-term head coach Sean McDermott. The Bills have since promoted their offensive coordinator, Joe Brady, as head coach. Joe Brady is responsible for the record-breaking Buffalo Bills offense that has been so dominant the past seasons. His experience with the 2019 National Champion LSU team, as well as his success and history with the Buffalo Bills, may prove to be very favorable to the Bills.
Teams Looking For A Coach
Despite the approach of the offseason, there are some franchises that have yet to find new coaches to helm their team. A notable team is the Las Vegas Raiders, who have amazing offensive talent with running back Ashton Jeanty and tight end Brock Bowers. In addition to this talent, the Raiders have the first-round pick in 2026, where they are projected to take Christopher Columbus’ own Fernando Mendoza. Given the proper coach, the Raiders are definitely a team to look out for in the coming years.
Arizona Cardinals: Open
Cleveland Browns: Open
Las Vegas Raiders: Open
Offensive Coordinators
Los Angeles Chargers: Mike McDaniel: A
The Los Angeles Chargers have swooped up former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Despite recent shortcomings with the Dolphins, Mike McDaniel is still a top talent in the coaching space. His creative plays and ability to use speed to cut up a defense are greatly valued.
This value is especially appreciated with a great quarterback like Justin Herbert, who can connect to a two-time National Champion with Ladd McConkey. The Chargers finished their season with a loss in the playoffs to the New England Patriots, but with the mind of Mike McDaniel, the Los Angeles Chargers may be able to advance further in the postseason next year.
Atlanta Falcons: Tommy Rees: C
Kevin Stefanski has brought Tommy Rees with him from Cleveland to help coach a very promising Atlanta Falcons team. The main benefit with this hire is the connections and chemistry Rees has with Kevin Stefanski. Both of them coached for the Cleveland Browns, where Rees handled the play calling.
While history is a benefit, the Cleveland Browns did not have too good of a season, finishing last in the AFC North. All things considered though, Tommy Rees lacks experience in the NFL, so he does have the opportunity to be an unexpected gem if he can adapt to the pro level.
Detroit Lions: Drew Petzing: B+
Joining Dan Campbell’s coaching staff is Drew Petzing, coming from the Arizona Cardinals. Petzing fits right into the team with his offensive scheme centered around running. One of the best weapons on the Detroit Lions is their running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who will definitely put Petzing’s playbook to good use.
Kansas City Chiefs: Eric Bieniemy: A
Andy Reid and the Kansas City Chiefs have reconnected with their former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy after missing the playoffs for the first time in 10 seasons. The Chiefs started their historic streak in 2015, two years after they hired Eric Bieniemy the first time.
Eric Bieniemy left the team in 2022 and bounced around but found his way back home to Chiefs Kingdom. With the loss of Travis Kelce and the injury of Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs need to return to their formula that proved successful.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Zac Robinson: B-
Zac Robinson looks like a good young talent to add to the coaching staff. He has great knowledge as a former quarterback himself. He should have a good connection with Baker Mayfield and could develop into a great coach.
Defensive Coordinators
New York Giants: Dennard Wilson: B+
Joining John Harbaugh’s exciting coaching staff is Dennard Wilson from the Tennessee Titans. Dennard Wilson is known for his very confusing defensive plays that leave the offense and the quarterback confused before the snap.
Given John Harbaugh, one of the best coaches that was available this offseason, is adding Wilson to a brand-new coaching staff, you can rest assured knowing that Wilson has a high chance for performing at the highest level.
Washington Commanders: Daronte Jones: B-
Daronte Jones comes from the Minnesota Vikings, where he was a defensive backs coordinator. Daronte Jones is an experienced coach who emphasizes speed and strength and will be one of the better hires in the defensive coordinator field.
Dallas Cowboys: Christian Parker: B+
Christian Parker takes over the Dallas Cowboys defense, coming from the 2024 Super Bowl–winning Philadelphia Eagles. Christian Parker has a great résumé and plenty of knowledge of defense. Parker is known for his great development and has a good chance to help a Dallas team that needs it.
Green Bay Packers: Jonathan Gannon: A
Former head coach of the Arizona Cardinals Jonathan Gannon was responsible for the performance of top-ranked defenses in the past. Gannon is known for his “no scheme” defense that leaves the entire offense confused. With the young talent present on the Green Bay Packers, the expertise and mentorship that is offered by Gannon is extremely valuable.
Final Thoughts
The coaching carousel this year has completely changed the landscape of the NFL, with multiple teams hoping they are the next to build a long-lasting franchise. This year’s carousel contained all types of talent, with veteran coaches like Harbaugh and McCarthy to young coordinators getting their shot to prove themselves at the highest level. Ultimately, only time will tell if these changes shake up the standings or completely define the 2026 NFL season.