The Super Bowl is over, the offseason is upon us, and the final head coaching vacancy is officially filled with Klint Kubiak signing with Las Vegas.
Now that the coaching carousel has stopped spinning, we’re taking a look at all 10 hires. There were a couple of teams that landed big names, some potential-based gambles on younger coaches, a few familiar faces, and a handful of situations where the coach may be set up for failure more than success.
Let’s see who made the big hires, who took big swings, and who could be headed for disappointment.
The Top Two
1. Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta
We’re kicking things off with a bit of a surprise, placing Stefanski at the top of the list over John Harbaugh. Stefanski’s tenure in Cleveland included an overall losing record, but also two AP Coach of the Year awards and two playoff appearances.
The main appeal in bringing in Stefanski is his offensive creativity, something Atlanta has desperately needed. The Falcons have young, talented skill players at every level, but the results have not matched the potential. Stefanski is the best option available to unlock Bijan Robinson, Michael Penix Jr., and Drake London. The combination of immediate impact and long-term fit makes this a strong pairing.
2. John Harbaugh, Giants
When a long-tenured, Super Bowl-winning head coach with a history of winning seasons becomes available, he immediately jumps to the top of every team’s wish list. The Giants may have benefited from their patience in moving on from Brian Daboll when they did.
Harbaugh steps into New York with a young roster in the middle of a rebuild that could progress quicker than expected. He has shown success working with different quarterback styles, maximizing both Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson during his time in Baltimore. Jaxson Dart, while not a finished product, brings a dual-threat skill set and competitiveness that Harbaugh should be able to develop.
The Giants won’t be immediate contenders, but if Harbaugh can recreate the culture he built in Baltimore, players like Dart, Cam Skattebo, and Brian Burns could accelerate the turnaround.
The Next Era
3. Jesse Minter, Ravens
Minter was one of the most sought-after coaching candidates this cycle, with multiple teams pursuing interviews. He has developed a reputation as a modern defensive mind after successful stops at Vanderbilt, Michigan, and with the Chargers.
Baltimore GM Eric DeCosta has spoken highly of Minter’s vision and approach since the hire was announced. The Ravens’ defense has not consistently matched its historical standard in recent years. If Minter can return the unit to elite form while also contributing fresh ideas to support Lamar Jackson and the offense, Baltimore could quickly reestablish itself as the top team in a relatively weak AFC.
4. Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas
Kubiak confirmed his move to Las Vegas immediately following the Super Bowl. He is a young, offensive-minded coach with an NFL coaching pedigree, as his father Gary Kubiak spent decades in the league.
Kubiak is viewed as one of the brighter offensive schemers among the new coaching class. He inherits a roster featuring second-year back Ashton Jeanty and the No. 1 overall pick, which is widely expected to be quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
The Raiders have struggled with coaching turnover in recent seasons, with both Antonio Pierce and Pete Carroll lasting only brief stints. Kubiak has an opportunity to stabilize the franchise if ownership and fans allow him the time to implement his system.
5. Joe Brady, Buffalo
Joe Brady’s promotion to head coach comes with some controversy. Ownership’s decision to move on from Sean McDermott was framed as an effort to bring new ideas into the organization, yet the team ultimately promoted from within.
Despite the optics, Brady is an established young coach who already has a strong relationship with Josh Allen. Buffalo’s recent struggles have largely come on the defensive side of the ball due to injuries and personnel mismatches.
Brady has been described as more of a CEO-style coach. If he and GM Brandon Beane can modernize the roster while maintaining offensive continuity, Bills fans could quickly warm to the decision.
6. Mike LaFleur, Arizona
LaFleur is arguably the least inspiring of the younger hires and enters one of the most uncertain situations. Arizona appears stuck in quarterback limbo, with Kyler Murray’s future unclear and no obvious long-term replacement.
LaFleur’s offensive coordinator track record is difficult to fully evaluate due to roster limitations in New York and shared play-calling responsibilities in Los Angeles. Still, coming from the McVay coaching tree offers some upside.
This hire carries significant risk, but the organization likely needs multiple seasons to rebuild before any fair evaluation can be made.
The Retreads
7. Robert Saleh, Tennessee
Saleh’s ranking here reflects caution more than criticism. His tenure with the Jets ended poorly, but it is fair to question how much responsibility one individual can bear for that situation.
Saleh has been widely respected as a defensive coordinator for years. He inherits a Titans roster that currently lacks defensive talent, making immediate improvement difficult. A key factor in his success will be his offensive staff.
Brian Daboll is moving into a coordinator role with the goal of developing Cam Ward. If Daboll can focus on building an efficient offense while Saleh manages the overall program, Tennessee could progress faster than expected.
8. Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh
McCarthy remains a proven coach capable of producing consistent winning seasons, but his ceiling has historically been limited. It feels like a step down from Mike Tomlin’s long tenure.
Pittsburgh still lacks a clear answer at quarterback, with Aaron Rodgers representing the most realistic short-term option. McCarthy is likely to keep the team competitive, but expectations should remain modest.
The Fill-Ins
9. Jeff Hafley, Miami
Hafley’s placement reflects more concern about the Dolphins’ situation than his coaching ability. Miami’s roster faces significant uncertainty, with Tyreek Hill potentially on the move and Tua’s contract limiting flexibility.
Even if Hafley improves the defense, the unit could be overworked if offensive struggles continue. He enters a difficult environment that may require a long rebuild.
10. Todd Monken, Cleveland
Cleveland’s hiring process was widely viewed as challenging, with multiple candidates declining interest. Monken ultimately accepted the role amid significant organizational instability.
The Browns’ quarterback situation remains unsettled, with Shedeur Sanders representing the most likely short-term solution. Monken appears positioned to oversee another transitional period as the franchise attempts yet another rebuild.
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