NFL Coaching Carousel Predictions 2026: Projecting Who Each Team Hires

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NFL Coaching Carousel Predictions 2026: Projecting Who Each Team Hires

Matt Johnson · Sportsnaut

Fri, Jan 16, 2026 ·

7 min read

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There are eight vacancies in the NFL coaching carousel right now, with several recently-fired head coaches widely expected to immediately fill some of the vacancies. In such a unique cycle, it's a fun exercise to attempt to predict who each NFL team will hire as their new head coach.

Let's drive into our updated NFL coaching carousel predictions.

Atlanta Falcons : Kevin Stefanski

The Atlanta Falcons missed out on John Harbaugh, but there's still an opportunity to land another excellent candidate with head-coaching experience. Kevin Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year, would inherit an offense with Bijan Robinson , Drake London and potentially Kyle Pitts . For a offensive architect who excels at using the screen game and getting the most he can out of an offense, it would be a great fit. Stefanski could also potentially bring Jim Schwartz with him to take over a defense in Atlanta that made real strides in 2025. The Falcons' job offers a chance to compete for division titles immediately and that means job security for Stefanski. It's a natural fit for both sides.

Baltimore Ravens : Jesse Minter

If the New York Giants are willing to fire general manager Joe Schoen, then we think Harbaugh replaces Brian Daboll. For the time being, with Schoen staying, we will say Harbaugh heads to Atlanta and the Giants pivot to Kevin Stefanski. He is an excellent coach whom the league recognizes was stuck in a bad organization with even worse quarterback play. With New York, Stefanski can immediately build the offense around dual-threat quarterback Jaxson Dart and help him elevate his game as a passer. Plus, the Giants can use their first-round pick on someone like Jordyn Tyson or Carnell Tate to create a fantastic, young receiver duo with Malik Nabers that is balanced out by having Cam Skattebo at running back. It would be an A-grade hire for New York, and Stefanski would finally have a real chance to prove how good he is both as a head coach and offensive mind.

Tennessee Titans : Mike McDaniel

The Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions would love nothing more than to bring in Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator for the season. However, eight potential options in the NFL coaching carousel make that unlikely. If New York and Atlanta take the experienced head coaches, then McDaniel could hitch himself to Cam Ward . He has done great work with quarterbacks in the past and also demonstrated this year and in San Francisco that he can scheme up a great rushing attack—a crucial supporting element to a quarterback's long-term success. Tennessee also boasts around $100 million in cap space and has premium draft capital, so the offense could be shaped how McDaniel desires, and he could bring in a top defensive coordinator. The Titans get the experienced coach with a brilliant eye for creating an explosive offense, and McDaniel finally gets to work with a quarterback whom he believes in and can build a game plan around.

Las Vegas Raiders : Robert Saleh

Tom Brady could go in any number of directions with the Las Vegas Raiders coaching search. With that said, quite a few of the names popping up are defensive coordinators. If that is the path Las Vegas is choosing, experience and leadership should also matter a lot to an organization that needs stability. Robert Saleh checks off each of those boxes, and he is someone whom Brady seems to be pretty high on. Saleh would get his second chance as an NFL head coach, stepping into a team that will have Fernando Mendoza at quarterback. When you have Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers , all with ample cap space to upgrade the offensive line, that creates an offensive coordinator position that a lot of coaches in the NFL would love to fill. Perhaps we could even see, if Saleh is willing, Brian Daboll become the Raiders offensive coordinator in 2026.

Miami Dolphins : Jeff Hafley

After striking out on John Harbaugh, it certainly feels like the Miami Dolphins coaching search could take a small step back and evaluate the up-and-coming coaches. New general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan worked with defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley for two years in Green Bay . While Hafley does not have head-coaching experience in the NFL, he demonstrated that same leadership ability in college and through overseeing Green Bay's entire defense. Hafley would get his first head-coaching opportunity at the highest level with a general manager whom he knows well and will share a vision with. It can be the best recipe for long-term success.

Arizona Cardinals : Klint Kubiak

NFL: Los AngeleNFL Coaching Carousel Predictionss Rams at Seattle Seahawks — Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak will get knocked for the team's passing game falling off in the second half of the season. However, it is worth pondering if that had more to do with Sam Darnold 's regression. Besides, Kubiak adjusted as Seattle finished Weeks 10–18 ranked top-11 in Rush EPA. For the Arizona Cardinals, a top name is unlikely to come here since owner Michael Bidwill might be tighter with his wallet given he will be paying three different head coaches in 2026. That eliminates the top options in the NFL coaching carousel. So, Arizona poaches a proven play-caller from its division rival and gives Kubiak a year to evaluate the offense before deciding who his franchise quarterback will be in the 2027 NFL Draft.

Cleveland Browns : Nathan Scheelhaase

Los Angeles Rams pass game coordinator Nathan Scheelhaase has emerged as an option in the NFL coaching carousel for several teams. Of note, per Zac Jackson of The Athletic , the 35-year-old assistant came to the NFL in 2024 because Sean McVay viewed him as a "rising star" in the coaching world. After serving as an offensive assistant and pass game specialist in his first year at the pro level, McVay promoted him to pass game coordinator in 2025. The Cleveland Browns do not have much going for them right now offensively, and this is probably the least-desired job in the cycle. However, Cleveland could also prove to be patient if it is taking a shot on a young assistant with no play-calling experience at the highest level. Scheelhaase would be a massive gamble for the Browns, but the organization could view it as its chance at landing the next star head coach.

Pittsburgh Steelers : Brian Flores

NFL Coaching Carousel Predictions 2026 — Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have an identity that they likely want to stick with, which is demonstrated by owner Art Rooney II dismissing the idea of a rebuild under the next head coach. Seeking to fill the void left by Mike Tomlin's resignation, defensive coordinator Brian Flores feels like the right fit for Pittsburgh. He spent a year with the Steelers in 2022 as a senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach, so he would likely have Tomlin's endorsement. Furthermore, his outstanding track record as a defensive play-caller can carry over to Pittsburgh and return this franchise to its identity of winning with defense first. As long as he is willing to be flexible with the offensive side of the next Steelers coaching staff, this hire feels very possible.

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