Harbaugh, Stefanski, and LaFleur Reshape the NFL Coaching Landscape

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The NFL coaching carousel didn’t just spin this weekend—it underwent a tectonic shift. In a 48-hour span, three of the league’s most prominent names finalized deals that will define the next half-decade of football.

From a legendary champion finding a new home in the Big Apple to a two-time Coach of the Year moving to the ATL, and a staple of the frozen tundra securing his future, here is the breakdown of the weekend’s massive signings.

John Harbaugh to the Giants: The “Big Blue” Savior

After 18 seasons and a Super Bowl title in Baltimore, John Harbaugh has officially taken his “mighty” coaching style to the New York Giants. Finalized on Saturday, January 17, the deal is a massive five-year contract that makes Harbaugh one of the league’s highest-paid coaches.

The Structure: In a rare organizational move, Harbaugh will report directly to Giants ownership (John and Chris Mara) rather than General Manager Joe Schoen.
The Mission: Harbaugh is tasked with developing 2025 first-round QB Jaxson Dart and stabilizing a franchise that has struggled for consistency since 2011.

The Sibling Rivalry: His move to the NFC fulfills a “prediction” by his brother, Jim Harbaugh (currently helming the Chargers), who hoped John would land in the opposite conference so they wouldn’t have to meet until the Super Bowl.

Kevin Stefanski to the Falcons: A Fresh Start in Georgia

Just weeks after being let go by the Cleveland Browns following a frustrating 2025 campaign, Kevin Stefanski is back in the driver’s seat. The Atlanta Falcons finalized a five-year deal with the 43-year-old offensive specialist on Saturday night.

The Connection: Stefanski joins a revamped Atlanta front office led by new President of Football Operations Matt Ryan. The Falcons are betting on Stefanski’s ability to maximize their “dual-threat” offensive weapons, a skill he showcased during his two Coach of the Year campaigns in Cleveland.
The Roster: Stefanski inherits a team that finished 2025 on a four-game winning streak. With a top-10 defense already in place under Jeff Ulbrich (who is expected to remain), Stefanski’s sole focus will be on fixing an inconsistent quarterback room.

Matt LaFleur’s Extension: Stability in Green Bay

While Harbaugh and Stefanski are moving to new cities, Matt LaFleur is digging his heels into the frozen soil of Lambeau Field. Despite a heartbreaking Wild Card loss to the Bears last weekend, the Green Bay Packers ended any “lame-duck” speculation by signing LaFleur to a multiyear contract extension on January 17.

The Context: LaFleur entered the weekend with only one year left on his deal. New CEO Ed Policy made it clear that despite five straight losses to end the 2025 season, LaFleur’s 76-40-1 career record and six playoff appearances in seven years earned him the right to lead the rebuild.
The Vote of Confidence: The Packers also extended GM Brian Gutekunst, signaling that the organization believes the trio of LaFleur, Gutekunst, and QB Jordan Love is still the right formula for a Super Bowl window.

Weekend Signing Summary

Coach	Team	Move Type	Status
John Harbaugh	NY Giants	New Hire (5 Years)	Confirmed Jan 17
Kevin Stefanski	Atlanta Falcons	New Hire (5 Years)	Confirmed Jan 18
Matt LaFleur	GB Packers	Extension (Multiyear)	Confirmed Jan 17