The 2026 NFL Coaching Carousel: A Blueprint for the "Great Reset"

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The 2026 coaching cycle is unlike any in NFL history. With nine franchises currently seeking a new leader—including stalwarts like the Steelers and Ravens—the market is flooded with both legendary veterans and high-upside “whiz kids.”

As of Thursday, January 15, 2026, the carousel is already spinning fast, with the New York Giants reportedly landing the biggest prize of them all.

1. The “Big Fish” and the Giants’ Home Run

The headlines this morning are dominated by the New York Giants, who are finalizing a deal to make John Harbaugh their next head coach.

The Fit: After 18 seasons in Baltimore, Harbaugh brings the “adult in the room” presence the Giants have craved since Tom Coughlin. He inherits a promising rookie QB in Jaxson Dart and a defense with elite young pieces.
The Impact: This move effectively “freezes” the market. Teams like the Titans and Falcons were reportedly desperate for Harbaugh, and now must pivot to the secondary tier of candidates.

2. Top Candidates: The Best of the Rest

The Defensive Masterminds

Jesse Minter (DC, Chargers): The consensus #1 assistant on the market. His success at Michigan and now with the Chargers (following Jim Harbaugh) makes him the favorite for the Baltimore Ravens job. He knows the Baltimore system inside out and represents a “Harbaugh-lite” transition.
Brian Flores (DC, Vikings): Flores has rehabilitated his image in Minnesota, turning their defense into a top-five unit. He is the heavy favorite for the Pittsburgh Steelers job. Having worked under Mike Tomlin in 2022, he fits the “Steelers Way” better than anyone.
Jeff Hafley (DC, Packers): A rising star with head coaching experience at the college level. He is being heavily linked to the Miami Dolphins due to his connection with their new GM, Jon-Eric Sullivan.

The Offensive Gurus

Klint Kubiak (OC, Seahawks): After turning Sam Darnold into an MVP candidate in Seattle this season, Kubiak is the “it” candidate for teams with young QBs. The Las Vegas Raiders are reportedly zeroed in on him to pair with their projected #1 overall pick.
Grant Udinski (OC, Jaguars): Only 30 years old, Udinski is the “next Sean McVay.” The Cleveland Browns are rumored to be looking at him for a total cultural reboot after the Kevin Stefanski era.
Matt Nagy (OC, Chiefs): Experience matters in this cycle. The Tennessee Titans have already requested an interview, hoping Nagy can do for Cam Ward what he did for the revitalized Kansas City offense.

3. The “Second Chance” Tier

Three recently fired coaches—Kevin Stefanski, Mike McDaniel, and Robert Saleh—are not expected to be out of work for long.

Coach	Best Fit	Why?
Kevin Stefanski	Atlanta Falcons	A steady, offensive mind to maximize Michael Penix Jr. and the Falcons’ elite skill positions.
Mike McDaniel	Tennessee Titans	His creativity could unlock Cam Ward’s elite dual-threat potential in a way Callahan couldn’t.
Robert Saleh	Arizona Cardinals	The Cardinals need an emotional leader. Saleh’s “All Gas” mentality fits a roster that felt listless under Gannon.

4. Ranking the Best Available Jobs

Baltimore Ravens: You get Lamar Jackson. Period. It’s the most stable organization with an MVP quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons: A “plug and play” roster. With Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and a solid O-line, they are a good coach away from a Super Bowl run.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Prestige and stability. The Rooneys offer more job security than any other owner in sports.
Las Vegas Raiders: They have the #1 overall pick, $100M in cap space, and Brock Bowers. It’s a clean slate with massive upside.