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The 2026 NFL coaching carousel delivered one of the biggest shakeups in league history. Ten franchises hired new head coaches, hoping fresh leadership could change their fortunes. Some organizations pursued proven winners, while others gambled on promising coordinators. Meanwhile, several teams faced difficult decisions about replacing established coaches. Now, the NFL has passed the midway point of the 2026 season. Consequently, every franchise has enough evidence to evaluate its coaching decision.
However, wins and losses cannot tell the entire story. Roster talent, quarterback development, injuries, and organizational stability also influence each coach’s performance. The coaching class includes John Harbaugh, Mike McCarthy, Kevin Stefanski, and Robert Saleh. Meanwhile, six coaches entered their first NFL head-coaching jobs. The league’s 2026 hiring cycle included Buffalo, Cleveland, Arizona, Miami, Atlanta, New York, Las Vegas, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee. Here are updated grades for all ten hires entering Week 11. These grades reflect early results, team direction, and expectations rather than final judgments.
1\. John Harbaugh — New York Giants
Midseason Grade: A+
The Giants made one of the offseason’s biggest moves by hiring former Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh. So far, that decision looks outstanding. New York entered the season hoping to establish stability after several disappointing campaigns. Instead, Harbaugh has quickly turned the Giants into an NFC East contender. The Giants entered Week 10 with a 5-2-1 record despite significant quarterback adversity.
Furthermore, Harbaugh has kept his team competitive while navigating changes under center. His leadership, preparation, and ability to manage difficult situations have transformed the franchise’s outlook. The Giants still face questions about their long-term offensive ceiling. Nevertheless, Harbaugh deserves considerable credit for accelerating their rebuilding process. New York looks significantly more organized than it did before his arrival.
2\. Joe Brady — Buffalo Bills
Midseason Grade: A
Buffalo surprised many observers when it dismissed Sean McDermott following another disappointing playoff exit. However, promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady has delivered encouraging results. Brady inherited quarterback Josh Allen and an offense capable of challenging any defense. Consequently, expectations remained extremely high despite the coaching transition. Buffalo entered Week 10 among the AFC’s strongest teams. Additionally, the Bills defeated Minnesota 23-6 on November 9.
Brady has maintained offensive continuity while establishing his own leadership identity. However, Buffalo’s defense remains a concern against championship-caliber opponents. Ultimately, Brady must accomplish something McDermott never achieved in Buffalo. He must guide the Bills to a Super Bowl appearance. For now, the organization deserves praise for maintaining its winning culture.
3\. Todd Monken — Cleveland Browns
Midseason Grade: A
Cleveland entered 2026 facing enormous uncertainty following Kevin Stefanski’s departure. However, Todd Monken has exceeded expectations during his first NFL head-coaching season. The Browns reached 5-4 through nine games despite major roster changes. Their competitiveness has surprised observers who expected another difficult rebuilding campaign. Monken previously developed successful offenses with Baltimore and Georgia. Now, he faces the challenge of establishing
Cleveland’s long-term quarterback solution. The Browns still struggle offensively, and their negative scoring differential raises legitimate concerns. Nevertheless, Monken has kept his team competitive in the AFC North. His ability to win close games deserves recognition. However, Cleveland must develop greater offensive consistency before anyone considers this rebuild complete.
4\. Mike McCarthy — Pittsburgh Steelers
Midseason Grade: A-
Replacing Mike Tomlin represented one of Pittsburgh’s most significant organizational decisions in decades. The Steelers ultimately selected former Packers and Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy. Many questioned whether McCarthy could improve a franchise that consistently competed under Tomlin. However, Pittsburgh’s early results have challenged those doubts. The Steelers entered Week 10 with a 6-2 record. Additionally, veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers has helped maintain offensive stability. McCarthy’s previous relationship with Rodgers provided an important foundation for the transition.
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s defense continues to support its championship aspirations. Nevertheless, the organization must eventually identify its quarterback of the future. McCarthy also needs postseason success to justify replacing a respected predecessor. For now, Pittsburgh looks capable of competing for another AFC North championship.
5\. Klint Kubiak — Las Vegas Raiders
Midseason Grade: B
Las Vegas hired Klint Kubiak after his successful offensive work with Seattle. The Raiders hoped his creativity could revive an organization struggling with repeated coaching changes. Initially, the decision looked spectacular when Las Vegas opened the season 3-0. However, the Raiders subsequently lost momentum and entered Week 10 at 4-5. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has provided more stability than many expected.
Meanwhile, the franchise continues preparing first-overall draft selection Fernando Mendoza for its future. Kubiak deserves credit for improving the team’s competitiveness. However, the Raiders must demonstrate greater consistency before earning a higher grade. The organization should prioritize developing Mendoza rather than chasing short-term results. Ultimately, Kubiak’s success will depend heavily on that quarterback’s development.
6\. Mike LaFleur — Arizona Cardinals
Midseason Grade: B-
Arizona selected Mike LaFleur after his successful experience working alongside Sean McVay with the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals hoped his offensive background could establish a fresh direction. LaFleur inherited a franchise facing substantial questions at quarterback. Consequently, expectations remained relatively modest entering the regular season. Arizona entered Week 10 with a 3-6 record. However, the Cardinals have demonstrated enough competitiveness to suggest improvement remains possible.
LaFleur must establish a dependable offensive identity while developing younger players. Additionally, Arizona needs stronger quarterback play to compete consistently in the NFC West. His coaching background provides reasons for optimism. Nevertheless, the Cardinals remain several steps away from challenging the division’s strongest organizations. This hire deserves patience, although meaningful progress must continue throughout the season.
7\. Kevin Stefanski — Atlanta Falcons
Midseason Grade: C+
Atlanta hired Kevin Stefanski after Cleveland dismissed the two-time NFL Coach of the Year. The Falcons believed his offensive experience could help develop quarterback Michael Penix Jr. However, Atlanta’s first season under Stefanski has produced inconsistent results. The Falcons entered Week 10 with a 3-6 record. Penix has demonstrated encouraging moments alongside frustrating mistakes.
Meanwhile, Atlanta continues searching for consistent offensive execution. Stefanski also retained defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, providing continuity on that side of the football. Nevertheless, the Falcons must improve their ability to finish games. Fortunately, the NFC South remains competitive enough to keep Atlanta’s postseason hopes alive. Stefanski deserves time to develop his system. However, another disappointing season would increase pressure on the organization’s new leadership.
8\. Jeff Hafley — Miami Dolphins
Midseason Grade: C-
Miami selected Jeff Hafley after his successful defensive coordinator tenure with Green Bay. The Dolphins hoped his defensive expertise could help rebuild their struggling franchise. However, Miami entered Week 10 with a 1-7 record. The team’s difficulties extend beyond coaching and include significant roster concerns. Hafley inherited uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position and the franchise’s overall direction. Consequently, expecting an immediate playoff contender would have been unrealistic.
Nevertheless, the Dolphins must demonstrate improvement in fundamentals, defensive execution, and overall competitiveness. Hafley’s previous head-coaching experience at Boston College should help him navigate difficult circumstances. However, NFL success requires more than organizational patience. Miami needs a clear rebuilding strategy and consistent player development. Until those improvements become evident, Hafley cannot receive a passing grade above average.
9\. Jesse Minter — Baltimore Ravens
Midseason Grade: D
Baltimore shocked the NFL when it dismissed John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. The Ravens subsequently hired former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter inherited a talented roster featuring quarterback Lamar Jackson. Therefore, expectations remained significantly higher than those surrounding most first-year coaches. Unfortunately, Baltimore entered Week 10 with a disappointing 4-5 record. Injuries at quarterback have complicated the team’s offensive plans.
However, Baltimore’s defensive struggles remain particularly concerning. Minter built his reputation around defensive organization, preparation, and execution. The Ravens have struggled to establish the consistency that previously defined their organization. Consequently, questions surrounding the coaching transition have intensified. Minter deserves some consideration for injuries beyond his control. Nevertheless, Baltimore expected immediate contention rather than another frustrating season.
10\. Robert Saleh — Tennessee Titans
Midseason Grade: D-
Tennessee hired Robert Saleh after his successful return to San Francisco’s defensive coaching staff. The Titans hoped his leadership could establish toughness and improve their struggling defense. However, the results have been disappointing through the first half of the season. Tennessee entered Week 10 with a 1-7 record. Quarterback Cam Ward continues facing significant developmental challenges. Meanwhile, the organization has struggled to establish consistency on either side of the football. Saleh also faces difficult roster circumstances following Tennessee’s decision to trade defensive star Jeffery Simmons.
Nevertheless, the Titans expected greater competitiveness when they selected Saleh. His previous head-coaching struggles with the Jets also raised legitimate concerns. Tennessee needs significant improvements in quarterback development, defensive execution, and organizational direction. Saleh still has time to change the narrative. However, his second NFL head-coaching opportunity has started poorly.
Final Verdict: Which NFL Teams Made the Right Coaching Decisions?
The 2026 coaching class has already produced several surprises. John Harbaugh leads the group after quickly transforming the New York Giants into a competitive franchise. Meanwhile, Joe Brady has maintained Buffalo’s championship aspirations despite considerable organizational changes. Todd Monken also deserves recognition for exceeding expectations in Cleveland. Mike McCarthy has silenced some early critics through Pittsburgh’s strong start.
However, postseason performance will ultimately determine whether the Steelers made the correct decision. On the other hand, Baltimore and Tennessee have experienced disappointing coaching transitions. Both franchises must address significant problems before the season ends. Atlanta, Arizona, Miami, and Las Vegas occupy the middle ground. Their coaching decisions require additional time before anyone can deliver definitive judgments. Ultimately, the best coaches establish winning cultures while developing talent and overcoming adversity.
Early records provide valuable evidence, but sustained success remains the true measurement. The second half of the 2026 NFL season could dramatically change these grades. However, several organizations already have reasons to celebrate their offseason decisions. Others might soon question whether they hired the right person to lead their franchise. For now, John Harbaugh earns the highest grade, while Robert Saleh faces the greatest pressure to improve.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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