Dec 21, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel looks on during the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Before the NFL hiring cycle can begin, the firing cycle needs to slow down.
The football world is waiting for a resolution between the Green Bay Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur. On Tuesday, Mike Tomlin informed the Pittsburgh Steelers that he’s done coaching them after 19 seasons.
The NFL has nine openings right now.
Teams eliminated from the NFL Playoffs have already conducted first-round interviews over the last week.
Before the divisional round of the NFL Playoffs, let’s project how this hiring process could settle.
Arizona Cardinals: Los Angeles Rams OC Mike LaFleur
The Cardinals desperately need direction after wasting the last three seasons with Jonathan Gannon.
It feels like Kyler Murray’s time in Arizona will be up as well, unless the new head coach somehow mends that relationship.
The Cardinals should hire LaFleur, who has excelled under Sean McVay and the NFC West rival Los Angeles Rams.
Atlanta Falcons: Former Cleveland Browns coach Kevin Stefanski
Dec 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski looks on against the Tennessee Titans during the first quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images The Falcons have premium offensive talent that has been underutilized over the last few seasons. They’ve also invested a first-round pick into quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who has had an up and down career thus far.
That’s exactly the environment Stefanski walked into in Cleveland ahead of the 2020 season. Baker Mayfield was a question mark, Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry and Nick Chubb were in the prime of their careers, and they had premium talent on defense.
Baltimore Ravens: Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter
Doesn’t this seem like a Ravens hire?
Maybe it’s the Harbaugh connection from Minter’s time at Michigan. Hell, maybe it’s the fact that he spent four years in Baltimore already as a position coach.
Minter is a leader of men, and it feels like that’s what the Ravens could chase.
Cleveland Browns: Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Grant Udinski
While former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel could be in play here, the Browns are a risky second job in the NFL, especially since they don’t have an answer at quarterback.
That sets up perfectly for Udinski, who just turned 30 on Monday.
After firing Stefanski, Browns GM Andrew Berry noted that Cleveland was the only team to interview with the former NFL Coach of the Year in both 2019 and 2020. Udinski is a fast-riser that makes sense for an organization in transition mode.
Las Vegas Raiders: Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak
Sep 8, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak reacts against the Carolina Panthers during the pregame at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images This just makes too much sense.
Kubiak is one of the most sought-after coordinators this coaching cycle after Sam Darnold has looked like an MVP candidate during his first year in Seattle.
Kubiak and Heisman quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the future in Vegas.
Miami Dolphins: Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard
The Dolphins are paying Tua Tagovailoa a ton of money. Not sure any offensive-minded coach would touch that situation with a 10-foot pole.
But perhaps they can reach out to their former linebacker, Sheppard, to usher the organization into its next chapter.
New York Giants: John Harbaugh
Dec 27, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh walks off the field after the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn Images Here’s the one you’ve all been waiting for.
It feels like the Giants have put on a full-court press for Harbaugh since he was fired from the Ravens. They were the first team to fire their head coach once Brian Daboll was axed in November.
Harbaugh chooses the Giants because of first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart’s promise as well as premium young talent throughout the roster.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
Historically, the Steelers like younger head coaches. It’s part of the reason why the organization is searching for their fourth coach since the 1960s.
But Flores also feels like a culture fit for the Steelers who are searching for a new direction. Still just 44, Flores has plenty of coaching left.
Tennessee Titans: Former Miami Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel
Here’s the landing spot for McDaniel.
No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward showed a bit of promise during his rookie season, but the Titans need to build around him.
Insert one of the game’s brightest offensive minds, and the Titans could try and turn Ward into a household name.
