Head Coaching Hires
New York Giants: John Harbaugh
The New York Giants have hit a home run with their latest hire, securing John Harbaugh as their new head coach. A move as significant as this is the best the Giants have made since bringing Tom Coughlin on board in 2004. Harbaugh comes to New York with a career win percentage of 61.4% and a Super Bowl ring, although recent playoff struggles have raised questions. Nonetheless, Harbaugh’s ability to elevate a team is well-documented, having turned the Baltimore Ravens into perennial contenders. His hiring instantly raises expectations in New York. With a young and promising roster, Harbaugh’s leadership could bring the Giants back into playoff contention, a massive boost for a franchise in need of direction.
Grade: A+
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
Kevin Stefanski, NFL Coach of the Year, is now taking the reins in Atlanta. Despite his coaching accolades, Stefanski inherits a team still figuring out its quarterback situation. However, his experience with the Cleveland Browns, where he often faced adversity, proves valuable. The Falcons are poised for improvement, especially with Stefanski’s expertise in elevating an underachieving roster. The combination of his experience and the Falcons’ talent makes this a hire worth celebrating.
Grade: A
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley
While Miami may not have secured a top-tier hire, Jeff Hafley brings promise as the Dolphins’ new head coach. Hafley had success as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator and has solid experience as a college head coach at Boston College. However, the Dolphins face several challenges, including uncertainty surrounding quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s future. Hafley’s ability to navigate this rebuilding process will be tested, but his experience with tough situations gives him a chance to succeed.
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh
Robert Saleh, coming off a successful season as defensive coordinator with the San Francisco 49ers, is the new head coach of the Tennessee Titans. Despite a less-than-impressive record with the New York Jets, Saleh has proven himself as a strong leader and defensive strategist. With the Titans coming off two tough seasons, Saleh’s defensive acumen is just what they need. The key for Saleh will be assembling a competent offensive staff to support the development of quarterback Cam Ward.
Grade: B+
Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter
The Ravens made a strong move by hiring Jesse Minter, who had previously made a name for himself with the Los Angeles Chargers’ defense. Minter, who worked as a defensive assistant with the Ravens from 2017-2020, returns to Baltimore as head coach, succeeding Mike Macdonald. Minter brings a wealth of experience, including his time as Michigan’s defensive coordinator, and his leadership will be crucial for the Ravens as they aim to reassert themselves as a Super Bowl contender. However, the risk is high in hiring a rookie head coach for a team with championship aspirations.
Grade: A-
Coordinator Hires
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing
After three seasons as the offensive coordinator for the Arizona Cardinals, Drew Petzing moves to Detroit to take over as the Lions’ offensive coordinator. While Petzing’s tenure in Arizona wasn’t overly successful, he faced challenges such as inconsistent quarterback play. The Lions’ offense, however, boasts considerable talent, which should provide Petzing with a better opportunity to succeed. Despite his potential, the hire seems a bit underwhelming, considering other proven offensive minds were available.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Coordinator: Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel’s offensive expertise should prove to be a game-changer for the Los Angeles Chargers. The team already has a talented roster, and McDaniel’s play-calling could take Justin Herbert’s development to the next level. Known for his innovative offensive schemes, McDaniel’s arrival could help elevate the Chargers to elite status in 2026. His track record, including head-coaching interest, makes him one of the best hires on the market.
Grade: A
Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator: Eric Bieniemy
After a brief stint away, Eric Bieniemy returns to the Kansas City Chiefs as offensive coordinator. Bieniemy’s five-year tenure with the Chiefs saw consistent success, with the offense never ranking worse than sixth in yards or points. His return should provide immediate stability to an offense that had struggled in his absence. This move makes perfect sense for both sides, ensuring a smooth transition for the Chiefs as they look to stay on top in the AFC.
Grade: B
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offensive Coordinator: Zac Robinson
Zac Robinson’s hire as the Bucs’ offensive coordinator comes with some skepticism. After a challenging season with the Atlanta Falcons, where the offense ranked 20th in DVOA, Robinson’s ability to innovate will be under scrutiny. With pressure mounting on head coach Todd Bowles, this hire feels somewhat uninspiring, especially given the lack of proven options available. The Bucs’ offense will need a significant overhaul to regain competitive form.
Grade: C-
Dallas Cowboys Defensive Coordinator: Christian Parker
The Cowboys’ decision to hire Christian Parker as defensive coordinator is a bold one. At just 34 years old, Parker is one of the youngest coordinators in the league but has already made a name for himself as the Eagles’ defensive backs coach. Under his guidance, the Eagles boasted one of the league’s top defenses, including a dominant Super Bowl win. Parker’s potential as a rising star makes him an intriguing hire, but there’s a risk in trusting a young, relatively unproven coach with such an important role.
Grade: B
