Conor Orr Evaluates All 10 NFL Head Coach Hires for 2026

The 2026 NFL coaching carousel has brought unprecedented changes, prompting analysis of all 10 new head coach hires. The season witnessed a surprising upheaval, with three long-tenured coaches either departing or being dismissed. The current football landscape has fostered an atmosphere of uncertainty, blurring the lines of loyalty and stability in coaching roles.

Evaluation of NFL Head Coach Hires for 2026

Let’s break down the performances of the latest hires across the league.

1. Baltimore Ravens: Jesse Minter

Grade: A+

• Defensive Coordinator for Los Angeles Chargers.
• In-demand candidate sought by all teams with vacancies.
• Has led his defenses to rank sixth in opponent EPA per play since joining the NFL in 2024.

2. Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski

Grade: A+

• Former head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
• Great synergy with new president Matt Ryan and key hires like Bill Callahan.
• Inherited a competitive roster and less challenging division.

3. Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh

Grade: A-

• Former Defensive Coordinator for San Francisco 49ers.
• Need for organizational renewal was evident during his previous tenure.
• May rejuvenate the Titans’ fan base with an effective offensive strategy.

4. Las Vegas Raiders: Klint Kubiak

Grade: B+

• Offensive Coordinator from the Seattle Seahawks.
• Brings valuable insights as the team holds the No. 1 draft pick.
• Known for an explosive offensive style, which could transform the Raiders’ gameplay.

5. Buffalo Bills: Joe Brady

Grade: B

• Offensive Coordinator for the Bills.
• Pairing with DC Jim Leonhard may revitalize the defense.
• Concerns about the hiring process being rushed.

6. New York Giants: John Harbaugh

Grade: B-

• Former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens.
• One of the winningest coaches but lacks a solid offensive coordinator.
• Could stabilize the Giants but faces a challenging roster turnaround.

7. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mike McCarthy

Grade: B-

• Former head coach of the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys.
• Brings stability but is perceived as a short-term solution.
• Must address a roster that needs revitalization.

8. Cleveland Browns: Todd Monken

Grade: C+

• Former Offensive Coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens.
• Critiques regarding connection with Lamar Jackson cloud the hire.
• Questions remain about the organizational fit and overall direction.

9. Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley

Grade: C

• Defensive Coordinator from the Green Bay Packers.
• Positive staffing up but concerns linger over hiring decisions.
• Challenges to establish identity amidst organizational changes.

10. Arizona Cardinals: Mike LaFleur

Grade: D+

• Offensive Coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.
• Bringing previous success but lacks support amid the team’s struggles.
• Questionable fit given the team dynamics and overall vision.

The coaching changes across the NFL for 2026 demonstrate varied strategies and expectations. As these head coaches embark on their new journeys, their ability to adapt and excel remains to be seen.