As the NFL gears up for the 2026 season, notable changes in coaching staff are taking shape within the AFC North. Zac Taylor, head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals, stands as the sole returning coach in the division, while the other teams have brought in new leadership: Jesse Minter for the Baltimore Ravens, Mike McCarthy for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Todd Monken for the Cleveland Browns.
Jesse Minter, previously an assistant in Baltimore, is regarded as a rising star in coaching. The son of former Cincinnati Bearcats coach Rick Minter, he has a strong defensive background and is expected to harness the Ravens’ traditional defensive strengths, aiming to build a unit capable of playoff success. Minter’s previous seasons suggest he could follow a progression similar to that of former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, now leading the Seattle Seahawks with success.
Zac Taylor, often praised for his offensive ingenuity, faces challenges in improving a defense that has been a liability for the Bengals. His future may hinge on reforming the defensive approach, as the team struggles with tackling and overall defensive performance. Analysts note that a more aggressive scheme could be necessary to capitalize on available talent and change the team’s fortunes in close games.
The Cleveland Browns have opted for Todd Monken, whose appointment has garnered mixed reviews. As a rookie head coach, Monken is tasked with the challenge of turning around a franchise hampered by a difficult culture and quarterback issues. Despite a past as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator, where offensive strategies were more conservative, Monken will need to adapt to leverage the Browns’ strong defensive capabilities and the promising potential of quarterback Shedeur Sanders.
The Steelers’ choice of Mike McCarthy, a coach with a history of playoff success but who has recently struggled, raises eyebrows in the football community. Critics argue that the Steelers, a storied franchise, should seek innovative leaders capable of ushering in a new era rather than opting for a retread with mixed results.
Looking ahead, one writer has ranked the coaches, placing Minter at the top for his potential and familiarity with the Ravens, followed closely by Taylor, who still holds the offensive edge for the Bengals. Monken and McCarthy follow, with skepticism surrounding both their hiring processes and capability to improve their respective teams.
In terms of early predictions for the AFC North, the forecast suggests that the Baltimore Ravens will lead the division, supported by their strong roster and fresh coaching approach. The Bengals are expected to continue struggling, particularly in nail-biting matchups that require a more robust defensive strategy. As the season approaches, fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how these coaching changes play out and shape the competitive landscape in the AFC North.