As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, teams looking for new head coaches are making bold moves in hopes of revitalizing their franchises. With the anticipation of successful hires similar to the impact seen from coaches like Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, and Liam Coen, evaluating these selections immediately becomes crucial.
Here’s a breakdown of some notable head coaching and coordinator hires made during this cycle, assessed on their immediate potential to turn around their respective teams.
John Harbaugh’s appointment as head coach of the New York Giants marks a significant shift for the franchise. The Giants have struggled to find stability in recent seasons, cycling through coaches like Ben McAdoo and Joe Judge. Harbaugh, who boasts a 61.4% career win percentage and a Super Bowl championship, is seen as the best hire since Tom Coughlin led the team. With a promising young core, the Giants hope Harbaugh can elevate their performance and restore them to playoff contention, making this a major victory for the franchise.
Grade: A+
The Atlanta Falcons have chosen Kevin Stefanski, the former NFL Coach of the Year, as their new head coach. Despite the challenges surrounding the quarterback position, Stefanski’s experience in navigating tough scenarios with the Cleveland Browns presents a strong opportunity for growth. The Falcons are positioned in a less competitive division, and Stefanski’s proven track record suggests he may quickly bring positive changes to the team’s fortunes.
Grade: A
In Miami, Jeff Hafley steps in to lead the Dolphins after a successful stint as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. While Hafley faces significant challenges, including likely parting ways with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, his prior experience at Boston College provides him with a foundation to tackle the rebuilding phase ahead. His connection with new Dolphins general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan may also pave the way for a smoother transition.
Grade: B
The Tennessee Titans are bringing in Robert Saleh, who, despite a challenging tenure with the New York Jets, has revitalized his coaching reputation as the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers. Saleh’s expertise in defense is expected to provide an immediate boost to a Titans team that has struggled in recent seasons. The key for Saleh will be assembling a strong offensive staff to aid in the development of their prospects, particularly 2025’s highly anticipated No. 1 draft pick, Cam Ward.
As teams explore new coordinators, Drew Petzing has been hired to take over the offensive strategies for the Detroit Lions. Although his past experiences with the Arizona Cardinals yielded mixed results, there is optimism that he can bring fresh ideas to a talented Lions squad and build on the groundwork laid by previous coordinators, including Ben Johnson.
Grade: B-
With a mix of proven winners and promising newcomers, the latest NFL coaching hires reflect a blend of hope and ambition. While only time will tell how these decisions pan out, the fresh leadership could signal new eras for franchises struggling to find their footing in the league.