NFL Coaching Carousel Heats Up: Harbaugh, Hafley, Stefanski, and Saleh Land New Gigs
The NFL offseason is already delivering its share of shakeups, with a wave of head coaching hires that could significantly reshape the league's landscape. Let’s break down the latest moves, what they mean, and why these hires are worth keeping a close eye on.
John Harbaugh Takes the Helm in New York
After 18 seasons leading the Baltimore Ravens, John Harbaugh is heading to the Big Apple to take over as head coach of the New York Giants. Harbaugh was officially introduced on January 20, marking the start of a new chapter for both him and a Giants franchise hungry for stability and success.
Harbaugh brings a Super Bowl pedigree, a no-nonsense leadership style, and a reputation for building tough, disciplined teams. His tenure in Baltimore was defined by consistency-something the Giants have lacked in recent years. This hire signals a clear shift in New York’s approach: they're looking for a proven leader who knows how to win and can restore a sense of identity to a team that’s been searching for one.
Jeff Hafley Steps into the Spotlight in Miami
Jeff Hafley will be officially introduced as the new head coach of the Miami Dolphins at 11 a.m. ET on Thursday, January 22. The move comes just days after he was hired on January 19.
Hafley spent the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator for the Green Bay Packers, where he helped revamp a unit that had struggled with consistency in previous years. Before that, he served as the head coach at Boston College for four seasons, giving him valuable experience leading a program-albeit at the collegiate level.
This marks Hafley’s first head coaching job in the NFL, and he’ll be stepping into a Dolphins organization that’s been aggressive in its pursuit of postseason success. He also reunites with Jon Eric-Sullivan, the Dolphins’ newly appointed general manager and former VP of player personnel in Green Bay. That familiarity could be key as they look to build a cohesive vision from the front office down to the field.
Kevin Stefanski Gets a Second Chance in Atlanta
Kevin Stefanski is back in the head coaching ranks, this time with the Atlanta Falcons. The former Cleveland Browns head coach is looking to reboot his career in a city that’s been craving a return to playoff relevance.
Stefanski’s time in Cleveland was a mixed bag-highlighted by a playoff win in 2020, but also marred by inconsistency and quarterback instability. In Atlanta, he’ll have the opportunity to mold a young roster and potentially bring some of the offensive creativity that made him a hot name just a few years ago. This is a fresh start for both sides, and if Stefanski can find the right quarterback, the Falcons could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch in 2026.
Robert Saleh Set to Lead the Titans
San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is expected to be named the next head coach of the Tennessee Titans.
Saleh, known for his fiery sideline presence and cerebral defensive schemes, has been a key figure in San Francisco’s recent success. His defenses are fast, physical, and fundamentally sound-traits that Titans fans will welcome with open arms.
Tennessee is in the midst of a transition period, and Saleh’s leadership could be exactly what the franchise needs to reestablish its identity. While the hire isn’t official just yet, all signs point to Saleh bringing his energy and defensive prowess to Nashville.
What This All Means
This round of hires reflects a mix of experience and upside. Harbaugh brings a championship résumé and instant credibility to the Giants.
Hafley offers fresh energy and a defensive mind that’s already earned respect at both the college and pro levels. Stefanski gets a chance to redeem himself in a new environment, while Saleh appears poised to inject toughness into a Titans team looking for a spark.
As always, the success of these hires will come down to more than just X’s and O’s. Culture, quarterback development, and front-office alignment will all play major roles in determining whether these coaches can turn their new teams into contenders.
For now, the coaching dominoes are still falling-but the early moves have already set the tone for what should be a fascinating offseason.