NFL Coaching Carousel & Offseason Buzz: Cardinals Reshuffle Staff, Lions Eye Offensive Leap, Vikings GM Rumors Swirl
As the NFL offseason heats up, teams are already reshaping their coaching staffs and setting the tone for 2026. From Arizona’s sideline shake-up to Detroit’s wide receiver room brimming with confidence, and Minnesota watching a familiar name in Denver, here’s what’s happening around the league.
Cardinals Overhaul Offensive Staff, Add Key Defensive Voice
The Cardinals are making a series of strategic moves on the coaching front, and it starts with the tight ends room. Jake Moreland is expected to take over as tight ends coach-a hire that suggests Arizona wants to get more production out of that position group. Moreland brings a strong developmental background, and he’ll be tasked with helping elevate a tight end unit that’s been underutilized in recent seasons.
At quarterback coach, the Cardinals are bringing in a familiar NFL name: Matt Schaub. The longtime veteran QB steps into a crucial developmental role, especially as Arizona looks to stabilize and grow its quarterback play. Schaub’s experience as a player could be invaluable in helping the team’s signal-callers take the next step.
Tony Sorrentino is joining as wide receivers coach, rounding out a trio of offensive hires that shows a clear emphasis on skill-position coaching. The Cardinals are doubling down on getting more out of their offensive weapons-and these hires reflect that.
The team isn’t starting from scratch, though. Offensive line coach Justin Frye is expected to be retained, along with offensive assistant Chris Cook. That continuity up front could pay dividends as the new position coaches integrate into the system.
On the defensive side, Arizona is adding Zac Etheridge, who previously served as Miami’s defensive pass game coordinator. He’ll now coach the Cardinals’ cornerbacks. Etheridge brings a reputation for teaching aggressive, disciplined coverage-something Arizona’s secondary could use more of heading into next season.
Lions’ WR Room Aims to Be “Best in the League” After 9-8 Finish
The Lions may have missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record, but there’s no shortage of belief in the building-especially in the wide receiver room.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, the heart and soul of Detroit’s passing attack, sees something special brewing.
“I think we can be real dangerous,” he said, pointing to the depth behind him, including Isaac TeSlaa, Kalif Raymond, and Dominic Lovett. The message from WR coach Antwaan Randle El-referred to by players as “Scottie”-was clear: it’s time to take the next step.
St. Brown isn’t just hyping up the group.
He believes they have the tools to be the best receiving corps in the league. That’s a bold claim-but it’s one that’s rooted in real potential.
TeSlaa, a third-round pick last year, flashed that potential with six touchdowns as a rookie. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing out of the gate.
He admitted that early nerves in training camp led to him playing a little tight. As the season went on, though, confidence kicked in-and so did his production.
“I felt the confidence in myself and the people around me,” TeSlaa said. “It just allowed me to loosen up and have more confidence in myself and allowed me to play better throughout the season.”
That kind of growth is exactly what the Lions want to see from their young players. And he’s not the only one focused on development.
Jameson Williams, who continues to be one of the most intriguing talents in Detroit’s offense, has his sights set on becoming a complete receiver. “I’m trying to be the best, most complete receiver,” he said. “That’s my goal.”
The Lions are clearly building something, and if this receiver group takes the leap they believe they can, Detroit’s offense could look very different next fall-in a good way.
Meanwhile, veteran linebacker Alex Anzalone’s contract was voided on February 12, opening up a potential decision point for Detroit’s front office on whether to bring him back or move in a new direction.
Vikings Watch as Former Exec George Paton Stays Put in Denver-for Now
There’s been some buzz around George Paton and a potential return to Minnesota, but at this point, it doesn’t sound like anything is imminent.
Paton, who spent 14 years with the Vikings before heading to Denver, is entering the final year of his contract as Broncos GM. Naturally, his name has surfaced in connection with Minnesota’s GM job, should it come open. But according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, there’s no indication Paton is looking to leave Denver right now.
“I didn’t get any indication that was the case,” Schefter said during a radio appearance. With kids still in high school and Denver reportedly intent on keeping him, Paton appears content where he is.
Could that change down the line? Sure.
Paton’s ties to Minnesota run deep, and if the Vikings ever come calling, it’s a scenario worth keeping an eye on. But for now, it looks like both parties are staying put.
Bottom Line
Arizona is reshaping its staff with an eye on player development and positional improvement. Detroit’s wide receiver room is brimming with confidence and ready to take a leap. And while Minnesota may be keeping tabs on a familiar face in Denver, nothing’s moving just yet.
It’s February, but the groundwork for the 2026 season is already being laid-and for some teams, the offseason is where the real work begins.