AFC North Coaching Carousel Heats Up: Browns, Ravens, and Steelers Make Key Staff Moves
The AFC North is wasting no time reshaping its coaching staffs this offseason, with the Browns, Ravens, and Steelers all making notable moves to bolster their sidelines. From veteran hires to strategic retentions, each franchise is setting the tone for what promises to be a fiercely competitive 2026 campaign.
Browns Bring In Warhop to Lead the Trenches
In Cleveland, new head coach Todd Monken is already putting his stamp on the team. According to reports, Monken is bringing in George Warhop as the Browns’ new offensive line coach.
Warhop, a seasoned veteran with a long NFL résumé, most recently worked with the Ravens in the same role. His arrival signals a clear emphasis on trench play - a crucial area for a Browns team looking to re-establish a physical identity up front.
Warhop’s experience developing offensive lines will be pivotal as the Browns continue to build around their offensive core. His familiarity with AFC North football - having coached in Baltimore - should serve him well in a division known for its rugged defensive fronts.
Ravens Reshape Offensive Staff, Retain Key Defensive Coach
Baltimore’s offseason is already buzzing with movement on the coaching front. The Ravens are reportedly finalizing a deal to bring in Dwayne Ledford, the former Falcons offensive line coach, to take over the same position in Baltimore. Ledford is known for his development of young linemen and his ability to adapt schemes to maximize talent - a skill set that should fit well with the Ravens’ evolving offensive identity.
The offensive line room will also get an extra set of hands, as Shawn Flaherty is expected to join as assistant offensive line coach. Flaherty's addition adds depth to a staff that’s clearly prioritizing protection and run-game execution.
On the defensive side, the Ravens made a strong move to retain inside linebackers coach Tyler Santucci. According to reports, the team blocked him from pursuing opportunities elsewhere - a clear sign of how much they value his role in developing one of the league’s most active linebacker units.
And while nothing is official yet, the Ravens are reportedly eyeing Bills fullback Reggie Gilliam as a potential free-agent target. Gilliam’s versatility as a blocker and special teamer could be a natural fit in Baltimore’s physical offensive system.
Steelers Rebuild Staff Under Mike McCarthy
In Pittsburgh, new head coach Mike McCarthy is assembling a staff that blends familiarity with fresh perspective. The Steelers are hiring Adam Henry as their new wide receivers coach. Henry, who spent the past three seasons in Buffalo, brings a strong track record of working with young talent and could be a key figure in the continued development of Pittsburgh’s receiving corps.
McCarthy is also bringing back several assistants from his past coaching stops. Linebackers coach Scott McCurley, quarterbacks coach Tom Arth, and defensive backs coach Gerald Alexander are all expected to join the Steelers’ staff. Each brings a different strength to the table, and their collective experience should help stabilize the transition under McCarthy’s leadership.
Meanwhile, linebacker Nick Herbig has been the subject of trade speculation, but according to former teammate Breiden Fehoko, Herbig isn’t letting the noise affect him. Fehoko says Herbig just wants to be treated like a full-time starter - whether that’s in Pittsburgh or somewhere else. It’s a mindset that speaks to Herbig’s competitive edge, and it’ll be interesting to see how the Steelers handle his role moving forward.
Final Thoughts
Coaching hires don’t always make headlines the way player signings do, but make no mistake - these moves matter. Whether it’s Monken tapping into trusted connections in Cleveland, the Ravens reinforcing their offensive line brain trust, or McCarthy putting his stamp on the Steelers, the AFC North is already deep into the chess match that is the NFL offseason. And with the margins in this division razor-thin, the right coaching tweak might just be the difference between a playoff push and a long winter.