Vikings Assistant Mike Pettine To Retire
Brian Flores or a Vikings DC successor will not have Mike Pettine around for experienced help in 2026, however. The veteran staffer is retiring, Kevin O’Connell announced Tuesday.
Pettine, 59, has coached in the NFL since 2002. He rose to a head coaching seat in 2014 (with the Browns) and has been a coordinator in a few cities. He had been on O’Connell’s Minnesota staff since 2022, working under Ed Donatell and then Flores as an assistant head coach.
Jumping from the high school level to a Ravens assistant in 2002, Pettine became a defensive coordinator in 2009. The Jets, Bills and Packers employed Pettine as a DC. He started out in that position with the Jets under Rex Ryan. Pettine played a key role in the Jets making back-to-back AFC championship game appearance, as Revis Island formed to bolster Gang Green’s defense-powered operation in Ryan’s early years. Pettine stayed on as New York’s DC for four seasons before moving to Buffalo under Doug Marrone. Following that season, the Browns concluded a slow-moving HC search by naming him their next leader.
Pettine’s first year in Cleveland (2014) brought some unexpected success. Despite Jimmy Haslam overreach leading to a Johnny Manziel first-round selection, Pettine had the Browns — who were without top receiver Josh Gordon for most of the 2014 season — at 7-4. Cleveland-area native Brian Hoyer had quarterbacked the Browns to that point, as Manziel needed extensive development before debuting. Pettine’s defense also ranked ninth that season. But Manziel received the call to start near the end of the year. The bottom fell out for the Browns, who finished 7-9, and Pettine’s 2015 season keyed a descent.
On- and off-field Manziel problems engulfed the Browns in 2015 — before the team cut the megabust. After letting Kyle Shanahan out of his OC contract following a 2014 one-off, Cleveland finished 3-13 in Pettine’s second season. The team used Manziel and free agent signing Josh McCown as their primary QBs, and ownership fired he and GM Ray Farmer. Pettine resurfaced with the Seahawks as a consultant in 2017 and with the Packers as their DC by 2018.
In charge of two Packers defenses that appeared in NFC championship games, Pettine lasted three seasons in Green Bay. Pettine’s 2019 and ’20 Green Bay defenses ranked ninth and 13th, respectively, in scoring, but NFC title game letdowns ensued. Raheem Mostert ran wild on the Packers in the 2019 conference championship round, producing the second-most playoff rushing yards in NFL history, and the Packers gave up 31 points to the Tom Brady-piloted Buccaneers a year later in a home loss.
Although the Pack intercepted three Brady passes in the second half of that game, the team did not renew his contract in 2021. He worked as a Bears assistant under Matt Nagy before trekking to Minnesota. Pettine served as outside linebackers coach with the Vikings, who had two Pro Bowl OLBs (Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel) in 2024, over the past two seasons.
Bears Activate Braxton Jones From IR
The Bears lost left tackle starter Ozzy Trapilo for the season. They have placed both he and linebacker T.J. Edwards on IR; the veteran linebacker also suffered a season-ending injury against the Packers.
One tackle reinforcement will be in place for Chicago’s divisional-round game, however. The team activated Braxton Jones from IR. The former fifth-rounder has been on IR since October. This could set up as Jones’ final act(s) with the Bears, as he is on track for free agency in March.
Jones’ placement on injured reserve (with a knee injury) came not long after being benched for the first time in his career. Jones operated as a full-time starter during his first three seasons with Chicago, a team which has looked into numerous options on the blindside in 2025. Chicago has used Trapilo and Theo Benedet as starters since demoting Jones. Benedet took Trapilo’s place against Green Bay.
With right tackle Darnell Wright earning All-Pro acclaim in a breakthrough season, Trapilo’s future will be at left tackle. The Bears will at least have an option against the Rams in Jones, who came up in trade rumors before his IR placement.
Prior to Jones’ IR trip, he had started 44 games since his 2022 rookie season. Winning Chicago’s LT job that year, Jones kept it through the end of the 2024 campaign before needing to fend off Trapilo and Benedet for the job in training camp. Jones still prevailed in that competition but had emerged as the weak link on Chicago’s revamped O-line — one that also placed left guard Joe Thuney on the All-Pro team.
It will be interesting to see how the Bears replace Trapilo. Benedet, a 2024 UDFA, started eight games this season. Pro Football Focus, however, graded the Canadian blocker poorly, placing him 74th among qualified tackles this season. PFF slotted Trapilo 34th in his rookie year, making this a situation to monitor ahead of the Bears’ 2-5 matchup with the Rams. This also drops Chicago’s injury activation count to one, even with the NFL granting playoff teams two additional activations. As PFR’s IR return tracker shows, the Bears have used nine total activations this season.
The Bears also signed linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin from the practice squad. The NFLPA president has played in four games with the team this season, including the wild-card matchup.
Bears LB T.J. Edwards, LT Ozzy Trapilo To Miss Remainder Of Postseason
The Bears won a thriller over the Packers on Saturday, mounting an impressive second-half comeback to stun their rivals and advance to the divisional round of the playoffs. Unfortunately, Chicago lost several starters for the remainder of its playoff run.
Linebacker T.J. Edwards suffered a fractured fibula, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. Left tackle Ozzy Trapilo, meanwhile, sustained a patellar injury (via Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, who confirmed both players would miss the rest of the postseason). Albert Breer of SI.com said Trapilo’s injury is a ruptured patellar tendon and will require surgery and a six-month recovery.
Edwards, an Illinois native who grew up a Bears fan, originally joined the team as a free agent in March 2023. His three-year contract paid him less than $7MM per year, but he signed an extension in April that features a $10MM AAV and keeps him under club control through 2027.
The 29-year-old had not missed any time over the last three seasons, but he was limited to just 10 games in 2025 due to hamstring and hand injuries. When healthy, however, he remained a full-time starter, recording 67 tackles and a pick-six. Pro Football Focus assigned him a 72.0 overall grade for his work this season, which placed him 25th among 87 qualified players.
D’Marco Jackson relieved Edwards on Saturday and is in line to see a heavier workload going forward. The Bears are already thin at the LB position, as they placed Noah Sewell on injured reserve near the end of the regular season. Amen Ogbongbemiga missed the wildcard round due to a concussion.
Trapilo, a second-round rookie, earned his first start in Week 11, taking over for the demoted Theo Benedet (who had previously replaced Braxton Jones in the starting lineup). Trapilo played fairly well down the stretch, and his absence will be felt. Benedet took over for Trapilo in the Packers contest, and Jones – who was placed on IR shortly after his benching – could find himself back in the LT mix.
Prior to his demotion, Jones had started all 40 games in which he had appeared. The contract-year blocker was designated for return last week.
Bears Activate CB Kyler Gordon From IR
The Bears activated cornerback Kyler Gordon from injured reserve, per a team announcement, setting him up to play in Saturday night’s wild card matchup with the Packers.
Gordon, 26, only appeared in three games in the regular season due to a variety of injuries. He did not play until Week 6 due to a hamstring injury suffered in training camp. Calf and groin issues quickly forced him back on the sidelines, this time accompanied by a move to injured reserve. He returned to the field in late November and landed right back on IR after his first game back, again due to a groin injury. After missing the last four games of the regular season, Gordon was able to recover in time for the Bears’ first playoff game since 2020.
The injury-riddled season has been a disappointment for both player and club, especially considering the three-year, $40MM extension Gordon signed in April. The 2022 second-round pick emerged as a reliable, if not elite, nickel in his first three years in the NFL, earning him a deal at the top of that specific market. But injuries were an issue; Gordon missed nine games across those three seasons and has more than doubled his total this year.
Chicago has primarily relied on C.J. Gardner-Johnson in the slot with Nick McCloud also getting some snaps. Neither has performed particularly well – their Pro Football Focus grades (subscription required) both hover around 50.0 – so it will be interesting to see how the Bears handle Gordon’s return. Given his health struggles – especially two groin issues – they may want to ease him back into full-speed and -contact action to avoid another re-injury.
The Bears also announced a few other moves for Saturday’s game. Tight end Nikola Kalinic and linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin were both elevated from the practice squad to face the Packers, while offensive tackle Braxton Jones was downgraded to out and will not be activated from IR.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/8/26
A handful of playoff teams shuffled their practice squads today. We’ve listed all of the moves below:
Carolina Panthers
- CB Michael Reid
Chicago Bears
- Signed: LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin
- Placed on IR: LB Ty Summers
Houston Texans
- Placed on IR: S Kaevon Merriweather
New England Patriots
- Signed: OT Sebastian Gutierrez
- Released: CB Miles Battle
Bears Designate CB Kyler Gordon, LT Braxton Jones For Return
The Bears could have a pair of reinforcements in time for their playoff opener. Cornerback Kyler Gordon and left tackle Braxton Jones have been designated for return from injured reserve, per a team announcement.
The move opens both players’ practice windows. Gordon and Jones can now be activated at any time within the next 21 days. Managing to do so in either case prior to Saturday’s matchup against the Packers in the wild-card round would of course be welcomed by Chicago.
Gordon has managed to play just three games so far this season. A groin injury led to his second IR stint of the year in December. No return in time for the end of the regular season was possible in his case, but the Bears have remained optimistic Gordon would be able to see time in the playoffs. Depending on how the next few days go, that could come to fruition.
Chicago has dealt with a number of injuries this season, and the defense in particular has been hit hard. Getting Gordon back in the fold against Green Bay’s passing attack and a healthy Jordan Love could prove to be critical if he is activated in time. The 26-year-old inked a $40MM extension this past offseason, and he is slated to operate as a key figure in the secondary for the foreseeable future.
Jones, by contrast, is a pending free agent. The former fifth-rounder has been on IR since October. His placement on injured reserve came not long after being benched for the first time in his career. Jones operated as a full-time starter during his first three seasons with Chicago, a team which has looked into numerous options on the blindside in 2025. Second-round rookie Ozzy Trapilo has handled left tackle duties for several weeks, and that should continue into the playoffs.
If he is activated, Jones will at least offer the Bears with depth on the blindside. His status, along with Gordon’s, will be worth monitoring over the next few days.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
With the AFC North now settled (in rather dramatic fashion), the 2025 regular season is in the books. Following their decisions to shelve Brock Bowers and Maxx Crosby, the Raiders secured the No. 1 overall pick. After entering Week 17 in that slot, the Giants — as they did in 2024 — slipped out of the top two thanks to a late-season win.
Big Blue’s victories over the Raiders and Cowboys dropped them to No. 5, with today’s win allowing the Jets, Cardinals and Titans to leapfrog them. The Giants, who fell out of the No. 1 spot last year thanks to a Drew Lock-led win over the Colts in Week 17, will still hold a top-five pick — just not the one most expected two weeks ago. The Jets saw the Colts’ collapse, which dropped them from 8-2 to 8-9, give them two picks in the top 16.
The Cardinals started 2-0 but managed to close the season with 14 losses over their final 15 games. This will give Arizona a top-four pick for the third time in the Monti Ossenfort era. The GM traded out of that slot in 2023 before drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. in 2024; Ossenfort is expected to be retained for a fourth season, providing another opportunity. This will be the third straight year the Titans will hold a top-seven pick.
The Buccaneers beat the Panthers on Saturday, but thanks to a three-way NFC South tie, Tampa Bay’s draft slot will land out of the playoff positions for the first time since 2020. Because Atlanta defeated New Orleans today, Carolina’s first-round pick will slide into the bottom 14 despite its 8-9 finish — one that secured playoff entry for the first time since 2017.
Although the draft order is not fully set due to the upcoming playoffs, the first 18 picks are. Here is how the order looks after Week 18:
- Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)
- New York Jets (3-14)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-14)
- Tennessee Titans (3-14)
- New York Giants (4-13)
- Cleveland Browns (5-12)
- Washington Commanders (5-12)
- New Orleans Saints (6-11)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)
- Miami Dolphins (7-10)
- Dallas Cowboys (7-9-1)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-9)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Detroit Lions (9-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (9-8)
- Carolina Panthers (8-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (from Packers)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-6)
- Buffalo Bills (12-5)
- Chicago Bears (11-6)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-5)
- Houston Texans (12-5)
- Cleveland Browns (from Jaguars)
- Los Angeles Rams (12-5)
- New England Patriots (14-3)
- Denver Broncos (14-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (14-3)
Coaching Notes: Chiefs, Lions, Udinski, Leonhard, Idzik, Brown, Bears, Pitcher, Scheelhaase, Godsey
Matt Nagy looms as one of the top head coaching candidates with an offensive background in this year’s hiring cycle. A departure for a second HC opportunity (or at least a play-calling offensive coordinator role) is something to watch for over the coming days.
In the event Nagy were to head elsewhere, the Chiefs would find themselves in need of an OC replacement. The team could look to familiar options in such a scenario. Kansas City would “welcome back” Mike Kafka or Eric Bieniemy, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report.
Bieniemy, 56, worked under Andy Reid from 2013-22. That span included five years in the offensive coordinator role. Bieniemy led Washington’s offense for one season before doing the same at UCLA. He is currently serving as the Bears‘ running backs coach. Kafka, meanwhile, was with the Chiefs for five years, operating as quarterbacks coach and pass-game coordinator along the way. As the interim head coach of the Giants, the 38-year-old’s future is currently unclear.
With Black Monday approaching, here are some other coaching notes from around the NFL:
- Lions head coach Dan Campbell recently hinted at staffing changes. It would comes as little surprise if OC John Morton were to be among those let go, seeing as he was stripped of play-calling duties midway through the campaign. Morton said (via Rapoport and Pelissero) “I’d like to be here” when asked about the possibility of remaining in Detroit. Taking on a lesser role for next season could thus be something to watch for as Campbell looks into his coordinator options.
- Overall, the pool of head coaching candidates for 2026 is not seen as being as strong as last year. A large number of firings over the next few days may not be forthcoming as a result. On the other hand, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes (subscription required) this winter could be busier than usual in terms of coordinator changes. Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, Broncos secondary coach Jim Leonhard, Panthers offensive coordinator Brad Idzik and Patriots pass-game coordinator Thomas Brown are among the staffers she identifies among those who have drawn strong reviews for their work this season.
- Ben Johnson has impressed during his debut season in Chicago. He could be in line to lose a number of key assistants soon, however. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports names Bieniemy as a candidate to depart this winter with his stock having received a boost. In addition, offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, pass-game coordinator Press Taylor and quarterbacks coach J.T. Barrett have each generated buzz regarding interest around the league. Johnson may have multiple vacancies to fill in the near future in the wake of Chicago’s successful campaign.
- Dan Pitcher has been with the Bengals since 2016. Over that time, he has worked his way up to quarterbacks coach, a role he has had for six seasons and counting. The 38-year-old finds himself as an interview candidate for OC positions, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. Losing Pitcher would deal another blow to the stability Zac Taylor enjoyed on his offensive staff until Brian Callahan‘s departure in 2025.
- Fowler also points to Nate Scheelhaase as a “sleeper” with respect to offensive coordinator interviews. Scheelhaase, 35, served in many positions at the college level before joining the Rams in 2024; he currently serves as the team’s pass-game coordinator. Many Sean McVay assistants have gone on to land notable gigs elsewhere in the NFL, and along with D-coordinator Chris Shula Scheelhaase could soon become the latest to do so.
- Since 2022, George Godsey has served as the Ravens’ tight ends coach. That tenure is nearing an end, however, Godsey is finalizing a deal to become the next offensive coordinator at Georgia Tech, ESPN’s Pete Thamel reports. By returning to his alma mater, Godsey will end a run of NFL coaching positions which dates back to 2011.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/3/26
After the final standard gameday practice squad elevations of the 2025 regular season, the three-game elevation limit resets for the postseason, so only players getting signed to the 53-man roster because of the limit will be noted today. Saturday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed from practice squad: WR Tejhaun Palmer
- Elevated: CB Jaden Davis, WR Steven Sims
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: P Trenton Gill
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: WR Keith Kirkwood, CB Amani Oruwariye
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: LB Keonta Jenkins, DE Matt Judon
Chicago Bears
- Elevated: TE Nikola Kalinic, LB Ty Summers
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: DT Howard Cross III, CB Bralyn Lux
Cleveland Browns
- Signed from practice squad: LB Edefuan Ulofoshio
- Elevated: TE Sal Cannella
- Placed on IR: LB Carson Schwesinger
Dallas Cowboys
- Activated from IR: RB Phil Mafah
- Activated from reserve/PUP: CB Josh Butler
- Signed from practice squad: LB Justin Barron
- Elevated: G Nick Leverett
- Placed on IR: G T.J. Bass, RB Malik Davis, RB Javonte Williams
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Levelle Bailey
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: TE Zach Horton, OL Chris Hubbard
- Placed on IR: OL Trystan Colon
Green Bay Packers
- Signed from practice squad: WR Jakobie Keeney-James, G Lecitus Smith
- Elevated: TE Drake Dabney, LB Jamon Johnson
- Placed on IR: OL Donovan Jennings, WR Savion Williams
Houston Texans
- Elevated: DT Leki Fotu, S Kaevon Merriweather
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: QB Seth Henigan, TE Sean McKeon
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: TE Patrick Herbert
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Jason Brownlee, WR Jimmy Holiday
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: LB Jamin Davis, T Dalton Wagner
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed from practice squad: S Marcus Maye
- Elevated: G Branson Taylor, QB DJ Uiagalelei
- Placed on IR: CB Nikko Reed
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: LB Derrick McLendon, RB Jeff Wilson
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: WR Jeshaun Jones, LB Sione Takitaki
New Orleans Saints
- Signed from practice squad: TE Treyton Welch
- Elevated: QB Jake Haener, RB Nyheim Miller-Hines
New York Giants
- Signed from practice squad: CB Jarrick Bernard-Converse, WR Xavier Gipson, RB Dante Miller
- Elevated: TE Tanner Conner, DT Casey Rogers
- Placed on IR: CB Cor’Dale Flott, DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches Sr., WR Wan’Dale Robinson
New York Jets
- Signed from practice squad: QB Hendon Hooker, DE Kingsley Jonathan, G Kohl Levao
- Elevated: RB Raheem Blackshear, CB Samuel Womack III
- Placed on IR: RB Isaiah Davis, OL Xavier Newman-Johnson, TE Mason Taylor
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: LS Charley Hughlett, S Brandon Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB D’Shawn Jamison
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: LB Eric Kendricks, T Brandon Parker
Seattle Seahawks
- Elevated: RB Cam Akers, CB Tyler Hall
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: OLB Ali Gaye, WR Bryce Oliver
- Signed from practice squad: CB Kemon Hall
- Elevated: TE Cole Turner
- Placed on IR: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis (story), WR Van Jefferson
Washington Commanders
- Elevated: DT Ricky Barber, WR River Cracraft
The Browns made it known yesterday that they were shutting down Schwesinger and tight ends David Njoku and Harold Fannin Jr. for the final week of the season, but the Defensive Rookie of the Year-favorite is the only one to land on IR.
In Dallas, Williams failed to practice this week as he dealt with shoulder and neck issues. With Davis also being placed on IR, the Cowboys will rely on rookie fifth-rounder Jaydon Blue and the recently activated Mafah, a seventh-round rookie, in Week 18. The team used their eighth and final IR activation to bring Mafah back for a potential NFL debut.
Because Green Bay didn’t elevate recently signed practice squad quarterback Desmond Ridder, it appears either Malik Willis will be healthy enough to back up Clayton Tune or Jordan Love will serve as the potential QB2 for the Packers in Week 18.
Judon is set to make his Bills debut in the team’s regular season finale after signing to their practice squad two weeks ago.
With Saints backup quarterback Spencer Rattler not practicing this week with a finger injury, Haener gets the call to back up rookie Tyler Shough.
Hall in Tennessee had already been called up as a standard gameday practice squad elevation three times this season. In order for him to appear in the Titans’ regular season finale, the move to the 53-man roster was necessary.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/31/25
Several teams made practice squad moves on the final day of the 2025 calendar year. Here are the latest updates:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Patrick Jenkins
Chicago Bears
- Activated from practice squad/injured list: TE Nikola Kalinic
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: G Karsen Barnhart, CB Tyron Herring, QB Desmond Ridder
Houston Texans
- Signed: DE Solomon Byrd
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: RB Sincere McCormick
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from practice squad/injured list: QB Hunter Dekkers
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: LS Charley Hughlett
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: TE Jaheim Bell
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: RB Josh Williams
Washington Commanders
- Signed: G Malaesala Aumavae-Laulu, DE D.J. Johnson