Cardinals Scheduled In-Person Interview With Robert Saleh
The Titans have identified Robert Saleh as a finalist for their head coaching vacancy, and they’re apparently not the only organization to move the 49ers DC to the second-round of their interview process. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Saleh is scheduled for an in-person interview with the Cardinals on Tuesday.
[RELATED: Titans To Conduct In-Person Robert Saleh HC Interview]
Saleh emerged as a target for Arizona’s head coaching gig earlier this month. He had his first interview with the Cardinals last Thursday. Since then, the 49ers have been eliminated from the postseason, including an ugly performance this past weekend when the Seahawks offense found the end zone on four occasions. Of course, that singular performance wouldn’t be enough to dissuade teams from considering the former Jets head coach.
While his New York stint didn’t go as planned, Saleh has rehabilitated his image during his first season back in San Francisco. Despite the 49ers missing top defenders like Fred Warner and Nick Bosa for much of the campaign, San Francisco still finished the regular season with a 12-5 record. The defense wasn’t unbeatable; they ranked just 20th in total defense and 13th in points allowed. However, Saleh reinforced his reputation of getting the most out of his defensive personnel.
Saleh’s candidacy in Arizona would likely be dependent on the status of his active interview in Tennessee. The coach is currently interviewing for the Titans job, and there’s a chance the organization doesn’t let him out of the building without a deal. In that scenario, the Cardinals would be forced to pivot to another candidate.
Among those names is Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, who is considered a “strong candidate” for the job. The other definitive and rumored candidates include:
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Patriots): Interview requested
- Matt Burke, defensive coordinator (Texans): Interview requested
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/14
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Contacted
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/13
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): To interview
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/9
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/9
Ravens Expected To Conduct HC Interview With Darren Rizzi
The Ravens have conducted a wide-ranging first round of interviews in their search for a head coach. The list of candidates in their case is set to grow even further, however. 
Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi is expected to interview with Baltimore, 9News’ Mike Klis reports. Rizzi spoke with the Giants earlier this month before New York ultimately hired John Harbaugh. Now, he is set to be among the options to replace Harbaugh as the Ravens’ head coach.
Rizzi has a lengthy track record as a special teams coach, something which is particularly notable since that was also the case for Harbaugh when he arrived in Baltimore in 2008. Rizzi has been a ST coordinator with the Dolphins (2011-18), Saints (2019-24) and Broncos (2025). The 55-year-old was New Orleans’ interim head coach to close out last season after Dennis Allen was fired. He reunited with longtime colleague Sean Payton last winter by joining Denver.
In addition to his brief run leading a staff with the Saints, Rizzi held the title of assistant head coach in New Orleans. He also worked as an associate head coach during his final two years in Miami. At the college level, Rizzi’s Rutgers tenure included four years as an assistant head coach. On two occasions – with Division-II New Haven from 1999-2001 and with Rhode Island in 2008 – Rizzi has worked as a standalone head coach.
That gives him more experience than some of the other candidates connected to Baltimore’s HC opening to date. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti has left the door open to a first-time coaching hire or a second opportunity for one of the veterans on the market. Balance between staffers with a background on offense and defense has been struck so far in Baltimore’s search, but Rizzi is the only candidate to date with one on special teams.
Since the Broncos advanced to the AFC title game, Rizzi (and colleagues like Vance Joseph and Davis Webb) cannot conduct an interview this week. Over the coming days, the Ravens may wind up making a hire depending on how many more dominoes fall around the NFL. In any case, a Rizzi interview will be something to watch for once it becomes possible.
Via PFR’s HC Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand for Baltimore:
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/18
- Anthony Campanile, defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed 1/19
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/13
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/12
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/15
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/14
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/11
- Darren Rizzi, special teams coordinator (Broncos): Interview expected
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/18
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/14
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Second interview requested for 1/21
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Second interview scheduled for 1/20
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
Bills Promote Brandon Beane To President Of Football Operations/GM
After their latest gut-wrenching postseason loss, the Bills made the eye-opening decision to fire longtime head coach Sean McDermott on Monday. McDermott spent his entire nine-year tenure in Buffalo alongside general manager Brandon Beane, but they’re not walking out the door together. Rather, the Bills promoted Beane to president of football operations/GM on Monday.
As part of a lengthy statement, owner Terry Pegula announced: “Brandon will oversee all facets of our football operation, including the oversight of our coaching staff. I have full faith in and have witnessed Brandon’s outstanding leadership style and have confidence in his abilities to lead our organization.”
Beane will lead the search for McDermott’s successor, though Pegula and president of business operations Pete Guelli will also have input. The Bills’ next head coach will report to Beane. McDermott, on the other hand, reported to Pegula.
This will be the first head coaching hire of Beane’s career. The former Panthers executive took over as the Bills’ GM in May 2017, four months after McDermott joined the organization. The two were familiar with one another after teaming up in Carolina, where McDermott was the defensive coordinator for six years before Buffalo picked him as its sideline leader.
In the first season of the McDermott-Beane era, the Bills unexpectedly finished 9-7 with Tyrod Taylor under center and snapped a 17-year playoff drought. That was the first in a long line of successful seasons for the two.
Before McDermott’s firing, he was at the helm for seven straight seasons of 10-plus wins. The Bills have posted a 98-50 regular-season record with eight playoff berths and five AFC East titles since 2017. However, an inability to get over the hump in the playoffs and capitalize on the presence of superstar quarterback Josh Allen, whom Beane traded up for and drafted seventh overall in 2018, led to McDermott’s ouster.
Allen has generally thrived in the playoffs, but he and the Bills didn’t get past the AFC Championship Game under McDermott. They lost each of their AFC title game appearances to the Chiefs (2020 and ’24). While the Bills won 12 regular-season games in 2025 and beat the Jaguars in the wild-card round to secure McDermott’s eighth playoff victory, their season concluded with a 33-30 overtime loss to the Broncos in the divisional round.
Although McDermott never guided the Bills to the Super Bowl, there’s a strong argument Beane didn’t provide the coach enough talent. An inability to land difference-makers in the draft has been an issue. As Benjamin Solak of ESPN notes, in 56 picks since cashing in big with the Allen choice, Beane has drafted just two players who have gone to the Pro Bowl (running back James Cook and tight end Dawson Knox).
Cook and Knox were important parts of another productive Bills offense in 2025, but Beane’s failure to find a high-end receiver since cutting ties with Stefon Diggs in 2024 continued weighing the team down this season. While the Bills were connected to names such as Jaylen Waddle, Jakobi Meyers and Rashid Shaheed before the Nov. 4 trade deadline, Beane didn’t pull off any deals.
After striking out at the deadline, Beane wound up signing well-traveled wideout Brandin Cooks, whom the Saints released, three weeks later. Cooks made a clutch 36-yard grab on a game-winning drive in Jacksonville, but an inability to secure a deep pass against the Broncos in overtime played a major role in the Bills’ loss. A bang-bang play was ruled an interception for Broncos cornerback Ja’Quan McMillian, who wrestled the ball from Cooks and prevented the Bills from potentially setting up for the game-winning field goal.
Had the controversial Cooks play been ruled a catch, there’s a good chance McDermott would be preparing for the third AFC title game of his coaching career. He’s out of a job just two days later, though, leaving Beane to search for a worthy successor.
Dolphins Close To Hiring Jeff Hafley As Head Coach
The Dolphins are close to naming a new head coach. They’re nearing an agreement with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Since their search for Mike McDaniel‘s replacement began over a week ago, the Dolphins interviewed 10 head coaching candidates. Hafley became the first member of the group to set up a second interview, and he emerged as a frontrunner for the job on Saturday. Two days later, Hafley is in position to secure his first NFL head coaching gig.
Hafley, who drew widespread interest across the league during this hiring cycle, had scheduled second meetings with the Raiders and Titans. The Cardinals also wanted to interview him again, per Albert Breer of SI.com.
The 46-year-old Hafley will instead head to Miami, where he has a key connection in rookie general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan. Hafley spent the past two seasons in Green Bay, where he worked with Sullivan. The Dolphins are the second NFL organization for Sullivan, who was a Packers employee from 2004-25.
Sullivan was a firsthand witness to Hafley’s impressive work with the Packers, who boasted quality defenses in both seasons under his leadership. The Packers ranked top 10 in points (sixth) and yards (fifth) in 2024. The unit was less successful this season (11th scoring and 12th in total defense), but losing Micah Parsons to a season-ending ACL tear in mid-December proved too much to overcome.
The Packers fizzled out after a 9-3-1 start in losing four straight games to end the regular season. The club then blew a 21-3 halftime lead to the Bears during a 31-27 loss in the wild-card round. Head coach Matt LaFleur will now work to find a replacement for Hafley.
A former Siena wide receiver, Hafley began his coaching career with Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 2001. He served as a running backs coach that year, his lone season on the offensive side. Hafley was a college assistant on defensive staffs at Albany, Pittsburgh and Rutgers before jumping to the pros in 2012. He worked with defensive backs for the Buccaneers, Browns and 49ers through 2018, though Hafley went back to college as Ohio State’s co-defensive coordinator and DBs coach the next season.
After a one-year with the Buckeyes, Hafley became a head coach for the first time at Boston College. The Eagles went 22-26 and played in two bowl games under Hafley from 2020-23. He then left for the Packers.
In exiting Green Bay for Miami, Hafley will become the Dolphins’ eighth straight first-time NFL head coach. They haven’t selected an experienced HC since Dave Wannstedt landed the role in 2000. The Dolphins’ most recent playoff win came during Wannstedt’s first season at the helm. They’ve gone to the postseason just five times since then, including twice during the McDaniel era.
Although McDaniel guided the Dolphins to playoff berths in each of his first two seasons at the controls, the team sputtered to a 15-19 mark from 2024-25. Owner Stephen Ross made a change after a 7-10 campaign in which McDaniel benched high-priced quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with three weeks left in the season. Seventh-round rookie Quinn Ewers finished the year as Miami’s starting QB.
Picking Miami’s next head coach was the first major responsibility for Sullivan, who will cross off that task when Hafley’s agreement becomes official. Once Hafley assembles a staff, the Dolphins’ full attention will turn to their roster.
Whether to go forward with Tagovailoa will rank among the most important offseason decisions for the Dolphins’ new regime. Tagovailoa is open to a fresh start, which he could get under Hafley. Otherwise, cutting Tagovailoa would leave the Dolphins with a $99.2MM dead cap charge. That would likely make it more difficult for Hafley to lead a quick turnaround, but the Dolphins are confident they’ll right the ship under him.
Chiefs To Bring Back Eric Bieniemy As OC
Earlier today, Eric Bieniemy received an interview request from the Chiefs for their offensive coordinator position. A reunion is indeed set to take place. 
Bienemy is expected to return to his previous role with Kansas City, as first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Once a hire takes place, the Chiefs will have their Matt Nagy replacement in the building. Nagy has not yet taken a head coaching position, but the team has been preparing for a departure in his case.
According to Scoop City‘s James Palmer, this reunion has been in the works for a notable stretch. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid spoke with Bieniemy last night after the Bears’ divisional round loss, Palmer adds. A plan to have Bieniemy depart Chicago – where he served as the team’s running backs coach in 2025 – is now in motion.
From 2013-22, Bieniemy worked on Reid’s staff in Kansas City. The final five years of that span included Bieniemy operating as the team’s offensive coordinator. Reid routinely campaigned for the 56-year-old to receive a head coaching opportunity, but numerous interviews across various hiring cycles did not result in a hire. In the end, Bieniemy took on a play-calling OC gig with the Commanders for 2023. One season in that role was followed by another one-and-done campaign at UCLA.
During last year’s hiring cycle, Bieniemy returned to the NFL ranks by joining Ben Johnson‘s staff. The Bears produced a record of 11-6 and advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs during Johnson’s first year as a head coach. The ground game played a key role in that success, and both D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai enjoyed strong seasons down the stretch in particular. Their performances have helped Bieniemy’s stock as a coordinator, although this KC reunion will no doubt see Reid continue to handle play-calling duties.
Nagy was a top Reid assistant during his first Chiefs stint, and he was the team’s OC for one season before becoming the Bears’ head coach. After that Chicago run ended, Nagy returned to Kansas City at first as a quarterbacks coach. Nagy has again held the title of offensive coordinator for the past three years, but this Bieniemy return signals he will be coaching elsewhere in 2026. Nagy has been connected to a number of HC openings in recent days, and a Titans hire in particular would come as little surprise given his Chiefs connections with general manager Mike Borgonzi.
Broncos Designate RB J.K. Dobbins For Return From IR
The Broncos will be without their starting quarterback for Sunday’s AFC championship game. There is at least a slight chance their backfield will be at full strength for the contest, however. 
Running back J.K. Dobbins is having his practice window opened, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He adds there is a possibility at this point Dobbins could suit up against the Patriots this week. The likelihood of that taking place will be worth monitoring over the coming days.
A Lisfranc injury suffered in Week 10 threatened to end Dobbins’ 2025 season, his first in Denver. The six-year veteran had enjoyed a productive year up to that point, posting 772 rushing yards in 10 games. The chance of a return in time for the Super Bowl emerged following surgery, however, and that is certainly a possibility with the Broncos one win away from getting there.
Denver’s offense will be a question mark given the fact Bo Nix broke a bone in his right ankle during overtime of the team’s divisional round win. As a result, Jarrett Stidham will handle starting duties after spending each of the past three seasons as the Broncos’ backup (logging only a pair of starts over that span). Needless to say, a strong running game would be welcomed by Denver. A healthy Dobbins would go a long way in ensuring that were possible.
Since Dobbins went down, second-round rookie RJ Harvey has become a key figure on offense. Harvey has posted between 11 and 23 offensive touches each game without Dobbins available. A heavy workload can once again be expected against New England, particularly if Dobbins is not activated from injured reserve in time for the game.
Dobbins, 27, spent the 2024 season with the Chargers after his Ravens tenure came to an end. The Ohio State product is attached to a second straight one-year contract, an illustration of his struggles to stay healthy over the course of his career. A return to the lineup this week or (potentially) in time for the Super Bowl would see Dobbins add to his Broncos production, though, something which could help him boost his market value.
Texans Will Pick Up QB C.J. Stroud’s Fifth-Year Option; Team To Discuss Offseason Extension
JANUARY 19: When speaking to the media on Monday, Anderson stated he hopes to spend his entire career in Houston. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 confirms talks on a mega-extension are expected, and it would come as no surprise if one were to be finalized during the spring.
JANUARY 12: For now, the Texans’ attention is focused on their upcoming wild-card game and any further playoff contests which follow. Once the season is over, a number of notable contract decisions will need to be made. 
This offseason will mark the first point at which 2023 draftees can sign extensions. That means quarterback C.J. Stroud and defensive end Will Anderson could land new contracts relatively soon. At a minimum, a choice on the fifth-year option for both players will need to be made by the spring. Neither case should prove to be particularly difficult on that front.
To no surprise, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms the Texans will exercise Stroud’s option (video link). That comes as no surprise given the 24-year-old’s success early in his career. Houston advanced to the divisional round of the playoffs in each of Stroud’s first two seasons, and a win tonight will extend that streak to three years. Exercising the option will set Stroud up for $26.53MM in 2027.
A long-term pact will of course cost much more than that. Per Rapoport, the Texans will weigh the possibility of working out a second contract this offseason against waiting until after the 2026 campaign is over. The market currently contains 11 passers attached to an average annual value of $51MM or more. Stroud can be expected to join that group whenever his next Texans contract is in place. The status of negotiations will make for a central Texans offseason storyline.
Stroud was selected second overall in the 2023 draft. Houston traded up to the No. 3 spot to add Anderson. Expectations were high in his case as a result, but the former Defensive Rookie of the Year has developed into a major factor in his team’s success. Anderson reached double-digit sacks for the first time in 2024, and he set a new career high in that department this season with 12. That production helped land him a first-team All-Pro nod along with the second Pro Bowl invitation of his career.
Houston will also look into an Anderson extension this offseason, Rapoport adds. In November, it was reported the Texans were expected to explore an early agreement on this front. Picking up Anderson’s fifth-year option will tie him to a 2027 salary of $15.28MM. An extension could move the Alabama product near the top of the pass rush market, one which is currently paced by Micah Parsons at $46.5MM per year.
Working out an agreement with either Stroud or Anderson will of course significantly alter the Texans’ cap outlook for years to come. A strong core is in place, but maintaining it will become more challenging as their respective costs increase. Massive new deals being finalized in either case will come as no surprise, but the timing on both fronts will be interesting to monitor.
Lions To Hire Drew Petzing As OC
The Lions have landed on their preferred candidate for the offensive coordinator position. Drew Petzing is heading to Detroit, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. 
The sides are working to finalize an agreement in this case, per Schefter. Once that takes place, the Lions will have their John Morton replacement set for 2026. Morton was dismissed after one season in the OC role.
This hire is likely to see Petzing handle play-calling duties, Schefter’s colleague Jeremy Fowler confirms. Head coach Dan Campbell took over in that capacity midway through the 2025 campaign. As Fowler notes, though, it was expected throughout Detroit’s search process that Campbell would hand those responsibilities to the new offensive coordinator. Petzing called plays during his three years with the Cardinals.
When Arizona hired Jonathan Gannon as head coach, Petzing was among the members of his initial staff. Both remained in place with the Cardinals through the end of the 2025 campaign. Gannon was fired shortly after the end of the regular season, however. Petzing and other staffers have since been expected to depart during the hiring cycle. He and Campbell have never worked together, but as ESPN’s Field Yates notes, Petzing is very close with Bears head coach (and former Lions OC) Ben Johnson.
Campbell will hope that level of familiarity – in a sense – will help bring about a return to Johnson-era production on offense. Detroit did not fall particularly short in that respect in 2025, ranking fifth in points and yards per game. Still, struggles in the run game in particular were an issue this past season. Improving on that front will be a key priority for Petzing’s unit.
The 38-year-old led Arizona to rankings of 19th and 24th in total and scoring offense, respectively, during his first season in place. Petzing’s best year came in 2024, when the Cardinals just missed out on a top-10 finish in each of those areas. Strong production on the ground was a key feature of Arizona’s offense during the first two season of Petzing’s tenure. That helped land him a head coaching interview during last year’s hiring cycle. Dealing with numerous injuries, the Cards regressed on offense in 2025.
Arizona’s HC position is still open at this time. The team’s offensive coordinator spot will now doubt remain vacant until Gannon’s replacement is in place. Petzing, meanwhile, will take charge of a Lions offense still featuring many of the elements it had during Johnson’s highly effective tenure. If things go according to plan in 2026, Petzing could once again find himself on the head coaching radar during next year’s cycle.
Buccaneers To Conduct OC Interview With Dan Pitcher
The list of Buccaneers candidates to replace Josh Grizzard continues to grow. Dan Pitcher will be the latest staffer to speak with the team about its offensive coordinator opening. 
An interview between the parties will take place this week, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Pitcher has previously spoken with Tampa Bay for the OC spot. He remained in place with the Bengals during the 2024 offseason, however, with Brian Callahan taking the Titans’ head coaching position that year. That departure resulted in Pitcher being promoted from QBs coach to offensive coordinator.
Cincinnati head coach Zac Taylor has handled play-calling duties since his arrival. That will continue moving forward. As Rapoport notes, Taylor granted Pitcher permission to seek out a lateral move to another OC gig if it were to allow him the opportunity to call plays. That would be the case in Tampa Bay. The Bucs were impressed with Pitcher the first time he interviewed with them, per Fox Sports’ Greg Auman.
Pitcher, 39, first entered the NFL in 2013 with the Colts as part of their scouting department. His entire tenure on the sidelines has come as a member of the Bengals’ staff, though. Pitcher conducted an interview with the Browns for their head coaching position, but an OC gig would be more realistic in his case. It will be interesting to see if further coordinator interviews are lined over the coming days.
A long list of candidates has emerged for the Bucs as their search for a Josh Grizzard replacement continues. Callahan himself, along with Falcons OC Zac Robinson, Cardinals QBs coach Israel Woolfork, Lions pass-game coordinator David Shaw, former Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka, Ravens offensive coordinator (and former Tampa OC) Todd Monken and recently-fired Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel have all been connected to the position.
Taylor has expressed an expectation the Bengals will not see much in the way of staff turnover this offseason. Losing Pitcher would obviously be notable, however, and with play-calling opportunities available elsewhere he could soon be on the move.
Ravens Interview Anthony Campanile For HC, Set 2nd Meeting With Anthony Weaver
The Ravens’ hiring process to replace head coach John Harbaugh continued apace on Monday.
The team is conducting a first-round interview with Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile on Monday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. They also scheduled a second, in-person meeting with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for Tuesday, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Campanile is the 16th candidate for the Ravens’ head coaching job. The team’s interest in the 43-year-old was not previously reported. He only has one year of coordinator experience at the NFL level and one year as co-DC at Boston College, so he is a relatively inexperienced candidate compared to the rest of Baltimore’s list.
The Jaguars did just post their best defensive season since 2018, significantly boosting Campanile’s resume. The unit was good all year, but they turned it on in the second half of the season. During Jacksonville’s eight-game win streak that vaulted them into the AFC South lead, their defense allowed just 18.5 points per game and forced 14 turnovers. The unit could not do enough to slow Josh Allen during the wild card round, but Campanile’s regular-season success has earned him consideration for the Ravens’ head coaching gig, as well as the Dolphins’.
Weaver, who was part of Harbaugh’s staff for three years, was one of the team’s first candidates for their head coaching vacancy. He interviewed with them a week ago and is now set to return to Baltimore to be interviewed by his former colleagues. He is viewed as a strong leader and put up some impressive results during his two years in Miami, especially considering the lack of defensive talent on the Dolphins’ roster. Weaver will fulfill one of the Ravens’ two in-person minority interviews as required by the Rooney Rule as Baltimore moves closer to hiring their next head coach.