Coaching Notes: Johnson, Bengals, Lions, Vikings, Bills, Buccaneers
Both Zac Taylor and Ben Johnson were on the Dolphins’ staff when Dan Campbell served as Miami’s interim HC in 2015. That unremarkable season launched two HC careers, with Taylor seeing his first OC work (as the Dolphins’ interim play-caller) and Johnson being retained by Adam Gase in 2016. After the Dolphins fired Gase two years later, Johnson was out of work. The Bengals had just hired Taylor, who said he made an effort to hire the young assistant. Taylor indicated multiple runs at Johnson, who was tied to Matt Patricia‘s Lions staff from 2019-20.
“He was out [of coaching] and we didn’t have any openings on offense,” Taylor said, via SI.com’s James Rapien. “After the ’20 season probably because I made a lot of changes after the ’20 season. So at the end of the ’20 season we didn’t have our QCs on defense. We did not have an offensive opening, so I just wanted to get him on the staff and Lou (Anarumo) knew him.”
Anarumo, the Bengals’ six-year DC, also coached with Johnson in Miami. It is certainly interesting the Bengals viewed Johnson highly enough they offered him a defensive position, but the rising staffer settled in fine post-Miami. The Lions used him as an offensive quality control assistant in 2019 and shifted him to tight ends coach before Patricia’s ouster. Campbell’s familiarity with Johnson began the assistant’s surge in earnest by 2021, even though Johnson did not take over as OC for another year.
Shifting to more current coaching news, here is the latest ahead of the 2026 carousel:
- Campbell’s staff is losing a position coach early. Tight ends coach Tyler Roehl is leaving Detroit for Ames, Iowa. Iowa State has hired Roehl as its new offensive coordinator, the Big 12 school announced. The Detroit News’ Rich Silva reported this was likely to happen, and the university has confirmed Roehl is returning to Iowa. The Lions hired Roehl earlier this year; he had previously served as an Iowa State staffer under Matt Campbell. Despite Penn State hiring Campbell, Roehl will hold a key position under his replacement (Jimmy Rogers). Roehl, a Cyclones staffer from 2022-24, will stay on to finish the Lions’ season before heading back to the college ranks.
- A Bills assistant will make a similar move. Wyoming is hiring Christian Taylor as its next OC, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. The Bills hired Taylor as a quality control staffer in 2024. Taylor came to Buffalo after four seasons as William & Mary’s OC; prior to that, he was in charge of the offense at the University of San Diego.
- The Vikings are losing a defensive assistant to the college ranks, seeing safeties coach Michael Hutchings set to become Cal’s next DC, veteran insider Jordan Schultz notes. Brian Flores hired Hutchings upon arriving in Minnesota in 2023. Hutchings, 30, had coached only at the college level before joining the Vikings’ staff. This created the interesting dynamic of Hutchings coaching Harrison Smith, who is six years his senior. He also oversaw the development of Camryn Bynum, who commanded a $15MM-per-year Colts contract in free agency this offseason.
- Cal is looking to the NFC for both its coordinator gigs, hiring Buccaneers assistant QBs coach Jordan Somerville as its OC, per CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Like Hutchings, Somerville had only coached at the college level before landing in the NFL in 2023. Somerville has brought some continuity to a Bucs staff that has lost its OC to HC jobs in back-to-back years, having been in the assistant QBs coach role throughout his Tampa stay. But the former Oregon assistant will head to Cal, where Ron Rivera remains as the program’s GM.
Patriots Extend OL Ben Brown
Ben Brown was on track for restricted free agency this offseason, but that will not be the case. He will instead remain in New England past the end of the 2025 campaign. 
Brown and the Patriots have agreed to an extension, per an announcement from his agency. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, this is a two-year deal. The pact has a base value of roughly $5MM. It can reach a maximum of $6.8MM.
As a former undrafted free agent, Brown has thus landed a notable raise compared to his previous NFL contracts. Retained by the Patriots via an ERFA tender this winter, the 27-year-old is currently attached to a $1.03MM pact. His short-term future is now secure, though, and Brown will continue to be a presence up front through 2027.
After making a single appearance with the Seahawks in 2023, Brown joined the Patriots and became a first-team contributor at center. The Ole Miss product started each of his 10 appearances, but he received a PFF grade of just 52.8. That ranked 39th out of 40 qualifying players at the position. The 2025 offseason saw a number of changes made up front for New England, and it has left Brown to largely handle a backup gig this season. He has played in all 15 games so far in 2025, but that span includes only a pair of starts and a 21% snap share.
Brown played exclusively at center last year, but in 2025 he has operated primarily at left guard. At times, he has also lined up as an extra O-lineman. Brown will look to remain a fill-in option along the interior of the offensive line moving forward, although the guarantee figure of his new deal certainly suggests a return to starting duties could be in store down the line.
Saints WR Chris Olave Contemplated Retirement During 2024 Offseason
The 2024 season saw Chris Olave suffer a pair of concussions. He has dealt with at least four over the course of his NFL career, one which began in 2022. 
Olave was sidelined for the Saints’ final eight games last season after suffering his latest concussion. Consultation with specialists took place and the former first-rounder managed to return to practice late in the campaign, but he did not see any game action. During the offseason, Olave thought about hanging up his cleats.
“It was a tough time last year,” the fourth-year wideout said (via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell). “I was only 24 years old, contemplating retirement, especially with the head injuries, but I prayed about it… I just gave it another try, another chance. And it’s been a great year.”
Indeed, Olave has managed to play in all 15 games for New Orleans in 2025. He has set new career highs in receptions (92) and touchdowns (eight). The Ohio State product could also record a new personal best in yardage, having topped 1,000 for the third time. A continued spell as the Saints’ focal point on offense could be in store if an extension is reached; talks on that front have taken place since at least the start of the campaign.
For now, Olave is on track to collect $15.49MM in 2026 on his fifth-year option. A trade to a contending team was a talking point leading up to the deadline, but like Alvin Kamara Olave expressed a desire to remain in New Orleans. The team wound up retaining both of them and dealing Rashid Shaheed to the Seahawks as a rental. Adding at the receiver spot could therefore be an offseason priority, but Olave’s healthy campaign should set him up for a new Saints pact.
New Orleans has won three straight games, and the combination of first-year head coach Kellen Moore and rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has shown encouraging signs in recent weeks. Olave figures to remain a key presence on offense for at least 2026, but his decision to continue playing has him positioned for a spell with the Saints spanning beyond that point.
Updated 2026 NFL Draft Order
Several dominoes have fallen so far in Week 16 with respect to the NFL’s playoff picture. The Cowboys have been eliminated while the Patriots, Seahawks, Bears, Eagles and 49ers have locked in a postseason berth.
The final two weeks of the campaign will determine the remaining playoff spots, but they will also sort out the top of the draft order. Six teams remain within striking distance of the No. 1 pick, although the Titans’ win on Sunday greatly weakened their chances of landing the top selection for the second year in a row. One contest in particular will be worth monitoring next week with respect to draft positioning.
The Giants and Raiders each sport a record of 2-13. They will play each other in Week 17, meaning the loser of that contest will have the inside track for the No. 1 pick. New York already has a head coaching vacancy while Pete Carroll is in danger of going one-and-done in Vegas. Plenty of incentive for winning will exist for Carroll in particular, but the outcome of that game will have major implications on the draft order.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2025 standings plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. Playoff squads are slotted by their postseason outcome and the reverse order of their regular season record.
Here is an updated look at the first-round order:
- New York Giants (2-13)
- Las Vegas Raiders (2-13)
- Cleveland Browns (3-12)
- New York Jets (3-12)
- Arizona Cardinals (3-12)
- Tennessee Titans (3-12)
- Washington Commanders (4-11)
- New Orleans Saints (5-10)
- Cincinnati Bengals (5-10)
- Miami Dolphins (6-9)
- Los Angeles Rams (via Falcons)
- Kansas City Chiefs (6-9)
- Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1)
- Baltimore Ravens (7-8)
- Minnesota Vikings (7-8)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-8)
- Detroit Lions (8-7)
- New York Jets (via Colts)
- Carolina Panthers (8-7)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
- Dallas Cowboys (via Packers)
- Philadelphia Eagles (10-5)
- Houston Texans (10-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-4)
- Los Angeles Chargers (11-4)
- San Francisco 49ers (11-4)
- Cleveland Browns (via Jaguars)
- Los Angeles Rams (11-4)
- Chicago Bears (11-4)
- New England Patriots (12-3)
- Denver Broncos (12-3)
- Seattle Seahawks (12-3)
Raiders HC Pete Carroll ‘Intent’ On Keeping Job
The Raiders brought in a new regime to guide their franchise in 2025, but unless the team somehow wins their final two games of the season, they’ll finish with their worst showing since the 2014 campaign. Considering the dismal on-field product, there have been some natural rumblings about Pete Carroll‘s job security. If the head coach has his way, he’ll be sticking in Las Vegas for the 2026 season.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the 74-year-old isn’t planning to retire. Instead, Carroll is “intent on convincing” owner Mark Davis that he should keep his job.
Rapoport and Pelissero detail the various issues the Raiders have dealt with in 2025. On the coaching staff, offensive coordinator Chip Kelly and special teams coordinator Tom McMahon were both canned. On the field, Geno Smith has tossed 14 interceptions after being acquired this offseason for a third-round pick. Meanwhile, sixth-overall pick Ashton Jeanty has been one of the least efficient RBs in the NFL, compiling 828 rushing yards on 224 carries. Individually, none of these issues are a direct indictment of Carroll. However, when combined, you can make a strong argument that the organization already requires a change.
Plus, as Rapoport and Pelissero note, Carroll wasn’t even the organization’s top choice to lead the squad. Tom Brady helped guide the search and landed his desired GM in John Spytek. However, the iconic QB saw his HC target, Ben Johnson, opt for the Bears gig. Both NFL Network reporters believe Brady will “increase his presence” this offseason as the team faces some crucial decisions.
Davis will ultimately have the final say, and the owner isn’t afraid to pull the plug if things aren’t working out. The Raiders have famously shuffled through coaches, as the team has employed five different head coaches (including interim HCs) over the past five years.
If Carroll is ultimately ousted, it will be a disappointing development for the former Super Bowl winner. His long stint in Seattle unceremoniously ended in 2023, but even then, the Seahawks never bottomed out, as Carroll still guided the team to a 9-8 record during his final season at the helm. Carroll has the track record of developing competitive squads, so perhaps the Raiders will give their head coach another season to right the ship. If not, the front office will be seeking yet another individual to lead their roster.
Chiefs, Kansas Reach Stadium Agreement
Over the past few days, indications have emerged that the Chiefs would finalize an agreement to relocate to Kansas. On Monday, that news became official. 
A new stadium will be built for the team in Kansas City, Kan., as first reported by Matthew Kelly and Sofi Zelman of the Kansas City Star. The Chiefs have since confirmed the news, ensuring the franchise will depart its longtime home (Jackson County, Mo.) in the relatively near future. The team will begin playing in Kansas in 2031.
“Today we are excited to take another momentous step for the future of the franchise,” a statement from Chiefs CEO Clark Hunt reads in part. “We have entered into an agreement with the State of Kansas to host Chiefs football beginning with the 2031 NFL season. In the years ahead, we look forward to designing and building a state-of-the-art domed stadium and mixed-use district in Wyandotte County, and a best-in-class training facility, team headquarters, and mixed-use district in Olathe.
“I want to thank the State of Kansas, and its legislative leaders. We have a lot more work to do to make this vision a reality, and I am excited to pursue this project together. I also want to thank the State of Missouri, Jackson County, and the City of Kansas City for their longstanding partnership. I look forward to watching Chiefs football at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium together over the next five seasons.”
A Kansas City Star report from this past Friday noted how discussions between the Chiefs and Kansas legislators were set to take place. At that point, no deal had been finalized but there were strong indications an agreement could be struck. It is now official, thanks to a unanimous vote which took place earlier today. The proposed stadium deal was worked out by Chiefs officials along with Kansas Lieutenant Governor David Toland on behalf of the Kansas Department of Commerce.
In 2024, a measure aimed at generating $800MM in funding for renovations to Arrowhead Stadium and a downtown stadium in Kansas City, Mo., for the Royals failed to pass. Chiefs president Mark Donovan made it clear shortly before that development the team would explore relocating in the event of the measure being voted down. Rather than mere posturing, Donovan’s comments have proven to be quite substantive given today’s news.
Last April, Dallas mayor Eric Johnson publicly called for the Chiefs to return to Dallas, where the franchise originated prior to its rebranding in 1962. Nothing pointing to such a move transpired afterwards, but the Chiefs will nevertheless be on the move once their existing lease expires following the 2030 campaign. By July 2024, the state legislature in Kansas had passed a bill allowing for the funding of a new stadium. Since then, a relocation deal has loomed as a distinct possibility.
The Chiefs have called Arrowhead home since 1972. The franchise first played at Municipal Stadium upon relocating from Dallas in 1963, but the departure of Major League Baseball’s Athletics and the arrival of the Royals prompted the construction of a new, larger stadium. Renovations were completed on Arrowhead Stadium in 2010, but the team had been angling for another round for a while. Instead of Arrowhead being renovated over the coming years, it will be replaced as the team’s home beginning in the 2031 campaign.
Arrowhead had not played host to an AFC championship game until 2018, but many of the defining moments of the modern Chiefs dynasty have come at the western Missouri site. Six AFC title games have been at Arrowhead since that 2018 season. While much of the Patrick Mahomes era — provided the superstar quarterback (who is signed through the 2031 season) stays with the team — will continue to be played there, it is interesting the franchise would opt for such a major transition during its peak period.
The plan which was finalized today calls for the construction of a $3 billion domed stadium. Up to 70% of the project can be publicly funded through a subsidy, although no details on that front were immediately shared. In any case, the Chiefs will spend the coming years preparing for a new chapter in their history.
Raiders Place OL Jordan Meredith On IR
Jordan Meredith‘s season has ended early. The Raiders announced that they placed the offensive lineman on injured reserve today.
Meredith has been dealing with an ankle injury for most of December, and the issue led to him being questionable for yesterday’s game against the Texans. The lineman ended up being limited to only three special teams snaps yesterday, and the Raiders are now shutting him down for good.
A former UDFA out of Western Kentucky, Meredith played sparingly through his first three seasons in the NFL. He had a breakout campaign in 2024, starting eight of his 14 appearances while getting into 574 offensive snaps. Pro Football Focus was especially fond of his performance, ranking Meredith fifth among 77 qualifying guards.
This season, the website hasn’t been as bullish, although that could be due to the lineman’s switch to center. Meredith currently ranks 33rd among 40 qualifying centers, including the fourth-lowest positional grade in pass blocking. He shifted back to guard midseason when Jackson Powers-Johnson went down with an injury.
Taking his spot on the roster is Atonio Mafi. The veteran has spent most of the season on the Raiders practice squad, making one appearance in his three elevations. The former fifth-round pick started five of his 17 games as a rookie with the Patriots in 2023.
To fill the taxi squad spot previously held by Mafi, the Raiders turned to defensive end Jahfari Harvey. The rookie has spent most of this season on the practice squad, but he temporarily found himself without a job after he was cut by the big-league team the other day.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 12/22/25
Today’s practice squad transactions:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: S Tysheem Johnson
Houston Texans
- Signed: DL Leki Fotu
New England Patriots
- Placed on practice squad/injured: TE Thomas Odukoya
New York Giants
- Released: P Cameron Johnston
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Tyler Hall
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: LB Nick Jackson
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: NT Isaiah Raikes, LB Cam Riley
- Released: WR Kristian Wilkerson
After getting waived by the Bills in November, Cameron Johnston caught on with the Giants as insurance for Jamie Gillan. Johnston ended up getting into one game for his new squad, punting four times for 22.8 net yards per punt. The team held on to the veteran to make sure Gillan made it through his return unscathed. Apparently everything checked out, and the Giants will proceed with just one punter in their organization for the rest of the season.
NFL Minor Transactions: 12/22/25
Today’s minor moves:
Green Bay Packers
- Activated from reserve/PUP: DL Collin Oliver
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: WR Coleman Owen, G Josh Sills
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: CB Eli Apple, LB Eric Kendricks
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed to active roster: S D’Anthony Bell
Collin Oliver may finally make his NFL debut at some point over the final two weeks of the season. The rookie fifth-round pick was sidelined for all of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring injury, and he ultimately landed on the physically unable to perform list to begin the season. He had his practice window opened earlier this month, and he’s apparently showed enough progress to earn a spot on the active roster. The Oklahoma State product finished his college career 23.5 sacks and 40.5 tackles for loss.
Commanders Claim WR Jamal Agnew, DT Shy Tuttle Off Waivers
The Commanders claimed wide receiver Jamal Agnew and defensive tackles Shy Tuttle off waivers on Monday, per a team announcement. In two corresponding moves, defensive tackle Eddie Goldman and wide receiver Jaylin Lane were placed on injured reserve, ending their seasons.
Agnew was waived by the Falcons on Saturday. The nine-year veteran appeared in 11 games this season as Atlanta’s primary kick and punt returner, but they have given that role to fourth-year wideout Deven Thompkins in the last few weeks. Agnew has not been as effective as years past, averaging just 7.6 yards on punt returns and 24.7 yards on kickoffs.
However, he is still a reliable veteran on special teams, and his availability comes at a fortuitous time for the Commanders. Lane has been their punt returner all year, ranking first in the league with with two touchdowns and seventh with 13.7 yards per return. The fourth-round pick suffered suffered an ankle injury in Saturday’s night loss to the Eagles, ending his rookie season.
Similar to the Agnew-Lane swap, Tuttle was a convenient option to fill Goldman’s roster spot. Tuttle appeared in the Titans’ first 10 games of the season, but had minimal production and lost his game day role in Week 13. He was also waived on Saturday and will replace Goldman for the rest of the season.
Goldman occupied a 38% snap share in his 13 appearances this season. He suffered a concussion in Week 15 – his second of the season – and did not clear protocol before the Commanders’ next game. The 31-year-old already retired once, in 2022, and may consider hanging up his cleats again this offseason, especially after sustaining two concussions this year.