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Author: Adam La Rose

Todd Monken To Interview For Buccaneers’ OC Position

By | at January 13, 2026 9:50 am

The Buccaneers made a number of staffing changes shortly after their season ended. That included the expected dismissal of offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard.

In the aftermath of Grizzard’s firing, a shortlist of replacement candidates emerged. Todd Monken is among the staffers who have been linked to Tampa Bay. That comes as no surprise since he spent three years (2016-18) as the Bucs’ offensive coordinator.

The sides will meet this week about a potential reunion. Monken will conduct an in-person interview for Tampa’s OC vacancy, Greg Auman of Fox Sports reports. The summit will take place tomorrow, he adds. Monken was named this past weekend as someone of interest to Tampa Bay, so it certainly makes sense an interview will take place. As things stand, Monken is under contract with the Ravens as their OC, but the firing of John Harbaugh came about after he refused to consider making an offensive coordinator change.

With that in mind, there is a widespread expectation Monken will not be retained by the Ravens once their new head coach is in place. Head coaching interest has also emerged in Monken’s case from the Browns. The 59-year-old could find himself on the HC radar of other teams shortly, but another offensive coordinator opportunity would come as no surprise. Of those, the one in Tampa Bay would be an attractive one given the success seen when the team is fully healthy on offense.

That was not the case often in 2025, but Baker Mayfield along with an intriguing skill-position group and an offensive line anchored by left tackle Tristan Wirfs represents a strong core to work with. Some holdovers from Monken’s Tampa stint – including wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin – are still with the team, although Evans is a pending free agent so a reunion in that case would not be assured.

Monken’s Bucs offenses finished mid-pack in scoring during each of his three seasons with the team. Tampa Bay ranked ninth in total offense in 2017, though, and followed that up with a third-place finish the following year. He would seek a repeat of that success in the event a return to the Buccaneers were to take place.

2 comments Baltimore Ravens Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Titans To Conduct HC Interview With Brian Daboll

By | at January 13, 2026 9:01 am

Brian Daboll is among the top candidates for an offensive coordinator gig during the 2026 hiring cycle. He will receive at least one look from a team in need of a new head coach, however.

The Titans have arranged a HC interview with Daboll, as first reported by NFL insider Jordan Schultz. The sides will meet each other on Friday. This represents the first known head coaching interview in Daboll’s case.

The 50-year-old saw his tenure with the Giants come to an end midway through the 2025 campaign. Very little went according to plan for Daboll and Co. after New York’s surprising run to the divisional round during his first year in charge. The team posted a losing record in each of the two seasons following that initial success and sat at 2-8 when Daboll was dismissed. Overall, his Giants run produced a record of 20-40-1.

A head coaching hire at this point would thus come as a surprise. Still, Daboll’s stock was boosted in large part by his strong run as the Bills’ offensive coordinator from 2018-21. He also has OC experience dating back to his time in Cleveland, Miami and Kansas City. The possibility of Daboll joining the Raiders alongside Brian Flores has been floated, and Dianna Russini of The Athletic confirms Daboll is currently a candidate for “multiple” offensive coordinator positions.

The Titans tapped Brian Callahan as their Mike Vrabel replacement. Things did not work out as planned, and he joined Daboll as a head coach dismissed in the middle of the 2025 season. Tennessee is known to be seeking experience with the team’s next HC hire, something made abundantly clear by the list of candidates receiving interest. Daboll is the 23rd staffer to be connected at some level to the Titans’ opening and the 15th with head coaching experience at the NFL level.

In other Titans news, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports interviews with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter and Packers DC Jeff Hafley will take place today. Tennessee will then speak with Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith tomorrow. All three of those coaches had previously received an interview request, but today’s update confirms they will be part of a long list of candidates to speak with the team about one of the NFL’s eight HC openings.

Here is an updated look at where things stand with the Titans:

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Packers, Matt LaFleur Expected To Reach Extension Agreement

By | at January 12, 2026 11:07 pm

With the Packers’ season now over, attention will turn to the future of their coaching staff. Head coach Matt LaFleur is currently under contract for one more season, but that could change very soon.

Leading up to Green Bay’s wild-card game on Saturday, it was reported LaFleur was not coaching for his job and that extension talks would occur after the season ended. To no surprise, then, the seven-year HC said yesterday that he and president Ed Policy spoke briefly with one another after the Packers’ loss to the Bears. He added further talks would be coming shortly, and that is indeed the case.

Efforts will be made to work out a new LaFleur contract over the coming days, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. He adds the sides are expected to reach an agreement. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network also anticipates a deal being struck (video link). Policy is known to prefer coaches and GMs not operating in a lame-duck situation, so the status of general manager Brian Gutekunst – also under contract through 2026 – will be worth watching. It was reported yesterday that LaFleur and Gutekunst are not a package deal.

That leaves the door open to a number of possibilities in the Packers’ case. The team reeled off three straight 13-win campaigns at the beginning of LaFleur’s tenure. That was followed by an 8-9 season and the transition to Jordan Love at quarterback. Green Bay has reached the playoffs in each of Love’s three seasons as QB1; the Packers have just one postseason victory during that span, however. Overall, LaFleur has a regular-season winning percentage of .654 but a playoff record of 3-6.

“I mean, this is one of one,” the 46-year-old said of his desire to remain in Green Bay (via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette). “I love this place… I love our players, the locker room, everybody in our organization. I mean, this is a unique place. The community has been outstanding.”

There are currently eight head coaching vacancies around the NFL. LaFleur would join John Harbaugh as one of the top candidates on the market in the event of a firing, and Rapoport confirms teams are monitoring his situation. A dismissal would come as a surprise at this point, however. Talks producing a new agreement appears to be a far likelier outcome with negotiations set to take place.

59 comments Green Bay Packers

Mutual Interest Between Steelers, Aaron Rodgers For 2026 Deal

By | at January 12, 2026 11:05 pm

Last summer, Aaron Rodgers strongly indicated the 2025 campaign would be his last in the NFL. His one-year stint in Pittsburgh has gone well, though, and it could continue beyond tonight’s game.

The Steelers have been willing to keep Rodgers in the fold for next season, and midway through the campaign it was reported Pittsburgh’s hope was for that to take place. The future Hall of Famer, meanwhile, has left the door open to playing at least one more year. It appears an extended arrangement would be welcomed by both parties.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirms (video link) there is a mutual interest between Rodgers and the Steelers to continue their partnership. The relationship between Rodgers and head coach Mike Tomlin remains strong, and Pittsburgh managed to win the AFC North this season with a 10-7 record. Aiming for a similar level of success in 2026 could obviously prove beneficial for all involved.

Rodgers’ legacy certainly took a hit during his Jets tenure, and a messy parting of ways with New York left his future unclear for much of last offseason. Limited free agent interest was shown, but a short-term Steelers pact long loomed as a reasonable proposition on both sides. A one-year deal was ultimately finalized, and it has proven to be worthwhile. Rodgers is now 42, but he missed only one game this season.

The four-time MVP did not match the statistical output of his best seasons, but an efficient passing output has proven sufficient in Pittsburgh this year. Improvements along the offensive line and at the receiver position would go a long way in providing a boost on offense for 2026. Keeping Rodgers in the fold would also give the unit a high floor next season.

The Steelers have been unable to find a long-term Ben Roethlisberger replacement since his retirement after the 2021 season. Efforts in the draft and along the free agent and trade routes have not yielded the desired results, but Rodgers has proven to be an effective stopgap option. Veteran Mason Rudolph and sixth-round rookie Will Howard are under contract for next season, so stability on the depth chart can be expected moving forward. It is unclear at this point if Rodgers will also be in the fold, but another deal being worked out with the Steelers would not come as a surprise.

53 comments Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike McDaniel To Interview With Falcons, Ravens For HC Position

By | at January 12, 2026 8:00 pm

8:00pm: McDaniel has completed his interview with the Falcons, according to the team.

10:30am: An offensive coordinator gig could await Mike McDaniel by the time the hiring cycle comes to a close. There is strong interest for a second head coaching opportunity as well, however.

McDaniel is among the coaches who were fired last week. He has already arranged interviews with the Browns and Titans for their HC positions, and the list of suitors is growing. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports the Falcons and Ravens have reached out to McDaniel as well. Interviews with Atlanta and Baltimore will take place this week.

The Lions reached out to McDaniel about their offensive coordinator opening hours after his Dolphins firing. Per Pelissero, an interview for that spot will also take place shortly. Further interest for other OC positions would come as no surprise, but McDaniel is clearly a candidate to continue leading an NFL team in 2026 at this point.

Over the course of four seasons in Miami, McDaniel posted an overall record of 35-33. The team reached the playoffs in 2022 and ’23 but lost in the wild-card round both times. Things did not go according to plan over the following two seasons, with the Dolphins posting a losing record both times and the connection between McDaniel and Tua Tagovailoa not producing the same success as was seen in previous years. A change of scenery for one is known to be imminent, while the other could be playing elsewhere in 2026.

Atlanta cleaned house after the regular season came to an end, firing both Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot before ‘Black Monday’ even began. The Falcons spent last week interviewing candidates for their new president of football operations role, and as expected Matt Ryan is now in place. With that front office hire having been made, attention will turn to the league’s only GM vacancy along with the search for Morris’ replacement. McDaniel spent two years with the Falcons, serving as an offensive assistant in 2015 and ’16.

Baltimore’s list of candidates to serve as John Harbaugh‘s successor is long and continuing to expand. McDaniel, 46, is among those with an offensive background and previous head coaching experience. That is rare when it comes to the 2026 hiring cycle, something which helps explain the widespread interest in McDaniel. Whether or not he emerges as a finalist for any of the league’s eight HC openings as the coaching landscape takes shape will make for a notable storyline.

16 comments Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Detroit Lions

Kevin Stefanski Seen As Second HC Choice For Giants, Falcons; Dolphins Interview Expected

By | at January 12, 2026 4:51 pm

A long list of John Harbaugh suitors exists with eight head coaching openings around the NFL. It would come as little surprise if the Super Bowl winner were to be the first domino to fall in this year’s hiring cycle.

The Giants and Falcons are seen as the frontrunners for Harbaugh, though other suitors are in play as well. Earlier today, it was learned his first interview was completed with Atlanta. Both teams have Harbaugh atop their wishlists, but they also seem to share a backup plan.

Kevin Stefanski is seen among coaching candidates as Plan B for the Giants and Falcons, Connor Hughes of SNY reports. Whichever team is unable to hire Harbaugh is expected to turn its attention to Stefanski as a result. Of course, there are other potential landing spots in Stefanski’s case as well.

The former Browns HC was viewed by many as the top candidate on the market prior to Harbaugh’s dismissal. Stefanski would still represent an accomplished hire regardless of how the coaching landscape shakes out over the coming weeks. A two-time Coach of the Year winner, he would offer experience and a potential play-caller to any new team.

The Giants moved on from Brian Daboll midway through the 2025 season. General manager Joe Schoen is still in place, but finding early success with the team’s next head coaching hire will no doubt be critical with respect to his job security. Stefanski, 43, has already interviewed with the Giants and has recently been named as a candidate to watch closely regarding their opening.

Having moved on from Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot, the Falcons are the only team in the NFL with a vacancy at the head coach and general manager positions. Atlanta has brought in Matt Ryan as president of football operations, and with that hire having taken place the team will proceed on the other two fronts. The Falcons’ interest in Harbaugh speaks to their desire for a veteran staffer, so Stefanski represents a logical fallback option.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, are among the teams which have also been connected to Stefanski.No meeting has taken place between team and coach yet, but Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports one is expected in this case. As a coach who is not under contract, Stefanski is free to interview with suitors and accept a position at any time.

6 comments Atlanta Falcons Miami Dolphins New York Giants

Ravens Request HC Interview With Jim Schwartz

By | at January 12, 2026 3:02 pm

The Ravens have already spoken with Kevin Stefanski about their head coaching vacancy. He is not the only member of the 2025 Browns staff on the team’s radar, however.

Baltimore has submitted an interview request with Jim Schwartz, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. Cleveland’s highly-regarded defensive coordinator remains under contract with the team at this point. Schwartz interviewed with the Browns for their own HC position last week, but this marks the first request from an outside suitor.

From 1993-95, Schwartz worked with Cleveland in the personnel department. He was among the personnel who moved to Baltimore when the inaugural edition of the Browns became the Ravens beginning in 1996. Schwartz – a Baltimore native – worked as a defensive assistant with the team for three years. The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec notes he still has several relationships with people inside the Ravens organization.

Over time, Schwartz has become one of the league’s top defensive minds. A defensive coordinator with the Titans (2001-8), Bills (2014), (2016-20) and Browns (2023-present), he has an extensive track record at the NFL level. The 59-year-old also has head coaching experience dating back to his five-year run leading the Lions. That Detroit tenure ended after the 2013 season with an overall record of just 29-51.

Expectations would be much higher the second time around if Schwartz were to take charge of the Ravens, a team seen as one of the top landing spots for HC candidates. Baltimore has been connected to a number of former head coaches while seeking out John Harbaugh‘s replacement. That includes interest in staffers with an offensive and defensive background, even in a year relatively lacking in options who have previously called plays on offense.

Via PFR’s Head Coaching Search Tracker, here is an updated look at the Ravens’ search:

10 comments Baltimore Ravens Cleveland Browns

Matthew Stafford To Play In Divisional Round; Rams Place CB Ahkello Witherspoon On IR

By | at January 12, 2026 11:21 am

Matthew Stafford managed to play through an injury to his throwing hand on Saturday. He will be available for the Rams during the divisional round as well.

Stafford underwent testing yesterday to determine the extent of his injury. When speaking to the media on Monday, head coach Sean McVay revealed (via ESPN’s Sarah Barshop) he suffered a sprained index finger. Stafford will nevertheless be available for the Rams during their game against the Bears on Sunday, to no surprise.

Stafford has a well-earned reputation for playing through injuries. The 37-year-old entered the season with concerns over his back, but he managed to play all 17 games in 2025. That run of availability paved the way for one of Stafford’s best years, as he led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns. A first-team All-Pro selection for the first time in his career (to go along with his third Pro Bowl nod), Stafford will remain a major factor regarding the Rams’ Super Bowl chances as he prepares to manage the ailment this week.

There is other, less positive, injury news for Los Angeles. McVay said (h/t Barshop) cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon reinjured in shoulder during the Rams’ win against the Panthers. Witherspoon has been placed on injured reserve as a result. That move ensures he will not be able to play again this season.

Witherspoon was able to play in only six games due to his shoulder. The nine-year veteran returned to the lineup in late November and managed to reprise his defensive role when healthy; overall, Witherspoon logged a 48% snap share and started two games. Los Angeles will once again need to proceed without him, though. Witherspoon, 30, is a pending free agent. His market value has not doubt been dealt a blow over the course of an injury-marred campaign.

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Ravens Request HC Interview With Jesse Minter

By | at January 12, 2026 8:50 am

The list of Ravens targets for their head coaching vacancy continues to grow. One of the staffers most closely connected to Baltimore has now received a slip.

Baltimore has requested an interview with Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. On Saturday, colleague Mike Garafolo named the Ravens as a team expected to submit a request (video link). As such, today’s update comes as no surprise.

[RELATED: HC Search Tracker]

In the wake of John Harbaugh‘s firing, many quickly pointed to Minter as a logical replacement candidate. The latter spent the first four years of his NFL coaching career in Baltimore, serving as a defensive assistant and later the team’s defensive backs coach. Minter had previous DC experience at the college level at that time, and he added further to his NCAA track record following his Ravens stint by leading Vanderbilt and Michigan’s defense.

Minter and Jim Harbaugh won a national championship together in 2023. Afterwards, they each came to the Chargers and helped lead the team to consecutive playoff appearances. Los Angeles has now gone one-and-done twice during that span, but the team’s defense has largely remained its strength since the start of the 2024 campaign. Minter’s unit led the league in scoring defense last season before ranking in the top nine in both yards and points allowed in 2025.

Minter’s strong showings at the college and NFL levels has helped his coaching stock, and he spent much of the past season known to be a top HC candidate for the 2026 hiring cycle. Based on his familiarity with both Harbaugh brothers, though, the 42-year-old has been specifically linked to Baltimore’s vacancy. Interest from other teams already exists, but a return to the Ravens in Minter’s case would represent a strong fit on multiple levels.

Rapoport adds that Baltimore’s previously arranged interview with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver (another ex-Ravens staffer) will take place today. The team will also spend Monday interviewing former Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Here is an updated look at Baltimore’s ongoing search:

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Cardinals, Ravens, Raiders, Giants Submit Chris Shula Interview Request

By | at January 11, 2026 5:01 pm

A number of defensive staffers are among the top candidates in this year’s head coach hiring cycle. Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula is certainly one of them.

Two interview requests had already been made in his case, but many more have since emerged. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports the Cardinals, Ravens, Raiders and Giants submitted a slip for Shula. That means six of the eight teams which currently have a HC vacancy hope to speak with him.

Both Arizona and Las Vegas had coaches known for their work on the defensive side of the ball until recently. Pete Carroll proved to be a one-and-done staffer upon returning to the NFL. Not long after his firing, Jonathan Gannon‘s three-year tenure with the Cardinals came to an end. Teams often look to coaches with a separate background than their predecessor when making a change on the sidelines, but Vegas and Arizona are casting a wide net.

The Ravens have conducted a large number of interviews already in the aftermath of moving on from John Harbaugh. Baltimore has also requested to speak with three other coaches in addition to Shula, though. Further slips would come as little surprise. The Giants represent one of the top destinations for Harbaugh, but New York has also been connected to a long list of other candidates. That includes several staffers with a defensive background.

The grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, Chris has served as the Rams’ DC for each of the past two years. His success in that role could very well lead to the 39-year-old becoming the latest member of the Sean McVay coaching tree to land an NFL HC gig. Virtual interviews with Shula can take place beginning Tuesday, and several can be expected given the nature of interest in his case.

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