Cowboys Fire DC Matt Eberflus
The Cowboys will once again have a new defensive coordinator next season. Matt Eberflus has been fired after one year in that role for Dallas, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The news is now official, per a team announcement.
For much of the campaign, struggles on defense proved to be a major detriment to the Cowboys. As that trend continued late in the season, support for Eberflus emanating from owner Jerry Jones seemed to wane. Today’s news thus comes as little surprise, although it comes earlier than expected.
Eberflus lasted less than three seasons during his first head coaching gig, with his Bears tenure ending in November last season. His background as a coordinator led to DC interest in general and ties to the Cowboys in particular. From 2011-17, Eberflus served as Dallas’ linebackers coach. He returned to his former team with the intent of improving a unit which struggled last season under Mike Zimmer.
Things did not go according to plan, to say the least. Under Eberflus, the Cowboys finished last in the NFL in scoring defense and 30th in yards allowed. Struggles in the secondary were a consistent theme all year, with many players having trouble adapting to his zone-heavy scheme. Improving at the cornerback and safety spots will no doubt be an offseason priority regardless of who replaces Eberflus.
Dan Quinn enjoyed a strong three-year run as Dallas’ defensive coordinator before taking his second career head coaching gig. His departure to Washington led to Zimmer’s return to the Cowboys in a familiar D-coordinator role. As expected, the decision to part ways with head coach Mike McCarthy last winter also resulted in Zimmer being replaced. That led to Eberflus’ arrival, but the Cowboys now find themselves in need of a fourth different DC in as many years.
Brian Flores was recently named as a Dallas target for the defensive coordinator position. He has thrived in that role with the Vikings for the past three years, a stretch which has helped his stock and is expected to lead to widespread interest around the league. Flores does not have a contract for next season, but discussions have taken place with Minnesota. It will be interesting to see if the 44-year-old demonstrates a willingness to take charge of the Cowboys’ defense as he weighs his options.
According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, it is currently unclear if any other changes will be made on Dallas’ defensive staff. Further departures would come as little surprise given the team’s struggles on that side of the ball in 2025 but also the trend of new coordinator arrivals bringing in outside assistants.
Klint Kubiak Receives HC Interview Requests From Giants, Cardinals, Raiders
To little surprise, Klint Kubiak is a popular early candidate for head coaching opportunities. The Seahawks OC has received plenty of interest from teams with a HC vacancy.
Kubiak was already known to have received an interview request from the Falcons. He is also expected to be a target for the Titans regarding their opening. In addition, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports the Giants, Cardinals and Raiders have submitted an interview slip. This marks the first offseason in which Kubiak has received an HC interview request. Giants rumors had emerged before the regular season’s conclusion.
Seattle clinched the NFC’s No. 1 seed and with it a bye during the wild-card round. As a result, NFL rules permit Kubiak to interview virtually with interested teams this week. All interviews he conducts must take place before the opening round of the playoffs wraps up. Per Breer, Kubiak is currently in the midst of planning his schedule with his focus still mainly on the Seahawks.
Kubiak has worked as an offensive coordinator with three different teams (Vikings in 2021, Saints in 2024 and Seahawks this season). The 38-year-old has not lasted beyond one season in any of those roles, though the Seahawks certainly would be interested in retaining him for the 2026 season. The Vikings fired Mike Zimmer after the 2021 campaign, and the Saints dismissed Dennis Allen midway through the ’24 season. That led to new offensive play-callers arriving and Kubiak heading elsewhere.
The second-generation play-caller coached the Broncos’ quarterbacks during an eventful 2022 season in Denver; Nathaniel Hackett went around OC Justin Outten to give Kubiak play-calling duties as the season spiraled. Hackett then worked as the pass-game coordinator under Kyle Shanahan in 2023, helping Brock Purdy to a Pro Bowl season as the 49ers soared to Super Bowl LVIII. The Seahawks reunited Kubiak with Sam Darnold this past offseason, with the assistant’s presence a draw for the QB, and the Seahawks have booked the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in 11 years.
Seattle ranks third in scoring offense and eighth in yardage, and Darnold has delivered on his free agent contract. The Seahawks have seen some second-half inconsistency from their starter, but he has done enough to keep the offense afloat en route to a 14-3 record. Jaxon Smith-Njigba also smashed a Seahawks single-season record by tallying an NFL-leading 1,793 yards. With this coaching crop heavier on the defensive side, Kubiak was bound to receive requests. The Seahawks, who fired Ryan Grubb after one season, could face the prospect of replacing their OC for a third straight year.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.
Giants, Falcons Among Teams Monitoring Ravens HC John Harbaugh’s Status
Changes of some kind are expected on the Ravens’ coaching staff. It remains unclear if that will include the departure of John Harbaugh, but his situation is drawing considerable attention. 
A parting of ways between Harbaugh and the Ravens has been floated late in the season, one in which the team finished 8-9 and fell short of the playoffs. Leading up to Week 18’s winner-take-all game against the Steelers, it appeared as though a firing would be considered a surprise. Still, uncertainty looms over the situation with the list of coaching vacancies taking shape.
Harbaugh has been at the helm of the Ravens for 18 seasons; only Mike Tomlin‘s Steelers tenure is longer. Baltimore authorized a three-year extension last March, and owner Steve Bisciotti is well known to hold Harbaugh in very high regard. Those factors point to stability at the HC position for 2026. Nevertheless, Outkick’s Armando Salguero reports there are teams “monitoring” the possibility of Harbaugh departing. Included among them are the Giants and Falcons.
This comes after Josina Anderson of The Exhibit described Harbaugh as being “well-coveted” by teams around the league. That no doubt includes at least some of those with a vacancy at the moment (such as New York and Atlanta). Six openings are in place currently, although the possibility exists for that number to increase depending on how things play out in yet-to-be-finalized cases such as Harbaugh’s.
Per Anderson, movement amongst the coaching staff will be coming “relatively soon.” That could include a parting of ways with one or both of offensive coordinator Todd Monken and defensive coordinator Zach Orr. Monken has been on the head coaching radar in previous years, and earlier today he received an interview request from the Browns.
Details on the matter of assistant coaches will be worth watching for closely in Baltimore’s case. Until a firm commitment becomes public from the team, meanwhile, Harbaugh’s status will remain at least somewhat unclear. A final decision will have implications for Baltimore but it could also make a notable impact on this year’s hiring cycle.
Cardinals Request HC Interviews With Robert Saleh, Anthony Weaver
Jonathan Gannon was among the head coaches fired yesterday. That leaves the Cardinals as one of six teams in the market for a replacement.
A second target regarding potential hires has now emerged in Arizona’s case. The Cardinals have requested an interview with 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports. This comes shortly after Broncos DC Vance Joseph was named as a candidate expected to interview with Arizona. Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver has also received a slip from the Cardinals, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Saleh joins Joseph as a former NFL head coach whose first shot didn’t go well. After a previous run as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator from 2017-20, Saleh took over as the Jets’ head coach in 2021. He lasted three-plus seasons and finished 20-36 with no playoff appearances.
The Jets fired Saleh after a 2-3 start last year. It didn’t spark a turnaround for the Jets, who lost nine of 12 under interim head coach Jeff Ulbrich. That led to the end of the failed Aaron Rodgers era and the beginning of a new GM/HC regime with Darren Mougey and Aaron Glenn grabbing the reins.
Saleh, who closed the 2024 season as an offensive consultant with the Packers, rejoined Kyle Shanahan‘s staff in San Francisco last January. Now one of the game’s highest-paid D-coordinators, Saleh will earn more head coaching looks after helping the 49ers overcome a slew of key injuries en route to a 12-5 season and a playoff spot. The 49ers have gone most of the season without their two best defenders, the injured Fred Warner and Nick Bosa. They ended the regular season just 20th in total defense as a result, but the 49ers ranked a much better 13th at keeping points off the board.
Currently in his first stint as a coordinator, Weaver’s defense in Miami finished a lackluster 22nd in yards and 24th in points in 2025. However, the unit was top 10 in both categories in his first year at the helm last season. The former Ravens and Texans defensive lineman earned head coaching interviews with the Bears and Saints a year ago, but those teams went in other directions.
While the Dolphins wrapped up a disappointing season on Sunday, the 45-year-old Weaver is again garnering outside consideration for a promotion. Along with the Cardinals, the HC-needy Falcons have requested a meeting with Weaver.
Connor Byrne contributed to this post.
Giants Request HC Interview With Lou Anarumo
Since Brian Daboll‘s firing, many have pointed to Lou Anarumo as potential replacement. The latter will indeed receive a look from the Giants. 
Anarumo has received a head coaching interview request from New York, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. The Giants have thus joined the Titans in attempting to line up a meeting with Anarumo. His Tennessee interview will take place tomorrow.
Not long after Daboll was dismissed, Anarumo was named as a candidate for the Giants. The Staten Island native has previously worked with the team. Anarumo served as the Giants’ defensive backs coach in 2018. His one-year stint in that role was followed by his Bengals hire as defensive coordinator.
Anarumo led Cincinnati’s defense for six years until being fired following the 2024 campaign. In short order, the 59-year-old landed another DC gig by joining the Colts. Indianapolis finished just 23rd in total defense and 21st in points allowed this season, but the team was hit hard by injuries throughout the campaign. Anarumo’s stock has not suffered, as evidenced by the fact he is already a target of multiple teams seeking a new head coach.
The Giants promoted offensive coordinator Mike Kafka to interim HC after Daboll was fired. Kafka will interview for the full-time position, although it is rare situations such as his result in a hire on that front. New York has been named on multiple occasions as a feasible landing spot for Kevin Stefanski, who was fired by the Browns yesterday. The Giants are among the teams he is expected to interview with.
Earlier today, New York also emerged as a potential suitor for Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Like Stefanski, Joseph has been a head coach in the NFL. Anarumo, by contrast, has never led a coaching staff at the pro or college levels. He could very well get the opportunity to do so in 2026, however, depending in part on how he interviews with the Giants.
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.
Bengals CB Cam Taylor-Britt Pleads Guilty To Reckless Driving
Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt entered a guilty plea to charges of reckless driving and driving without a license on Tuesday, as detailed by Cameron Knight and Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer. 
The plea led to Taylor-Britt being immediately sentenced in Hamilton County Municipal Court. He is set to spend five days in jail as a result. Separate charges of drag racing and failing to obey roadway signs were dropped by prosecutors as part of the plea agreement.
Taylor-Britt was issued tickets on two separate occasions in 2025. The first was in June when police stated he drove recklessly on Fourth Street in downtown Cincinnati. Five occupants were inside the Dodge Charger Taylor-Britt was driving at the time.
The second incident stemmed from an incident involving Tayl0r-Britt driving a Jeep Cherokee on Joe Nuxhall Way. Tickets were issued in September for driving with a restricted license in addition to the charges which ultimately would up being dropped. The 26-year-old was admitted to the Hamilton County Justice Center late Tuesday morning. No comment has been made as of yet by his representation or the Bengals.
A second-round pick of Cincinnati in 2022, Taylor-Britt has made 47 appearances and 40 starts over the course of his career. The Nebraska product is set to see his rookie contract expire this spring in advance of his first trip to free agency. Taylor-Britt totaled seven interceptions and 27 pass deflections between the 2023 and ’24 seasons, but this year did not go according to plan. A Lisfranc injury resulted in season-ending surgery, limiting him to just eight games.
The injury and today’s legal developments will no doubt hinder Taylor-Britt’s market value. As the Enquirer piece notes, he is not expected to re-sign with the Bengals this offseason.
Commanders Fire DC Joe Whitt
The Commanders will have a pair of new coordinators in 2026. The team has parted ways with OC Kliff Kingsbury, but DC Joe Whitt is also on the way out. 
Whitt has been fired, as first reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The move comes as little surprise on that front, given the way things played out in 2025 on defense for the Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn remains in place, but he will have at least two new assistants to hire over the coming weeks.
In 2024, Whitt contemplated staying with the Cowboys but ultimately followed Quinn from Dallas to the nation’s capital. That decision included play-calling duties for their first season together in Washington. In the midst of the team’s struggles on that front in 2025, however, Quinn stripped Whitt of those responsibilities. The expectation of a coordinator change has grown since then.
Indeed, a report from late December indicated Whitt was likely to be on the way out following the campaign. That has no proven to be the case. Quinn and the Commanders will now seek out a new play-caller on offense. Whether or not he retains that role on defense will likely depend on who winds up serving as Whitt’s replacement.
The Commanders posted middling numbers in both scoring and total defense in 2024. The team’s surprise run to the NFC title game was fueled in large part unexpected success on offense during Jayden Daniels‘ rookie season. While the second-year quarterback and other key offensive figures battled injuries this season, Washington’s defense was unable to compensate. The unit finished dead last in yards allowed and 27th in scoring.
Given that poor showing, it will be interesting to see if Whitt receives interest on the coordinator market. The 47-year-old has been coaching in the NFL since 2007, holding a number of roles during spells with the Falcons, Packers, Browns and Cowboys prior to his Commanders hire. Whitt has extensive experience coaching defensive backs and as a defensive pass-game coordinator, and another opportunity on that front could await him this offseason.
Earlier today, the Cowboys made the expected move of dismissing Matt Eberflus. The Whitt firing has added further to the list of D-coordinator openings around the league. More will no doubt emerge over the coming days. In any event, the Commanders will be busy during the 2026 hiring cycle as it pertains to restocking Quinn’s coaching staff.
Falcons Expected To Hire Matt Ryan As President Of Football Operations
JANUARY 6: Ryan will interview Thursday or Friday of this week, per Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport. A hire shortly thereafter would come as no surprise.
JANUARY 5: It was recently learned the Falcons have been in talks with Matt Ryan about a prominent front office role. A hire is not yet official, but further details have emerged regarding the expected reunion between the two. 
Atlanta is in the process of a notable restructuring. That will include a new head coach and general manager after last night’s firing of Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot. Other moves have been made as well, though. Longtime CEO Rich McKay has continued expanding his role into other areas of the Arthur M. Blank Sports and Entertainment organization, and today marks a key point in a five-year succession plan for his replacement.
[RELATED: Ryan Aiming To Work For Both Falcons, CBS]
Greg Beadles has been promoted from president to president and CEO of the Falcons, Blank notes in an open letter to fans. This position primarily affects the business side of the operation, but Beadles will also play a role in implementing the wider restructuring process in the organization. That includes the pending hire of a president of football operations.
The Falcons will soon begin the interview process on that front. Before it begins, though, it is widely expected Ryan will be hired. As Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes, the former MVP quarterback has already done “homework” on a number of head coach and general manager candidates. The process of finding replacements for Morris and Fontenot, to no surprise, will not begin until the president of football ops is officially in place.
Atlanta must comply with the Rooney Rule before making a hire on that front. Once that takes place, Pelissero cautions teams may be leery about allowing their executives to interview for the GM gig knowing that position will not be the highest ranking one in the front office. The list of targets from the Falcons’ perspective will thus be interesting to see over the coming weeks.
Ryan, 40, spent all but the final year of his playing career with Atlanta. Not long after a single campaign with the Colts, he retired and transitioned to broadcasting. Another notable career move now appears to be imminent, and it will send him to a familiar organization.
Panthers Activate WR David Moore, Waive WR Hunter Renfrow
The Panthers have made a few roster moves in advance of their upcoming playoff game. Wide receiver David Moore has been activated from injured reserve, per a team announcement. 
Moore’s practice window was set to expire tomorrow, so Carolina had to activate him to prevent him from reverting to season-ending IR. The veteran has been sidelined since suffering an elbow injury in Week 4. His return in time for the wild-card round will provide depth on offense as well as a special teams presence.
A pair of players have been waived in corresponding moves. That includes fellow wideout Hunter Renfrow, who saw early playing time during his return to NFL action. The former Pro Bowler was sidelined by ulcerative colitis in 2024 but managed to play in the Panthers’ first six games this season. Renfrow recorded a pair of touchdowns on 15 receptions but has not played since October.
Second-year safety Demani Richardson has also been waived. The former undrafted free agent has made 27 appearances and six starts in his career, each of which have come with the Panthers. As Joe Person of The Athletic notes, Richardson is a candidate to be retained via the practice squad provided he clears waivers.
Today’s move leaves the Panthers with five IR activations. The team has one open roster spot, and it could be used on guard Robert Hunt (who returned to practice two weeks ago) provided he is activated within the coming days.