Lions To Interview Mike Kafka For OC Job
The market for Mike Kafka is heating up. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Giants interim head coach will interview for the Lions offensive coordinator job on Wednesday.
We heard earlier tonight that Kafka was set to meet with the Buccaneers for the same role. The 38-year-old met with the Giants last week about a promotion to full-time head coach. As the NFL’s coaching carousel continues to spin, he could receive more interest. Teams that were eliminated from the playoffs may make staff changes this week, and others that lose offensive coordinators to head coaching jobs could call Kafka, too.
His results with the Giants are not encouraging, but those struggles were mitigating by a lack of talent on the roster. His past success as the Chiefs’ passing game coordinator could be a better indicator of his abilities with a stronger set of playmakers and a more reliable quarterback.
The Lions have both of those in Detroit already. Jared Goff may not be at the same level as Patrick Mahomes, but he flourished under the team’s last offensive coordinator, Ben Johnson. His successor, John Morton, was not able to capture the same magic, leading head coach Dan Campbell to take on play-calling duties midway through the season. That was a sign that Morton was unlikely to remain in his job for 2026, and Campbell indeed relieved him of his duties after the regular season.
Kafka would not be asked to focus on developing a young quarterback as he was in New York. Instead, his job will be to take the talented pieces already populating the Lions offense and reform the unit into one of the league’s best.
Nikhil Mehta contributed to this article.
Cowboys’ Donovan Ezeiruaku Arrested On Reckless Driving Charge
Cowboys defensive end Donovan Ezeiruaku was arrested yesterday in Texas, according to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News.
Ezeiruaku was jailed for a reckless driving charge. He was later released on a $500 bond. The Cowboys said they were aware of the arrest but offered no further comment, per Watkins.
Following a standout career at Boston College, the Cowboys selected Ezeiruaku with the 44th selection in this past year’s draft. He had a productive rookie campaign in Dallas, starting nine of his 17 appearances while tallying 40 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and a pair of sacks. He graded out 38th among 117 qualifying edge defenders on Pro Football Focus.
While Ezeiruaku already led Cowboys edge rushers in snaps in 2025, the team is set to be even more reliant on him in 2026. Sam Williams, Jadeveon Clowney, and Dante Fowler are all set to hit free agency, and the front office will surely be looking for some extra reinforcement at the position this offseason.
It’s uncertain how much Ezeiruaku’s arrest will factor into their plans. The NFL generally waits for the legal process to play out before launching an investigation and handing down a potential suspension (or fine) under the personal conduct policy.
Giants’ Chris Mara Had Informal Meeting With John Harbaugh
The Giants and Falcons have emerged as the frontrunners in the John Harbaugh sweepstakes. While the Falcons were quick to announce this evening that they completed an interview with the head coaching candidate, the Giants are also making it clear that they’re aggressively pursuing the former Super Bowl winner.
[RELATED: Falcons Meet With John Harbaugh]
Giants executive Chris Mara told Ian O’Connor of The Athletic that he met for lunch with Harbaugh yesterday and had an “informal meeting” at the coach’s house. O’Connor adds that sources from both the organization and the coach have made it clear that Harbaugh “remains very interested in the Giants job.”
This in-person meeting follows a 30-minute conversation between Harbaugh and Giants GM Joe Schoen last week, per Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan echoes that Schoen spoke with Harbaugh about the Giants head coaching job.
Depending on who you ask, this may have been the first sit-down that Harbaugh’s had with a potential suitor. While the Falcons themselves reported today that they definitively interviewed Harbaugh, Paul Schwartz of the New York Post says their “interview” was merely a “phone conversation.” In fact, Schwartz compared the conversation to the calls Harbaugh has fielded from other potential suitors. The reporter adds that the Giants will have a formal sit-down with Harbaugh later this week or early next week.
While it may be semantics, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network’s categorizes Harbaugh’s meeting with the Falcons today as a “virtual” conversation, which included Matt Ryan and other Atlanta execs who have been involved in the search. This would seemingly qualify as an official interview, although the Giants may have an issue with that positioning.
If there’s any takeaway, the Giants clearly want us know that they’re serious about their Harbaugh pursuit. On the flip side, we’re plenty aware that the court of public opinion will have no bearing on where the coach lands, no matter how hard the Giants may try.
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 1/12/26
Today’s reserve/futures deals:
Carolina Panthers
- LB Jared Bartlett, G Ja’Tyre Carter, G Saahdiq Charles, WR Dan Chisena, CB Tyrek Funderburk, G Joshua Gray, RB Montrell Johnson, OLB Jamil Muhammad, LB Maz Mwansa, TE Bryce Pierre, WR Ja’seem Reed, S Demani Richardson, WR Ainias Smith, RB Anthony Tyus, LB Jacoby Windmon
Green Bay Packers
- OT Brant Banks, DL Dante Barnett, OG Karsen Barnhart, DL Anthony Campbell, TE McCallan Castles, OT Dalton Cooper, TE Drake Dabney, DL James Ester, K Lucas Havrisik, CB Tyron Herring, LB Jamon Johnson, RB Damien Martinez, S Mark Perry, WR Will Sheppard, RB Pierre Strong, TE Messiah Swinson
Jacksonville Jaguars
- QB Carter Bradley, WR Chandler Brayboy, G Jerome Carvin, TE Patrick Herbert, RB Ja’Quinden Jackson, WR Tim Jones, T Ricky Lee, DB Keni-H Lovely, DB Jabbar Muhammad, DT Keivie Rose, DB Cam’Ron Silmon-Craig, DB Trevian Thomas, WR Austin Trammell, G Sal Wormley, OT Kilian Zierer
New York Jets
- WR Mac Dalena, K Lenny Krieg, QB Bailey Zappe
Philadelphia Eagles
- LB Chance Campbell, DB Tariq Castro-Fields, WR Danny Gray, DT Gabe Hall, DB Brandon Johnson, C Jake Majors, T Hollin Pierce, WR Quez Watkins
Washington Commanders
- DE Andre Carter
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/12/26
One practice squad move to pass along:
New England Patriots
- Released: OT Sebastian Gutierrez
Sebastian Gutierrez has bounced around the NFL a bit since going undrafted out of Minot State in 2022. He’s seen time in two career games, one with the Raiders (2022) and one with the 49ers (2024). He’s spent most of the 2025 campaign on New England’s practice squad.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/12/26
Today’s minor moves:
Houston Texans
- Activated from IR: S Jaylen Reed
- Elevated: DT Leki Fotu
- Waived: DE Darrell Taylor
New England Patriots
- Waived: RB D’Ernest Johnson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: CB Tre Flowers, CB D’Shawn Jamison
The Texans will get some extra reinforcement on their secondary and special teams for tonight’s playoff matchup. A rookie sixth-round pick, Jaylen Reed has spent half of the 2025 season on the sideline. He started the season on PUP thanks to a knee injury, but he managed to make his NFL debut in late October. He ended up getting into seven games (one start) for Houston, collecting 14 tackles (12 of which came in one game) in 73 defensive snaps. He landed on injured reserve in December after suffering a forearm injury that required surgery.
Vikings Confident Brian Flores Will Be Back As DC
While Brian Flores‘ contract technically doesn’t expire until after the Super Bowl, the current Vikings defensive coordinator is effectively a free agent. While Flores has generated interest for at least one head coaching job, there’s confidence that he’ll land back in Minnesota if he’s unsuccessful during this year’s hiring cycle.
[RELATED: Ravens To Interview Brian Flores For HC Vacancy]
As Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com writes, the Vikings “remain confident” that Flores will be back on their sideline in 2026, barring him getting a head coaching gig. Florio even suggests that the organization may already have a tentative deal lined up for Flories, although neither side would commit until the veteran coach exhausts all of his promotion opportunities.
While Flores never held the role of defensive coordinator in New England, he made a name for himself as a defensive wiz during his time with the Patriots. He lost some of his shine following a tumultuous head coaching gig in Miami, but he’s seemingly rehabbed his image thanks to his recent stint as the Vikings defensive coordinator. Following solid showing in 2023 and 2024, Flores’ unit posted top-five numbers in 2025, putting him firmly back on the head coaching map.
Of course, Flores still isn’t generating the same interest as some of his peers. While there were rumblings that Tom Brady could recruit Flores to Las Vegas, the veteran coach has only generated one definitive interview with the Ravens. While a lack of interviews would increase Flores’ chances of sticking in Minny, Albert Breer of SI.com says the defensive coordinator is actually a “strong fit” for the Baltimore job. As Breer notes, the Ravens will be seeking a coach who fits “the franchise as much as the franchise will morph to the new coach,” and Flores would apparently be a good match for Baltimore’s operation.
On the flip side, Flores’ pending lawsuit against the NFL could dissuade suitors from pursuing him as a head coach. Flores’ claims against the league and three teams – the Broncos, the Giants, and the Texans – revolve around the coach’s belief that those organizations allegedly conducted sham head coaching interviews to comply with the Rooney Rule. The NFL recently filed a petition for writ of certiorari with SCOTUS in an effort to keep all of Flores’ claims in arbitration rather than open court. This would further delay any trial or hearing on the merits of the suit, which Flores initiated nearly four years ago.
Dolphins Request HC Interview With Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard
For the second-straight season, a Lions defensive coordinator could be on the move. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Dolphins have requested permission to interview Lions DC Kelvin Sheppard for their head coaching vacancy.
[RELATED: Dan Campbell Endorses Kelvin Sheppard]
Sheppard doesn’t come with as much fanfare nor experience as Aaron Glenn did last offseason. The former third-round pick joined Detroit’s coaching staff as an OLBs coach in 2021, and he shifted to linebackers coach in 2022. He held that role for three seasons before earning the promotion to defensive coordinator ahead of the 2025 campaign.
Detroit’s defense took a step back with Sheppard at the helm, as the team’s points-per-game mark jumped from 20.1 in 2024 to 24.3 in 2025. This led some to speculate that the 38-year-old may not even retain his current role in 2026. However, coach Dan Campbell was quick to endorse his coordinator, noting that Sheppard has grown into the job throughout the year.
Further, Sheppard has a bit of an excuse thanks to the number of injuries on Detroit’s defense. Star safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph plus cornerbacks D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, and Ennis Rakestraw all spent time on injured reserve, with several of those players unavailable for the stretch run of the season. While injuries are only part of the reason for the Lions’ defensive regression, they seemingly also helped Sheppard maintain his reputation.
Now, he’ll have a chance to take the next step of his career in Miami. Sheppard actually had the most productive season of his playing career with the Dolphins in 2015, and he may be tasked with turning around a franchise that’s looking to return to their winning ways. The Dolphins currently have one of the shortest list of head coaching candidates in the league, although more names will surely be added over the next few days. The team’s current list of definitive and rumored targets includes:
- Anthony Campanile, defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Rumored candidate
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interview requested
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Contacted
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Cowboys): Rumored candidate
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Rumored candidate
- Adam Stenavich, offensive coordinator (Packers): Rumored candidate
Commanders CB Marshon Lattimore Arrested, Under Investigation For Weapon Violation
JANUARY 9: Lattimore will be hit with a charge of failing to disclose a concealed weapon, according to The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala. This a second-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $750 fine. Lattimore will be subject to the NFL’s personal conduct policy as a result of this arrest.
JANUARY 8: Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore was arrested in Ohio and is under investigation for a weapon violation, according to a report from Cleveland 19. The arrest occurred yesterday, according to ESPN’s John Keim.
Lattimore was taken into custody for carrying concealed weapons. He was later released pending further investigation.
According to the Cleveland 19 report, Lattimore was a passenger in a car that was pulled over for expired plates. He was subsequently arrested for “improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.” Police would not disclose the type of firearm that was in the player’s possession.
Lattimore was also arrested for a weapons charge in Cleveland in 2021. He later pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor gun charge.
“We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information,” the Commanders said in a statement. “We are in communication with the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time.”
A 2017 first-round pick, Lattimore earned four Pro Bowl nods during his eight seasons with the Saints. He joined the Commanders midway through the 2024 campaign and has spent the past year-plus in Washington. He’s started each of his 11 appearances for the franchise, including nine this season. He landed on injured reserve in early November after suffering a torn ACL.
Jets Request DC Interview With Vikings’ Daronte Jones
Chris Harris replaced Steve Wilks as the Jets defensive coordinator late in the season and will have an opportunity to retain his role. However, that won’t stop Aaron Glenn from considering other options for the job. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Jets have requested an interview with Vikings passing game coordinator/DB coach Daronte Jones.
[RELATED: Jets Unlikely To Fire OC Tanner Engstrand; Chris Harris Keeping DC Job In Play]
The 47-year-old coach has bounced around a bit in recent years. He had two-year coaching stints with the Dolphins and Bengals before his first stint in Minnesota in 2020. After serving as the Vikings defensive backs coach under Mike Zimmer for one season, Jones left to become LSU’s defensive coordinator in 2021.
Brian Kelly ended up not keeping him around for a second season, and Jones ended up returning to the Vikings on Kevin O’Connell‘s staff. Jones spent one year as the DBs coach before earning a promotion to defensive pass game coordinator in 2023.
The coach has been involved in the DC cycle for the past few offseasons. He interviewed for the Giants job in 2024, and he was a candidate for the Bears, Jaguars, and Saints gigs in 2025. We heard earlier tonight that the Cowboys had also requested permission to interview him for their defensive coordinator job, and there have been rumblings that he could just earn a promotion to the role in Minnesota if Brian Flores ends up leaving.
Harris only had a brief stint as the Jets interim DC, and he didn’t build much of a case to keep the job in 2026. The Jets gave up 35 first-half points to the Patriots in Week 17 before allowing a Bills team without Josh Allen to score 35 in the regular season finale.