Wink Martindale, Jim Leonhard, DeMarcus Covington Among Jets’ DC Interviewees
The Jets’ defensive coordinator search has flown under the radar during a frenzied HC carousel, but it has taken shape Friday. The team announced eight candidates for the job.
In addition to interim DC Chris Harris, seven others received interviews. Don Martindale (Michigan), Jim Leonhard (Broncos), Ephraim Banda (Browns), Jim O’Neil (Lions), DeMarcus Covington (Packers), Daronte Jones (Vikings) and Mathieu Araujo (Dolphins) interviewed for the position.
Harris was reported as being likely to interview to keep the job, one he took on after the Steve Wilks firing, and Martindale came up as a candidate as well. The Jets submitted an interview request for Jones. Otherwise, their actions have been pretty quiet on this front.
Entering his rookie season as a head coach, Aaron Glenn tapped the experienced Wilks as his first defensive coordinator. The decision worked out so poorly that Glenn gave Wilks the ax in mid-December. Wilks lost his job the day after a 48-20 blowout loss to the Jaguars in Week 15.
The results didn’t necessarily improve in three games under Harris, who opened 2025 as the team’s defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. With Harris taking over for Wilks, the Jets surrendered a combined 106 points in losses to the Saints, Patriots and Bills.
Although Buffalo rested most of its key offensive players in Week 18, its Mitchell Trubisky-quarterbacked offense still teed off on the Jets for 470 total yards and 35 points. The Jets didn’t pick off Trubisky in that game, clinching an interception-less season for their defense. They became the first team to achieve that ignominious feat. While Harris is at least receiving consideration for a promotion to the full-time job, it would be a surprise to see the Jets choose him over the rest of the field.
Nobody from this octet carries more experience than the 62-year-old Martindale, most recently a D-coordinator at Michigan over the past two seasons. He has been a DC in the NFL for three teams – the Broncos (2010), the Ravens (2018-21) and the Giants (2022-23). Martindale’s Giants tenure ended after a rift with then-head coach Brian Daboll. The two got into a fiery confrontation before parting ways.
O’Neil and Covington join Martindale as former D-coordinators in the NFL. A defensive assistant in Detroit since 2024, O’Neil handled DC duties in Cleveland from 2014-15 and in San Francisco in 2016. He’s also a former Jets coach, having worked in multiple roles under Rex Ryan from 2009-12. Covington was the Patriots’ DC in 2024 under one-and-done head coach Jerod Mayo. He’s now the Packers’ defensive line coach and run game coordinator.
An NFL safety from 2005-2014, Leonhard spent three seasons as a member of Ryan’s defense in New York. The 43-year-old started his coaching career with Wisconsin in 2016. He worked as the Badgers’ DC from 2017-22.
Leonhard is now in his second season with the Broncos, who hired him as a defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator last year. Sean Payton promoted Leonhard to assistant head coach this season.
With the top-seeded Broncos chasing a championship, Leonhard may be a few weeks away from earning a Super Bowl ring as a key part of their staff. He’s also on the Cowboys’ radar as they search for a new D-coordinator.
Banda and Jones are also in the mix for the Dallas job. Previously a college DC at Miami and Utah State, Banda has been the Browns’ safeties coach since 2023. He fulfilled his interview request with the Cowboys today, too, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
Jones, LSU’s coordinator in 2021, has coached in the pros with the Dolphins, Bengals and Vikings since 2016. He started his second Vikings stint in 2022 and has worked as a defensive pass game coordinator under DC Brian Flores since 2023. Flores, whose contract has expired, could leave for another job as a head coach or an assistant. If that happens, the Vikings may promote Jones to replace Flores.
Araujo was on the Yale staff before then-Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel hired him as an assistant DBs coach in 2022. He spent the past two seasons as Miami’s cornerbacks coach, but Araujo’s future is uncertain in the wake of McDaniel’s firing. If the Jets don’t hire Araujo and the Dolphins’ next head coach doesn’t retain him, he’ll have to look elsewhere in 2026.
Along with failing to record an INT, the Jets finished the year a lowly 25th in total defense and 31st in scoring. Their next defensive coordinator will have his work cut out in improving the unit, especially after the Jets traded cornerstone lineman Quinnen Williams and cornerback Sauce Gardner before the Nov. 4 deadline. The Jets received a haul of picks in those deals, though, and they’ll enter the offseason with a hefty amount of cap space. Between their draft capital and spending room, Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey will be in position to give the team’s next defensive coordinator more to work with in 2026.
Connor Byrne contributed to this post.
Browns To Conduct Second HC Interviews With Jim Schwartz, Todd Monken
Attention around the NFL will soon turn to the matter of second head coaching interviews. In the case of the Browns, one internal candidate will receive another look.
Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is set to interview with the team for a second time, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com reports. The follow-up meeting will take place on Monday, she adds. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees also took part in an initial interview with Cleveland, but Cabot adds he is not expected to conduct a follow-up.
Schwartz has further cemented his status as one of the league’s top defensive minds during his Browns tenure. His unit ranked first in the NFL in yards allowed in 2023 and fourth in that capacity this past season. The 59-year-old has received a number of endorsements from Browns players, and given today’s update the possibility remains Schwartz – whose only other interview to date has been with the Ravens – will become Kevin Stefanski‘s successor.
Schwartz served as an NFL head coach from 2009-13. His Lions tenure produced a record of just 29-51, but subsequent success as a D-coordinator has opened the door to interest in a second HC gig. Expectations would no doubt remain high on defense in Cleveland’s case in the event Schwartz were to take over, but it would be interesting to see how his offensive staff would be filled out in such a scenario.
Another target for a second Browns interview has emerged. During an appearance on the Bill Simmons Podcast (video link), ESPN’s Peter Schrager reported that Todd Monken is expected to speak with Cleveland once again. The current Ravens offensive coordinator has long been mentioned as a strong candidate to follow John Harbaugh to his next destination. That means a Giants hire in Monken’s case is anticipated by many. According to Schrager, however, arrangements are being made for the Browns to conduct a follow-up interview on Tuesday in Monken’s case.
In 2019, Monken served as Cleveland’s OC. That one-year stint was followed by a successful run at Georgia and three seasons in Baltimore (the first two of which were highly productive). Monken, 59, is a candidate to return to the Buccaneers as their offensive coordinator, pending the status of talks with the Giants he is likely to take part in shortly. The possibility of a head coaching opportunity could of course complicate any potential deal with New York.
Via PFR’s HC Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand for Cleveland:
- Aden Durde, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Rumored mutual interest; Interview requested
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/12
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): To interview 1/16
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interviewed 1/10; second interview targeted
- Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/9
- Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass game coordinator (Rams): To interview 1/16
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8; to conduct second interview 1/18
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interview requested
Browns Request HC Interview With Rams DC Chris Shula
The Browns are expected to request an interview with Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula for their head coaching vacancy.
Shula, 39, has become one of the most popular candidates in this offseason’s hiring cycle. He has received interview requests from every team except the Falcons and seems to be headed for a top job in the next few years.
He has spent the last eight years under Sean McVay in Los Angeles, starting as an assistant linebackers coach and eventually rising to defensive coordinator in 2024. The Rams defense has not been statistically elite under Shula, but the unit made clear improvements from 2024 to 2025. He has also been instrumental in developing the team’s core four pass rushers: outside linebackers Byron Young and Jared Verse and defensive tackles Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske. That experience aligns with the Browns’ current roster, and a team that seems to be headed for another full reset may want an exciting young coach to lead that effort.
Shula’s time in Los Angeles has given him an up-close look at one of the league’s most popular offenses, giving him unique insight on how to stop McVay-style systems. Shula also has relationships with other McVay lieutenants, which will help him build his staff, especially on the offensive side of the ball.
In addition to working with one of the most successful modern coaches in McVay, Shula is also connected to one of the greatest coaches in league history. He is the grandson of legendary coach Don Shula, who led the Dolphins to an undefeated season in 1972. While that name will not be a deciding factor in any hiring decision, it will still be appreciated by owners and executives who crossed paths with the elder Shula during his career.
Browns Schedule HC Interview With Jesse Minter
JANUARY 13: Minter will interview with the Browns on Friday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com.
JANUARY 9: Jesse Minter‘s list of suitors continues to grow. The Chargers’ defensive coordinator has received a head coaching interview request from the Browns, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. 
Earlier today, Minter received a slip from the Titans. The 42-year-old has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the Ravens. No known interview request has been made by Baltimore as of yet, but that could still change over the coming days in the case of that team and others in the market for a head coach.
Minter has defensive coordinator experience at the college and NFL levels. He has worked under Jim Harbaugh for each of the past four years. The pair won a national championship at Michigan in 2023 before joining the Chargers. Los Angeles has enjoyed a defensive turnaround under Minter, finishing first in the NFL in points allowed last year before ranking ninth in 2025.
The Chargers are set to play in the wild-card round for the second year in a row. As a result, Minter cannot be interviewed until next week. His initial set of meetings with interested teams will be virtual, and it must conclude before the end of the divisional round. By that point, the full list of suitors in this case will be known.
The Browns began their search for Kevin Stefanski‘s replacement by looking internally. Offensive coordinator Tommy Rees and DC Jim Schwartz have already interviewed for the head coaching position. Earlier today, the first pair of outside targets emerged. More will no doubt become linked to Cleveland over the coming days, but few candidates on the market will have as strong of a resume as Minter.
Via PFR’s HC Search Tracker, here is an updated look at where things stand for the Browns:
- Aden Durde, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): To interview 1/9
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Rumored mutual interest
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Rumored candidate
- Jeese Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): To interview 1/16
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Interview requested
- Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): To interview 1/9
- Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8
Vikings Assistant Mike Pettine To Retire
Brian Flores or a Vikings DC successor will not have Mike Pettine around for experienced help in 2026, however. The veteran staffer is retiring, Kevin O’Connell announced Tuesday.
Pettine, 59, has coached in the NFL since 2002. He rose to a head coaching seat in 2014 (with the Browns) and has been a coordinator in a few cities. He had been on O’Connell’s Minnesota staff since 2022, working under Ed Donatell and then Flores as an assistant head coach.
Jumping from the high school level to a Ravens assistant in 2002, Pettine became a defensive coordinator in 2009. The Jets, Bills and Packers employed Pettine as a DC. He started out in that position with the Jets under Rex Ryan. Pettine played a key role in the Jets making back-to-back AFC championship game appearance, as Revis Island formed to bolster Gang Green’s defense-powered operation in Ryan’s early years. Pettine stayed on as New York’s DC for four seasons before moving to Buffalo under Doug Marrone. Following that season, the Browns concluded a slow-moving HC search by naming him their next leader.
Pettine’s first year in Cleveland (2014) brought some unexpected success. Despite Jimmy Haslam overreach leading to a Johnny Manziel first-round selection, Pettine had the Browns — who were without top receiver Josh Gordon for most of the 2014 season — at 7-4. Cleveland-area native Brian Hoyer had quarterbacked the Browns to that point, as Manziel needed extensive development before debuting. Pettine’s defense also ranked ninth that season. But Manziel received the call to start near the end of the year. The bottom fell out for the Browns, who finished 7-9, and Pettine’s 2015 season keyed a descent.
On- and off-field Manziel problems engulfed the Browns in 2015 — before the team cut the megabust. After letting Kyle Shanahan out of his OC contract following a 2014 one-off, Cleveland finished 3-13 in Pettine’s second season. The team used Manziel and free agent signing Josh McCown as their primary QBs, and ownership fired he and GM Ray Farmer. Pettine resurfaced with the Seahawks as a consultant in 2017 and with the Packers as their DC by 2018.
In charge of two Packers defenses that appeared in NFC championship games, Pettine lasted three seasons in Green Bay. Pettine’s 2019 and ’20 Green Bay defenses ranked ninth and 13th, respectively, in scoring, but NFC title game letdowns ensued. Raheem Mostert ran wild on the Packers in the 2019 conference championship round, producing the second-most playoff rushing yards in NFL history, and the Packers gave up 31 points to the Tom Brady-piloted Buccaneers a year later in a home loss.
Although the Pack intercepted three Brady passes in the second half of that game, the team did not renew his contract in 2021. He worked as a Bears assistant under Matt Nagy before trekking to Minnesota. Pettine served as outside linebackers coach with the Vikings, who had two Pro Bowl OLBs (Jonathan Greenard, Andrew Van Ginkel) in 2024, over the past two seasons.
Falcons, Giants, Titans Believed To Be Early John Harbaugh Leaders; Latest On Browns, Dolphins’ Pursuits
JANUARY 13: It appears the Titans should not be dropped to the second tier of the Harbaugh sweepstakes. Tennessee is believed to join Atlanta and New York as a frontrunner here at this point in the process, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini tweets. The Titans are conducting a thorough search, but Harbaugh’s name has shot toward the top of the list as Borgonzi prepares to make his first HC hire.
JANUARY 12: John Harbaugh interviews are expected to begin this week. The Giants look to be pushing the hardest among this lot of suitors, and the sides are on track to huddle up soon. But other teams are still in this race.
As of Monday, it is believed the Falcons join the Giants as the early leaders for the 18-year veteran HC, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes. This is a sentiment shared around the coaching market, according to SNY’s Connor Hughes, who indicates the current expectation points to Harbaugh ending up in Atlanta or New York.
[RELATED: Chris Mara, Harbaugh Complete Informal Meeting]
The Dolphins and Titans, however, are still believed to be in the race, SI.com’s Albert Breer offers. Miami and Tennessee are still likely to have a “real shot” to pitch their jobs to the coveted candidate. Harbaugh is believed to have spent the weekend making preparations to assemble a coaching staff, Breer adds.
We heard over the weekend the Dolphins’ decision to hire Jon-Eric Sullivan as GM may steer them away from Harbaugh, and the Miami opening may not be especially desirable among top HC candidates.
The Titans are coming off a second consecutive 3-14 season, but they do have Cam Ward in place and the NFL’s second-most cap space. Though, the AFC South did show significant improvement this season — after being mostly dormant for many years. The Titans should be viewed as the third-place team for Harbaugh right now, Jones adds, but Ward and the lofty cap-space figure have presented some intrigue for Harbaugh, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets. High draft choices and the Titans moving toward a new stadium are also factors here, Garafolo adds, noting GM Mike Borgonzi‘s presence is viewed as a plus early.
The NFC South, however, has been the NFL’s worst division on the whole this decade. The Falcons were part of a three-way tie for first place at 8-9. They were believed to join the Giants in closely monitoring the Harbaugh situation before the Ravens fired him. Atlanta also does not look to be a rebuilding team, having some quality pieces at the skill positions, up front and, as of 2025, in the pass-rushing department. The divisional outlook also does not look particularly strong moving forward, creating an interesting opportunity.
Harbaugh is believed to want some roster say, according to Jones, but he is not aiming for full control. A high salary will be required, as should be expected with a candidate carrying Harbaugh’s credentials and suitor list, but Jones adds a $20MM-per-year number is not a requirement. That is viewed as at or near the top of the coaching market, where ex-Harbaugh mentor Andy Reid resides.
Giants co-owner Steve Tisch is believed to be the strongest Harbaugh proponent within the NFC East organization, according to Hughes, but team brass is fairly in agreement this should be the way to play it. The Giants have not succeeded, for the most part, with first-timers since Tom Coughlin‘s ouster. Pat Shurmur had experience, a two-year Browns run, but was not in the same league as Harbaugh. A Harbaugh hiring would remind of the 2004 Coughlin pickup, though the latter was not nearly as experienced as Harbaugh when he landed the New York job.
In addition to Harbaugh being intrigued by Jaxson Dart, the coaching free agent is believed to value the Giants’ history. A storied franchise in the pre-Super Bowl era and one that has four Super Bowl titles, the Giants have fallen on hard times over the past decade and change. Even though New York won Super Bowl XLVI, it has not booked back-to-back playoff berths since the 2007-08 seasons. Harbaugh, 63, would have a chance to restore the Giants as a contending operation. That could appeal to a coach whose Baltimore tenure had run its course.
While the Browns are aiming to interview Harbaugh, Breer leaves them off the upper echelon of pursuers here. Though, Jones confirms a recent report that indicates mutual interest does exist. It will be tough for the Browns to lure Harbaugh or a comparable candidate, given ownership’s rocky history and Deshaun Watson‘s contract still on the books. The Browns, who will almost definitely roster Watson in 2026 and be on the hook for his megadeal in 2027 thanks to void years-driven dead money, also do not have a great path to a quarterback in this year’s draft due to holding the No. 6 overall pick.
Dolphins Contact John Harbaugh; Troy Aikman Assisting In HC Search
JANUARY 12: The Dolphins are not seen as a frontrunner for Harbaugh at this time, although Jackson reports further contact between the parties will take place. Whether or not Miami winds up as a finalist remains to be seen, but the team is among Harbaugh’s many suitors as things stands.
JANUARY 10: The Dolphins considered a trade for then-Ravens head coach John Harbaugh in 2019. No deal came together, though, and Harbaugh remained in Baltimore for the long haul. Seven years later, the Dolphins are in the market for a head coach again. With Harbaugh a free agent after the Ravens fired him this week, he’s back on Miami’s radar. The Dolphins contacted Harbaugh and informed him of their interest, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The Dolphins became the seventh team to reach out to Harbaugh since he lost his job on Tuesday, Albert Breer of SI.com reports. That means every club without a head coach (excluding Baltimore, of course) has contacted Harbaugh. The Cardinals, Falcons, Browns, Raiders, Giants and Titans are also in the market.
The Giants, Dolphins, Titans and Falcons look like the most realistic fits for Harbaugh, Breer observes, but interest in the 63-year-old extends beyond clubs with head coach openings. Harbaugh has heard from “at least nine other teams,” Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald writes.
Playoff participants such as Buffalo and Green Bay have come up as potential landing spots for Harbaugh. The Packers, however, seem likely to work out a contract extension with Matt LaFleur. That would rule out Harbaugh joining the Pack.
Harbaugh, who will begin interviewing next week, hasn’t booked anything with the Dolphins yet, Jackson reports. Considering the Harbaugh family has a “longtime relationship” with Dolphins owner Stephen Ross, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him wind up as a front-runner for the position. However, a lack of clarity at quarterback could hurt the Dolphins’ cause.
Harbaugh enjoyed remarkable stability under center throughout his 18-year tenure in Baltimore, first with Joe Flacco and then Lamar Jackson. Thanks in large part to an incredible playoff run from Flacco, the Ravens capped off the 2012 season with a Super Bowl victory. The Ravens haven’t won a championship since then, but Jackson has been an elite QB who has twice earned MVP honors since his first full season in 2019.
Meanwhile, the Dolphins and new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan will have to figure out how to proceed with Tua Tagovailoa. While Tagovailoa is open to a fresh start, he’s owed a guaranteed $54MM in 2026. Releasing Tagovailoa would cost the Dolphins a record $99.2 in dead money, though designating him a post-June 1 cut would enable to spread that total over two seasons. Still, it would be a less-than-ideal situation for Harbaugh or anyone else who may replace the ousted Mike McDaniel as the Dolphins’ next sideline leader.
Miami’s head coach hiring will come with input from Hall of Fame quarterback Troy Aikman, who will stay on in an advisory role, Jackson relays. The Dolphins first brought the “Monday Night Football” broadcaster in to assist in a GM search that ended with Sullivan’s hiring. The team appreciated Aikman’s “diligence and effort” during the process, per Jackson. The former Cowboy will now have some say over the HC position, though Sullivan and Ross will lead the way.
In the event the Dolphins don’t hire Harbaugh, Jackson identifies Packers coordinators Jeff Hafley (defense) and Adam Stenavich (offense), former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, ex-Packers and Cowboys HC Mike McCarthy and Jaguars D-coordinator Anthony Campanile as names to watch. Sullivan, who spent over two decades in Green Bay, has worked with Hafley, Stenavich and McCarthy. Campanile was Miami’s linebackers coach from 2020-23.
Ravens Request HC Interview With Jim Schwartz
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:
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interview requested
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): To interview
- 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): To interview
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview requested
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/11
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Interview requested
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/9
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): To interview 1/12
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
Browns Request HC Interview With Jaguars’ Grant Udinski
Liam Coen understandably garnered the most praise for the Jaguars’ turnaround that produced a 12-5 season, but offensive coordinator Grant Udinski certainly played a key role as well. Teams have paid attention to Trevor Lawrence‘s resurgence with regards to Udinski’s status.
Coming up as a potential HC candidate weeks ago, Udinski is indeed on the radar. The Browns have requested an interview with the young OC, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets. Udinski is just 30 (today), but he already made the jump from assistant QBs coach to OC last year.
[RELATED: 2026 HC Search Tracker]
The Jaguars hired Udinski from his assistant QBs coach role in Minnesota. Although Udinski is a non-play-calling OC, the Jags going from 4-13 to 12-5 turned heads. With teams seeing how Coen and Ben Johnson turned their teams around in Year 1, more interest in offense-oriented HC candidates is logical. Udinski qualifies, even though his experience level falls short in most respects.
Udinski only leapt onto the position coaching level in 2023, being an assistant to Kevin O’Connell in the two years prior. He began his NFL career as a coaching assistant prior to that, following Matt Rhule from Baylor to Carolina in 2020. While Rhule did not work out with the Panthers and is back at the college level, teams took notice in Udinski last year. The Texans, Patriots, Seahawks and Buccaneers each interviewed Udinski for OC positions in 2025. He conducted two interviews with Seattle before becoming Jacksonville’s OC.
The Giants were believed to have Udinski on their HC radar this offseason, though no request has emerged yet. With the Jags now eliminated, Udinski is free to interview. Had Jacksonville defeated Buffalo on Sunday, he would have needed to wait until Wednesday to do a remote interview. Free of restrictions, Udinski most likely will meet about possibly succeeding Kevin Stefanski — who was also a Vikings staffer, albeit before Udinski arrived — in Cleveland.
Browns’ Deshaun Watson Could Compete For QB1 Role In 2026
We heard last month that the Browns would likely retain quarterback Deshaun Watson for 2026, the last year of his contract. General manager Andrew Berry recently confirmed as much, as relayed by Cleveland.com’s Orange and Brown Talk Podcast.
During a recent installment of that podcast, Browns beat reporter Mary Kay Cabot said Watson could find himself as the club’s starting quarterback once again, even if he is only a bridge to a younger passer. Watson has underperformed during his 19 appearances with Cleveland, but the other two QBs currently on the roster – Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel – failed to impress during their rookie campaigns in 2025.
The Browns will again be in the market for a quarterback in the first round of this year’s draft. They are armed with their own No. 6 overall pick and another first-rounder whose position will ultimately be determined by how the Jaguars finish the season, which could help Cleveland’s ability to trade up for a signal-caller if need be.
Regardless of how the Browns’ QB room looks after free agency and the draft, it appears Watson will be in the mix to be the Week 1 starter. Prior reporting indicated he has served as a valuable veteran presence for Sanders and Gabriel, and Cabot adds that the Browns liked what they saw from Watson after they opened his practice window in early December (even though he ultimately saw no game action in 2025 due to his Achilles injury).
Cabot did acknowledge that Watson’s status with the Browns could hinge on whom the team hires to be its next head coach. Former Ravens HC John Harbaugh is widely regarded as the best option on the market at the moment, and he reportedly has interest in the Browns’ gig. Cabot says Cleveland’s longtime divisional foe would be the sole decision-maker on the quarterback situation if the team is able to hire him.
“If you hire a John Harbaugh, he is certainly going to have every bit of say in who his quarterback is going to be,” Cabot said (h/t Yardbarker’s Zac Wassink). “He’s not just going to have input. He’s going to make that decision 100 percent.”
As a member of the Browns, Watson has compiled a 9-10 record, and his best season came in a six-game slate in 2023, when he finished with a traditional quarterback rating of 84.3 and a QBR of 43.7. His contract situation and off-field baggage aside, he has not looked like a viable starting quarterback since 2020, when he was a member of the Texans.
But he will not turn 31 until September, at which time he may have another opportunity to resuscitate his playing career.