NFC Staff Updates: Cardinals, 49ers, Cowboys, Lions, Buccaneers
New Cardinals head coach Mike LaFleur quickly hired Nathaniel Hackett as his offensive coordinator, and he is now looking for coaches to run his defense and special teams.
Arizona is interviewing a number of candidates for defensive coordinator, while Giants special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial has emerged as a leading candidate to take over as special teams coordinator, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan.
Ghobrial, 37, has spent the last two years with the Giants. Before that, he served as the Jets’ assistant special teams coordinator on Robert Saleh‘s staff, overlapping for two years with LaFleur. Ghobrial previously worked for a number of college programs as well as the Lions in 2017.
The Giants had a solid year on special teams in 2025. They ranked fifth in yards per kickoff return (27.7) and 10th in average starting field position (31.3). Cornerback Deonte Banks also recorded one of the NFL’s five kick return touchdowns last year.
Here is the latest from the coaching ranks across the NFC:
- Elsewhere in the NFC West, the 49ers are hiring former Dolphins offensive assistant Roman Sapolu to their staff, according to KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. He previously served as Hawaii’s offensive coordinator and Fresno State’s run game coordinator. He is also the son of former NFL offensive lineman Jesse Sapolu, who won four Super Bowls with the 49ers between 1983 and 1997.
- The 49ers also promoted team president Al Guido to Chief Executive Officer, per a press release. Guido first arrived in San Francisco in 2014 as the Chief Operating Officer before his promotion to president.
- The Cowboys are retaining Jamel Mutunga, who spent the 2025 season in Dallas via the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship. He will be the team’s assistant running backs coach moving forward, per ESPN’s Todd Archer.
- The Lions are promoting assistant offensive line coach Steve Oliver to tight ends coach, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. He will replace Tyler Roehl, who left Detroit to become Iowa State’s offensive coordinator.
- The Buccaneers are making internal promotions to replace cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross (fired) and safeties coach Nick Rapone (retired), according to Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds. Rashad Johnson will take over Ross’ role while Tim Atkins will succeed Rapone. Both served as assistant secondary coaches in 2025.
2026 NFL Offseason Outlook Series
Pro Football Rumors is breaking down how all 32 teams’ offseason blueprints are shaping up. Going forward, the Offseason Outlook series is exclusive to Trade Rumors Front Office subscribers, and that link provides details on how to sign up for an annual membership.
This post will be updated as more Outlooks are published.
AFC East
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
AFC North
- Baltimore Ravens
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC South
- Houston Texans
- Indianapolis Colts
- Jacksonville Jaguars
- Tennessee Titans
AFC West
- Denver Broncos
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Los Angeles Chargers
NFC East
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Washington Commanders
NFC North
- Chicago Bears
- Detroit Lions
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
NFC South
- Atlanta Falcons
- Carolina Panthers
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
NFC West
- Arizona Cardinals
- Los Angeles Rams
- San Francisco 49ers
- Seattle Seahawks
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 2/5/26
Today’s reserve/futures deals:
Miami Dolphins
- TE Zack Kuntz
Zack Kuntz was a seventh-round pick by the Jets in 2023 and spent two years with the organization. The majority of his NFL career has been spent on New York’s practice squad, although he did find his way into two games with the Jets. He was waived at the end of the 2025 preseason and didn’t join a team for this past season. The tight end was selected by the DC Defenders during this past January’s UFL draft.
Bears To Hire Eric Studesville As RBs Coach
The Bears have found their replacement for Eric Bienemy, their running backs coach in 2025 who returned to Kansas City as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator this offseason. Former Dolphins assistant Eric Studesville will take up the job in 2026, per Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune.
Studesville, 58, began his NFL coaching career with the Bears as an offensive quality control coach in 1997. Interestingly, that followed a college career in which he played and coached on the defensive side of the ball. He then served as the wide receivers coach/assistant special teams coach in 1999 and 2000 before he was hired by the Giants to be their running backs coach. He spent three years in New York before taking the same job with the Bills (2004-2009), Broncos (2010-2016), and Dolphins (2017-2025).
In Miami, he also held the titles of run game coordinator (2017-2020), co-offensive coordinator (2021), and associate head coach (2022-2025). He also overlapped with then-Dolphins WRs coach Ben Johnson for two years and will now fill a key role on his staff in Chicago.
Studeville has developed notable star running backs in his career, including De’Von Achane, Tiki Barber, Fred Jackson, Willis McGahee, C.J. Anderson, and Knowshon Moreno. He will now work with D’Andre Swift and Kyle Monangai, who were an effective one-two punch in 2025.
Cardinals To Hire Nathaniel Hackett As OC
Nathaniel Hackett was believed to be heading to Miami to become the Dolphins’ quarterbacks coach. But he is now on track to move back onto the coordinator tier.
The Cardinals are hiring Hackett as their OC under Mike LaFleur, NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reports. Hackett was LaFleur’s successor as Jets OC; the duo will now head up the offense in Arizona.
A report last week had Hackett committing to the Dolphins to become their QBs coach under Jeff Hafley, but a better offer has come up that will force Miami to keep looking. This will be a non-play-calling position, with LaFleur set to hold the play sheet in the desert. That will be familiar territory for Hackett, who served as Matt LaFleur‘s non-play-calling OC with the Packers from 2019-21. That stay boosted Hackett’s stock; the next three seasons tanked it.
Considering Hackett’s three-year stretch from 2022-24, a move back to the coordinator tier represents a risky decision on the Cardinals’ part. The Broncos fired Hackett 15 games into his HC tenure, and the Jets demoted him from play-calling duties in 2024 — after an offseason effort to strip his power failed. Hackett ended up back in Green Bay as a defensive analyst last season, and his relationship with the LaFleurs appears to be strong enough for what will be a fifth chance as an NFL OC.
Prior to Hackett’s Green Bay stay, he served in that capacity in Buffalo and Jacksonville. Fired during a disappointing Jaguars 2018 season, Hackett landed on his feet weeks later as Matt LaFleur’s OC. The Packers then secured three playoff byes in Hackett’s three years in that role, with Aaron Rodgers earning MVP acclaim in 2020 and ’21. Rodgers has consistently vouched for Hackett, to the point he is believed to have interceded with a Jets effort to fire him after the 2023 season. But Hackett has enjoyed memorable failures with and without the star QB outside of Wisconsin.
The Broncos named Hackett as head coach in January 2022; in early March, they completed a blockbuster Russell Wilson trade. This move took place shortly after Rodgers recommitted to the Packers on a three-year extension. The Broncos were connected to Rodgers for a while, and although they insisted their Wilson trade was not connected to the then-reigning MVP’s Packers decision, the Hackett-Wilson partnership was a historic bust.
Giving Wilson’s camp considerable influence in the building and having the perennial Seahawks Pro Bowler partially dictate how the offense was structured, Hackett proved to be a poor HC fit. Hackett game management gaffes that September led to the Broncos bringing in an assistant (Jerry Rosburg) to run that department, and the embattled HC then removed himself from play-calling duties, giving the play sheet to QBs coach Klint Kubiak. The Broncos canned Hackett after a blowout loss to the Rams, with Rosburg finishing the season as interim HC. Despite Denver’s disjointed offense ranking last in 2022, Hackett landed the New York OC job in 2023.
After LaFleur saw Zach Wilson‘s struggles lead to his ouster, Hackett was soon forced to work with the QB bust after Rodgers’ Week 1 Achilles tear. The Jets ranked 29th in scoring in 2022 and ’23, though Hackett’s attack was worse in yardage (31st) and EPA per play (32nd). Robert Saleh sought to strip power from Hackett during the 2024 offseason, but a stealth search for a de facto OC failed. Saleh was planning to demote Hackett early that season, but the Jets fired their head coach. The team removed Hackett from play-calling duty anyway, giving the play sheet to QBs coach Todd Downing.
It is not known which external minority candidate the Cardinals interviewed; teams must interview one external minority before filling OC or DC posts. Regardless, Hackett (46) will receive yet another chance. He will provide an experienced voice for Mike LaFleur, 38, but his Denver and New York work brings obvious concerns.
Hackett was at the controls for a surprisingly effective 2017 Jaguars offense — one that reached the Super Bowl LII precipice — but he is mostly known for recent failures. He will presumably have a say in how the Cardinals proceed at quarterback, as Kyler Murray is far from certain to enter an eighth season as the team’s QB.
NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 2/4/26
Today’s reserve/futures deals:
Kansas City Chiefs
Miami Dolphins
AFC East Notes: Hall, Hill, Patriots, Bills
It is fairly well known the Jets have wanted to retain Breece Hall. After all, they rejected a Chiefs offer believed to include a fourth-round pick at the deadline. The Jets eyed at least a third, and they retained the four-year starter as he finished his first 1,000-yard rushing season. As the likely top running back set to be available in free agency, Hall could command a salary around $12MM per year. With Aaron Glenn continually speaking highly of the former second-round pick, ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini mentions the franchise tag as a possibility to ensure he stays in New York. The running back tag is expected to cost more than $14MM, per OverTheCap, though precise tag figures are not yet known. The transition tag could also be a possibility, per Cimini. That is expected to come in just south of $12MM, though the Jets would not be entitled to any compensation if Hall signed an offer sheet and departed.
The Jets are projected to hold the fourth-most cap space, so a tag would be a way to ensure Hall does not bolt for a contending team. Rumors ahead of the deadline pointed to the RB wanting to be moved, though he denied he requested a trade. Here is the latest from the AFC East:
- Tyrod Taylor played out a two-year, $12MM Jets contract. After backing up Aaron Rodgers in 2024, Taylor began this season as Justin Fields‘ understudy. The team then turned to Taylor after Fields struggled, but by season’s end, overmatched rookie Brady Cook was taking snaps. A November report indicated the Jets were likely done with Taylor, but Essentiallysports.com’s Tony Pauline indicates the team has interest in re-signing him. If the Jets re-sign Taylor, he would be placed into a third offensive system in three years as the team hires a new OC. That, of course, would not be new for Taylor — a veteran of six teams during a 15-year career. The Jets retaining Taylor would give them some continuity as they search for a new starter.
- The NFL is investigating allegations from Tyreek Hill‘s wife, who has accused the All-Pro wide receiver of domestic abuse over an extended period. The league is reviewing parts of Hill’s deposition in his divorce case with Keeta Vaccaro, the Miami Herald’s Grethel Aguila notes. Vaccaro filed for divorce and alleged eight incidents of domestic violence. Hill is no stranger to such accusations. He was arrested in 2014, pleading guilty to assaulting his girlfriend in college, and was later the subject of an NFL investigation into abuse claims by the same woman — the mother of his oldest children — in 2019. Hill and Vaccaro’s divorce trial is expected to begin in June. Hill, 31, is expected to be a Dolphins cap casualty soon.
- Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore was arrested on a domestic assault charge late last year, and the Boston Globe’s Travis Anderson indicates the sixth-year defender’s arraignment has been pushed back to March. The arraignment was initially scheduled for Tuesday, but Barmore’s lawyer pushed for a delay. This will prevent Barmore from making a court appearance during Super Bowl week. Any suspension for the high-priced D-lineman would likely come before or during the 2026 season.
- Jordan Phillips has enjoyed three stints with the Bills, returning after being released by the Cardinals and Cowboys. Phillips’ third Bills stay came after the Cowboys moved on midway through the 2024 season; he re-signed with Buffalo in August. The veteran defensive tackle spent the past two years in Buffalo and does not want to relocate again if he continues his career. Phillips, 33, is amenable to continuing his career but only wants to do so in Buffalo, ESPN.com’s Alaina Getzenberg tweets.
Dolphins To Retain Joe Barry, Austin Clark
The Dolphins a have a new head coach in Jeff Hafley, but his first staff will include some holdovers from the Mike McDaniel era. The team is retaining inside linebackers coach/run game coordinator Joe Barry and defensive line coach Austin Clark, per reports from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Barry, who signed a multiyear deal to stay in Miami, will enter his third season with the club in 2026. He joined McDaniel’s staff after a three-year run as the defensive coordinator in Green Bay. The Packers fired Barry on the heels of a January 2024 loss to the 49ers in the divisional round.
Interestingly, it was Hafley who replaced Barry as the Packers’ defensive coordinator. Two years later, Barry will work under Hafley and new Dolphins DC Sean Duggan in South Florida.
Clark is now set to serve under his third HC since he became the Dolphins’ OLBs coach in 2020. Brian Flores originally hired Clark, who’s coming off his fifth season leading their defensive line.
Clark will continue coaching the likes of Zach Sieler, Kenneth Grant and Jordan Phillips in 2026. The Dolphins invested heavily in Grant, the 13th overall pick in last year’s draft, and spent a fifth-rounder on Phillips. Neither Grant nor Phillips offered great production as rookies, but they finished second and third, respectively, in snaps among Dolphins D-linemen.
Elsewhere on the Dolphins’ staff, they’re adding former Georgia Tech OLBs coach Darius Eubanks as an assistant special teams coordinator (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 and Pete Nakos of On3). Brock Olivo, a special teams analyst with Missouri from 2023-25, is also heading to Miami as an assistant ST coach, according to agent Paul Sheehy of ProStarSports. The move will reunite Olivo with new Dolphins special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, who held the same position with the Bears from 2018-21. Olivo assisted Tabor in Chicago from 2018-19.
While Eubanks and Olivo are on their way in, the Dolphins are not expected to retain assistant HC/tight ends coach Jon Embree, Jackson reports. The 60-year-old is a longtime McDaniel confidant who worked with him in San Francisco from 2017-21 and moved to Miami when the latter became its head coach in 2022.
With 88 catches, 884 yards and eight touchdowns, Jonnu Smith had a career year under Embree in 2024. No other Dolphins tight end exceeded 35 catches during Embree’s four years on the staff, though Darren Waller was productive during an injury-limited 2025. Waller came out of a one-year retirement to record 24 catches, 283 yards and six TDs in nine games. It’s unknown if the 33-year-old Waller will return to Miami next season, but he’ll have a different position coach if he does.
Steelers To Hire Danny Crossman As Special Teams Coordinator
The Steelers have landed on a choice for their special teams coordinator vacancy. Danny Crossman is expected to be hired, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Pittsburgh lost longtime STC Danny Smith last month when he took the same position in Tampa Bay. The team has searched for a replacement ever since, with an interview request recently being submitted for Bubba Ventrone (who ultimately joined the Rams). The Steelers also spoke with Matthew Smiley as part of their interview process.
In the end, it will be Crossman taking charge of Pittsburgh’s special teams. He will bring considerable experience to the position. Crossman entered the NFL coaching ranks with the Panthers in 2003. He was eventually promoted to special teams coordinator in 2007, a role he held in Carolina for three years. That was followed by multi-year stints in Detroit and Buffalo in the same capacity.
Crossman joined the Dolphins’ staff in 2019 as special teams coordinator. The 59-year-old took on the additional title of assistant head coach for 2021, but that only wound up lasting one season. Once head coach Mike McDaniel arrived in 2022, Crossman returned to the role of special teams coordinator, remaining in Miami for another two years. After one season out of coaching, he will join Mike McCarthy for the coming season.
The Steelers have undergone a number of changes on the sidelines recently, highlighted of course by Mike Tomlin‘s resignation. A new defensive coordinator (Patrick Graham) is now in place, and the Crossman hire will fill another important vacancy. Attention for McCarthy and Co. will increasingly turn toward replacing Arthur Smith at the offensive coordinator spot as the hiring cycle continues to play out.
Dolphins To Hire Sean Duggan As DC
Another important hire on Jeff Hafley‘s Dolphins staff is being made. Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan is heading to Miami to become the team’s new defensive coordinator, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. 
Once the Dolphins brought in Jon-Eric Sullivan as their new general manager, signs increasingly pointed to Hafley following him to South Beach as head coach. As expected, that proved to be the case roughly two weeks ago. Hafley will have a familiar face at the coordinator spot on his first Miami staff.
The Dolphins interviewed Clint Hurtt for the position, but Duggan was recently named as the expected hire in this case. He and Hafley have worked together at the college and pro levels. Duggan worked as a graduate assistant at Ohio State before following Hafley to Boston College. The two continued to work alongside one another for Hafley’s two seasons as the Packers’ defensive coordinator.
Hafely will call plays on defense during his first NFL head coaching stint. The coordinator spot will still of course be an important one, though, and Duggan will take on increased responsibilities with this new title. The 32-year-old was a defensive assistant in Green Bay in 2024 before coaching the team’s linebackers this past season. He will see an expanded purview during his first DC gig at the pro level.
Today’s news comes as little surprise but it confirms incumbent defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver will not be retained for 2026. Weaver spent the past two seasons as Miami’s DC, and he was a popular target for head coaching interviews around the NFL during this year’s hiring cycle. Weaver, 45, was a finalist for the Cardinals’ gig but it went to Mike LaFleur earlier today. Late in the coordinator hiring process, Weaver will now seek out a new opportunity.
Miami ranked 24th in total defense and 22nd in points allowed last season. Improvement across the board will be sought out under Hafley, Duggan and Co. this season with the Dolphins aiming for sustained success under their new regime. Mike McDaniel managed a pair of wild-card appearances during his four-year tenure, but he did not post a playoff win and oversaw a team which regressed over time.
Bobby Slowik had already been promoted to offensive coordinator prior to today’s move. Chris Tabor is also in place as Miami’s new special teams coordinator. With Duggan now in place, many of Hafley’s most important hires have been taken care of.