Mike McDaniel To Interview With Falcons, Ravens For HC Position
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.
Bucs To Interview Mike Kafka For OC Job
The Buccaneers are set to interview Mike Kafka for their offensive coordinator vacancy, per FOX Sports’ Greg Auman.
Kafka, 38, has been the Giants’ offensive coordinator for the last four years. He was also named interim head coach after Brian Daboll was fired in November. Under Kafka, New York’s offense has never ranked higher than 13th in points or 15th in yards with bottom-five finishes in both categories in 2022 and 2023. He was working with a weak offensive roster, especially at quarterback, but at the same time, part of his task was developing that roster.
Kafka previously spent five years in Kansas City, including four seasons as the quarterbacks coach. In 2020, he added pass game coordinator to his title. The Chiefs offense was consistently one of the best in the NFL during his tenure, which featured the ascent of Patrick Mahomes into one of the best quarterbacks in the history of the sport. While Mahomes’ pure talent and Andy Reid‘s influence are largely credited for the unit’s success, Kafka seems to have been a key factor, too. After his departure in 2022, the Chiefs had one more season as the best offense in the NFL before falling to the middle of the league in the last three years.
In Tampa Bay, Kafka would be working with a more talented offense with improvement over the Giants’ players at nearly every position. The Buccaneers clearly felt that Josh Grizzard did not get enough out of the unit this past season and may be seeking a more experienced option. Kafka also has a connection to the franchise: during his playing career, he served as Tampa Bay’s backup quarterback for the 2014 season.
The Buccaneers are also looking for a replacement for special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey, who was fired along with Grizzard after the regular season. Lions assistant special teams coordinator Jett Modkins interviewed for the job on Monday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Tampa Bay’s 60.6 special teams grade from Pro Football Focus (subscription required) was the third-lowest in the NFL this season, though their average starting field position ranked 12th. In contrast, the Lions have consistently fielded one of the top-graded special teams units in the NFL. Their 90.5 grade was the league’s sixth-best in 2025, and their average starting field position ranked fifth.
The two interviews are part of the Buccaneers’ major offseason staff shake-up after another disappointing end to their season. Head coach Todd Bowles is clearly willing to make some changes after a 35-33 record and one playoff win in the last four years.
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.
Lions To Interview Mike McDaniel For OC Job
The Lions expressed interest in Mike McDaniel immediately after his Dolphins ouster. Days later, the sides have scheduled a meeting.
McDaniel will interview for Detroit’s OC post on Tuesday, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports. This process may take some time, though. McDaniel is on at least three teams’ HC radars, booking Ravens and Falcons interviews today to go with his Titans meeting.
The Lions weren’t shy about their pursuit of McDaniel, as the team reached out to him only hours after his ouster in Miami. Detroit has been hunting around for a replacement for OC John Morton, who was fired after only one season in the role. The Lions are clearly hoping to reboot an offense that sorely missed Ben Johnson in 2025, and McDaniel provides as much upside as anyone on the market.
The 42-year-old put himself on the head coaching map following his first stint as an offensive coordinator. McDaniel spent one season in that role with the 49ers, where he helped guide a Jimmy Garoppolo-led offense to a top-10 showing in total yards. Part of that offensive success was thanks to rookie RB Elijah Mitchell, who finished with 1,100 yards from scrimmage that season.
The Dolphins were quick to name McDaniel as their next franchise leader in 2022, and the coach had immediate success in Miami. He helped guide the Dolphins to playoff appearances in each of his first two seasons at the helm, with his 2023 squad representing one of the league’s best offenses. The Dolphins fell off in 2024 and 2025, partly thanks to McDaniel’s inability to control the locker room. Following a 7-10 showing this year, the 42-year-old was issued his walking papers.
Considering his initial success in Miami, McDaniel is already looking to land on his feet, as he’s garnered three head coaching interviews. Still, a job in Detroit wouldn’t be the worst fallback. While the Lions offense took a step back in 2025 and especially struggled down the stretch, the unit still finished top-five in both points and yards. While the Lions haven’t tapped into the Mike/Kyle Shanahan tree since Anthony Lynn, McDaniel would certainly warrant some consideration for the gig.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
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.
Colts To Prioritize Alec Pierce Re-Signing; Kwity Paye Likely To Depart
Alec Pierce has led the NFL in yards per reception in each of the past two seasons. He surpassed 800 yards in 2024 despite Anthony Richardson‘s accuracy issues and reached a career-high 1,003 this season.
The Colts’ top deep threat is on track for free agency. Even before Pierce crossed the finish line for his first 1,000-yard season, he was expected to do well in free agency. Now, the Colts want to make sure he stays. Chris Ballard confirmed (via Fox59’s Mike Chappell) keeping Pierce is a priority. This comes after the Cincinnati alum said he was open to re-signing.
Usually aggressive when it comes to retaining his own (not so much with outside hires, though that is changing), Ballard has been able to work out numerous extensions and re-signings for core players. The Colts, however, already paid one wide receiver — via Michael Pittman Jr.‘s three-year, $70MM extension — and are planning to enter talks to re-sign Daniel Jones. Their Richardson plan did not work out, pointing to a veteran QB contract being back on the payroll. That will complicate matters with Pierce.
Pittman’s deal runs through 2026, potentially giving the Colts a chance to reevaluate matters with their No. 1 receiver. Jones established a better rapport with Pierce this season, with Pittman only accumulating 784 receiving yards — after 808 in 2024. Pittman missed one game over that span, while Pierce managed to cross into 1,000-yard territory after missing two this year. After averaging 22.3 yards per catch in 2024 and 21.3 this season, Pierce will be a coveted piece on this year’s market.
George Pickens will be the top receiver on this year’s market, though the Cowboys have been mentioned as being in play to use their franchise tag on the trade pickup. Pierce and Romeo Doubs look like the next-best options, with Giants slot Wan’Dale Robinson also a first-time UFA. The Colts also dealt from their receiver group to acquire Sauce Gardner, sending 2024 second-round pick Adonai Mitchell to the Jets. Josh Downs has one season left on his rookie contract.
Kwity Paye joins Pierce as a free agent-to-be, but despite his first-round pedigree, the five-year defensive end appears a lower priority for the Colts. The 2021 draftee is likely to head elsewhere on the market, Chappell adds, noting the Colts should also be considered likely to lose Samson Ebukam and Tyquan Lewis in free agency.
Indianapolis picked up Paye’s fifth-year option, and he joined Jaelan Phillips and Odafe Oweh as 2021 EDGE draftees to play out option years. Both Phillips and Oweh were traded, while Paye finished his rookie contract with the team that drafted him. Though both traded pass rushers proved valuable for their new teams, Paye did not impress in his contract year.
Paye played all 17 Colts games this season but finished with just four sacks and nine QB hits. That came after he combined for 16.5 sacks from 2023-24. Paye’s showings in 2023 and ’24 still stand to help him, though he did not boost his market in a contract year.
Ballard has traditionally been stingy when it comes to acquiring outside talent, but he did make good on a pledge to deviate this past year. The Colts gave big-ticket deals to Camryn Bynum and Charvarius Ward. New owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon expressed interest in Ballard leaning in this direction moving forward, ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder notes.
The Colts are projected to sit in the middle of the pack in cap space, being slated to hold just more than $33MM. A chunk of whatever space Indy ends up with will need to go to Jones, which will limit funds available for Pierce and any outside options. A Pierce franchise tag may cost more than $28MM, per OverTheCap; that will likely not be a path the Colts turn to. With Jones and Pierce deemed priorities, it will be interesting to see if Ballard acts on Irsay-Gordon’s wishes to see more activity with regards to outside talent being added.
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