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Jets, OC Tanner Engstrand Part Ways

By | at January 27, 2026 1:07 pm

After just one season, the Jets are moving on from offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. The two sides are parting ways.

This doesn’t come as a surprise after a weekend report indicated Engstrand’s future was in limbo. It nonetheless continues a major staff shakeup for Glenn, who has cleared out several coaches – including both coordinators – dating back to the mid-December firing of DC Steve Wilks.

While Glenn and Engstrand discussed a non-play-calling position for 2026, they ultimately decided to go in other directions, per Rich Cimini of ESPN. Glenn is now on the hunt for a veteran replacement for Engstrand, someone to serve as a “head coach of the offense,” a source told Connor Hughes of SNY . Former Colts and Panthers head coach Frank Reich looks like the frontrunner to take over, but the Jets will need to interview at least two minority candidates before hiring their next O-coordinator, Hughes notes

Glenn, previously the Lions’ defensive coordinator, worked with Engstrand in Detroit from 2021-24. Engstrand shifted from offensive quality control coach to tight ends coach/passing game coordinator to passing game coordinator during that four-year span. Glenn saw enough positives from Engstrand to bring the former Ben Johnson understudy to New York as a first-time NFL offensive coordinator last January. However, Engstrand’s hiring only came after Nick Caley turned down the Jets. Then the Rams’ tight ends coach, Caley became the Texans’ offensive coordinator in early February.

Several weeks after hiring Engstrand, the Jets added former Bears and Steelers quarterback Justin Fields on a two-year, $40MM deal in free agency. The Jets guaranteed Fields $30MM, but they’re already poised to move on this offseason after an unproductive 2025 in which Glenn benched him for the rest of the year in mid-November.

With Fields, journeyman backup Tyrod Taylor and undrafted rookie Brady Cook playing in at least five games apiece, the Jets averaged a paltry 140.3 passing yards per contest. They easily placed last in the league in that category, falling short of the 31st-ranked Browns by 25 yards per game.

To make matters worse for Engstrand, knee issues limited star wide receiver Garrett Wilson to seven games. With Wilson down for 10 games, running back Breece Hall was the Jets’ only established offensive weapon. Hall put up the first 1,000-yard season of his four-year career, and tight end Mason Taylor had a 44-catch rookie campaign, but bright spots were otherwise few and far between.

After ranking 29th in both total offense and scoring under Engstrand, the Jets will employ a 12th different offensive play-caller in a 16-year span in 2026 (h/t: Cimini). Although Glenn will return after posting a 3-14 record as a rookie head coach in 2025, his staff will take on a much different look next season.

17 comments New York Jets Newsstand

Rams QB Matthew Stafford Undecided On Playing Future

By | at January 27, 2026 1:04 pm

The Rams came up short in the NFC title game on Sunday. That marked the end of quarterback Matthew Stafford‘s 17th season in the NFL.

Over much of his Rams tenure, Stafford has faced questions about the possibility of retirement. His future remained uncertain for a long period of the 2025 offseason before a new Los Angeles agreement was ultimately worked out. For now, Stafford does not have a firm timeline on deciding whether he wishes to continue his career or not.

“It’ll be a lot that goes into it,” the Super Bowl winner said during an appearance on the Let’s Go! podcast. “It’s a physical, a mental and emotional decision, a personal and a family decision as well… So when I’m ready to figure that out, I’ll be ready to figure that out. That moment isn’t right now. I have so much more time, I feel like, to reflect on just the people and the season that we just had.”

Amidst a new round of uncertainty regarding his status, Stafford loomed as a trade candidate last year. The Rams allowed his camp to seek out a deal and an accompanying extension; the Raiders and Giants emerged as serious contenders. Part of their selling point was an extension worth more than what Los Angeles was prepared to pay. In the end, though, Stafford elected once again to remain in place with the Rams on a new deal.

That 2025 agreement included a raise as well as – crucially – $40MM in 2026 compensation which is set to vest on the fifth day of the new league year. By mid-March, the Rams will therefore need to know Stafford’s intentions. When speaking after Sunday’s loss, head coach Sean McVay confirmed (video link via ESPN’s Kimberley Martin) the team will welcome him back for next season if that proves to be an option.

Stafford will turn 38 at the end of next week. A lingering back issue was a major talking point through training camp, with the Rams appearing to be uncertain about his ability to remain healthy all season. In fact, Stafford was available throughout the campaign and enjoyed an incredibly productive year. The former No. 1 pick led the NFL in passing yards and touchdowns, earning first-team All-Pro honors and his third career Pro Bowl nod along the way.

Expectations would be high for Stafford and the Rams once again in 2026 if their partnership were to extend into a sixth season. At this point, though, it is unknown if the team will have stability under center or if Los Angeles will be forced into finding a new QB1 this spring.

21 comments Los Angeles Rams

Falcons Set Up Second GM Interviews With Ian Cunningham, James Liipfert

By | at January 27, 2026 12:38 pm

The Falcons are getting closer to hiring a general manager to replace the ousted Terry Fontenot. Falcons president of football Matt Ryan said the team has “some” in-person interviews coming up (via Josh Kendall of The Athletic). They’ve identified at least a couple of finalists.

Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham will meet with the Falcons for a second interview this week, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN relays. Texans assistant GM James Liipfert, a Georgia native, also remains in the running after an impressive initial interview, according to Albert Breer of SI.com. Both Cunningham and Liipfert will interview on Thursday, per Breer.

Cunningham, reportedly the favorite to become the Falcons’ GM, interviewed for their newly created president of football position before it went to Ryan. The 40-year-old has a connection to Ryan in Bears GM Ryan Poles, who was one of Ryan’s teammates at Boston College.

Cunningham, formerly with the Ravens and Eagles, has worked under Poles in Chicago since 2022. He has interviewed elsewhere for several promotions since then, including the Commanders’ president of football operations gig in January 2024. Cunningham was a finalist for that opening, but the Commanders hired Adam Peters instead. Two years later, Cunningham may head to Atlanta in a prominent position.

Liipfert, a former Georgia Tech linebacker, spent nine years in a scouting capacity with the Patriots before the Texans hired him as their director of college scouting in 2019. He has since climbed up the front office ranks in Houston, which promoted him to assistant director of personnel and then executive director of player personnel before moving him to assistant GM last June. Liipfert has a long history with Texans executive vice president/GM Nick Caserio, as the two previously worked together in New England.

“He’s earned his opportunity, so credit to him,” Caserio said of Liipfert (via Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2). “Whatever the Falcons decide to do, but hopefully he’s here helping the Texans. He’s fortunate to have the opportunity and I’m sure he’ll do a good job with it. Happy for James and see how it goes.”

It’s unknown if the Falcons will conduct second interviews with other candidates, but here’s a look at the other names they’ve considered:

0 comments Atlanta Falcons Chicago Bears Houston Texans

Cardinals Arrange Second Mike LaFleur HC Interview

By | at January 27, 2026 11:46 am

JANUARY 27: The Cardinals are one of three teams which have yet to make a head coaching hire at this point, but Connor Hughes of SNY reports LaFleur is still viewed as the frontrunner for Arizona. Once the follow-up between the parties concludes, a potential hire will be something to watch for.

JANUARY 26: With the Rams‘ season having ended on Sunday, their staffers are free to speak with interested teams about head coaching vacancies. That makes Mike LaFleur one of the top names to watch over the coming days.

LaFleur has been strongly linked to the Cardinals with their HC search ongoing. A second interview has now been arranged between the two. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Rams’ offensive coordinator will meet in person with Arizona today and tomorrow.

A Saturday report named LaFleur, along with former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile as the “leading” candidates for the Cardinals’ HC gig. As such, today’s update comes as little surprise. LaFleur has also met with the Raiders, one of four teams still in need of a new head coach.

Arizona fired Jonathan Gannon on ‘Black Monday’ in a move which ended his three-year run with the team. Since then, a number of other vacancies have emerged and – based on the level of activity regarding hires and interviews – many have proven to be more attractive. Indeed, six other HC hires have taken place at this point. Of the teams still looking for a head coach, only the Bills reached the playoffs in 2025.

After winning eight games in 2024, a postseason berth would not have been a major surprise in Arizona’s case. Instead, the team ended on a nine-game losing streak and finished 3-14. Improvement will be sought out by the Cardinals’ next head coach, someone who will have to make staffing decisions such as the hiring of a new offensive coordinator (to replace Drew Petzing) upon arrival. Gannon came to Arizona with a defensive background, whereas the opposite is true of LaFleur.

The brother of current Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, Mike worked as the Jets’ offensive coordinator in 2021 and ’22. Since then, he has worked a non-play-calling OC with the Rams. LaFleur, 38, has never been a head coach at the college or NFL levels. He is one of the top candidates still on the market at this point, however, and it will be interesting to see if this upcoming Cardinals interview produces an offer.

Via PFR’s HC Search Tracker, here is a look at where things stand for Arizona:

4 comments Arizona Cardinals Los Angeles Rams

Bills Promote Joe Brady To HC

By | at January 27, 2026 10:43 am

The Bills have elected to take the internal route regarding their head coaching position. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady has been promoted to the role, as first reported by Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The news is now official, per a team announcement. This is a five-year agreement, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini adds. After a nine-year run with Sean McDermott at the helm, the Bills will hope a familiar first-time head coach will be able to get them over the hump in the postseason.

Once McDermott was fired in the wake of Buffalo’s latest divisional round loss, Brady was named as a logical replacement candidate the team knows well. Indeed, the Bills showed interest in former offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and ex-Josh Allen teammate Davis Webb while weighing their options. All three have received looks elsewhere on the market, but instead of departing Brady has elected to remain in place and take over Buffalo’s staff.

Brady interviewed twice with the Ravens and Raiders for their HC vacancies. He also arranged an in-person meeting with the Cardinals, but that will not take place. A promotion always loomed as a strong possibility in this case, and after working in Buffalo the past four years Brady will now take on a head coaching position for the first time in his career by remaining in a familiar spot.

The 36-year-old spent two seasons as a Saints assistant before joining LSU’s staff for 2019. Brady’s work with the national champions that year drew attention based on the Tigers’ remarkable offensive production and boosted his coaching stock to a large extent. It immediately landed him an OC gig with the Panthers. Things did not go according to plan during Matt Rhule‘s Carolina tenure, but Brady did not need to wait long to find a new opportunity once his two-year Panthers run came to an end. He joined the Bills in 2022 as their quarterbacks coach.

Ken Dorsey was in place as Buffalo’s offensive coordinator at the time. That remained the case until midway through the 2023 campaign, when Dorsey was fired. Brady took over for the remainder of the season and stayed in place as the team’s play-caller through 2024 and ’25. During his two full years as an OC, Buffalo ranked second and then fourth in the NFL in scoring. The Bills also posted top-10 finishes in total offense under Brady.

Expectations will no doubt remain high for the team on offense with Brady still in place and a core highlighted by Allen under contract. Buffalo remained strong as a rushing team this past season, but struggles in the passing game proved to be an issue. The Bills will presumably aim to bring in at least one notable pass-catcher this offseason, but in the meantime Brady will now turn his attention to building a staff.

An OC replacement will need to be sought out, with a decision on whether or not Brady will call plays being required as well. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich remains in place at this time; Babich has worked as the team’s DC for the past two years but his Buffalo tenure dates back to 2017. It will be interesting to see how much Brady prioritizes experience as opposed to seeking out external options over the coming days.

As part of the decision to move on from McDermott, Bills owner Terry Pegula elected to promote general manager Brandon Beane to president of football operations. That elevated Beane’s standing in the organization and no doubt increased his sway during HC interviews. Allen also had input in the head coaching decision, and the coordinator in place from his 2024 MVP season will remain in the organization moving forward.

Candidates with a wide range of coaching experience interviewed with the Bills in the aftermath of McDermott’s dismissal. Other highly-regarded staffers such as Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak may have also received a look, but Buffalo was not eligible to speak with him until after the Super Bowl. Instead of waiting for Kubiak or any other external candidates, Pegula and Co. have decided to promote from within.

85 comments Buffalo Bills Newsstand

Eagles Interview Sean Mannion For OC Gig

By | at January 27, 2026 10:31 am

The list of Eagles offensive coordinator candidates has grown even longer. Philadelphia’s search for a Kevin Patullo replacement has produced another interview.

The Eagles met with Packers quarterbacks coach Sean Mannion, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reports. That makes him the 14th candidate linked to Philadelphia’s OC vacancy in one capacity or another. This is the first known coordinator interview Mannion has taken in this year’s cycle. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network confirms Mannion’s first meeting with Philadelphia was virtual, but he adds an in-person follow-up will take place later this week.

Immediately after ending his playing career, Mannion stepped into coaching. The former Rams and Vikings passer joined the Packers’ staff in February 2024. He worked as an offensive assistant on Matt LaFleur‘s staff that year before being promoted to QBs coach following Tom Clements’ retirement. In 2025, Mannion guided a position group which included Jordan Love posting the best passer rating (101.2) of his tenure working as Green Bay’s starter. Backup Malik Willis also drew praise for his work when on the field.

Willis could head elsewhere in free agency this spring, and given today’s updates Mannion could soon leave Green Bay as well. At the age of 33 and with only two years of coaching experience, Mannion would certainly carry a high degree of risk from the perspective of the Eagles or any other suitors. A hire could, on the other hand, set Philadelphia up for a degree of stability at the OC spot, something which has been lacking throughout head coach Nick Sirianni‘s tenure.

Patullo increasingly drew criticism for his unit’s performances in 2024, the first season following his promotion as Kellen Moore‘s successor. Other factors were in play for Philadelphia as last year’s Super Bowl winners fell short of expectations, but it came as little surprise when Patullo was dismissed following the team’s wild-card loss. The search for his replacement has proven to be far-reaching, but Mannion – who will work as an offensive coordinator in tonight’s East-West Shrine Bowl – is firmly on the Eagles’ radar.

Via PFR’s Coordinator Search Tracker, here is a look at where things stand for Philadelphia:

8 comments Minnesota Vikings Philadelphia Eagles

Jets Remain In Contact With Frank Reich; Aaron Glenn Could Call Defensive Plays?

By | at January 27, 2026 9:42 am

Frank Reich emerged over the weekend as a candidate to watch for the Jets as their coordinator searches continue. A hire in his case could be drawing near.

Conversations are “progressing” between Reich and the Jets, SNY’s Connor Hughes reports. An agreement remains the team’s priority as this point while head coach Aaron Glenn attempts to fill out his staff. Tanner Engstrand is set to remain in New York for 2026, but his responsibilities for next season are still unclear.

As Hughes notes, Engstrand could wind up retaining the title of offensive coordinator for 2026. In the event he were to be hired, though, Reich would handle play-calling duties. The longtime NFL quarterback – who spent one year of his playing career with the Jets – has worked as an offensive coordinator on two occasions (Chargers from 2014-15; Eagles from 2016-17). Reich’s Philadelphia tenure included a Super Bowl championship but then-head coach Doug Pederson called plays at the time.

Reich worked as the Colts’ head coach for four-plus years, with his time there ending midway through the 2022 season. He lasted less than one full campaign during his debut season as the Panthers’ head coach, one in which play-calling duties changed hands along the way. Since his most recent NFL gig came to a quick end, Reich has worked at Stanford. A return to the pro game remains something to watch for in the 64-year-old’s case, though.

Meanwhile, the search for defensive coordinator Steve Wilks‘ replacement is ongoing. Don Martindale remains a leading candidate at this point, per Hughes, although he cautions a hire on that front is not considered as certain as it was in recent days. Martindale has a lengthy track record in the NFL, having been a DC with three teams. After a less-than-cordial departure from the Giants in 2023, Martindale spent the past two seasons as Michigan’s defensive coordinator.

A return to the NFL would be in store in the event of a Jets agreement. Other options are still being explored, however. According to Hughes, candidates who met with the team received the impression Glenn’s preference would be to call plays himself. That leaves the door open to Chris Harris remaining New York’s D-coordinator through 2026 (after he took over from Wilks) but in a role which does not include play-calling duties.

Prior to landing the Jets’ HC gig last winter, Glenn called plays with the Lions during his four-year run as their DC. Detroit ranked seventh in points allowed during the 2024 season, but Glenn’s tenure there included a number of middling showings in terms of total defense. New York bottomed out on defense during Glenn’s first HC season, one in which Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams were traded away. Significant improvement on that side of the ball will be a key priority over the coming months.

How the Jets go about that on the sidelines remains unclear at this point. Neither Reich nor Martindale have been connected to any other coordinator openings around the NFL so far. One or both could be in the fold soon, but that will depend in large part on what Glenn decides his role will be in 2026.

5 comments New York Jets

Steelers To Conduct OC Interview With Lunda Wells

By | at January 27, 2026 8:53 am

Once Mike Tomlin resigned as head coach of the Steelers, the possibility of widespread coaching changes emerged. Pittsburgh now has Mike McCarthy in place, and one of his first priorities will be filling the offensive coordinator position.

It was learned over the weekend that Arthur Smith has agreed to join Ohio State as the school’s new OC. That marks an end to his two-year tenure in Pittsburgh. Smith was connected to other NFL coordinator opportunities as well as some of the league’s head coaching vacancies. In any case, his departure did not come as a surprise and it created the need for a new Steelers OC.

A target on that front has now emerged. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Pittsburgh is expected to interview Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells this week. Wells has been in his current position since 2020, the year McCarthy arrived as Dallas’ head coach. The two worked together for five years on the Cowboys’ staff.

Wells began his NFL coaching career in 2012 with the Giants. The 47-year-old remained in New York for eight years before joining McCarthy in Dallas. Wells has a background as an offensive line coach, but his final two years with the Giants saw him coach the team’s tight ends. He has continued doing so throughout his Cowboys tenure, including the 2025 campaign after head coach Brian Schottenheimer retained him last winter. Wells interviewed with the Commanders for their OC gig earlier this month before Washington ultimately promoted David Blough to the position.

Wells has drawn praise for his role in developing the likes of Dalton Schultz and Jake Ferguson during his Cowboys tenure. He is currently occupied with preparations for tonight’s East-West Shrine Bowl, where he will coach the West team. After that commitment is finished, though, another OC interview will likely be arranged.

6 comments Dallas Cowboys Pittsburgh Steelers

Philip Rivers Withdraws From Bills’ HC Search; Team To Interview Davis Webb

By | at January 26, 2026 11:30 pm

Philip Rivers did well in his recent head coaching interview with the Bills. It will not result in him being hired, however.

The longtime NFL quarterback has withdrawn from consideration in Buffalo’s search, as first reported by Dianna Russini of The Athletic. As recently as yesterday, the Bills were reported to be giving “serious consideration” to a Rivers hire despite his lack of coaching experience. Instead, both parties will move in a different direction.

Once the regular season ended, Rivers confirmed his three-game cameo with the Colts late in the year represented his final action as a player. The potential for head coaching interest was immediately raised, although Buffalo is the only team which has interviewed him so far. Provided that remains the case, Rivers will likely return to coaching his eldest son’s high school team for the 2026 season.

The 44-year-old has coached at the high school level for four years. He has never held a position on any NCAA or NFL staff, something which would have made a head coaching hire a rather noteworthy one. Rivers’ football IQ and leadership qualities played a key role in his success as a player, and they could easily translate into a coaching career. Interest in his case during future hiring cycles will be something to watch for.

The Bills, meanwhile, will proceed with their search for Sean McDermott‘s replacement. A number of outside candidates have spoken with the team so far, while offensive coordinator Joe Brady looms as an option to be promoted to head coach. Buffalo was linked yesterday to interest in Davis Webb, who is currently in place with the Broncos but spent part of his playing career as a teammate of Josh Allen with the Bills.

Webb immediately turned his attention to coaching once his playing career ended following the 2022 season. He was a member of Sean Payton‘s initial Broncos staff in 2023, serving as the team’s quarterbacks coach. In 2025, the 31-year-old had pass-game coordinator added to his title. With the Broncos’ season having ended yesterday, Webb and his colleagues are free to speak with interested teams as the HC carousel continues to spin. Per Russini, Webb will indeed meet with the Bills this morning.

In the wake of today’s updates, here is where the Bills now stand:

22 comments Buffalo Bills Denver Broncos

Rooney: Door Open For Aaron Rodgers Steelers Return

By | at January 26, 2026 11:27 pm

The Steelers have hired an offense-oriented head coach for the first time in 60 years. The coach they hired happens to have considerable experience coaching Pittsburgh’s 2025 starting quarterback. After some rumors indicating the Steelers would be interested in extending their Aaron Rodgers partnership to a second season emerged, Art Rooney II confirmed them.

Rooney said upon hiring Mike McCarthy the Steelers are interested in a second Rodgers season. While indicating Rodgers’ status did not affect the team’s McCarthy decision, the longtime owner noted the door is open for Rodgers to stay in Pittsburgh and play a 22nd NFL season.

“We don’t know what Aaron’s plans are right now, and that did not weigh heavily in the decision,” Rooney said of the McCarthy hire, via The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo. “We’ll see where Aaron is, and we’ve left the door open, but obviously we all have to sit down and see if that makes sense. So that’ll happen sometime in the next month or so. But the decision was made based on Mike being the coach we want, and it really had very little to do with whether Aaron is going to be back or not.”

Rooney had said several days ago Mike Tomlin‘s departure would likely affect Rodgers’ Steelers future, but upon McCarthy being hired to coach in his native Pittsburgh, a reported pointed to Rodgers not slamming the door on playing for the veteran HC once again. Rodgers, of course, was the Packers’ starter for 11 seasons with McCarthy at the helm. Overall, the Super Bowl-winning HC coached the future Hall of Fame QB from 2006 until his firing during the 2018 season. Rodgers won two of his four MVP awards under McCarthy, who was Green Bay’s play-caller for almost all of that stretch.

Although Rodgers did not exactly flash prime form this past season, the Steelers could use him as a bridge quarterback. Rodgers, 42, ranked 23rd in QBR — one spot behind where Russell Wilson ranked in 2024. Though, teams had Rodgers slotted higher in the free agency queue than Wilson last year. The Steelers, though, would have preferred Matthew Stafford or a Justin Fields re-signing to Rodgers. The Vikings appealed to Rodgers more than the Steelers, but when Minnesota did not express sufficient interest, it became Pittsburgh or retirement for the recent Jets starter.

While Rodgers said the 2025 season most likely would be his last, a report in late December pegged him as not being committed to retiring. It would be quite Rodgers-like for this decision to drag on; after all, he did not finally commit to the Steelers until June 2025.

Pittsburgh’s latest playoff one-and-done leaves the team with the No. 21 overall pick. That might be enough to land the top non-Fernando Mendoza QB option in this year’s class, but the talent pool looks much thinner than it was projected to at last season’s outset. It is possible non-Raiders teams will need to consider eyeing their rookie options in 2027 rather than 2026, though some younger QBs — Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa among them — are in play to relocate.

For now, though, the Steelers have let it be known they are interested in pairing Rodgers with McCarthy again after seven seasons apart. The team did not set a deadline on Rodgers last year, but with other veteran options likely set to come up as starters in 2026, it will likely need to hear from the all-time great sooner this offseason.

21 comments Pittsburgh Steelers
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