Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, Davis Webb Potential Candidates For Bills’ HC Job
After the shocking firing of Sean McDermott on Monday, the Bills are in the market for a head coach for the first time since 2017. They may not look far for McDermott’s replacement, though, with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady emerging as an early contender for the position. The 36-year-old “has a lot of fans in that building,” according to Connor Hughes of SNY.
[RELATED: Bills Promote Brandon Beane To President Of Football Ops/GM]
Brady spent four seasons under McDermott, who hired the ex-Panthers offensive coordinator as the Bills’ quarterbacks coach in 2022. While Brady opened 2023 in the same role, he finished the year as interim O-coordinator after the midseason firing of Ken Dorsey.
The Bills, 5-5 when they waved goodbye to Dorsey, reeled off six wins in their last seven after Brady began calling the plays. The team earned an AFC East title and won its first playoff game before falling to the Chiefs in the divisional round. Brady did enough over two-plus months for McDermott to promote him on to the full-time gig.
The Bills finished 10th in total offense and scored the second-most points in the NFL in 2024, Brady’s first year on the job. Quarterback Josh Allen won MVP honors for the first time, but the Chiefs again knocked the Bills out of the playoffs – this time in the AFC Championship Game.
In Year 2 under Brady, Buffalo ranked fourth in both yards and scoring, and running back James Cook led the league in rushing. The Bills’ offense amassed 57 points in two playoff games, but a 33-30 loss to the Broncos in the divisional round cost McDermott his job – a role that could go to Brady.
Although Brady doesn’t have any head coaching experience, he has drawn plenty of interest around the league over the past couple of years. The Bears, Jaguars, Saints and Jets all interviewed him before hiring different head coaches last January. As part of this year’s hiring cycle, Brady has already interviewed with the Falcons, Ravens, Raiders and Dolphins. Atlanta (Kevin Stefanski) and Miami (Jeff Hafley) have since filled their HC positions, but it appears the Bills will seriously consider Brady for another promotion.
A few years before Brady took over the Bills’ offense, Brian Daboll was in charge from 2018-21. The former McDermott sidekick is often credited with helping develop a young Allen into a superstar.
Daboll and Allen, integral parts of a top-tier Buffalo offense from 2020-21, forged a close bond during their time together. They may reunite in the coming weeks, as executives around the league told Dianna Russini of The Athletic that Daboll is a name to watch for in the Bills’ search.
As someone who grew up in the Western New York area, Daboll has close ties to the region. He also carries head coaching experience, though his first try with the Giants yielded uninspiring results.
The Giants went 20-40-1 in three-plus seasons under Daboll, whom they fired in November. After going 9-7-1 and winning a playoff game in 2022, Daboll’s rookie season, the Giants won just 11 of their last 44 games under his leadership. Despite early flashes, Daniel Jones didn’t develop into the answer under center for the Giants, which played a key role in Daboll’s struggles.
Daboll would inherit an elite QB in returning to Buffalo, but it’s debatable whether he’d provide an upgrade over McDermott, owner of a 98-50 regular-season mark and an 8-8 playoff record. At .662, McDermott boasts the 15th-best all-time winning percentage among head coaches. Daboll’s .336 mark is a whopping 326 points worse.
Former Bills signal-caller Davis Webb, who played with Allen from 2019-21 and under Daboll from 2019-22 (including a year with the Giants), is another potential option to replace McDermott, Peter Schrager of ESPN relays. Webb immediately got into coaching in 2023, the first year after his playing career ended, as the Broncos’ quarterbacks coach in 2023. He continues to hold that job, but head coach Sean Payton also promoted Webb to offensive pass game coordinator this season.
Webb, who has helped 2024 first-rounder Bo Nix turn into a quality starter, has already interviewed with the Raiders and Ravens this month. Although he’s just 30 years old (he’ll turn 31 on Thursday), Webb is a strong candidate to earn second interviews with one or both of those teams.
The Broncos will host the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game on Sunday, meaning Webb won’t be available to meet with teams this week. He’s now focused on leading an undermanned Broncos passing attack that lost Nix to a season-ending ankle injury in their win over the Bills. No matter how far they go, the Broncos are likely to ride out the season with career backup Jarrett Stidham replacing Nix. Webb’s surging stock will continue rising if the 29-year-old Stidham performs well in his fifth career start and first since 2023. Regardless, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Bills contact him, especially considering Webb’s close friendship with Allen.
Whether it’s Brady, Daboll, Webb or another candidate, the Bills’ next HC will likely have a say in the fate of their remaining coaches, Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News reports. With the exception of offensive line coach Aaron Kromer, who retired Sunday, all of McDermott’s former assistants are still in place.
The well-regarded Kromer, 58, had two stints running the Bills’ offensive line (the first from 2015-16, the second from 2022-25). He began his NFL coaching career assisting with the Raiders’ O-line in 2001. Kromer later worked with the Buccaneers, Saints, Bears and Rams in various roles. He went 2-4 as the Saints’ interim head coach in 2012, the year of Payton’s BountyGate suspension, and was the Bears’ offensive coordinator from 2013-14.
With Kromer hanging it up, assistant OL coach Austin Gund may be in line as his successor, per Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic. That’ll be up to the Bills’ next head coach, but it stands to reason a Brady promotion would give Gund a better chance of returning in 2026.
Davis Webb Garnering Interest For Second HC Interviews
Multiple teams are targeting Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb for second head coaching interviews, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Webb, 30, has conducted initial interviews with two teams – the Ravens and the Raiders – so Pelissero is indicating that both want to move forward with an in-person meeting. Since the Broncos are playing in next weekend’s conference championship round, those interviews will have to wait until the following week.
In the meantime, Webb will be focused on getting backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham ready for Denver’s matchup with the Patriots with a trip to the Super Bowl on the line. Starter Bo Nix suffered a broken ankle at the end of Saturday’s win over the Bills, positioning Stidham to make the fifth start of his career and first in the playoffs. He will also be throwing his first non-preseason pass since 2024.
This seems like dangerous territory for the Broncos, but it also represents a huge opportunity for Webb to showcase his coaching prowess on a massive stage. A solid performance from Stidham a few days before Webb visits his prospective new teams could boost his chances of securing a top job. That would be a meteoric rise for a former journeyman quarterback who retired after the 2022 season and is only in his third year as a coach at any level.
Sean Payton hired Webb as Denver’s quarterbacks coach in 2023. His first year with Russell Wilson was a bust, but Webb coached Nix to a third-place finish in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2024. Nix did not, however, take a significant leap in his sophomore season.
But hiring Webb would be about more than just his work with quarterbacks. He added passing game coordinator to his title this season, expanding his work as a schemer, and he is also considered a strong leader within the Broncos’ organization. Going from coaching a single position to coaching the entire team would be quite a jump, but it might be worth the gamble. Webb will receive interest from more and more teams in the next year or two. If one with a current vacancy believes in his potential, they may strike now to lock him down for the long-term, if they are willing to weather a few bumps as he makes the adjustment to the role.
Chargers Request Interview Arthur Smith For OC Job; Davis Webb On Radar
The Chargers submitted an interview request for Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Smith, 43, has been in Pittsburgh for the last two years. The team has informed all of the assistant coaches on Mike Tomlin‘s staff that they are free to pursue opportunities elsewhere, leaving no obstacle between Smith and a lateral move to another offensive coordinator job.
The Chargers are the fourth team to express interest in hiring Smith in recent weeks. The Cardinals and the Titans have already interviewed Smith for their head coaching vacancies, and the Lions put in a request to interview him for their offensive coordinator gig.
Smith came up as an offensive assistant in Tennessee and took over as their offensive coordinator in 2019. He parlayed two successful seasons into a head coaching job with the Falcons, but his offenses in Atlanta and Pittsburgh never ranked higher than 15th in points or yards. Smith’s lack of consistent quarterback play is a mitigating factor, but he still got a high level of play out of Ryan Tannehill in Tennessee. Smith could not do much with Marcus Mariota or Desmond Ridder in Atlanta and struggled to find consistency with Justin Fields, Russell Wilson, and Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. Justin Herbert would be the best quarterback with whom Smith has worked by far, but he will have to make his case for his ability to elevate the star quarterback and the Chargers offense in general.
The Chargers are also keeping Broncos quarterbacks coach Davis Webb on their radar, per Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. The fast-rising coach interviewed for the Ravens’ and Raiders’ head coaching jobs and could garner interest from other teams as a potential offensive coordinator.
Webb is facing a seemingly gargantuan task this week getting Jarrett Stidham ready for the AFC Championship Game against a Patriots defense that savaged C.J. Stroud in the divisional round. Even a semi-successful game from Stidham would speak volumes about Webb’s coaching ability and could raise his profile as a candidate for other jobs around the league.
Ravens To Conduct HC Interview With Davis Webb, Matt Nagy
Vance Joseph is not the only Broncos staffer drawing attention early in the head coaching hiring cycle. Davis Webb is now on the radar of at least three teams. 
The Ravens will conduct an interview with Webb this afternoon, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. The virtual summit will come shortly after Joseph speaks with the Ravens. This represents the third HC vacancy Webb has been connected to over the past few days.
Denver’s quarterbacks coach/pass-game coordinator has already interviewed with the Raiders for their opening. Webb, 30, was also recently mentioned as a name to watch regarding the Giants. The former quarterback has increasingly gained traction as a head coaching candidate in short order. Webb has worked with Sean Payton during each of his three seasons at the helm of the Broncos, generating interest as a presumed offensive coordinator target but also, as it turns out, an in-demand staffer when it comes to early HC interviews.
The Ravens will look into Webb but also one of the more experienced coaches in the 2026 pool. Chiefs OC Matt Nagy will interview with Baltimore on Sunday, per Mike Garafolo, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Nagy has been linked to the Giants while also arranging a number of other interviews. He will speak with Raiders, Titans and Cardinals over the next two days.
Nagy’s stint leading the Bears came to an end following the 2021 season. Since then, the 47-year-old has been with Kansas City for the second time in his career, serving as QBs coach for one year before replacing Eric Bieniemy as offensive coordinator. Webb, like Joseph, faces restrictions on the timing of his interviews and a potential hire with the Broncos in the playoffs. Nagy, by contrast, is free to interview with and (if applicable) join a HC-needy team at any time.
Here is an updated look at the Ravens’ search for their John Harbaugh replacement:
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): To interview 1/8
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Mentioned as candidate
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interview requested
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): To interview 1/11
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interview requested
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): To interview 1/8
2026 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker
The Browns, Cardinals, Falcons and Raiders followed the Giants and Titans in firing head coaches, making those calls between the Week 18 conclusion and Black Monday. The Ravens then moved on from John Harbaugh after 18 seasons; two days later, the Dolphins canned Mike McDaniel. Following a wild-card loss, the Steelers and Mike Tomlin are separating after 19 years. Now, after an overtime divisional-round loss in Denver, Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo.
The 10 HC openings are tied with 1978, 1997, 2006 and 2022 for the most in one year. Here are the candidates connected to all those searches, including the two remaining jobs. If more teams make changes, they will be added to the list.
Updated 1-29-26 (7:00pm CT)
Arizona Cardinals
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): To conduct in-person interview
- Thomas Brown, tight ends coach (Patriots): Interview requested
- Matt Burke, defensive coordinator (Texans): Interviewed
- Anthony Campanile, defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Conducted second interview 1/22; staying with Jaguars
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/14
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Contacted
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/10, considered strong candidate
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): To conduct second interview 1/31
- Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator (Rams): To conduct second interview 1/26-27; leading candidate?
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/13
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): Interviewed; leading candidate?
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/9
- Ron Rivera, former head coach (Commanders): Interviewed 1/27
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/15
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interview requested
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): To conduct second interview 1/26
Atlanta Falcons
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/18
- Aden Durde, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/10
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/15
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Interviewed 1/12; second interview canceled
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interview requested
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/12
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/15
- Antonio Pierce, former head coach (Raiders): Interviewed 1/16
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interview requested
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Hired
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/10
Baltimore Ravens
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Conducted second interview 1/22
- Anthony Campanile, defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed 1/19
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Interviewed 1/13
- 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): Interviewed 1/15
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Hired
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/11
- Darren Rizzi, special teams coordinator (Broncos): Interview expected
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/18
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/14
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Second interview requested for 1/21
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Conducted second interview 1/20
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
Buffalo Bills
- Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator (Colts): Interviewed 1/22
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Promoted
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/22; prefers Buffalo gig
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Rumored candidate
- Anthony Lynn, run-game coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/24
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To interview 1/23; withdrew from search
- Philip Rivers, former NFL quarterback: Interviewed 1/23; withdrew from search
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/26
- Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed 1/25
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/24
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Interviewed 1/26
Cleveland Browns
- Aden Durde, defensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Rumored mutual interest; interview requested
- Anthony Lynn, run-game coordinator (Commanders): Interviewed 1/24
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): To conduct second interview 1/21; withdrew from search
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): To conduct second interview 1/22; withdrew from search
- Todd Monken, offensive coordinator (Ravens): Hired
- Dan Pitcher, offensive coordinator (Bengals): Interviewed 1/9
- Tommy Rees, offensive coordinator (Browns): Interviewed 1/8
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Conducted second interview 1/26; considered serious candidate
- Jim Schwartz, defensive coordinator (Browns): Conducted second interview 1/19; seen as favorite?; ‘gaining momentum’
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Grant Udinski, offensive coordinator (Jaguars): Conducted second interview 1/23; withdrew from search
Las Vegas Raiders
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Conducted second interview 1/25
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Conducted second interview 1/27
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Conducted second interview 1/20
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Mentioned as candidate
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): To conduct second interview 1/21
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Contacted
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
- Klay Kubiak, offensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/18; withdrew from search
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): To conduct second interview 1/31; frontrunner
- Mike LaFleur, offensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/19
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Conducted second interview 1/20
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/8
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16; withdrew from search
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/8; withdrew from search
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Conducted second interview 1/26; withdrew from search
Miami Dolphins
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Interviewed 1/18
- Anthony Campanile, defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Interviewed 1/16
- Patrick Graham, defensive coordinator (Raiders): Interviewed 1/19
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Hired
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Contacted
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/10
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Cowboys): Rumored candidate
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/15
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/15
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Kelvin Sheppard, defensive coordinator (Lions): Interviewed 1/19
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Second interview requested for 1/21
- Adam Stenavich, offensive coordinator (Packers): Rumored candidate
New York Giants
- Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator (Colts): Interviewed 1/13
- Joe Brady, offensive coordinator (Bills): Mentioned as candidate
- Marcus Freeman, head coach (Notre Dame): Rumored candidate; staying at Notre Dame
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Mentioned as candidate
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Hired
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/8
- Mike Kafka, interim head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/7
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): Mentioned as candidate
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Interviewed 1/9
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/13
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interview requested
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons). Interviewed 1/8
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): Rumored candidate
- Antonio Pierce, former head coach (Raiders): Interviewed 1/9
- Darren Rizzi, special teams coordinator (Broncos): To interview
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Rumored candidate
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Rumored candidate
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Interviewed 1/7; seen as frontrunner
- Davis Webb, quarterbacks coach (Broncos): Mentioned as candidate
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Ejiro Evero, defensive coordinator (Panthers): Interview requested
- Brian Flores, defensive coordinator (Vikings): Conducted in-person interview 1/20
- Marcus Freeman, head coach (Notre Dame): Rumored candidate; staying at Notre Dame
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): Interviewed 1/17
- Klay Kubiak, offensive coordinator (49ers): Interviewed 1/18
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Cowboys): Hired
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/17
- Nate Scheelhaase, pass-game coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interviewed 1/16
- Anthony Weaver, defensive coordinator (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/23
Tennessee Titans
- Lou Anarumo, defensive coordinator (Colts): Interviewed
- Anthony Campanile, defensive coordinator (Jaguars): Mentioned as candidate
- Brian Daboll, former head coach (Giants): Interviewed 1/16
- Marcus Freeman, head coach (Notre Dame): Rumored candidate; staying at Notre Dame
- Jonathan Gannon, former head coach (Cardinals): Interviewed 1/18
- Jason Garrett, former offensive coordinator (Giants): Interviewed 1/9
- Jeff Hafley, defensive coordinator (Packers): To conduct second interview 1/20
- John Harbaugh, former head coach (Ravens): Among frontrunners; interview canceled
- Vance Joseph, defensive coordinator (Broncos): Interviewed 1/7
- Kliff Kingsbury, former offensive coordinator (Commanders): To interview
- Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator (Seahawks): Mentioned as candidate
- Mike McCarthy, former head coach (Cowboys): Interviewed 1/17
- Mike McCoy, interim head coach (Titans): Interviewed
- Mike McDaniel, former head coach (Dolphins): Interviewed 1/14
- Jesse Minter, defensive coordinator (Chargers): Interviewed 1/13
- Raheem Morris, former head coach (Falcons): Interviewed 1/12
- Matt Nagy, offensive coordinator (Chiefs): To conduct second interview 1/20; reported frontrunner
- Robert Saleh, defensive coordinator (49ers): Hired
- Steve Sarkisian, head coach (Texas): Rumored candidate; expected to stay at Texas
- Chris Shula, defensive coordinator (Rams): Interview requested
- Arthur Smith, offensive coordinator (Steelers): Interviewed 1/13
- Steve Spagnuolo, defensive coordinator (Chiefs): Interviewed 1/8
- Kevin Stefanski, former head coach (Browns): Second interview canceled
Raiders To Interview Broncos’ Davis Webb For Head Coaching Job
JANUARY 7: Webb will interview with the Raiders today, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.
JANUARY 6: Broncos pass game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Davis Webb may jump from one AFC West franchise to another. The Raiders have requested a head coaching interview with Webb, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Webb, who will turn 31 on Jan. 22, has seen his stock soar during his brief coaching career. A former Giants, Bills and Jets quarterback from 2017-22, Webb immediately dove into coaching when his playing days ended. He has been part of head coach Sean Payton‘s staff for three seasons. Webb worked solely as the Broncos’ QBs coach for two years before Payton added to his responsibilities this season.
Denver did not make the playoffs in 2023, the last year of the ill-fated Russell Wilson era, but has evolved into an AFC superpower since then. Quarterback Bo Nix, a first-round pick in 2024, took over as the Broncos’ starter as a rookie. The team went 10-7 and broke an eight-year playoff drought. The Broncos improved to 14-3 in 2025, earned the No. 1 seed in the AFC, and are on a bye week in the first round of the playoffs.
Webb has played an important role in Nix’s development, which is part of the reason the Broncos are on the shortlist of Super Bowl favorites. Nix, who finished third in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2024, has continued to serve as a nice complement to an elite Denver defense this season.
Nix and the Broncos swept Las Vegas during a nightmare campaign for the Raiders. After finishing 3-14, the Raiders fired Pete Carroll on Monday. At 74, Carroll became the oldest head coach in NFL history during his lone season with the Raiders. Webb will become one of the youngest ever hired if he lands the Raiders’ job, but he’ll have to beat out several other candidates, including Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Ending up in Vegas would presumably give Webb another opportunity to work with a young signal-caller. The Raiders are expected to select a quarterback with the first pick in the 2026 draft.
Giants Planning To Stick With Joe Schoen; Joe Brady, Davis Webb On HC Radar
5:15pm: Stefanski looms as a strong candidate to be dismissed soon, and Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer names him (video link) as a coach to watch closely as the hiring cycle takes shape. Colleague Ralph Vacchiano agrees, and he predicts Stefanski will rise to the top of the Giants’ list of preferred hires if/when he hits the market. Meanwhile, a number of HC candidates have mentioned Stefanski in conversations with Scoop City‘s James Palmer knowing he will be an attractive option for multiple teams. It remains to be seen if the Giants will be one on that front, but that would come as little surprise.
9:33am: Joe Schoen has received praise for modernizing the Giants’ organization, but that has not translated to wins. The Giants will end this season with three or four wins; this follows a 3-14 campaign in which John Mara said his patience had nearly run out. Brian Daboll paid for the Giants’ struggles, but his former Bills coworker has not.
As it stands, Schoen is expected to stay on, with CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones noting his expectation of the embattled GM being given the chance to hire a second coach. One way the Giants could deviate from this planned course: a Trent Baalke-like situation forming.
Last year, the Jaguars had Baalke running their coaching search, keeping the struggling GM after firing Doug Pederson. Weeks into that search, it became clear candidates were expressing hesitancy working with Baalke. This affected the Jags’ pursuit of Ben Johnson, among others. When Liam Coen initially declined a second interview, Shad Khan pulled the plug and fired Baalke. That decision led Coen to Jacksonville. A coach not wanting to work with Schoen could change the Giants’ plans, SI.com’s Albert Breer offers.
Schoen has naturally said he does not anticipate his presence hurting the Giants’ search, but it will be interesting to see if that is the case. The Giants have been one of the NFL’s worst teams over the past nine seasons, qualifying for the playoffs once in that span. They have gone through four full-time HCs since ousting Tom Coughlin. Schoen has been on the job since 2022; the Giants are 12-38 since 2023.
That said, The Exhibit’s Josina Anderson notes one expected HC candidate referred to this as the top available job due to the Giants’ rostering Jaxson Dart, some skill-position talent and a formidable defensive line. That D-line, it can be argued, did not play to its potential this season; Dart has also lacked both Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo for most of the year. But those players’ presences stand to help New York’s sales pitches to candidates. Though, plenty of needs exist along this roster.
Mara is battling cancer, and Schoen staying on would give the Giants some stability during this search. Schoen’s 2022 playoff berth being rather fluky notwithstanding, it is clear he has support in the building. It would have to be expected Schoen’s seat would be scorching should he indeed have the chance to hire a second coach, but plenty of names are being connected to this search.
Mike McCarthy, Antonio Pierce, Lou Anarumo and, if he is indeed fired by the Browns, Kevin Stefanski, are among candidates expected to be considered to replace Daboll. The current Bills OC — Joe Brady — is also on the radar, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report.
Brady was not with the Bills when Schoen was in Buffalo, with the ex-Panthers OC arriving as QBs coach weeks after Schoen departed for the Big Apple. Considering the dearth of offense-oriented candidates in this year’s pool, Brady should have plenty of interview opportunities if he indeed wants to leave Buffalo. But the Giants firing a former Josh Allen whisperer only to hire another would be an odd move.
One outside-the-box candidate who could join the lot of aspirants: Davis Webb, per Rapoport and Pelissero. Webb has not yet reached the coordinator level, residing as the Broncos’ QBs coach, but he has an extensive past in New York as a backup/third-string option.
Webb only wrapped his playing career after the 2022 season, being hired on Sean Payton‘s staff. While the Broncos are highly unlikely to lose OC Joe Lombardi — who is not seen as a head coaching candidate — Webb could be poached for an OC position elsewhere. A jump from the position coaching level to HC is highly uncommon, but the Giants appear willing to at least consider the prospect. Webb is just 30.
Even in a league that saw Sean McVay coach the Rams at 31 and Josh McDaniels begin his Broncos HC tenure at 33, this age range is considered a bit young for the job. Webb, though, has seen his stock rise while in Denver. He already earned a prominent assistant job without any previous experience, and the Bills wanted him for their staff before his playing career ended. Webb turned that down to stay on as a Giants backup for one more season; that doubled as Schoen’s first with the team.
Broncos’ Vance Joseph Viewed As Strong HC Candidate; Davis Webb’s Stock Rising?
Buzz about Vance Joseph receiving a second chance in a head coaching role continues, as the Broncos ride a 10-game win streak into Week 15. Denver’s defense has powered this run, and Joseph stands to benefit soon.
Although Joseph scored interviews this past offseason, helming a top-tier defense for a second straight year makes him a superior candidate this time around. Teams are also looking at coaches with HC backgrounds during this cycle, and even though Joseph’s two-year Denver HC stay did not go well, his background plus a seven-year run as a DC (with the Cardinals and Broncos) since bodes well for his candidacy, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano.
Joseph went 11-21 with the Broncos from 2017-18, but he did not exactly draw good cards at quarterback. Hired over Kyle Shanahan in 2017, Joseph oversaw a QB situation that toggled between Trevor Siemian, Brock Osweiler and Paxton Lynch in 2017 before leading a team that signed Case Keenum in 2018. Siemian, Osweiler and Keenum have been better known as backups, while Lynch became one of this century’s biggest quarterback busts. This situation sunk Joseph, who coaxed above-average play from a defense still housing holdovers from Denver’s Super Bowl 50 lineup.
The first-time HC also did not have full autonomy over his staff at the time, according to Graziano. Then-GM John Elway was involved here as well. Joseph’s second Broncos roster was also 6-6, but it lost Chris Harris and Emmanuel Sanders late that year to help key a four-game, season-closing skid ahead of another HC change. Joseph rebounded in Arizona but has done his best coordinator work in Denver, where the team ranks fourth in scoring defense (after finishing third last year).
Joseph remains well-liked in Miami, where he was a one-year DC — before being hired as Broncos HC — according to Fowler. The Raiders interviewed Joseph this past year, and Graziano adds he could be a candidate in Las Vegas again. The Raiders have memorably hired two Denver DCs — Dennis Allen, Jack Del Rio — as HCs over the past 15 years.
As we covered in a Trade Rumors Front Office post last month, DCs could dominate this year’s hiring cycle. Joseph joins Chris Shula (Rams), Jeff Hafley (Packers), Robert Saleh and Jesse Minter (Chargers) as surefire candidates, while Fowler adds Seahawks DC Aden Durde, Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile and Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver are on the radar as well.
With offensive coaches still the quickest way to success and quarterback stability, teams will undoubtedly search for candidates on that front. That will ensure a few of these DCs stay put, but others in this lot will likely land jobs. Joseph, 53, and Saleh having previous HC experience also separates them from this batch of defensive play-callers.
Additionally, Broncos QBs coach Davis Webb looks to be a rising commodity within the coaching community. The third-year Denver QBs coach is viewed as “strong candidate,” per Graziano, presumably alluding to his OC prospects. Just 30, Webb has helped the Broncos since arriving after Russell Wilson‘s disastrous 2022 season. Wilson improved under Webb, Sean Payton and OC Joe Lombardi in 2023, and Bo Nix‘s success has surprised many — even if 2025 has brought inconsistency.
Webb could be a candidate to follow Joseph as OC, Graziano adds. The former reserve QB having experience in the Giants organization could bode well for him here, as they again search for stable leadership. Joseph and Webb leaving would represent a blow for a Broncos team that has completed a turnaround under Payton, and the Denver staff will be one to closely monitor when the hiring period begins next month.
Broncos Fire Michael Wilhoite, Add Todd Davis To Staff
Michael Wilhoite‘s recent arrest will lead to his dismissal. The Broncos fired their two-year outside linebackers coach, 9News’ Mike Klis reports. A former NFL linebacker, Wilhoite had also been on the Saints’ staff under Sean Payton.
The team announced the firing, which comes after an arrest for suspicion of second-degree assault in connection with an incident at the Denver International Airport. Wilhoite is alleged to have punched an airport officer during a dispute about a parking infraction.
“After thorough discussions as an organization, I met with Michael Wilhoite and informed him we have decided to part ways,” Payton said. “We recognize the serious nature of the allegations against him and believe this is the best course of action at this time. I appreciate Michael’s contributions to the Broncos and am confident he will move forward in a positive direction.”
A Denver police officer working on assignment told Wilhoite he could not leave his car unattended at a departure terminal. After allegedly cursing at the officer, Wilhoite bumped his chest into him. After the officer is alleged to have pushed Wilhoite, the former linebacker is accused of punching him in the face. The officer then used his taser, but Wilhoite still drove off before being apprehended soon after. He was released on bail, but his coaching future is now uncertain.
Becoming a six-year contributor out of Division II Washburn, Wilhoite played for the 49ers and Seahawks during his career. He started 45 games and saw action as a backup in six playoff contests — including Super Bowl XLVII with the 49ers — during the 2010s. Before resigning his Saints HC post in 2022, Payton interviewed Wilhoite for the team’s DC job. Wilhoite, 38, had been a Saints staffer for three seasons prior to that meeting; he rejoined Payton after staying on under Dennis Allen in 2022.
As the Broncos search for a new OLBs coach, they made some other changes on staff. They gave QBs coach Davis Webb a title bump, adding pass-game coordinator to his duties. Secondary coach Jim Leonhard is now the team’s defensive pass-game coordinator. Both figure to be coordinator candidates moving forward; for now, they will stay in their position coach roles. Addison Lynch is moving from the quality control level to cornerbacks coach, while Payton is elevating another QC assistant (Isaac Shewmaker) to linebackers coach. The latter will replace Greg Manusky.
Former Bears offensive line coach Chris Morgan is also joining the team as assistant O-line coach. Set to work under Zach Strief, Morgan returns to Colorado more than two decades after a career with the Buffaloes. Morgan has been in the NFL since 2009. After six seasons with the Falcons as their O-line coach (2015-20), he spent a year with the Steelers before joining the Bears’ staff. Ben Johnson moved in a different direction upon taking over. Previous assistant O-line coach Austin King is sliding over to tight ends coach to replace Declan Doyle, who made a leap at 28 to be Johnson’s OC in Chicago.
The Broncos are also adding one of their former linebackers, Todd Davis, to their staff. A former backup for Denver’s Super Bowl 50 team and then a starter later in the 2010s, Davis is joining Payton’s staff as a defensive quality control assistant.
Having made a transition to the media side, Davis has both a history with the Broncos and Payton. A 2014 Saints UDFA, Davis joined the Broncos later that year. Backing up Danny Trevathan and Brandon Marshall in 2015, Davis replaced the former (after a Bears free agency defection) and started four seasons for the Broncos. The 69-game Denver starter landed a three-year, $15MM re-up with the team in 2018.
Broncos Assistants To Receive Interest From Other Teams?
The Broncos are surpassing expectations as they’ve rattled off three straight wins to match the Chargers’ 8-5 record to draw even with them in the AFC West. While the players are taking care of business, their success is in no small part due to the coaching staff put together in Sean Payton‘s second head coaching tenure, as well. That fact hasn’t gone unnoticed in league circles. 
According to Mike Klis of 9NEWS, the team’s winning ways could result in a good amount of turnover on the coaching staff. Klis points out that the team hasn’t had a coordinator hired away for a head coaching job since former defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio left to coach the Raiders in 2015. Similarly, no one has left the front office for greener pastures since 2005, when then-director of pro personnel Rick Smith left to become the Texans general manager.
This year, Klis has identified a few staffers who could get offered bigger jobs. First, he notes that defensive coordinator (and former head coach) Vance Joseph‘s work has been impressive enough to perhaps earn him a second look at a head coaching gig. While the loss would sting the Broncos, Denver could possibly benefit from the compensatory picks they would receive for letting go of a minority coordinator.
Davis Webb has only been coaching for two years, barely removed from the end of his playing career, but he has been impressive as a quarterbacks coach helping Payton coach Russell Wilson through a bounce back season last year and rookie quarterback Bo Nix to an 8-5 record and potential Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration. Webb’s success could lead to some extremely early coordinator looks for the 29-year-old.
Another former player turned coach, defensive back coach and pass game coordinator Jim Leonhard could certainly be getting some defensive coordinator looks. Following the end of his playing career as a crafty safety, Leonhard went back to his alma mater to coach defensive backs at Wisconsin. After only a year coaching the position, he was promoted to defensive coordinator and seemed destined for the head coaching job after Paul Chryst was fired. He was passed over for the gig and, after a year as an analyst at Illinois, rejoined the ranks of the NFL with the Broncos. It’s only been a year, but Leonhard could be a popular name when jobs open up.
Lastly, Klis gives credit to assistant general manager Darren Mougey. Hired as a scouting intern 12 years ago, Mougey has quietly climbed the ranks in the personnel department, working alongside former general manager John Elway and current general manager George Patton. His impact and longevity over the years could put him in a prime position once interviews start for open general manager jobs.




