- - 2026 NFL coaching news: Dolphins reportedly hiring Jeff Hafley, Bills fire Sean McDermott

Yahoo Sports Staff January 20, 2026 at 6:20 AM

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Two days after their divisional round loss to the Denver Broncos on Saturday, the Buffalo Bills shocked the league by firing their head coach, Sean McDermott. GM Brandon Beane will reportedly retain his job and find McDermott's replacement.

The Bills' AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins, are reportedly finalizing their own head coaching hire with Jeff Hafley, who spent the last two years as the Green Bay Packers' defensive coordinator.

The moves follow a busy weekend that saw the two biggest names on the NFL head coaching market officially find new teams to lead.

After about two days of curious silence since news broke of their pending union, the New York Giants and John Harbaugh finalized their deal Saturday, and the Giants made the hire official. The deal is expected to be five years in length and with a total value of $100 million — one of the largest contracts in the league — according to NFL reporter Jordan Schultz.

Harbaugh becomes the Giants' fifth head coach (seven counting interims) since Tom Coughlin resigned in January 2016. Former Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken is reportedly expected to join Harbaugh on his staff.

Also on Saturday, the Atlanta Falcons officially announced that Kevin Stefanski will be the team's next head coach. The former Cleveland Browns coach takes over for Raheem Morris, becoming the Falcons' third head coach in the past six seasons and 20th in franchise history.

Green Bay, meanwhile, is standing pat with its leadership. Head coach Matt LaFleur is reportedly get a contract extension, as is general manager Brian Gutekunst. There was some question if LaFleur would return after the Packers lost their last five games, including blowing an 18-point lead against the Chicago Bears in the wild-card round, but the Packers' braintrust ultimately chose to bring them back after injuries ravaged what looked at times like a Super Bowl team this season.

Here's a rundown of the hirings, firings and buzzy situations to watch.

HIREDJohn Harbaugh, New York Giants

Head coaching record: 180-113 regular season, 13-11 playoffs (including a Super Bowl title), 18 seasons with Baltimore Ravens

Why he was hired: The Giants have had four full-time head coaches and two interims since Tom Coughlin resigned after the 2015 season, and they're fed up with the turnover. Harbaugh is 63, but he has a lot of juice left and figures to bring stability to a proud franchise that's fallen on some of the hardest times it's ever faced. (The Giants' 59 wins since 2015 are the second-fewest in the NFL, ahead of only the Jets).

There's talent to develop on the roster between QB Jaxson Dart (who might sync well with Harbaugh's preferred offensive coordinator, Todd Monken), RB Cam Skattebo, WR Malik Nabers, LT Andrew Thomas, and a defense that includes DT Dexter Lawrence and edge rushers Brian Burns and Abdul Carter. There's also a general manager in Joe Schoen, as Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson explained, who was apparently willing to cede personnel decision-making to Harbaugh despite the nominal hierarchy inside the franchise. And team owner John Mara, one of the more influential voices in the league, revealed he's battling an undisclosed form of cancer last September, which likely emboldened the desire for a head coach to come in and command respect immediately.

The Giants have floundered for years, but landing the coach widely viewed as the best on the market brings back instant credibility. Now we'll see how quickly they can win together.

Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons

Head coaching record: 45-56 regular season, 1-2 playoffs, six seasons with Cleveland Browns

Why he was hired: Stefanski was one of the top names on the market, with the NFL at large looking at more than just his wins and losses with the Browns while trying to lift a struggling franchise into playoff contention. Sound familiar, Atlanta? Stefanski's offensive acumen is a hybrid of multiple schemes and coaching trees, which can help new president of football Matt Ryan sort through the talent the Falcons have on that side of the ball (including Kirk Cousins, whom Stefanski coached in Minnesota). They're also retaining defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich after the Falcons' defense made big strides this season.

Stefanski as head coach and offensive mastermind, with Ulbrich sticking around to continue building his side of the ball? That's a solid recipe going forward, even if the answer at quarterback and no first-round pick this spring present significant challenges. If team owner Arthur Blank is finally willing to be patient and let this project play out, Stefanski could end the Falcons' eight-year playoff drought sooner than expected, especially in a weak NFC South.

Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins

Head coaching record: First job, was Packers defensive coordinator from 2024-25

Why he was hired: The direct connection is Jon-Eric Sullivan, who was hired as Dolphins general manager on Jan. 9 after spending over two decades in the Packers' organization, most recently as vice president of player personnel.

As for the broader fit? Well, the Dolphins have proven to be a less attractive option among coaching candidates this cycle than previously expected, Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported, based largely on the salary cap cleanup required as the team moves on from Tua Tagovailoa. With John Harbaugh off the board, Hafley is the most logical next move, perhaps for both parties. Hafley has head coaching experience at Boston College from 2020-23, he improved Green Bay's defenses the last two seasons, and Miami would do well to lean on that side of the ball — not to mention star RB De'Von Achane and an improving O-line — while the Dolphins try to sort out the QB situation in what now looks like a multi-season project.

Hafley is considered to be one of the stronger candidates on the market, and the Dolphins didn't mess around in securing their best possible outcome.

FIREDSean McDermott, Buffalo Bills

Record with team: 106-58 (including playoffs), nine seasons

Why he was fired: Quite simply, McDermott didn't reach a Super Bowl with Josh Allen, who won NFL MVP in 2024 and is arguably the best quarterback in the league. Even with Allen playing an uncharacteristically sloppy game in Saturday's divisional-round loss to the Denver Broncos, there were ample chances to win, and McDermott's Bills couldn't get it done. No team has arguably been victimized more by the recent Chiefs dynasty than the Bills, who lost to Kansas City four times in the playoffs, and in every way imaginable — from the infamous 13 seconds game in the 2021 season, to at home in the divisional round in the 2023 season, to both a blowout (2020 season) and a close game (2024 season) at Arrowhead. But there have been other gut-wrenching losses too, including Saturday's, and the Bills decided they had enough of a coach who helped the defense constantly overperform its talent but went just 8-8 in the playoffs, and ceded the AFC East to the rising New England Patriots this season.

STEPPED DOWNMike Tomlin, Pittsburgh Steelers

Record with team: 201-126-2 (including playoffs), 19 seasons

Why he stepped down: After nearly two decades of success in Pittsburgh, Tomlin faced criticism in recent seasons for his failure to make deep postseason runs. It's possible those demands began to weigh on Tomlin after such a long time coaching. It's also possible he was simply ready to take a break after nearly 20 years in a high-stress role. Since Tomlin is leaving — and was not fired — the Steelers still hold his rights should he want to return to coaching. Tomlin also could opt to take a gap year or two before returning to the game. If he decides to get back into coaching, he would presumably be a highly sought-after target for teams.

Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans (in season)Brian Daboll, New York Giants (in season)Raheem Morris, Atlanta FalconsKevin Stefanski, Cleveland BrownsPete Carroll, Las Vegas RaidersJonathan Gannon, Arizona CardinalsJohn Harbaugh, Baltimore RavensMike McDaniel, Miami DolphinsSean McDermott, Buffalo Bills

NFL coaching news live blogLive244 updates -

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 3:50 AM GMT+5:30Tarohn FinleyThe Chargers interview Steelers OC Arthur Smith for team's OC vacancy

The Los Angeles Chargers interviewed Arthur Smith, the former offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, for the position of offensive coordinator, according to the team's social media page.

Smith spent the last two seasons as the Steelers' offensive coordinator. Smith was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, where he compiled a 21-30 record in three seasons with the team. Smith also served in various roles with the Tennessee Titans, which included two seasons as the team's OC.

we’ve completed an interview with Arthur Smith for offensive coordinator pic.twitter.com/ZXAnjF1Wf2

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 19, 2026

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 3:37 AM GMT+5:30Ryan YoungDolphins hiring Packers DC Jeff Hafley

The Miami Dolphins have their next head coach. The organization is hiring Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, according to multiple reports on Monday afternoon. Hafley will replace Mike McDaniel, who was fired earlier this month.

ESPN Sources: Dolphins are hiring former Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley as their head coach. Hafley completed his second interview with the the team today and will be their new head coach. pic.twitter.com/yoNktBS9cL

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

For more on the Dolphins' hire, click here.

- Tue, January 20, 2026 at 3:25 AM GMT+5:30Tarohn FinleySteelers plan to meet Viking DC Brian Flores Tuesday for HC opening

The Pittsburgh Steelers plan to meet with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores for the team's head coaching position, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Before becoming the Vikings' defensive coordinator, Flores served as the Steelers' senior defensive assistant and linebackers coach for one season. He was the head coach of the Miami Dolphins for three seasons, going 24-25.

Steelers are scheduled to meet Tuesday with Vikings DC Brian Flores about their head coaching vacancy.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

- Tue, January 20, 2026 at 3:09 AM GMT+5:30Ryan YoungEric Bieniemy planning to return to Kansas City

Eric Bieniemy is planning to return to the Chiefs as their offensive coordinator, according to the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Bieniemy will replace Matt Nagy, who is now out of a contract in Kansas City and in the mix for several head coaching jobs across the league — including the Tennessee Titans.

Bieniemy was on staff with the Chiefs from 2013-2022, and was their offensive coordinator for all three of their Super Bowl wins. He has bounced around the past. three seasons, and spent time with the Commanders, Bears and at UCLA.

As @RapSheet reported earlier, the Chiefs put in a request to interview Eric Bieniemy today. But there’s not much to discuss. Andy Reid loves the energy Bieniemy brought to the staff and now plans to bring him back. https://t.co/k7rX6V7Zfo

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2026

For more on Bieniemy's likely return to Kansas City, click here.

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 2:01 AM GMT+5:30Ian CasselberryDolphins interview Patrick Graham, Raiders DC, for defensive coordinator position

The Miami Dolphins announced that an interview with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator was completed on Monday.

Graham, 46, has overseen the Raiders' defense for the past four seasons, with his unit averaging 336.9 yards and 23.8 points allowed per game. This past season, they allowed 317.8 yards and 25.4 points per game.

We have completed an interview with Patrick Graham for our head coach position. pic.twitter.com/ie9adhM7Dr

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 19, 2026

Graham was previously with the Dolphins as the DC under then-head coach Brian Flores during the 2019 season. He moved on to the New York Giants to be their DC (and assistant head coach) for two seasons with then-head coach Joe Judge.

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 1:46 AM GMT+5:30Criss ParteeTitans conducting round 2 interviews with Matt Nagy and Robert Saleh on Monday

The Tennessee Titans are going through their second interview with Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy today, and have an interview set up with 49ers DC Robert Saleh later in the afternoon, Albert Breer reports. Packers DC Jeff Hafley's interview is tentatively set for tomorrow.

Titans Owner Amy Adams Strunk is in Nashville for this round of interviews.

The Titans are going through their second interview with Chiefs OC Matt Nagy now, and have 49ers DC Robert Saleh in later in the afternoon, per sources. Packers DC Jeff Hafley's tentatively set for tomorrow (pending Miami).Owner Amy Adams Strunk is in Nashville for this round.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) January 19, 2026

- Tue, January 20, 2026 at 1:15 AM GMT+5:30Criss ParteeCowboys will interview former Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon for DC role on Monday

The Dallas Cowboys are set to interview former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon for their defensive coordinator vacancy on Monday night, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Cowboys to interview former Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon for their defensive coordinator vacancy on Monday night, per @RapSheet https://t.co/dboZYaXE7R pic.twitter.com/Q3H1xENhPj

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) January 19, 2026

- Tue, January 20, 2026 at 1:09 AM GMT+5:30Ian CasselberryLions hire Drew Petzing, former Cardinals OC, as new offensive coordinator

The Detroit Lions have found their new offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network.

Drew Petzing, most recently the OC for the Arizona Cardinals, will take over for John Morton, who was fired after the season. He had run the offense on Jonathan Gannon's staff for the past three years.

The #Lions are hiring former #AZCardinals OC Drew Petzing as their new offensive coordinator, per me and @TomPelissero. An extensive search leads Dan Campbell to an experienced play-caller for his offense. pic.twitter.com/Q9bcQvDlkn

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2026

The Cardinals had the 19th-ranked offense in the NFL last season (compared to the Lions' No. 5 ranking). Arizona finished No. 7 in passing yards (3,955), but second-to-last in the league with 1,583 rushing yards, averaging fewer than 100 per game.

Morton had play-calling duties taken away by head coach Dan Campbell after Week 9. Campbell took over that role for the rest of the season, but was likely to return to overseeing the entire team and staff. Though there was some improvement, especially in looking downfield, Detroit's offensive line had difficulty protecting quarterback Jared Goff and opening lanes for running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Mon, January 19, 2026 at 11:05 PM GMT+5:30Chris CwikSteelers, Ravens want second interview with Anthony Weaver

Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has emerged as a popular head-coaching candidate this hiring cycle. Weaver will reportedly interview a second time with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens, according to NFL Network.

Weaver, 45, has familiarity with the Ravens as both a player and coach.

The #Steelers and #Ravens both bringing Anthony Weaver in again... https://t.co/6nqadLOVJm

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2026

He's spent the past two seasons as the Dolphins' defensive coordinator, with the team turning in a top-10 finish in points against in 2024.

Weaver is a former defensive end who spent his first four seasons in the NFL with the Ravens.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 9:18 PM GMT+5:30Kevin Stefanski retains Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinator

After the Falcons announced Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach Saturday, he's moved quickly to build his coaching staff. He'll keep Jeff Ulbrich in Atlanta as his defensive coordinator.

We have retained Jeff Ulbrich as defensive coordinatorhttps://t.co/fTV4eOUuOM pic.twitter.com/uUJ9gpkjdG

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 19, 2026

Mon, January 19, 2026 at 8:56 PM GMT+5:30Kate MagdziukKansas City reportedly requests to interview Eric Bieniemy for OC job

The Kansas City Chiefs could be preparing to see a familiar face back in the facility soon, requesting to interview Chicago Bears running backs coach (and former Chiefs OC) Eric Bieniemy for their offensive coordinator position, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Monday.

Bienemy was previously with the Chiefs from 2013 to 2022, working for five years as their running backs coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator for his final five seasons with the organization. The Chiefs' offense ranked in the top six in points and yards in each of his five seasons as OC.

The team doesn't technically have an opening at their offensive coordinator, but it appears they're getting ahead of things, as current OC Matt Nagy has garnered interest in the head-coaching market. Nagy has interviewed for head coaching jobs with the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans. Nagy will reportedly have a second interview with the Titans this week.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 8:32 PM GMT+5:30AFC East has seen quite a shakeup

Mike Vrabel, Aaron Glenn...and with Mike McDaniel and Sean McDermott fired, there isn't much continuity in the division currently.

Mike Vrabel was hired 372 days ago and is now technically the longest-tenured coach in the AFC East.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) January 19, 2026

Mon, January 19, 2026 at 8:02 PM GMT+5:30Sean LeahyBills reportedly fire head coach Sean McDermott after 9 seasons

Sean McDermott has been fired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

The 51-year-old McDermott was hired in 2017 and led the Bills to five AFC East division titles and eight playoff appearances in nine seasons.

Despite regular-season success — seven double-digit win seasons — it was a lack of success in the playoffs that led to the Bills making a change. McDermott's Bills won only eight games in the postseason, including a pair of losses in the AFC Championship Game to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The most recent loss came against the Denver Broncos in the divisional round of the playoffs. The Bills couldn't overcome a controversial interception and pass-interference penalty, setting up yet another heartbreaking loss for the team in the postseason.

Read the full story here.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 6:46 PM GMT+5:30Chris CwikDolphins DC Anthony Weaver to have second interview with Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers liked what they heard from Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. The 45-year-old will reportedly get another interview with the Steelers this week, this one in-person, per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

#Dolphins DC Anthony Weaver is expected to have a second, in-person interview with the #Steelers for their HC position this week, source said. pic.twitter.com/O9GFwlKUSD

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 19, 2026

Weaver spent the past two seasons as the Dolphins' defensive coordinator. Prior to that, Weaver also served as the defensive coordinator with the Houston Texans in 2020.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 6:43 PM GMT+5:30Chris CwikJaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile interviewing with Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are casting a wide net after firing John Harbaugh. The team will reportedly add a new name to its search Monday, as it is interviewing Jacksonville Jaguars defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile.

Campanile, 43, just finished his first season as a defensive coordinator. He helped lead the Jaguars to an eighth place finish in points against in 2025.

Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile is interviewing today for the Baltimore Ravens head coach job.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

Prior to joining the Jaguars, Campanile served as a linebackers coach with the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 6:40 PM GMT+5:30Chris CwikRams pass-game coordinator Matt Scheelhaase will interview with Browns again

Los Angeles Rams pass-game coordinator Matt Scheelhaase will receive a second interview with the Cleveland Browns ... but not this week.

With the Rams' win over the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Scheelhaase will not be eligible to interview for teams until next Monday, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Rams pass game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase will be getting a second head coaching interview with the Cleveland Browns. But with the Rams win on Sunday night, the Browns cannot talk with him until next Monday.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

He won't be the only member of the staff forced to wait. Chris Shula and Mike LaFleur are also expected to have head-coaching interviews that will need to be pushed to next Monday following the win.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 6:36 PM GMT+5:30Chris CwikRaiders interview schedule revealed ahead of AFC/NFC championship games

The Las Vegas Raiders have a busy week ahead. The team will perform four interviews over the next three days, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Those interviews include Mike McDaniel, Jesse Minter, Ejiro Evero and Jeff Hafley.

Raiders current head coach interview schedule:🏈Monday: former Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel🏈Tuesday: Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Panthers DC Ejiro Evero🏈Wednesday: Packers DC Jeff Hafley

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

Of those four, McDaniel is the only one with a backup in offense. Minter, Evero and Hafley have all excelled as defensive coordinators. Additionally, only McDaniel has previous head-coaching experience, leading the Miami Dolphins to a 35-33 record over the past four years.l

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 6:11 AM GMT+5:30Ian CasselberryEagles request interview with Bobby Slowik, Dolphins pass game coordinator, for OC position

The Philadelphia Eagles have requested to interview Bobby Slowik for their offensive coordinator opening, reports ESPN's Adam Schefter. Slowik was the Miami Dolphins' passing game coordinator under former head coach Mike McDaniel this past season.

Eagles requested to interview Dolphins senior passing game coordinator Bobby Slowik for their offensive coordinator position. pic.twitter.com/8vTMYqG94W

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

Slowik was highly regarded as an offensive coordinator after the Houston Texans finished with the third-best offense in the AFC (and seventh in the NFL) for the 2023 season. Quarterback C.J. Stroud won Offensve Rookie of the Year honors, passing for 4,108 yards and 23 touchdowns.

However, the Texans' offensive production plummeted to No. 22 the following season and Stroud took a step back in his development, resulting in Slowik being fired.

The Eagles have interviewed former Atlanta Falcons OC Zac Robinson and former New York Giants OC Mike Kafka for their opening. Additionally, they have requested interviews with Colts OC Jim Bob Cooter and plan to talk to former Giants head coach Brian Daboll.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 5:32 AM GMT+5:30Ian CasselberryDolphins interview Bills OC Joe Brady for head coach opening

The Miami Dolphins announced on Sunday evening that they completed an interview with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady for their head coach opening.

We have completed an interview with Joe Brady for our head coach position. pic.twitter.com/8I2zo99N2B

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 18, 2026

Brady has run Sean McDermott's offense for the past three seasons. He was the team's QB coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator when Ken Dorsey was fired in 2023. The Bills ranked No. 4 in NFL total offense this season and led the league with 2,714 yards rushing.

Prior to joining the Bills, Brady was the Carolina Panthers' offensive coordinator on Matt Rhule's staff. He may be best known as LSU's passing game coordinator and receivers coach when the Tigers won the national championship in 2019.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 5:25 AM GMT+5:30Criss ParteeRavens have completed interview with 49ers DC Robert Saleh for HC position

The Baltimore Ravens have completed their interview with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh for the head coach position. Saleh's 49ers were eliminated from the playoffs on Saturday night.

Saleh spent the previous four years as head coach of the New York Jets. He began his second stint as Niners DC this season.

We have completed an interview with Robert Saleh for our head coach position. pic.twitter.com/YtI9ZcqC0n

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 18, 2026

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Source: “AOL Sports”