- - 2026 NFL coaching news: Titans reportedly hiring Robert Saleh, while Dolphins hire Jeff Hafley

Yahoo Sports StaffJanuary 20, 2026 at 6:16 AM

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The NFL coaching carousel kept right on spinning late Monday night, with the Tennessee Titans reportedly finalizing a deal to hire Robert Saleh as their new head coach.

Saleh spent the past season as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator after being fired by the New York Jets in 2024. He‘s had good defenses wherever he’s been, and now he gets a chance to help stabilize the Titans franchise and build a winner around No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward.

The Buffalo Bills shocked the league Monday morning by firing their head coach, Sean McDermott. General manager Brandon Beane will reportedly retain his job and find McDermott's replacement.

Meanwhile, the Bills' AFC East rival, the Miami Dolphins, finalized their own head coaching hire with Jeff Hafley, who spent the past 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.

Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans

Head coaching record: 20-36, fired five games into fourth season with New York Jets

Why he was hired: The general consensus around the league is Saleh’s failures either the Jets were largely out of his control, and he’s had good defenses wherever he’s been. He’ll reportedly call defensive plays in Tennessee, so it’ll be interesting to see who the Titans hire on the offensive staff to continue developing Cam Ward, who looked more and more promising as his rookie season went on.

Most of all, however, Saleh figures to help stabilize a Titans franchise that’s on its second general manager and now second head coach (third counting interim) since firing Mike Vrabel after the 2023 season. It’s a little surprising Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy didn’t get the job, considering his availability and ties to GM Mike Borgonzi from their time together in Kansas City, but perhaps Nagy is in play for the same position now that Saleh has been tabbed. Either way, Saleh is the kind of firm, even-keeled leader who could go a long way toward halting all the losing in Tennessee.

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 blogLive251 updates -

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 6:11 AM GMT+1Chris CwikTitans working to hire Robert Saleh

The Tennessee Titans were hoping for rookie-year Jayden Daniels when they selected Cam Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they got rookie-year Caleb Williams.

Ward looked raw and underdeveloped as a rookie and former head coach Brian Callahan paid the price for it. With the Titans' future contingent on Ward playing like a future superstar, the team entered the offseason determined to find a coach who could bring the best out of last year's top draft pick.

The team reportedly zeroed in on that coach on Monday night. The team is working to finalize a deal with San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh after his interview with them earlier in the day.

ESPN sources: Titans are working to finalize a deal to hire 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their head coach. Saleh spent Monday in Tennessee with the Titans, and the two sides impressed each other enough to move forward together. pic.twitter.com/rXC94my62B

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 20, 2026

For more on Saleh's move to Tennessee, click here.

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 2:49 AM GMT+1Tarohn FinleyChargers interview Cardinals passing game coordinator and WR coach Drew Terrell for vacant OC position

The Los Angeles Chargers interviewed Arizona Cardinals passing game coordinator and wide receiver coach Drew Terrell for their vacant offensive coordinator position, according to the team's social media page.

Terrell has spent the last three seasons with the Cardinals. Before his time in Arizona, Terrell spent time with the Washington Commanders and the Carolina Panthers.

The Chargers fired former offensive coordinator Greg Roman after the team's wild-card loss to the Texans. Roman was the Chargers' offensive coordinator for two seasons.

we’ve completed an interview with Drew Terrell for offensive coordinator pic.twitter.com/9LykNo7dPG

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 20, 2026

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 2:25 AM GMT+1Jason OwensDolphins announce Jeff Hafley as new head coach

It's official. The Miami Dolphins announced Monday night that they have agreed to terms with former Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley to become their new head coach, confirming earlier reports.

For more, read here.

We have agreed to terms with Jeff Hafley to become our head coach. pic.twitter.com/boqhQH9jxK

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 20, 2026

Tue, January 20, 2026 at 12:46 AM GMT+1Criss ParteeGiants are requesting an interview with Vikings DB coach Daronte Jones for open DC role

The New York Giants have requested to interview Minnesota Vikings passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position. Jones has interviewed in-person with the Dallas Cowboys and New YorkJets for their DC positions.

Giants have requested to interview Vikings passing game coordinator and DB coach Daronte Jones for their defensive coordinator position. Jones has interviewed in-person with the Cowboys and Jets for their DC positions.

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

- Tue, January 20, 2026 at 12:17 AM GMT+1Criss ParteeSteelers have completed first round of HC interviews

The Pittsburgh Steelers have completed the first round of interviews for their vacant head coach position with the following candidates.

- Ejiro Evero Panthers

- Jeff Hafley Packers (reportedly taking Dolphins job)

- Klay Kubiak 49ers

- Jesse Minter Chargers

- Nate Scheelhaase Rams

- Chris Shula Rams

- Anthony Weaver, Dolphins

First round of Steelers’ HC interviews complete: https://t.co/XYKfISgav3

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 19, 2026

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 11:34 PM GMT+1Jason OwensRobert Saleh scheduled for 2nd interview with Cardinals

San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is scheduled for a second interview with the Arizona Cardinals on Tuesday for their head coach vacancy.

Per the report, Saleh is interviewing with the Tennessee Titans for their vacancy on Monday. If the Titans don't hire him Monday, Saleh will take the second interview in Arizona, according to the report.

Saleh previously spent four seasons as the head coach of the New York Jets before returning as San Francisco's defensive coordinator this season.

49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh is scheduled for an in-person second interview Tuesday for the Cardinals head coaching job, per sources. Saleh is interviewing with the Titans right now. If they don’t hire him, he’ll get on the plane to Arizona. pic.twitter.com/rEMjqzUCAe

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2026

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 11:27 PM GMT+1Tarohn FinleyChiefs hiring Chad O'Shea as wide receivers coach

The Kansas City Chiefs bring back another familiar face in the coaching staff after hiring wide receivers coachChad O'Shea, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.

O'Shea got his start in the NFL as a volunteer assistant for the Chiefs and as an assistant special teams coach the following season. O'Shea worked his way up to an offensive assistant, wide receivers coach and assistant special teams coach with the Vikings and wide receiver coach with the Patriots. O'Shea also spent a season as the Dolphins' offensive coordinator.

The Chiefs are also bringing back former offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy. Bieniemy spent last season as the Bears' running backs coach.

The Chiefs are hiring Chad O’Shea as their wide receivers coach, per source. O’Shea got into the NFL as a volunteer assistant with Kansas City in 2003. Over two decades later, he’s back as Andy Reid remodels his offensive staff. pic.twitter.com/BW7koHxbi3

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 19, 2026

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 11:20 PM GMT+1Tarohn 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

Mon, January 19, 2026 at 11:07 PM GMT+1Ryan 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.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 10:55 PM GMT+1Tarohn 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

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 10:39 PM GMT+1Ryan 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.

Mon, January 19, 2026 at 9:31 PM GMT+1Ian 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.

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 9:16 PM GMT+1Criss 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

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 8:45 PM GMT+1Criss 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

- Mon, January 19, 2026 at 8:39 PM GMT+1Ian 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 6:35 PM GMT+1Chris 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 4:48 PM GMT+1Kevin 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 4:26 PM GMT+1Kate 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 4:02 PM GMT+1AFC 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 3:32 PM GMT+1Sean 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.

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Source: “AOL Sports”