Not every NFL team looking for a new head coach will strike gold this cycle. The hope is always to find a Ben Johnson, Mike Vrabel, or Liam Coen who can spark an immediate turnaround. However, this kind of success isn’t guaranteed.
While the true impact of each new hire will only be known over time, we can assess how these hires look in the moment. Here are our grades for the latest head coaching and key coordinator appointments across the league.
This post will be updated as more hires are confirmed.
Head Coaching Hires
New York Giants: John Harbaugh
Securing John Harbaugh was the best possible outcome for the Giants. This marks their strongest head coach hire since Tom Coughlin joined in 2004, and they can only hope for similar success.
With a career win percentage of 61.4% and a Super Bowl championship, Harbaugh brings instant credibility. While recent playoff appearances have been scarce for both him and the Giants, Harbaugh’s consistent success in Baltimore makes him a huge upgrade for a franchise that has struggled in recent years.
Harbaugh immediately raises expectations in New York. With a solid, young core in place, the Giants could be on the verge of returning to prominence. It may take time to replicate the high levels of success Harbaugh enjoyed in Baltimore, but this is the best coaching hire the Giants have made since the Coughlin era.
Grade: A+
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
Although the NFL Coach of the Year award can sometimes be overrated, Stefanski has won two of them, a rare feat for any coach. The Falcons saw an opportunity to bring in a coach with proven success and took it.
Stefanski steps into a promising situation in Atlanta. Although the Falcons still have a quarterback dilemma to resolve, Stefanski is accustomed to such challenges, having faced similar issues with the Cleveland Browns. With a talented roster and a relatively weak division, Stefanski should be able to elevate the Falcons quickly. Given his previous success in Cleveland, this hire feels like a perfect fit.
Grade: A
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley
Landing Jeff Hafley was a solid choice for the Dolphins, considering the challenges associated with the job. Hafley had a strong reputation after two solid seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator. However, he inherits a difficult situation, with the potential departure of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and a significant salary cap hit looming if he’s let go.
Despite these challenges, Hafley’s previous head coaching experience at Boston College should aid his transition. Although the Dolphins may face a tough couple of seasons while rebuilding, Hafley’s background could prove to be a strong foundation for the future.
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh
The Titans job attracted several top candidates, and Saleh is one of the best options available. After struggling with the New York Jets, Saleh’s reputation was rejuvenated with a stellar defensive season as the 49ers’ defensive coordinator. His leadership and defensive acumen will be a major asset for a Titans team that has struggled in recent years.
Saleh’s hire will be key for Tennessee, but the big question is how he will address the offense. Developing the Titans’ offense, especially with the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward, will be crucial for the team’s success moving forward.
Grade: B+
Coordinator Hires
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing
Petzing comes with a decent reputation, but his tenure as offensive coordinator with the Arizona Cardinals did not yield impressive results. Under his guidance, the Cardinals ranked 19th, 11th, and 19th in yards gained during his three years there. Still, Petzing faced suboptimal quarterback play, with Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett both struggling at times.
The Lions offense, however, has immense talent, and Petzing will have much more to work with here than he did in Arizona. There are some connections with former Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, and Petzing might be able to implement some of Johnson’s successful strategies. Still, given the available pool of proven offensive coaches, this hire feels a bit underwhelming.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Coordinator: Mike McDaniel
The Chargers have the potential to field a dominant offense next season, and Mike McDaniel could be the key to unlocking that potential. With star quarterback Justin Herbert at the helm, McDaniel has the opportunity to take this offense to new heights. If the offensive line improves with better health next season, McDaniel’s play-calling could propel the Chargers into the top-five offensive ranks.
McDaniel’s ability to work with Herbert and create an efficient, dynamic offense is exactly what the Chargers need. This hire could prove to be a game-changer for the team’s success in 2026.
Grade: A
