The NFL last saw 10 first-time head coaches in 2022 — and within four years, eight of those hires were already gone. With that in mind, it’s at least comforting to think this 2026 crop can’t be worse. FOX Sports has ranked the 10 new head coaches from this offseason, offering an early read on each hire.
Cardinals — LaFleur (Grade: D-)
Arizona surprised some observers by choosing LaFleur over candidates like Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, who many expected to be the next standout coach from Sean McVay’s tree. LaFleur does bring valuable experience — years under Kyle Shanahan and several seasons alongside McVay — but critics wonder whether the Cardinals picked the right schematic and leadership fit, especially given other intriguing options they passed up.
Bills — Joe Brady (Grade: D)
Owner Terry Pegula reportedly pushed for a change after the season and ended up tabbing Joe Brady, the Bills’ offensive coordinator, rather than an outside candidate such as former Buffalo OC Brian Daboll. Brady is respected league-wide and has been interviewed for head-coaching jobs repeatedly, but promoting from within felt risky to many fans who expected a more proven, external choice to lead a Super Bowl-aspirational roster.
Dolphins — Hafley (Grade: C)
Miami needed a disciplinarian — a “CEO” — after instability under Mike McDaniel, and Hafley fits that profile with head-coaching experience at Boston College. His college record was modest and translating college head-coaching chops to the NFL can be difficult, but Hafley’s recent success as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator and his leadership traits make this a reasonable, if not exciting, gamble.
Titans — Robert Saleh (Grade: C+)
Saleh’s Jets tenure (20-36) had clear flaws, some tied to poor quarterback play but also to coaching decisions. Tennessee is banking on his growth from that experience; Saleh brings a strong defensive mind and a reputation for leadership. He also surprised some by hiring Brian Daboll — another coach with a checkered recent record but deep offensive expertise — to help develop young QB Cam Ward.
Browns — Todd Monken (Grade: C+)
Monken is viewed primarily as a quarterback developer, which is exactly what Cleveland needs. He’s had high-performing offensive stints with Jameis Winston in Tampa, helped restore Lamar Jackson toward MVP form in Baltimore, and coached prolific college offenses. Still, Monken has never been an NFL head coach, and the Browns’ lengthy search possibly cost them defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, making this a high-stakes hire focused on fixing the QB position.
Raiders — Klint Kubiak (Grade: B-)
Kubiak’s stock rose after his offensive work with the Super Bowl-bound Seahawks and QB Sam Darnold, but turning a strong coordinator résumé into head-coach success isn’t guaranteed. The Raiders can be patient; they’re rebuilding and likely want Kubiak to develop the presumed top-2026 draft pick at quarterback, Fernando Mendoza. His coaching lineage — time with Gary Kubiak, Kevin Stefanski and Kyle Shanahan — gives him a deep offensive education to lean on. (Raiders cannot officially announce until after Super Bowl LX.)
Steelers — Mike McCarthy (Grade: B)
McCarthy’s résumé is hard to argue with: long-term success in Green Bay, playoff appearances across many seasons, and a Super Bowl on his ledger. The main question is fit: McCarthy is 62 and has historically been more of a win-now manager than a rebuild architect. If Pittsburgh can pair him with a young franchise quarterback, he could be a huge asset; without that QB solution, his age and style might limit what he can achieve.
Ravens — Jesse Minter (Grade: B+)
Minter entered the cycle as one of the most sought-after assistants and inherits perhaps the best roster of any new coach, including Lamar Jackson under center — instant contention potential. His résumé includes successful defensive builds under both Harbaugh brothers, top college defensive work in 2023, and a strong turnaround of a Chargers unit, convincing many executives he’s ready to lead.
Falcons — Kevin Stefanski (Grade: A)
Atlanta needed someone who could unlock its offensive talent after Raheem Morris failed to do so, and Stefanski’s record as an offensive architect makes him a logical choice. Though his last stint in Cleveland ended badly (8-26), his prior work — including two 11-win seasons, playoff runs and two Coach of the Year awards — shows he can turn offenses and quarterbacks around, which should serve him well in Atlanta.
Giants — Jim Harbaugh (Grade: A+)
New York’s hire is a franchise-altering move. Harbaugh brings a long track record of success, stability and credibility — an 18-season résumé in Baltimore with consistent winning and a Super Bowl — plus a commanding presence that the Giants have lacked. He’s the rare coach with proven ability to quickly restore discipline and develop young quarterbacks, making him the one person most likely to engineer an immediate turnaround.
Fan Take (two sentences)
These hires matter because head coaches shape team identity, quarterback development, and the competitive landscape — one successful or failed hire can ripple through a franchise for years. Fans should watch whether teams opt for veteran steadiness or developmental upside, since this cycle could shift hiring trends and determine which clubs become contenders.
