# NFL Coaching Carousel 2025-2026 edition **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** football-nfl\ **Created:** [January 5, 2026, 5:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374 "2026-01-05T17:12:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 3:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/121 "2026-01-20T03:53:38Z")
Wow, I did not remember that Taylor came of the board shortly after. That would have been a problem. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 4:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/122 "2026-01-20T04:34:17Z")
> [@Railer13](#): > > The loss of Tyreek was a huge factor in the Chiefs regression, IMO. Agreed, Mahomes needs targets. That’s gotta be a priority this off-season. Especially since there has been nothing official regarding Travis Kelce, whether he retires or not. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 6:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/123 "2026-01-20T06:53:14Z")
Robert Saleh to the Titans, it appears. > **[Sources: Titans finalizing deal to make Robert Saleh coach](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47667622/sources-titans-finalizing-deal-make-robert-saleh-coach)** > > Robert Saleh is set to become the next coach of the Titans, with sources telling ESPN's Adam Schefter on Monday night that the sides are finalizing a deal. ---
**Author:** ![Great\_Antibob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e47c2d/32.png) [@Great\_Antibob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Great_Antibob)\ **Post date:** [January 20, 2026, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/124 "2026-01-20T23:03:20Z")
Some interesting gossip out of Buffalo, if true. Apparently McDermott had a meeting early in December voicing dissatisfaction with the roster while Brandon Beane convinced owner Terry Pegula coaching was the main problem in Buffalo. So one gets the boot and the other gets a promotion. So, another GM vs HC power struggle the coach lost. Somewhat surprising if true. Most folks look at the Bills WR corp and see some obvious issues. It also puts today’s rather belated “thank you, coach” post in a different light after yesterday’s terse “relieved of duties” PR release. You’d think they’d be a little more classy than that, with plenty of empty platitudes and praise, even if not genuinely meant. [https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/carucci-take2-no-simple-explanation-for-bills-firing-mcdermott/71-9d8d40ff-82a3-4fc0-add2-118840a3e368](https://www.wgrz.com/article/sports/carucci-take2-no-simple-explanation-for-bills-firing-mcdermott/71-9d8d40ff-82a3-4fc0-add2-118840a3e368) ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 12:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/125 "2026-01-21T00:19:04Z")
This ESPN article shows how many head coaches each team has had since 2002 - the year that the last expansion team (the Texans) started play, and the NFL went to its current 8-division structure). Not surprising at all is that the Raiders (12!) and the Browns (9) top the list. > **[NFL coaching turnover since 2002: Highest to lowest teams](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/47602575/nfl-teams-highest-coaching-turnover)** > > Since 2002, the Raiders have had 12 head coaches. Conversely, the Ravens and Steelers have only had two a piece. Check out the breakdown by team now. ---
**Author:** ![fedman1](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/e495f1/32.png) [@fedman1](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/fedman1)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/126 "2026-01-21T01:17:01Z")
remember the Browns had both Belichick AND Saban on the team, were winning games, and got kicked to the curb. You think they’re go back in time? And don’t forget the owner ---
**Author:** ![Folacin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/folacin/32/3195_2.png) [@Folacin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Folacin)\ **Post date:** [January 21, 2026, 1:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/127 "2026-01-21T01:33:44Z")
> [@Omniscient](#): > > There were rumors that Nagy was an HC candidate this cycle. Wonder if him getting canned undermines that or not. Part of me wonders if the Chiefs were hoping Nagy would have accepted a job by now making this transition feel less contentious. My assumption is that both the Chiefs and Nagy assume that with all the openings available, he’s going to be a head coach somewhere. This lets the Chiefs get EB before anyone else snaps him up (not that I think there was a lot of interest in him). ---
**Author:** ![OldManLogan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oldmanlogan/32/5237_2.png) [@OldManLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldManLogan)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/128 "2026-01-22T15:43:07Z")
Quick rundown of where we are sitting on the ten total HC vacancies of 2025/26. Still open - Arizona Cardinals - Baltimore Ravens - Buffalo Bills - Cleveland Browns - Las Vegas Raiders - Pittsburg Steelers Hired! - Atlanta Falcons - Kevin Stefanski - Miami Dolphins - Jeff Hafley - New York Giants - John Harbaugh - Tennessee Titans - Robert Saleh Other notes - Mike McDaniel hired as OC for LA Chargers - supposedly Mike Tomlin is out for a year as Pittsburgh owns his rights and would have to “trade” him ---
**Author:** ![Railer13](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/railer13/32/9742_2.png) [@Railer13](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Railer13)\ **Post date:** [January 22, 2026, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/129 "2026-01-22T22:43:12Z")
And the Ravens found their guy, getting the Chargers defensive coordinator: > **[Ravens hiring Jesse Minter: Chargers defensive coordinator to replace John...](https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/baltimore-ravens-hiring-jesse-minter-los-angeles-chargers-coach-john-harbaugh/)** > > Minter spent three seasons as a Ravens assistant but now moves to the top job ---
**Author:** ![OldManLogan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oldmanlogan/32/5237_2.png) [@OldManLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldManLogan)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 12:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/130 "2026-01-23T00:26:01Z")
I’m more familiar with Minter from his time with Michigan but he took McDaniels defense and made it better. Considering McDaniels and Minter came from the Ravens defensive coaching tree, Minters success at the Chargers defense, and McDaniels success with the Seahawks, I think this is a really good hire. I’m surprised he went to the Ravens. I would think they would have changed things up more. Maybe Harbaugh defensive guys do really well with bird teams. We’ll see. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 1:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/131 "2026-01-23T01:23:37Z")
> [@OldManLogan](#): > > I’m more familiar with Minter from his time with Michigan but he took McDaniels defense and made it better. Considering McDaniels and Minter came from the Ravens defensive coaching tree, Minters success at the Chargers defense, and McDaniels success with the Seahawks, I think this is a really good hire. I assume you mean Mike Macdonald, not McDaniels (as Mike McDaniel hasn’t been as successful as a head coach, and is now OC at the Chargers, where Minter just came from). But it does make sense to me that Minter is a younger, fresh start for Baltimore, while still having familiarity with the organization, and might be able to bring back the defense that used to be dominant there. ---
**Author:** ![OldManLogan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/oldmanlogan/32/5237_2.png) [@OldManLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OldManLogan)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 2:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/132 "2026-01-23T14:46:34Z")
🤦 Yes, meant Macdonald. I often get the names mixed up (not the coaches). ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 3:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/133 "2026-01-23T15:25:35Z")
> [@OldManLogan](#): > > I often get the names mixed up (not the coaches). When Macdonald first went to Seattle I used to as well, but after a couple of years of having him as the local head coach I no longer do. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Moriarty](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/moriarty/32/49_2.png) [@Moriarty](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Moriarty)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/134 "2026-01-23T16:13:57Z")
> [@OldManLogan](#): > > Mike McDaniel hired as OC for LA Chargers Apparently he’s interviewing for the Bills job. I guess the O.C. position is there as a fall back. It seems odd to me that the Chargers are ok with this. You know, _technically_ McDaniel is Black (on his dad’s side). Is this just a weak pass at the Rooney rule? > **[Bills to interview Mike McDaniel on Friday](https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/bills-to-interview-mike-mcdaniel-on-friday)** > > Mike McDaniel is slated to be the Chargers' offensive coordinator during the 2026 season, but the Chargers would have to look elsewhere if McDaniel lands a head coaching job. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 4:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/135 "2026-01-23T16:17:31Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Apparently he’s interviewing for the Bills job. I guess the O.C. position is there as a fall back. > > It seems odd to me that the Chargers are ok with this. It doesn’t seem right to me at all. > [@Moriarty](#): > > You know, _technically_ McDaniel is Black (on his dad’s side). Is this just a weak pass at the Rooney rule? Maybe, in which case it’s a crappy move on the part of the Bills, but then again I can’t really criticize too much because I think that all teams have these token interviews to comply with the rule. I can’t imagine they’d hire McDaniel though. To go from McDermott to him? ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 4:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/136 "2026-01-23T16:25:11Z")
> [@Moriarty](#): > > Is this just a weak pass at the Rooney rule? It wouldn’t need to be. They have Anthony Lynn and Anthony Weaver scheduled for interviews tomorrow. ---
**Author:** ![TroutMan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/troutman/32/6721_2.png) [@TroutMan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TroutMan)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/137 "2026-01-23T16:59:28Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > > [@Moriarty](#): > > > > Apparently he’s interviewing for the Bills job. I guess the O.C. position is there as a fall back. > > > > It seems odd to me that the Chargers are ok with this. > > It doesn’t seem right to me at all. Having gone through a long job search recently, I’m OK with more power in the hands of the employee. Employers show little loyalty to their employees when circumstances change, yet expect their employees to make sacrifices for the good of the company. Yeah, it slightly sucks for the Chargers if they need to look again, but it’s not McDaniel’s responsibility to pass on a better position just because it inconveniences the Chargers. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 5:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/138 "2026-01-23T17:11:10Z")
> [@TroutMan](#): > > Yeah, it slightly sucks for the Chargers if they need to look again, but it’s not McDaniel’s responsibility to pass on a better position just because it inconveniences the Chargers. I thought he’d committed to the job in LA, but now I see that he was “expected” to take the job. He hasn’t yet. In which case, no, it’s smart of him to be open to other positions. It’s like when Josh McDaniels was being offered the position of head coach in Indianapolis, and they kept sweetening the deal, but he decided after a couple of days to stay in New England. People assumed he was taking the job, but he didn’t. He didn’t betray anyone, he just decided to turn it down. ---
**Author:** ![AlsoNamedBort](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alsonamedbort/32/3213_2.png) [@AlsoNamedBort](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AlsoNamedBort)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 5:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/139 "2026-01-23T17:24:23Z")
> [@Atamasama](#): > > It’s like when Josh McDaniels was being offered the position of head coach in Indianapolis, and they kept sweetening the deal, but he decided after a couple of days to stay in New England. People assumed he was taking the job, but he didn’t. He didn’t betray anyone, he just decided to turn it down. No he did agree to terms (although hadn’t signed the contract), and the Colts announced he was the new head coach. He then backed out later that day. ---
**Author:** ![Atamasama](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/atamasama/32/12961_2.png) [@Atamasama](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Atamasama)\ **Post date:** [January 23, 2026, 5:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374/140 "2026-01-23T17:29:58Z")
> [@AlsoNamedBort](#): > > He then backed out later that day. Ah, well, not so good then. I _thought_ it was reported as a done deal at a certain point. But you’re right, and this article confirms it: > **[Josh McDaniels changes mind, jilting Colts to stay with Pats](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22349872/josh-mcdaniels-spurns-indianapolis-colts-remain-new-england-patriots)** > > Josh McDaniels has elected to remain with the New England Patriots despite having agreed to become the Indianapolis Colts' new head coach. > “After agreeing to contract terms to become the Indianapolis Colts’ new head coach, New England Patriots assistant coach Josh McDaniels this evening informed us that he would not be joining our team,” the team said in a statement. “Although we are surprised and disappointed, we will resume our head-coaching search immediately and find the right fit to lead our team and organization on and off the field.” Here’s an article on SI about the situation with Mike McDaniel: > **[Will Josh Allen rip Mike McDaniel from Justin Herbert and the Chargers?](https://www.si.com/nfl/chargers/onsi/will-josh-allen-rip-mike-mcdaniel-justin-herbert-chargers)** > > Josh Allen gets involved in the Bills' hiring process as reported Chargers coordinator Mike McDaniel gets an interview. It doesn’t seem like Mike has agreed to anything in LA yet. But that SI article does confirm what I’ve been hearing about how rough things seem in Buffalo: > Good as McDaniel and Josh Allen sound, the Bills have been something of a dramatic, public mess for the better part of a week now. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-coaching-carousel-2025-2026-edition/1026374.md?page=8)