The 2026 NFL coaching carousel spins on, with the New York Giants awaiting on a final contract with John Harbaugh and the Atlanta Falcons perhaps zeroing in on a top choice.
While playoff football is in the air, NFL fans also want to know what’s going on in various head coaching searches.
Well, we have updates for all nine teams looking for (or negotiating with) head coaching candidates as of Saturday afternoon. Who could be headed where? Who is getting second interviews? Is Harbaugh finally official?
Here’s our roundup for all nine teams, but be warned. Information comes rapidly and changes without much notice.
Arizona Cardinals: Packers DC Jeff Hafley wanted for second interview
With The Insiders on @NFLGameDay on #49ers DC Robert Saleh’s HC and interviewing experience, plus his familiarity with the #Seahawks, helping him with a busy slate of interviews, and why he’ll call plays in his next HC gig. pic.twitter.com/NzH9an34M1
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 17, 2026
Arizona candidate Robert Saleh also intends to call plays on defense if hired for a second head coaching stint.
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski ‘top candidate’ for job
Atlanta can hire, if they so choose. Big 24 hours. https://t.co/gHg6GbC2YC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2026
All signs point to the former Cleveland Browns coach taking over in Atlanta. Stefanski is slated to meet with the franchise on Saturday. A hire could happen as soon as possible with the Falcons compliant with the league’s Rooney Rule for interviewing candidates. Jeff Ulbrich seems likely to stay as the team’s defensive coordinator.
Baltimore Ravens: Rams assistants in for interviews
We have completed an interview with Nathan Scheelhaase for our head coach position. pic.twitter.com/cku7NVly7O
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 17, 2026
We have completed an interview with Chris Shula for our head coach position. pic.twitter.com/ZzdqmZYHaL
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) January 17, 2026
Former Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel also came in for a recent interview.
Cleveland Browns: Team ‘circling back’ to DC Jim Schwartz
Browns circling back to Jim Schwartz. Obviously, the voices of key players are being heard.
— Tony Grossi (@TonyGrossi) January 16, 2026
Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski, interviewing Saturday, has also been heavily connected to Cleveland.
Miami Dolphins: Hafley ‘top candidate’ to rejoin new GM
Atlanta can hire, if they so choose. Big 24 hours. https://t.co/gHg6GbC2YC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2026
New Miami general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan hails from Green Bay, where Hafley recently worked as a defensive coordinator.
New York Giants: John Harbaugh deal ‘should be done’ Saturday
From @NFLGameDay Morning: Mike Tomlin now looms as a top HC candidate in 2027… if he wants to be; The #Giants continue to work towards hiring John Harbaugh, which should be done today (for real, this time). pic.twitter.com/SsIJ7LMeH4
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 17, 2026
Harbaugh saga has been drawn out since word broke on Wednesday of the two sides finalizing the hire.
Las Vegas Raiders: Team wants to meet with candidates in Miami
The Raiders have asked a few head coaching candidates to meet them in Miami at the national championship game, where Tom Brady is also expected to be.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 17, 2026
McDaniel will interview with Vegas on Monday. The team also scheduled a second interview with Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Pittsburgh Steelers: Interview requests lean defensive
Nate Scheelhaase, Rams pass coordinator
Chris Shula, Rams DC
Anthony Weaver, Dolphins DC
Brian Flores, Vikings DC
Jessie Minter, Chargers DC
Jeff Hafley, Packers DC
Ejiro Evero, Panthers DC
Klay Kubiak, 49ers OC— Neal Coolong (@NealCoolong) January 15, 2026
Hafley is one of the most popular candidates in this coaching cycle.
Tennessee Titans: Mike McCarthy in the building Saturday
Mike McCarthy is currently in the #Titans’ HQ.
— Paul Kuharsky (@PaulKuharskyNFL) January 17, 2026
This would be McCarthy’s third franchise to lead if hired, one ready to land a coach as it is Rooney Rule compliant.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: NFL coaching news: Latest on John Harbaugh, Giants?
