It was just announced that after 18 years the Ravens will part ways with John Harbaugh. It has already been said by many experts and insiders that he will be a top choice for many teams with openings. It was also reported that teams still with a HC are interested in him. This article will cover what HC and GM jobs are open and who will likely be hired for the HC spots, including John Harbaugh.
The 2026 NFL head coach vacancies are as follows:
- Cleveland Browns
- New York Giants
- Tennessee Titans
- Atlanta Falcons
- Baltimore Ravens
- Las Vegas Raiders
- Arizona Cardinals
The 2026 NFL general manager vacancies are as follows:
- Miami Dolphins
- Atlanta Falcons
Predictions for each HC vacancy:
Cleveland Browns: Joe Brady (Bills OC)
Browns fans seem to be set on an offensive minded coach and for good reason. Their defense is nowhere near the problem and their DC has done a solid job. Unfortunately, the years coaching cycle doesn’t have top tier offensive minded prospects like Ben Johnson or Sean McVay. Joe Brady is decently experienced and has seen success as the Bills play caller. Plus, the Browns aren’t the most appealing place for a new HC to come so they likely won’t get the top HC candidate.
New York Giants: John Harbaugh (former Ravens HC)
There is already speculation that John will end up with the Giants. The Giants are one of the more appealing openings available with a young QB to build around and great defensive pieces. Also, the Giants are likely looking for a more experienced HC instead of a first time HC. John will continue to be a CEO and use his vast connections to build his staff.
Tennessee Titans: Vance Joseph (Broncos DC)
Ideally, the Titans would find a offensive minded HC to pair with Cam Ward, but with limited options they choose a experienced coach to lead their team for the future. I personally would not like this hire if I was a Titans fan because I would want an offensive minded HC and maybe someone younger. However, there aren’t many offensive options and I doubt they take a chance on another inexperienced play caller after their last experience.
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski (former Browns HC)
The Falcons may also look for an experienced HC to transform their young, talented roster into a winning team. Stefanski fits this bill as a two time Coach of the Year. His offense has looked a little vanilla in recent years, but he was given a very tough task with the whole Deshaun Watson thing. Atlanta would be a very appealing place to land because of their very talented roster and also the fact the new HC may have a say in the GM hire. I can already imagine Stefanski calling up all sorts of plays for running back Bijan Robinson.
Baltimore Ravens: Chris Shula (Rams DC)
Shula is a young, smart defensive coach who looks to be hired for his first HC job this year. He is grandson of Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history. Teams will like that. The Ravens, historically a team who values defense, might look to hire the next great defensive mind especially after they let go the last one, Mike MacDonald. Obviously, the Ravens are an appealing place for HC prospects because of the talent and the ability to win now instead of rebuilding.
Las Vegas Raiders: Brain Flores (Vikings DC)
Despite his rough ending as Miami’s HC a few years ago, Flores may be ready for another chance. His defense has been exceptional for the Vikings the past couple years even though the offense regressed significantly. His aggressive defensive approach makes it a nightmare for opposing QB’s and he has developed several good defensive players for the Vikings. If Tom Brady believes he can get a good OC (maybe Brian Daboll) to pair with Flores, I could see this hire being very realistic.
Arizona Cardinals: Klint Kubiak (Seahawks OC)
Similar to Joe Brady, Klint may get the chance to be a HC just because they are the best offensive options. If I was a team looking for a HC, I would want to see a year or two more of successful play calling from these guys before pulling the trigger. But what can you do. Klint has had a good not great year as the Seahawks OC but has showed improvement as the year went on. The Cardinals need to get this HC hire right because they have a roster good enough to compete and can’t wait another few years to get there.
Other Potential Candidates:
- Jesse Minter (Chargers DC)
- From the Harbaugh and Mike Macdonald coaching tree
- Good, but might need more experience before getting hired for a head coach position
- Jeff Hafley (Packers DC)
- Former college HC
- Experienced but I don’t think he the next great HC teams are looking for
- Robert Saleh (49ers DC)
- Very smart and well spoken defensive leader
- Had a rough HC stint with the Jets
- Grant Udinski (Jaguars OC)
- Very inexperienced (not even 30 yet)
- Hasn’t called plays or coached a position group
- Reportedly very smart and a football prodigy
- Helped improve QB play of Sam Darnold and Trevor Lawrence
