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NFL Teams Announce Coaching Changes, Player Updates, and Award Selections

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NFL Offseason Update: Coaching Changes, Player Futures, and Awards Revealed

The NFL offseason is bustling with activity, as teams finalize coaching staffs, navigate crucial player contract negotiations, and address health updates. Simultaneously, a leading NFL analyst has unveiled their comprehensive season-end awards and All-Pro selections, celebrating top performances from the regular season.

Ongoing coaching staff adjustments, active head coach searches, and the futures of several key players are under intense scrutiny across the league.

Coaching Appointments and Head Coach Searches

New Hires and Retentions

  • Cleveland Browns: Todd Monken was hired as the new head coach. His interview process was rigorous, including cognitive and personality tests, a written assessment on the head coach's role, and discussions regarding quarterback development for players like Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel, and Deshaun Watson.
  • Los Angeles Chargers: Chris O’Leary was appointed as the defensive coordinator, aligning with Head Coach Jim Harbaugh's practice of promoting coaches familiar with the team's defensive scheme. Mike McDaniel was also hired as the offensive coordinator, aiming to integrate a power running game with a Shanahan offensive scheme.
  • New York Jets: Brian Duker was hired as the defensive coordinator, with Aaron Glenn designated to handle play-calling responsibilities.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Todd Bowles was retained as head coach following the team's NFC South titles during his first three years. His tenure is noted for maintaining team success during a quarterback transition and developing young players and offensive coordinators who later became head coaches. Recent staff changes signal an increased urgency for future performance.
  • Kliff Kingsbury: Joined Sean McVay's staff in Los Angeles, expected to contribute his spread offense expertise.
  • Chandler Whitmer: Hired as Buccaneers quarterbacks coach, a move facilitated by his relationship with new Tampa Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson.

Head Coach Search Developments

  • Arizona Cardinals: Klint Kubiak, current Seahawks offensive coordinator, is a candidate for the head coaching vacancy, with in-person interviews scheduled. Vance Joseph and Joe Brady are also under consideration, with Brady's candidacy aligning with the Cardinals' reported interest in coaches with similar profiles to Sean McVay.
  • Las Vegas Raiders: Klint Kubiak is a prominent candidate, with scheduled in-person interviews. If Davis Webb is not selected for the head coaching job, a promotion within the Denver Broncos organization could occur following the dismissal of offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi. The New York Giants and Baltimore Ravens have also expressed interest in Webb for potential play-calling responsibilities.

Coordinator Vacancies and Candidate Interests

Offensive Coordinator Searches

  • Miami Dolphins: The team has begun its search for an offensive coordinator to work with new coach Jeff Hafley. Potential candidates include Packers OC Adam Stenavich, former Giants coach Brian Daboll, and Ravens OC Todd Monken. Bobby Slowik is an internal consideration.
  • Atlanta Falcons: Candidates for the offensive coordinator role include Browns OC Tommy Rees and former Titans coach Brian Callahan. Rees has been identified as a likely choice.
  • Tennessee Titans: Brian Daboll is a prominent candidate for the offensive coordinator position, having previous ties with GM Mike Borgonzi and Robert Saleh. Rams OC Mike LaFleur is expected to remain in Los Angeles. Former Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury and Steelers OC Arthur Smith are also under consideration.
  • Philadelphia Eagles: Jim Bob Cooter, an NFL assistant, is a candidate for the Eagles' offensive coordinator position. He previously worked as a consultant for the Eagles and as offensive coordinator for the Indianapolis Colts under Shane Steichen, who is reportedly open to Cooter pursuing a play-calling role in Philadelphia.

Defensive Coordinator and Staff Searches

  • Miami Dolphins: For defensive coordinator, options include Packers linebackers coach Sean Duggan and former Patriots DC DeMarcus Covington.
  • Cleveland Browns Defensive Coordinator: Jim Schwartz, currently under contract until 2026, indicated he would only stay if offered the head coaching position. His potential departure would open the DC job, for which internal candidates Jason Tarver (LBs coach) and Ephraim Banda (Safeties coach) have interviewed. Texans pass-game coordinator Cory Undlin is also expected to interview. The Browns hold contractual control over Schwartz. The Raiders have shown interest in Schwartz for a potential role with Klint Kubiak, and a future move to Philadelphia after the 2026 season if Vic Fangio retires has been considered.
  • Houston Defensive Staff: Pass-game coordinator Cory Undlin and defensive backs coach Dino Vasso are drawing interest from other teams. Vasso is considered a strong candidate for Arizona and may also be considered by the Raiders.
  • Raiders Defensive Coordinator Search: Pending Klint Kubiak's decision, potential candidates include Joe Woods (current pass-game coordinator), Joe Cullen (Chiefs DL coach), Karl Scott (Seahawks pass-game coordinator), and Zack Orr. Seahawks DC Aden Durde is a consideration, though he may prefer to remain with Seattle with aspirations for a head coach role.
  • Arizona Defensive Coordinator Search: Vic Fangio and Aubrey Pleasant are names under consideration.

Player Status and Futures

  • Atlanta Falcons Quarterback: Kirk Cousins' return is contingent on contract negotiations, specifically a $10 million roster bonus due in March, and potential adjustments to his 2026 contract.
  • Mac Jones: Minnesota has been identified as a potential landing spot for quarterback Mac Jones. The Vikings are reportedly seeking budget competition for J.J. McCarthy and have a history of signing players for reclamation projects.
  • Houston Texans: The offensive line requires attention. Decisions regarding C.J. Stroud's fifth-year option and extension are pending.
  • New England Patriots Quarterback Drake Maye: Was listed as a projected limited participant in practice due to a right shoulder injury but was later a full participant.
  • Fernando Mendoza: A quarterback prospect, is expected to skip throwing at the NFL Combine, planning instead to throw at Indiana's pro day with his college teammates.
  • Seahawks Safety Nick Emmanwori: Sustained a low ankle sprain during practice but is expected to play Sunday with no game designation. His role is significant for the Seahawks' hybrid defense, contributing to their ability to defend the run with nickel personnel.
  • Sam Darnold: The quarterback was a full participant in practice after recovering from an oblique injury.
  • Bryce Boettcher: Oregon linebacker, a two-sport collegiate athlete (baseball and football), was highlighted at the Senior Bowl. He became a two-year starter and is considered an NFL prospect.

League Awards and All-Pro Selections

An NFL analyst released their official All-Pro and award ballots for the regular season, reflecting performance solely from the regular season.

First Team All-Pro Selections

  • Quarterback: Matthew Stafford (Rams)
  • Running Back: Christian McCaffrey (49ers)
  • Wide Receivers: Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks), Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals), and Puka Nacua (Rams)

Second Team All-Pro Selections

  • Quarterback: Drake Maye (Patriots)
  • Running Back: James Cook (Bills)
  • Wide Receivers: George Pickens (Cowboys), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions), and Nico Collins (Texans)
  • Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts received his first All-Pro selection as a second-team honoree.

Award Votes

  • MVP: Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford.
  • Coach of the Year: Liam Coen, Mike Macdonald, and Mike Vrabel.
  • Assistant Coach: Vance Joseph and Klint Kubiak.
  • Comeback Player & Offensive Player: Christian McCaffrey.
  • Defensive Player: Myles Garrett.
  • Defensive Rookie: Carson Schwesinger.
  • Offensive Rookie: Tetairoa McMillan.

The analyst voted Matthew Stafford as first-team All-Pro, citing his individual performance as the highest among quarterbacks. Drake Maye was voted MVP for elevating a team that previously won four games, featuring a revamped offense with new starters and skill players.

Other League Notes

  • Atlanta Falcons General Manager Search: A decision on the General Manager position is anticipated soon. Interviews were conducted with Bears Assistant GM Ian Cunningham and Texans Assistant GM James Liipfert, with team president Matt Ryan and owner Arthur Blank participating.
  • Tribute: Former Washington quarterback Sonny Jurgensen passed away.