2026 NFL Coaching Carousel Predictions: John Harbaugh lands in a massive market while franchises take risks on up-and-comers

Who is going where? Our staff makes their picks for where the top candidates land in this NFL coaching cycle.

Destin Adams, Kyle Crabbs, Rob Gregson
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Former Ravens head coach John Harbaugh
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The number of NFL head coaching openings has quickly climbed to nine, including two of the most respected franchises in the league: the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens. 

The head coaching carousel is always a wild ride, but seeing a future Hall of Famer like John Harbaugh already interviewing for jobs, with the highly unlikely potential of another in Mike Tomlin joining, will cause pandemonium. 

A group of our writers here at A to Z Sports has decided to share their thoughts on each opening, as well as which candidate they believe will earn the job. Destin Adams, Kyle Crabbs, and Rob Gregson dive into all nine jobs, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly. Then, each gives their prediction as of today on who will land the position. 

Baltimore Ravens

“What isn’t to like about this gig? You’ve got an accomplished executive at the helm in Eric DeCosta, a two-time All-Pro at quarterback in Lamar Jackson, a better roster than the record would indicate, and plenty of salary cap wiggle room for the years ahead.

“The Baltimore Ravens boast a strong track record of competitive play, have a strong team culture that transcends individuals, and are also a part of a division that is resetting en masse (minus the Bengals). The downside to this job is clear: expectations are high. There will not be a lot of leash for the man stepping into John Harbaugh’s shoes. So come ready to roll.” – Kyle Crabbs

Who gets the Ravens’ job?

Destin: Chris Shula
Kyle: Robert Saleh
Rob: Robert Saleh

Cleveland Browns

“Whoever takes over the Cleveland Browns’ job is a quarterback away from having a playoff-caliber team on their hands. The problem is that it’s been the case in Cleveland for years.

“Similar to Atlanta, the Browns need to hire someone who can instill a winning culture. A team-first atmosphere dedicated to winning the day, before winning the game. Give Cleveland someone with a proven track record of success.” – Rob Gregson

Who gets the Browns’ job?

Destin: Mike McCarthy
Kyle: Mike McDaniel
Rob: Mike McCarthy

Pittsburgh Steelers

“The Pittsburgh Steelers will be casting about as wide a net as you will see in a coaching search. Having continuity at that position is a staple of the franchise, and so the Pittsburgh brass, led by Art Rooney II, will be diligent in its search. There are obvious candidates, like the young, up-and-coming defensive mind Chris Shula or the familiarity of Brian Flores.

“There are offensive coaches like Kevin Stefanski and Grant Udinski. Then, there are big-time swings like Nick Saban, Curt Cignetti, or even a trade for Matt LaFleur. If you told me any of those names were in Pittsburgh next year, I wouldn’t be shocked.” – Rob Gregson

Who gets the Steelers’ job?

Destin: Brian Flores
Kyle: Chris Shula
Rob: Chris Shula

Las Vegas Raiders

“The first thing that’s always gonna stand out about the Las Vegas Raiders job is the chance to coach in one of the largest markets in the NFL. The team also holds the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which will likely lead to the selection of Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza as the franchise’s QB of the future.

“It’s not all rainbows and sunshine, though, as whoever is hired will be joining one of the hardest divisions in football in the AFC West, but if they can help turn the Raiders around, they will arguably become legends in that city and in this league forever.” – Destin Adams

Who gets the Raiders job?

Destin: Kevin Stefanski
Kyle: Jesse Minter
Rob: Grant Udinski

Miami Dolphins

“Here’s the good news with the Miami Dolphins’ hire: You will be given a lot of time to get it right. Everybody knows what time it is in Miami, where there’s offloading of contracts like Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill, and others looming for 2026. That almost buys you a free year in the evaluation window; although Miami does have five picks in the top-100 of the 2026 NFL Draft, plus some promising young position players like OT Patrick Paul and RB De’Von Achane on rookie contracts, 2025 All-Pros in C Aaron Brewer and LB Jordyn Brooks, and a number of other young players from a productive 2025 rookie class.

“You’ll get to pick your own quarterback, too — although the pathway to acquiring one is one of the questions that linger over this job. Here’s the bad news: Miami plays in a suddenly very competitive AFC East with the Bills and Patriots, it will not have extensive free agent spending power until 2027, and yes…they don’t have a long-term option at quarterback right now.” – Kyle Crabbs

Who gets the Dolphins’ job?

Destin: Jeff Hafley
Kyle: Jeff Hafley
Rob: Matt LaFleur

Tennessee Titans

“The Tennessee Titans selected Cam Ward with the first pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He instantly becomes one of the Titans’ biggest selling points to potential candidates. It wasn’t a perfect rookie year for the quarterback by any means, but he showed a lot of promise, and people around the league believe the Titans found their guy.

“There are some questions about whether the team’s ownership can be patient with the hire as they try to lead this rebuild. But GM Mike Borgonzi is well respected and is someone a lot of the top candidates think would be great to work alongside.” – Destin Adams

Who gets the Titans’ job?

Destin: Mike McDaniel
Kyle: Kevin Stefanski
Rob: Arthur Smith

Arizona Cardinals

“I’m not going to lie to you, boss. This is a tough gig. The Arizona Cardinals are like the Dolphins in their outlook at quarterback; there’s a transition coming and no obvious answers awaiting. They’re in perhaps the toughest division in football with the Rams, Seahawks, and 49ers all advancing into the NFC’s Divisional Round.

“Ownership doesn’t have a great reputation, and you’re getting paired with a tenured executive who is likely to start feeling the hot seat pressure in 2026 (Monti Ossenfort). The team didn’t invest in its offensive line in 2025, the top rookie draft pick suffered a major in-season injury, and the defense dropped a ton of cash in free agency, only to finish 29th in scoring defense and 27th in yards.

“Other than that, how was the play, Mrs. Lincoln? Here are a few bright spots: WR Michael Wilson was a revelation this season. TE Trey McBride is perhaps the best tight end in football, and the secondary has a lot of young talent.” – Kyle Crabbs

Who gets the Cardinals’ job?

Destin: Mike LaFleur
Kyle: Matt Nagy
Rob: Nate Schleelhaase

Atlanta Falcons

“The Atlanta Falcons have some nice pieces, and they play in arguably the most winnable division in the sport. The problem in Atlanta is what happens at the quarterback position. It seems like John Harbaugh is taking the Falcons seriously as one of his top potential destinations.

“Atlanta has gone the play-calling route with Arthur Smith and the defensive route with Raheem Morris in their last two hires. That team needs a leader. Someone who can cultivate a culture first, a play-caller and Xs and Os specialist second.” – Rob Gregson

Who gets the Falcons’ job?

Destin: Klint Kubiak
Kyle: Klint Kubiak
Rob: Brian Flores

New York Giants

“The New York Giants are in one of the best sports cities in the world. If you can win in New York, you will be remembered by that fan base and the entire NFL long after your coaching career ends.

“The team also has a ton of intriguing young talent, including quarterback Jaxson Dart, running back Cam Skattebo, wide receiver Malik Nabers, and edge rusher Abdul Carter. The big con with the job right now is the uncertainty surrounding general manager Joe Schoen.” – Destin Adams

Who gets the Giants’ job?

Destin: John Harbaugh
Kyle: John Harbaugh
Rob: John Harbaugh

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