The NFL coaching carousel always brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty, as teams hope to strike gold with their new hires. While some head coaching moves lead to immediate success, others may take time to show results. In this article, we assess the recent NFL head coaching and prominent offensive coordinator hires, providing grades based on the potential impact of each decision.
Note: This post will be updated as new hires are made.
Head Coaching Hires
New York Giants: John Harbaugh
Hiring John Harbaugh was the best move the Giants could have made. With a career win percentage of 61.4% and a Super Bowl ring, Harbaugh brings a wealth of experience to a franchise in need of stability. While his recent playoff success has been limited, Harbaugh’s track record and leadership will immediately raise expectations in New York.
The Giants have struggled in recent years, cycling through coaches like Ben McAdoo, Joe Judge, and Brian Daboll, but Harbaugh’s arrival signals a fresh start. His consistent success in Baltimore, including just three losing seasons in 18 years, gives hope that the Giants can return to playoff contention sooner rather than later.
Grade: A+
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
Kevin Stefanski is a solid hire for the Falcons, bringing with him two NFL Coach of the Year awards. Despite the Falcons’ quarterback situation, Stefanski is used to navigating uncertainty, having worked through similar issues with the Cleveland Browns. His experience coaching a talented yet underachieving roster gives him the tools to quickly turn the Falcons into contenders in a weak division.
This hire checks all the boxes: Stefanski has proven his ability to work with a limited quarterback situation, and he now has a chance to lead an up-and-coming team with a talented roster.
Grade: A
Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley
Miami’s hiring of Jeff Hafley is a strategic choice, especially given the challenges that come with the Dolphins job. Hafley, who had two successful seasons as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator, steps into a situation with a significant quarterback uncertainty, as Tua Tagovailoa’s future with the team remains unclear. Additionally, the Dolphins face a hefty dead salary cap hit if they part ways with Tagovailoa.
Despite these challenges, Hafley’s previous head coaching experience at Boston College will help him manage the transition, and his familiarity with new Dolphins GM Jon-Eric Sullivan (from their time together in Green Bay) should also aid in building a competitive team in the coming seasons.
Grade: B
Tennessee Titans: Robert Saleh
Robert Saleh was a strong hire for the Titans, and his return to head coaching is well-deserved after a successful stint as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator. Although Saleh struggled with the New York Jets, it’s widely accepted that the Jets’ job is one of the toughest in the league. His leadership and defensive expertise will be key to revitalizing a Titans team that has faltered in recent seasons.
Saleh’s ability to turn the 49ers’ defense into one of the league’s best is exactly what the Titans need. The key question now is how Saleh builds his offensive staff, particularly as the Titans work with their highly anticipated 2025 No. 1 NFL Draft pick, Cam Ward.
Grade: B+
Coordinator Hires
Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator: Drew Petzing
Drew Petzing has built a solid reputation, despite limited success as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator. During his three seasons with Arizona, the team’s offense ranked between 11th and 19th in total yards. However, the Cardinals struggled with inconsistent quarterback play, including Kyler Murray and Jacoby Brissett, which may have hindered Petzing’s performance.
Given the Lions’ offensive talent, particularly after the departure of former coordinator Ben Johnson, Petzing is in a prime position to succeed. While the hire may not be as exciting as others, it’s worth noting that Petzing has an opportunity to showcase his abilities with a much more talented roster in Detroit.
Grade: B-
Los Angeles Chargers Offensive Coordinator: Mike McDaniel
Mike McDaniel’s hiring as the Chargers’ offensive coordinator is a game-changer. McDaniel’s experience as the San Francisco 49ers’ offensive mastermind has earned him significant attention, and now he has the opportunity to work with the Chargers’ potent offensive weapons, including quarterback Justin Herbert. If the offensive line stays healthy, McDaniel’s play-calling could elevate the Chargers to one of the league’s top offenses.
The opportunity to work with Herbert is likely a major draw for McDaniel, and the potential for a top-five offense is very real.
Grade: A
Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator: Eric Bieniemy
After a brief separation, Eric Bieniemy is back with the Kansas City Chiefs. Bieniemy’s five years as the Chiefs’ offensive coordinator were highly successful, as the team never finished worse than sixth in yards gained or points scored. Since his departure, the Chiefs have seen a slight dip in offensive performance, making his return a welcome move for the franchise.
While Bieniemy’s recent roles as an offensive coordinator elsewhere haven’t led to significant success, his familiarity with the Chiefs’ system will make for a smooth transition. This reunion should benefit both parties in the long term.
Grade: B
