NFL head coach tracker - Ravens appoint Minter

The NFL’s latest hiring cycle is in full swing with five head coaches having been appointed following the end of the regular season.

The Baltimore Ravens are the latest team to sign a new head coach, with Jesse Minter returning to the Ravens, after the Tennessee Titans brought in Robert Saleh.

John Harbaugh (New York Giants) and Kevin Stefanski (Atlanta Falcons) were the first two head coach appointments, while the Miami Dolphins hired Green Bay Packers defensive co-ordinator Jeff Hafley.

That leaves five head coach vacancies, and you can follow the latest updates on each team’s recruitment process below.

Minter makes Ravens return

Jesse Minter has agreed to return to Baltimore in the top job, having previously spent four years as an assistant coach with the Ravens under John Harbaugh.

Minter then worked in the college game before returning to the NFL as the Los Angeles Chargers defensive co-ordinator for the past two seasons.

“This is an organisation whose values, culture and tradition of excellence reflect everything I believe about the game of football and how it should be played,” said the 42-year-old.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti added: “He clearly understands the values, high expectations and history of the Ravens, and he has a great vision for the future.”

Harbaugh had been in charge of the Ravens for 18 years so Minter will be just the fourth head coach in the team’s 31-year history.

He also had a second interview with the Las Vegas Raiders and cancelled an interview with the Cleveland Browns.

Saleh back in head coach role

Robert Saleh’s only previous head coach role was with the New York Jets from 2021 to 2024 [Getty Images]

The Tennessee Titans were the first team to fire their head coach this season when they sacked Brian Callahan in October, with Mike McCoy acting as interim as they ended the campaign with a 3-14 record.

Robert Saleh has come in as the full-time replacement.

He was New York Jets head coach from 2021 until being sacked in 2024, returning to his former role as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive co-ordinator for the past season after a stint as an offensive consultant for the Packers.

“This was the most desirable location, the most desirable team,” said the 46-year-old.

“The people here are unbelievable, and they’re the type of people you want to work with.”

Harbaugh and Stefanski right back to work

The New York Giants were one of two teams to sack their head coach mid-season and they acted swiftly after John Harbaugh was released by the Baltimore Ravens upon missing out on the play-offs.

Harbaugh was the most sought-after coach during this cycle and the 2013 Super Bowl champion interviewed with Atlanta and planned to meet with Tennessee.

But the Giants were the first team to welcome the 63-year-old to their training facility and they agreed a reported five-year deal, making Harbaugh one of the NFL’s highest-paid coaches.

Kevin Stefanski interviewed with the Giants, Baltimore, Tennessee, Las Vegas and Miami, having twice been named Coach of the Year during six seasons in charge of the Cleveland Browns, who fired him in early January.

But the 43-year-old will replace Raheem Morris as the Atlanta Falcons coach on a reported five-year contract.

Steelers target fourth coach since moon landing

Harbaugh was the second-longest serving coach in the NFL behind long-term divisional rival Mike Tomlin, who chose to end his 19-year spell with the Pittsburgh Steelers after they lost in the first round of the play-offs.

The Steelers are now looking for just their fourth head coach since 1969 and have had in-person interviews with former Green Bay and Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy, plus former Miami head coach and current Minnesota Vikings defensive co-ordinator Brian Flores.

In the meantime, Flores has signed a contract extension with the Vikings so will stay in Minnesota if he misses out on the Pittsburgh job.

With McDermott leaving the Buffalo Bills after nine seasons, it means three of the NFL’s longest-serving head coaches have moved on in the same cycle.

The Bills have now interviewed their previous offensive co-ordinator Brian Daboll, who was sacked as New York Giants head coach in November.

They have also spoken to current offensive co-ordinator Joe Brady and the Indianapolis Colts defensive co-ordinator Lou Anarumo.

Browns to make Durde first British head coach?

The Cleveland Browns are the third AFC North team hiring this cycle and have held second interviews with their defensive co-ordinator Jim Schwartz and Baltimore’s offensive co-ordinator Todd Monken.

Atlanta and Cleveland have interviewed Seattle’s British defensive co-ordinator Aden Durde, who has helped the Seahawks clinch the NFC’s top seed and go within one win of the Super Bowl having booked a spot in Sunday’s NFC Championship game.

Another UK-born coach could earn a top job as the Las Vegas Raiders seek a replacement for Pete Carroll.

They have moved on to the next phase of their process and held second interviews with Jesse Minter and Carolina Panthers defensive co-ordinator Ejiro Evero, who was born in Colchester.

‘Great things ahead for Miami’

The Miami Dolphins named Jeff Hafley as their new head coach following the sacking of Mike McDaniel.

The 46-year-old has spent two seasons as defensive co-ordinator for the Green Bay Packers and has also held roles as an assistant coach with the 49ers, Cleveland and Tampa Bay.

“I believe great things are ahead for the Miami Dolphins with Jeff Hafley leading the way,” said Dolphins owner Stephen Ross.

“He has tenacity and grit, while at the same time establishing trust with his players in order to get the most out of them.”

Kansas City Chiefs offensive co-ordinator Matt Nagy is among the candidates thought to have been interviewed by the Arizona Cardinals as they look for Jonathan Gannon’s successor.

Other candidates are still involved in the play-offs this weekend but Jacksonville Jaguars defensive co-ordinator Anthony Campanile is reported to have received a second interview.

Read the full article here