Super Bowl-winning head coach John Harbaugh was fired by the Baltimore Ravens last week after nearly two decades at the helm, positioning him for interviews amid eight league vacancies. Sources indicate his top choices include the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, with the Tennessee Titans and Cleveland Browns also in consideration. The move fuels one of the most dramatic NFL coaching cycles in years, complicated by uncertainty over Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur's future.
The NFL's 2026 coaching carousel has intensified following the Baltimore Ravens' decision to part ways with John Harbaugh, who led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2013. Harbaugh, eager to continue coaching, is assembling his interview schedule for this week, according to sources. Multiple teams are adjusting their searches to accommodate him, highlighting his status as a top candidate.
Reports suggest Harbaugh's preferred destinations are the New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons, in some order, with the Tennessee Titans as a third option. Separate sources note mutual interest between Harbaugh and the Cleveland Browns. Contrary to some rumors, a source familiar with the situation clarified that Harbaugh does not demand $20 million in salary or full roster control, though his resume will command a high price and some personnel influence.
The league currently has eight head coaching openings, including the Ravens, and more could emerge. NFL rules, including the Rooney Rule requiring at least two in-person interviews with diverse external candidates, prevent immediate hires. In-person interviews with employed coaches cannot start until January 19, after the divisional round.
Adding to the drama is the situation with Matt LaFleur in Green Bay. The Packers coach holds a 76-40-1 record over seven seasons, reaching the playoffs six times but struggling recently with seventh-seed finishes and only one postseason win in three years. A 21-3 halftime lead blown against the Chicago Bears in their wild-card loss underscored the pressure. Entering the final year of his contract, LaFleur faces potential extension, firing, or trade. New Packers CEO Ed Policy opposes lame-duck coaching, and an NFC executive called firing without trading 'asinine,' given Green Bay's stability and quarterback Jordan Love.
League sources rank the Ravens, Giants, and Falcons as the top jobs. The process has slowed in recent years, with hires often occurring later in January or February to allow playoff teams balance.
