NFL Hotshots: Grading the Five Best 2026 NFL Coaching Hires
The NFL off-season is a time of great anticipation and speculation, especially when it comes to coaching hires. With the 2025-26 Super Bowl champions, the Seattle Seahawks, quickly snapping up Klint Kubiak as their new head coach, the league is abuzz with excitement. But who are the top five coaching hires of this cycle? Let's dive in and explore the potential of these new partnerships.
5. Klint Kubiak - Las Vegas Raiders: B
The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping that Klint Kubiak can elevate their struggling offense to the next level. With the potential first-overall pick, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza, and a solid offensive line, the Raiders could develop into a serious team over the next few years. But will Kubiak be able to make the most of this talented group?
4. John Harbaugh - New York Giants: B+
John Harbaugh is a proven coach, despite his recent struggles in the playoffs. Now, heading into a favorable situation with a young, developing Giants team, he has the potential to turn things around. With quarterback Jaxson Dart and running back Cam Skattebo looking to build off their rookie campaigns, the Giants could be a sneaky wildcard contender.
**3. Robert Saleh - Tennessee Titans: A-
Robert Saleh has a challenging task ahead of him with the Tennessee Titans. Despite the team looking like a disaster last year, Saleh has a proven track record of turning things around. Paired with Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll, he can easily turn this team around if given ample time.
**2. Kevin Stefanski - Atlanta Falcons: A-
Kevin Stefanski has a talented Falcons team at his disposal, and the team looks to finally take the weak NFC South division. With wide receiver Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson as the leaders on offense, the Falcons could be a force to be reckoned with.
1. Jesse Minter - Baltimore Ravens: A+
The Baltimore Ravens have made a bold move by hiring Jesse Minter, a young, smart, defensive-minded coach. With Minter's experience developing a young defense in Los Angeles, there is no doubt in his ability to develop the rising stars on the Ravens defense. The Ravens defense fell off hard after the 2024 season, but Minter could help bring them back to elite status.
But here's where it gets controversial... Who do you think is the most undervalued coaching hire of this cycle? And which team do you think will surprise the most in 2026? Let us know in the comments!
