{"id":761501,"date":"2026-02-19T02:28:26","date_gmt":"2026-02-19T02:28:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/761501\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T02:28:26","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T02:28:26","slug":"nfl-hotshots-grading-the-five-best-2026-nfl-coaching-hires","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/761501\/","title":{"rendered":"NFL Hotshots: Grading the Five Best 2026 NFL Coaching Hires"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Art by Ava Anderson<\/p>\n

The Seattle Seahawks<\/a> are the 2025-26 Super Bowl champions<\/a> and less than 48 hours later, their offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak<\/a> signed as the new head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders<\/a>, according to ESPN<\/a>.<\/p>\n

This filled one of the 10 open head coach vacancies this off-season, tying the record for most openings in a cycle in NFL history, according to the Athletic<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s my best five hires of this cycle and how I see them panning out.<\/p>\n

5. Klint Kubiak \u2013 Las Vegas Raiders: B<\/p>\n

The Seahawks not only had arguably the best defense in the league this season, but also an incredibly efficient season offensively, as wide receiver Jaxon<\/a> S<\/a>mith-Njigba<\/a> \u2013 also known as the Emerald City Route Artist<\/a>, led the NFL in receiving yards, according to Pro Football Reference<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Raiders signed Kubiak with the hope he can elevate their struggling offense to the next level since they are likely to pick Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza<\/a> first overall, according to FOX Sports<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The pairing of Kubiak and Mendoza, along with tight end Brock Bowers<\/a>, running back Ashton Jeanty<\/a> and a solid offensive line, the Raiders could develop into a serious team over the next few years. <\/p>\n

4. John Harbaugh \u2013 New York Giants: B+<\/p>\n

The Baltimore Ravens<\/a> finally moved on from Head Coach John Harbaugh<\/a> after 18 seasons, and the New York Giants<\/a> did not waste any time, signing him a little over a week after being fired, according to ESPN<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Harbaugh, despite his recent struggles in the playoffs, will prove to still be a very good coach, especially heading into a favorable situation with a young, developing Giants team.<\/p>\n

Quarterback Jaxson Dart<\/a> and running back Cam Skattebo<\/a> look to build off their rookie campaigns. With wide receiver Malik Nabers<\/a> returning from his torn ACL, the Giants could be a sneaky wildcard contender heading into the 2026 season with Harbaugh at the helm.<\/p>\n

3. Robert Saleh \u2013 Tennessee Titans: A-<\/p>\n

The Tennessee Titans<\/a> looked like a disaster of a team last year, having quarterback Cam Ward<\/a> as their bright spot on both sides of the ball. <\/p>\n

Now Titans\u2019 Head Coach Robert Saleh<\/a> helped the San Francisco 49ers<\/a> to the 2025 NFC Divisional Round<\/a>, leading a defensive unit plagued by injuries to still rank amongst the top 13, according to Pro Football Reference<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Saleh, paired with Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll<\/a>, can easily turn this team around if Titans management gives them ample time. Despite the strong hirings, there are still a lot of questions surrounding the talent on this team, but Saleh has proven he can make the most out of tough situations.<\/p>\n

2. Kevin Stefanski \u2013 Atlanta Falcons: A-<\/p>\n

Former Head Coach Raheem Morris<\/a> struggled to bring the Atlanta Falcons<\/a> over the hump they have been stuck climbing since their last playoff appearance in 2017<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Head Coach Kevin Stefanski<\/a> led the Cleveland Browns<\/a> to two playoff appearances and even managed a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 2020 AFC Wildcard<\/a>, their first since the 1994-95 season under former Head Coach Bill Belichick<\/a>, according to Pro Football Reference<\/a>. <\/p>\n

Now with Stefanski leading a very talented Falcons team, the team looks to finally take a weak NFC South division, with wide receiver Drake London<\/a> and running back Bijan Robinson<\/a> as the leaders on offense. <\/p>\n

1. Jesse Minter \u2013 Baltimore Ravens: A+ <\/p>\n

The Ravens hiring Jesse Minter<\/a>, a young, smart, defensive-minded coach is exactly the piece they need to make the leap in the playoffs. Minter in his two seasons as defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Chargers<\/a> led the No. 1 scoring defense in 2024 and No. 9 in 2025, according to Pro Football Reference<\/a>, making the Chargers a contender. <\/p>\n

The Ravens defense fell off hard after the 2024 season, finishing as the No. 18 ranked defense in 2025, according to Pro Football Reference<\/a>. Minter has experience developing a young defense in Los Angeles, so there is no doubt in his ability to develop the rising stars on the Ravens defense. <\/p>\n

Defensive end Mike Green<\/a>, safety Malaki Starks<\/a> and linebacker Teddye Buchanan<\/a> all made some impact for the Ravens, but Minter\u2019s development will hopefully bring these guys to a new level while also helping new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle<\/a> maintain an elite offense with quarterback Lamar Jackson<\/a> in charge. <\/p>\n

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Follow the Graphic on X: @PeppGraphic<\/a><\/p>\n

Contact Shane Stephens by email: shane.stephens@pepperdine.edu<\/p>\n