NFL coaching hires graded: Harbaugh and Minter top the class; mixed reviews elsewhere

Cbssports assessed the 2026 NFL coaching cycle, noting 10 openings leaguewide — more than 30% of franchises sought new head coaches — and has begun issuing grades for recent hires.

The outlet gave Jesse Minter an A, citing his Chargers defense’s top-five rankings in several categories and his prior ties to the Ravens; John Harbaugh also received an A as New York’s first Super Bowl-winning coach hire, inheriting Jaxson Dart, weapons Malik Nabers and Cam Skattebo, a strong defensive front and the No. 5 pick. Kevin Stefanski earned a B+ after winning two Coach of the Year awards and arriving in Atlanta with weapons like Bijan Robinson and Drake London while facing quarterback instability; Jeff Hafley and Mike McCarthy were graded C+ amid concerns about offensive shortcomings and scheme fit; Robert Saleh received a B with hopes his defensive strength can offset the Titans’ offensive struggles.

Cbssports highlighted several open questions that will shape 2026: teams still to hire include the Bills, Browns, Cardinals and Raiders; key unknowns are coordinator hires and quarterback development — notably who Minter and Saleh will hire as offensive coordinators and how Stefanski manages Michael Penix Jr. — decisions that the outlet says will determine each franchise’s trajectory.

Key Topics

Sports, Nfl, John Harbaugh, Jesse Minter, Kevin Stefanski, Robert Saleh