The NFL’s annual coaching carousel is in full swing, with several franchises making pivotal decisions about their leadership for the 2026 season and beyond. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers find themselves at a crossroads with head coach Todd Bowles. Despite a disappointing finish to the season, Bowles has publicly stated he believes he’s ‘earned the chance’ to return. However, a vocal segment of the fanbase and media believes it’s time for the Buccaneers to cut ties with Todd Bowles, arguing the team needs a new direction to recapture its championship form.
Meanwhile, the legendary Bill Belichick remains the biggest name on the market. After a storied tenure with the New England Patriots, speculation about his next move is constant. Reports indicate Belichick has weighed in on his interest in returning to the NFL, though no deal has materialized. His decision will significantly shape the landscape of available candidates and the strategies of teams with vacancies.
In the coordinator ranks, several names are generating significant interview buzz. Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, whose unit has been a key to their success, is a hot candidate. The New York Jets, who endured a historically bad season defensively, could look to a figure like Glenn for a culture shift. Elsewhere, Baltimore Ravens associate head coach and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver is also receiving attention for head coaching positions, praised for his work with one of the league’s top defenses.
Cincinnati has opted for stability, deciding that keeping head coach Zac Taylor is the right move for the franchise’s future, even if the fanbase is frustrated after missing the playoffs. The belief is that Taylor provides the continuity needed to navigate a critical offseason. On the other coast, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde is poised for his first NFL head coach interview, with the Cleveland Browns reportedly requesting to speak with him. Durde’s innovative schemes have made him one of the most sought-after assistants this cycle.
The search process is accelerating, with interview requests flying. San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, a former head coach, has already received his first interview request, from the Arizona Cardinals. Analysts are busy ranking the six current NFL head coach vacancies, debating which jobs—from those with established quarterbacks to those in full rebuild—are the most desirable. For fans hungry for updates, this flurry of activity defines the current NFL news today, a period of hope, speculation, and franchise-altering decisions that will set the course for the coming year.