Which NFL coaching candidates, including John Harbaugh, are the best fits for each opening?
With eight teams searching for a new head coach, the 2026 cycle gained significant momentum following the surprising firings of established winners like Kevin Stefanski and John Harbaugh. While not all openings are equally attractive, each presents a unique opportunity. Here is a breakdown of the best potential fit between candidate and team, ranked from the least to the most desirable job.
Miami Dolphins: Chris Shula
Unless the Dolphins pull off a major coup by landing John Harbaugh, promoting from within the "Shula" legacy would be a compelling story. Chris Shula, grandson of Dolphins legend Don Shula, has built a strong reputation as the creative defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams. While the pressure of coaching in his grandfather's shadow is real, Shula is a legitimate candidate from the proven Sean McVay coaching tree and could bring fresh energy to a franchise facing a significant rebuild.
Arizona Cardinals: Vance Joseph
Familiarity and a rebound performance make Vance Joseph a logical candidate to return to Arizona. Joseph previously served as the Cardinals' defensive coordinator from 2019-2022, experiencing success before a downturn in his final year. He has since rehabilitated his standing by transforming the Denver Broncos' defense into one of the league's best. His prior head coaching experience in Denver could provide the stability and defensive identity the Cardinals seek.
Cleveland Browns: Jim Schwartz
Browns owner Jimmy Haslam has publicly expressed a strong desire to retain defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. The simplest way to ensure that may be to promote him. Schwartz, a former head coach with the Detroit Lions, is intimately familiar with the Browns' personnel and has overseen a consistently strong defensive unit. Promoting Schwartz eliminates the complication of forcing a new head coach to inherit him as coordinator and maintains continuity for a team whose defense is not the problem.
Tennessee Titans: Matt Nagy
The Titans, looking to develop new quarterback Cam Ward, should prioritize an offensive-minded leader. Matt Nagy has rebuilt his candidacy following his stint as Chicago Bears head coach, spending the last four seasons back with the Kansas City Chiefs, first as quarterbacks coach and then as offensive coordinator. A former NFL Coach of the Year, Nagy's extensive experience designing offenses makes him a strong fit for Tennessee's needs.
Las Vegas Raiders: Brian Flores
The connection here is obvious: former Patriots defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Patriots legend/Raiders limited owner Tom Brady, who is assisting the search. While the failed Josh McDaniels experiment might make owner Mark Davis wary of another New England alum, Flores is a top-tier defensive mind. Davis, whose father Al Davis famously battled the league, may also be less deterred by Flores's ongoing lawsuit against the NFL than other owners.
New York Giants: John Harbaugh
If football considerations are paramount, the Giants' opening is superior to Miami's for Harbaugh. The Giants boast a more promising young roster and a clearer quarterback situation with Jaxson Dart, compared to a Dolphins team facing a likely post-Tua Tagovailoa reality, a poor cap situation, and a major roster overhaul. While Miami offers lifestyle and tax benefits, the Giants present the better on-field project for a coach of Harbaugh's caliber.
Atlanta Falcons: Kevin Stefanski
The recently fired two-time NFL Coach of the Year immediately became a top candidate. The Falcons represent an attractive landing spot with a solid roster core, though quarterback remains a question. Stefanski would likely have the opportunity to partner with a new general manager, a setup most coaches prefer. For an Atlanta team seeking established leadership and offensive structure, Stefanski would be an excellent hire.
Baltimore Ravens: Klint Kubiak
The most desirable opening belongs to the Ravens, who can attract top coaching talent to work with Lamar Jackson. They appear focused on a rising offensive coordinator, and Klint Kubiak is the hottest name after a successful season guiding the Seattle Seahawks' top-seeded offense. Coming from a prestigious coaching family and offering a fresh offensive vision, Kubiak represents the ideal profile for the Ravens' next head coach.
