Dallas finds its defensive coordinator
THE Dallas Cowboys have found their new defensive coordinator in the person of Christian Parkeruntil now coach of the pass defense for the Philadelphia Eagles. At just 34 years old, Parker signed a deal to lead Dallas’ defense after an extensive search by coach Brian Schottenheimer. The latter wanted a “teacher and communicator” to turn around a unit that finished last in the league in points allowed last season. Parker notably worked under Vic Fangio and helped develop talents like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, making him a young but promising choice to transform a defense in crisis.
This recruitment marks a notable change in the approach of the Cowboys, who had not hired a defensive coordinator without head coaching experience since 2013. With Parker, Dallas is banking on a more modern and dynamic vision, hoping to stop the spiral of weak defensive performances that cost last season.
And Tampa finds its offensive coordinator
THE Tampa Bay Buccaneers formalized the arrival of Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator for the 2026 season, according to sources cited by ESPN. Robinson, until now offensive coordinator of Atlanta Falcons for the past two seasons, replacing Josh Grizzard after a disappointing 2025 campaign where the Bucs offense fell to 21st in the overall rankings. The objective is clear: to revive an offensive unit which finished strong in 2024 before crumbling in 2025, while giving new life to Baker Mayfield and his offensive weapons.
Robinson arrives with already solid experience, notably in systems inspired by the approaches of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, and he has already worked with Mayfield during his time with the Los Angeles Rams in 2022. His recruitment is part of the Buccaneers’ desire to stabilize a team marked by instability in offensive coaches (five OCs in five years) while capitalizing on a good relationship between the coach and the quarterback.
Seahawks vs Rams : optimisme pour Charles Cross, Quentin Lake ok
Mike Macdonald (HC) is confident about the participation of Charles Cross (LT) in this weekend’s match. The lineman is still limited but should be able to hold his place. Sam Darnold (QB) continues to limit his role during training. The quarterback is still affected in the obliques. But he will be good on the field Sunday evening.
On the Rams side, several good news to note. Quentin Lake (S) has returned to training in full. The safety will therefore hold his position for the conference final. Then the LA franchise sees Rob Havenstein (RT) returning to practice after several weeks on the injured list. Havenstein has been on the injured list since Week 11 (ankle, knee). He has only played 7 games this year. His replacement, Warren McClendon is doing very well this season. To see if Sean McVay decides to bring into play the experience or the “hot” player of the moment.
Broncos vs Patriots: Pat Bryant at 100%, Mack Hollins resumes
In Denver, little change among the injured. Except for Pat Bryant (WR) qui returns to training in full and will be another weapon for Jarrett Stidham (QB) on Sunday evening.
On the Patriots side, New England opens the return window for Mack Hollins (WR). Among the absentees, in addition toHarold Landry (OLB) et Marte Mapu (LB), Garrett Bradbury (C) is absent due to illness. The participation of the titular center is not a priori called into question.
Titans: Robert Saleh makes his first choices
Robert Saleh made his first decisions regarding his coordinators as the Titans’ new head coach. Saleh therefore decided to part ways with Dennard Wilson (defensive coordinator) and Nick Holz (offensive coordinator). Two movements not particularly surprising even if Dennard Wilson was not unworthy in 2025.
On the other hand, Saleh wanted to confirm John Fassel as special teams coordinator. Again this is not a big surprise. Fassel is considered one of the best in his position, so there is no reason to deprive himself of it.
The Titans will therefore be able to move on to the hiring phase for coordinator positions. According to ESPN, the names of Kliff Kingsbury and Brian Daboll are particularly worth watching for the offensive coordinator position.
Giants: John Harbaugh eyes Baltimore
Inducted a few days ago as head coach of the Giants, John Harbaugh is in the phase of building his team of coaches and coordinators. And his gaze turns to Baltimore and former colleagues. Indeed, according to ESPN, the Giants asked the Ravens to meet Willie Taggart for the position of offensive coordinator.
Taggart has been the Ravens’ running coach since 2023 and also took the role of “assistant head coach” in 2025. If Todd Monken (OC, Ravens) is the favorite for the position of offensive coordinator, Harbaugh is giving himself another possibility.
Eagles: Declan Doyle the surprise candidate?
The Eagles continue their search for a new offensive coordinator. But the last few hours have not made their task easier with the recruitments of Mike McDaniel by the Chargers and Zac Robinson by the Buccaneers, two candidates who greatly interested the Eagles.
So Philadelphia expanded its candidate panel and contacted the Bears to meet their offensive coordinator: Declan Doyle. This is Doyle’s first interview this offseason. Doyle moved to the Saints before joining Sean Payton in Denver in 2023 as tight ends coach. Then, he joined Ben Johnson’s staff last year as offensive coordinator.
For Doyle, the Eagles position could help step out of Ben Johnson’s shadow by taking responsibility for calling offensive plays.
Commanders and Packers receive Al Harris
The members of the Bears staff are definitely popular. We learned this Friday that Al Harris (DB coach and pass defense coordinator, Bears) is increasing interviews for defensive coordinator positions.
Al Harris interviewed with the Commanders and Packers. According to ESPN, other teams are interested in the former NFL player. Coach for around ten years, Harris has particularly stood out in recent seasons in Dallas as defensive backs coach.
Chargers: search begins for defensive coordinator position
With Jesse Minter leaving for Baltimore, the Chargers are looking for a new defensive coordinator. According to NFL Media, the Los Angeles franchise remains in the building for its first external interview.
The Chargers have asked the Rams for permission to speak with Aubrey Pleasant, current assistant head coach and pass defensive coordinator. Pleasant already has a decade of NFL experience with stints in Washington, Cleveland, Detroit and Green Bay.
Dan Skipper (OL, Lions) retires
Dan Skipperoffensive lineman highly appreciated by Detroit Lionsannounced his retirement via his Instagram account on Thursday. This marks the end of a career as a fighter in the professional league. After going from “undrafted journeyman” to cult figure in Detroit, Skipper will be remembered in particular for his versatility on the offensive line and a rare touchdown reception in 2024, a moment which enchanted fans.
His announcement comes after several solid seasons as a role player and respected locker room contributor. He is already considering the possibility of a career in coaching, to stay connected to the game he loves.
NFL: no change to the rule on what a reception is
Every season, NFL fans wonder at least once a year what an NFL reception is. This year, it was an action in particular during the match between the Broncos and Bills during the divisional round that got people talking. But don’t think this is a problem for the league…
According to the Washington Post, “the NFL and the governing body believe the rule regarding receptions is very clear” and no one anticipates any change or modification to it in the near future.
More than the rule, it is above all the application of it and the homogeneity of the arbitration which raises questions…
NFLPA faces new legal controversy
The National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) fired veteran attorney Heather McPhee, who recently filed a federal lawsuit against the organization and several top executives after raising internal legal concerns, including related to a criminal investigation into the union’s finances, according to ESPN. McPhee, who had been a partner since 2009, had claimed in his complaint that NFLPA leaders conspired to prevent him from cooperating with federal prosecutors, also accusing the union of misconduct, gender discrimination and breach of fiduciary duty.
His dismissal, revealed in court documents, comes less than two weeks after filing his complaint, creating new institutional turmoil for the NFLPA already shaken by internal controversies and external investigations. McPhee was already placed on administrative leave this summer after alerting executives to disputed financial and procedural decisions, and her dismissal further fuels questions about management and transparency within the players’ union
Colts: FBI investigation into the death of Jim Irsay
The Colts have acknowledged that an investigation is being conducted by the FBI into the death of Jim Irsay, former owner of the franchise. It is in particular Irsay’s personal doctor who is targeted by the investigation for abuse of prescription of painkillers and ketamine.
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