Cincinnati maintains Zac Taylor et Duke Tobin
The famous Black Monday brought its share of changes within the league. But on the Cincinnati side it’s business as usual. Because following a campaign punctuated by 11 setbacks for 6 successes which will ensure the 10th choice of the next draft, the Bengals decided… not to change anything.
So, ESPN announces that Zac Taylor (HC) and Duke Tobin (personnel director) have been retained for 2026 by President Mike Brown. Zac Taylor therefore manages to stay in place with only 2 playoff qualifications in 7 seasons and a record of 52 victories for 63 defeats. Hats off to the artist.
Zac Taylor is also saved by his contract. He has one year left on his contract. However, Mike Brown, owner, is known for his low-spending management and does not like to fire a coach and owe him compensation. Bengals fans can therefore rest assured, 2026 could well be Zac Taylor’s last year.
Rams: DaVante Adams and Quentin Lake return for Wildcards
The Rams are refueling before the start of the playoffs. Sean McVay (HC) announced, at a press conference on Monday, that DaVante Adams (WRischio) and Quentin Lake (Selbow) will be back to face the Panthers. In 14 games this year, Adams leads the league with 14 touchdowns scored, for 789 yards produced on 60 receptions.
The 49ers lose Tatum Bethune for the entire playoffs
The slaughter continues in the defense of gold prospectors. Kyle Shanahan (HC, 49ers) announced at a press conference Tatum Bethune (LB) will miss all the playoffs. The linebacker injured his groin against Seattle this weekend. The need for an operation is not confirmed, but the scenario is not ruled out by the franchise.
In 14 games this season, Bethune has started 8 times, notably following the injury to Fred Warner. He produced 94 tackles (including 4 for loss) and 1 sack.
Browns : Andrew Berry retained, quarterback position evaluated
Cleveland is the maneuver. Following the dismissal of Kevin Stefanski (ex-HC), the Browns decided to maintain Andrew Berry (GM) to his current position. It is he who will lead the search to find Stefanski’s successor, as officially announced by Jimmy and Dee Haslam, the owners.
At 54, Berry was in Cleveland in 2006 as an assistant prospector. Arriving at the position of vice president in charge of sports personnel, he had a whirlwind stint in Philadelphia in 2019, before quickly returning to Ohio to take responsibility for GM. At the head of the franchise’s management since 2020, he has a record of 44 victories for 56 defeats as well as two participations in the playoffs.
The general manager also spoke about the starting quarterback position. Berry does not want to give a name and explains that the new coach will have a say on the subject.
“We will monitor the quarterback market. This is too important a position, and we must consolidate it. I cannot tell you today who will be the incumbent in 2026, if he is already here or comes from outside. But it’s something we will work on in the coming weeks and the new coach will also have his role in this choice. »
Sheder Sanders? Dillon Gabriel? DeShaun Watson? Or a newcomer? The list of starting quarterbacks for the Browns could well grow in 2026.
Kevin Stefanski is at odds
Kevin Stefanski hasn’t been the Browns coach for a few hours, but he might not be out of work for long. According to ESPN and Adam Schefter, the coach is expected to interview with the Giants, Falcons and Titans in the coming days.
Double rewarded with the title of coach of the year, Stefanski enjoys a good reputation in the league despite a record of 45 victories for 56 defeats.
Ravens: John Harbaugh not threatened, but changes to come?
According to NFL Networkdespite not qualifying for the playoffs, John Harbaugh is not in danger. The management still believes in its veteran coach to lead the team to the top of the league. On the other hand, several changes are “inevitable” according to the media.
For insider Ian Rapoport, it’s Todd Monken (OC) who could be the fuse. The offense has regressed this season and the offensive coordinator could pay the price. On the other hand, Zach Orr, whose defensive results seem “worse”, would not be threatened for his position as defensive coordinator.
Giants : Joe Schoen reste
According to nypost sportsthe Giants officially informed Joe Schoen (GM) that he is kept in his position for 2026. He will therefore participate in the recruitment of a new coach, after the dismissal of Brian Daboll (ex-HC) during the short season. However, this decision is in no way a discharge. Because Schoen’s current contract expires at the end of next year and his record of 22-45-1 won’t help without a turnaround in the club’s fortunes.
“The 2025 season has been extremely unsatisfactory, and the results on the field have not been at the level that our organization and our fans expect,” John Mara and Steve Tisch (co-owners) said in a statement released Monday. “As previously announced, Joe Schoen will remain our General Manager and will continue to lead our football operations and the search for our next coach. The continuity and stability of our management is important to our success. […] We have confidence in our core of young talents, and we can build our future success on them. »
Internally, the search for a new head coach has already begun. The Athletic announces that the organization has already started prospecting, particularly within their own AFC North division. Because one of the targets considered is none other than John Harbaugh (HC, Ravens), if he were to find himself free. Mike Kafka (who took over from Daboll) will also be received to try to keep the position.
Colts: Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard under pressure
Monday, the Colts confirmed the retention of Shane Steichen (HC) and Chris Ballard (GM). But that doesn’t mean the two men can sleep soundly. Because Carlie Irsay-Gordon (owner) put pressure on them from the start in an interview on the team’s website.
“We have been very clear with Chris and Shane that giving them another chance means the urgency to succeed and perform has never been greater. Chris and Shane are able to face this challenge and find a way to get the results our fans deserve: to win, to go to the playoffs and to become champions.
In 3 seasons, Steichen has a record of 25 wins and 26 losses. Chris Ballard is 70-78-1 since 2017. Both men are therefore clearly playing their positions in 2026.
Coach recruitment: the Titans do their shopping
Last October, the Titans made the decision to fire Brian Callahan (ex-HC) and end the season with an interim coach. But now that the competition is over for Tennessee, it’s time for the big maneuvers. So NFL Media indicates that the franchise has requested to meet Matt Nagy (OC, Chiefs), Vance Joseph (DC, Broncos), Steve Spagnuolo (DC, Chiefs), Rahaeem Morris (ex HC Falcons), Kevin Stefanski (ex HC Browns) and Lou Anarumo (DC, Colts).
Falcons: Klint Kubiak and Anthony Weaver first met
After thanking Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot, the Falcons are now in the market to hire their future head coach and general manager. And NFL Network reveal the first avenues for the position of coach. The franchise has reportedly requested to receive Anthony Weaver (DC, Dolphins) and Klint Kubiak (OC, Seahawks).
If other names should be added to the list, the situation is never obvious with interviews conducted without the future general manager. And even without the head of football operations, he was also fired. On this subject, Arthur Blank (owner) states that a future leader will come from outside the organization. And who could well be Matt Ryan (ex-QB) according to FOX Sports.
Russell Wilson wants to continue
There are much fewer doubts on the side of Russell Wilson (QB, Giants). The veteran quarterback thus confirmed to The Athletic that he intends to extend his career in 2026. At 37, Wilson is free from any contract.
Still, his time at Big Blue has a bittersweet taste. A starter at the start of the season, he was relegated to the bench after a few weeks. Jameis Winston even went ahead for the replacement position. It will therefore be hard to convince that his days as a starter in the league are not completely behind him. Even though Wilson revealed Monday that he suffered a torn hamstring in Week 2 just before meeting Dallas.
Von Miller too
While he will be 37 next March, Von Miller (DE, Commanders) doesn’t want to stop either. A free agent in March, the player spoke to NBC Sports on the subject and declared that he wanted to play in 2026 and if possible with the Commanders.
It must be said that the veteran has regained his health in Washington. He finished the season with 9 sacks, his best total since 2021. With 138.5 career sacks, Von Miller is 9th in the ranking and he would only need 3.5 sacks in 2026 to move up to 6th place.
The Dolphins are looking for their general manager
NFL Network announces that the Dolphins have started the process of recruiting their new general manager. So, Miami requested permission to meet with Jon-Eric Sullivan (vice president of athletic personnel, Packers), Alec Halaby (assistant GM, Eagles), Tariq Ahmad (vice president of athletic personnel, 49ers), Josh Williams (director of scouting), RJ Gillen (assistant GM, 49ers), and John McKay (assistant GM, Rams).
Note that Mike McDaniel (HC) explained at a press conference that he will be involved in the selection of the future general manager. A way to ensure that the coach and the newcomer share a common vision on the Dolphins project.
