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NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Robert Saleh considers any opportunity to coach in the NFL a privilege, regardless of how many chances he gets. Now leading the Tennessee Titans, Saleh is part of a historic wave of coaching changes across the league.
The NFL tied its record for the most head coaches hired by new teams in a single offseason, with 10 such appointments, matching the previous mark set in 2022. This influx of fresh leadership has transformed the coaching landscape, offering both new beginnings for veterans and breakthroughs for newcomers.
John Harbaugh, after 18 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, chose the New York Giants as his next stop, while Kevin Stefanski quickly moved from the Cleveland Browns to the Atlanta Falcons. Mike McCarthy, returning to his hometown Pittsburgh Steelers, has now coached three different franchises. The remaining six hires are first-time NFL head coaches: Joe Brady in Buffalo, Mike LaFleur in Arizona, Jesse Minter in Baltimore, Todd Monken in Cleveland, Jeff Hafley in Miami, and Klint Kubiak in Las Vegas.
Fresh Starts and Second Chances
For Saleh, this new role is a chance to correct past mistakes. He acknowledged significant evolution since his initial training camp with the New York Jets in 2021, where he compiled a 20-36 record before being dismissed after a 2-3 start in 2024. "Just a completely different coach from my first year as a head coach to now," Saleh remarked as the Titans opened camp.
Players also sense the shift in atmosphere. Tennessee, which fired Brian Callahan six games into his second season, has seen a renewed energy. Left tackle Dan Moore noted the change: "It feels professional, feels organized, just feels like winning culture," he said of a team enduring four straight losing seasons.
Quick Transitions and Family Ties
Harbaugh wasted no time in seeking a new challenge, following advice from Andy Reid, who moved from Philadelphia to Kansas City in 2013. Harbaugh recalled Reid's simple counsel: "Change can be good." He added, "We'll sign up for that deal right now, what he did in Kansas City. Let's do that."
The coaching ranks now feature another set of brothers, as Mike LaFleur joins the Cardinals, hoping to replicate the success his older brother Matt has enjoyed in Green Bay with six playoff berths in seven seasons. Meanwhile, the Las Vegas Raiders secured Klint Kubiak, the offensive coordinator of the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks, adding another son of a former NFL coach—his father Gary spent 10 years as a head coach.
Youth Movement and Historic Milestones
Joe Brady, at 36, becomes the league's youngest head coach after his promotion from offensive coordinator in Buffalo. Mike LaFleur and Klint Kubiak both turned 39 shortly after their appointments, adding to a growing contingent of young leaders.
Mike McCarthy, with a career record of 185-113-2 over 18 seasons with Green Bay and Dallas, could have stayed retired after his tenure ended following a 7-10 finish in 2024. But the Steelers' vacancy, after Mike Tomlin stepped down, was too appealing. McCarthy now joins an exclusive group of coaches who have led three different NFL teams, including Sid Gillman, Mike Shanahan, Lovie Smith, and Wade Phillips.
AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report.
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/NFL.
Originally reported by ctinsider.