Coaching News
The New York Jets are reportedly working on a deal to hire Frank Reich, according to multiple reports. The former Colts and Panthers head coach would bring veteran experience to a staff under pressure to turn around a disappointing 2025 campaign.
In Cleveland, ownership’s commitment to defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz is complicating the Browns’ head coaching search. According to various sources, owner Jimmy Haslam reportedly insists on retaining Schwartz regardless of who is hired as head coach. This stipulation has been a sticking point during interviews. However, Schwartz himself is reportedly gaining traction as a candidate for the head job, suggesting the Browns may opt for internal continuity.
Elsewhere, Nate Scheelhaase, pass game coordinator for the Rams, continues to be a hot name in head coaching searches. He is currently interviewing with the Browns and has reportedly drawn interest from the Buffalo Bills, who have now requested to interview him for their vacant head coach position.
The Detroit Lions are adding a notable name to their offensive staff as former Giants interim head coach Mike Kafka joins in a high-ranking role. Kafka has been a frequent finalist for head coaching jobs and now joins a surging Lions team under Dan Campbell.
Meanwhile in Washington, the Commanders are finalizing the hire of Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator. Jones, previously the Vikings’ defensive backs coach and a top assistant under Brian Flores, brings strong familiarity with aggressive defensive schemes.
Player Performance
Despite leading his team to the conference championship, Drake Maye struggles statistically in the playoffs. According to Next Gen Stats, Maye has a -17.7 Expected Points Added (EPA) as a passer, the worst of any conference-winning quarterback since the metric’s tracking began in 2016. For context, the only other QB to post a negative EPA entering a Super Bowl was Jimmy Garoppolo in 2019 (-0.9).
Pro Bowl Selections
Shedeur Sanders has been added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster as a replacement pick, making him the first Browns quarterback selected for the Pro Bowl since Derek Anderson in 2008. Sanders, a fifth-round rookie, becomes the first player drafted in that round to earn Pro Bowl honors since wide receiver Puka Nacua.
On the NFC side, Jared Goff has been named to the Pro Bowl as a replacement for Sam Darnold. This marks another accolade for the Lions’ veteran quarterback after a strong 2025 campaign.
Franchise News
The debate over Robert Kraft’s Hall of Fame candidacy gains renewed attention. With the Patriots having been one of the league’s most consistently successful franchises during his ownership, analysts point to Kraft’s off-field influence and long-term organizational leadership as key credentials for enshrinement in Canton. His three decades of stewardship include six Super Bowl titles and 11 Super Bowl appearances.
Player Management and Retirement
A report from Bleacher Report alleges the Los Angeles Rams urged wide receiver Cooper Kupp to consider retirement and communicated to other teams to lowball contract offers. According to the story, the Rams’ actions were part of managing Kupp’s declining health and future cap implications, though it raises questions about the team’s handling of veteran player relations. Kupp remains under contract through 2026.