Coaching News
Mike McDaniel, recently dismissed by the Miami Dolphins, is already in high demand. According to multiple reports, the Detroit Lions are considering McDaniel for their offensive coordinator vacancy, while the Cleveland Browns are interested in him for their open head coach position. With a reputation as an innovative offensive mind, McDaniel is a key figure in the 2026 coaching market.
The Atlanta Falcons remain active in their hunt for a new head coach. Per reports, they’ve requested an interview with Robert Saleh, current defensive coordinator for the 49ers and former Jets head coach. Saleh has now also drawn interest from the Baltimore Ravens, who are similarly seeking a new head coach. Additionally, Atlanta has made it clear that they intend to retain DC Jeff Ulbrich, who remains under contract and was recently denied an interview request from the Dallas Cowboys for their vacant DC role.
The Browns are also interviewing internal candidate Jim Schwartz, currently their defensive coordinator, for their head coach job. Meanwhile, Mike McCarthy has emerged as a candidate for interviews with both the Titans and Giants, as teams look to add experience in their coaching ranks.
Former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is drawing new interest too — he has been requested for head coaching interviews with both the Ravens and Titans, per multiple sources. Kingsbury most recently served as offensive coordinator with the Commanders.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have begun restructuring their staff under head coach Todd Bowles. According to team announcements, the Bucs have parted ways with six assistants, including QB coach Thaddeus Lewis and defensive line coach Charlie Strong. Veteran assistants Tom Moore and Nick Rapone have announced their retirement. Bowles is not expected to hire a new defensive coordinator and will retain playcalling responsibilities.
Zach Orr, currently serving as defensive coordinator for the Ravens, appears to be on the way out. In a social media post, Orr stated he is “excited for what’s next,” signaling possible changes amid broader staff turnover in Baltimore.
Lastly, Adam Schefter reports that while John Harbaugh is now a coaching free agent, league sources say teams are not expected to part ways with current head coaches specifically to pursue him.
Transaction News
In a late roster move before the Wildcard round, the Green Bay Packers have released quarterback Clayton Tune and signed Desmond Ridder to the 53-man roster. The addition of Ridder provides added depth behind Jordan Love as the team prepares for its game in extreme cold conditions.
Player News
Marshon Lattimore, cornerback for the Washington Commanders, has been arrested in Lakewood, Ohio on weapons charges. The incident could have implications for both league discipline and his availability moving forward. Further details on the case are pending.
Aaron Rodgers continues to move up the postseason record books. Heading into the playoffs, he needs just one more touchdown pass to surpass Patrick Mahomes for second place on the NFL’s all-time playoff touchdown list. Rodgers has expressed satisfaction about quelling speculation regarding Mike Tomlin’s future, speaking positively about the Steelers’ head coach in his latest interview.
Broadcast and Media
Al Michaels is set to return to Amazon Prime Video as the primary play-by-play broadcaster for Thursday Night Football in 2026. The confirmation ends speculation around whether Prime might seek a change after a varied reception to Michaels’ performances in recent seasons.
NBC Sports has announced that it will debut a new graphics and scorebug package during this Sunday’s Wild Card broadcast of the Chargers-Patriots game. This package will remain in place for the Super Bowl, giving NBC’s production team an early opportunity to test and refine the visuals ahead of the biggest game of the year.
Weather and Schedule Impacts
The Wild Card matchup between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field will be played under extreme winter conditions. Forecasts call for snow, a windchill of 9°F, and wind gusts nearing 40 mph. These brutal conditions may significantly impact offensive gameplans and could favor the more run-heavy and defensive-resilient team.
League and Facilities News
As the Buffalo Bills prepare to transition to their new stadium, the team has announced it will sell off much of the current Highmark Stadium’s assets, including unusual items such as trough urinals, to fans looking for keepsakes. The move comes ahead of the stadium’s scheduled demolition later this year.
Awards Debate
The 2026 NFL MVP race continues to fuel debate, with Matthew Stafford and Drake Maye drawing passionate support from fans and analysts alike. A feature from The Ringer explores the public and media divide over whether rookie excellence or veteran consistency should define this season’s award, illustrating the evolving narrative of MVP criteria in the modern NFL.
Strategic Commentary
Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator and one of the top rising coaching candidates, emphasized a return to fundamentals heading into the playoffs. Speaking to media, Johnson argued that playoff success hinges more on execution and physicality than on complex or “exotic” play calls, underscoring a broader trend this postseason of teams leaning into foundational football.