Latest NFL Rumors Surrounding 2026 Head Coaching Vacancies After Wild-Card Round

John Harbaugh's potentially extensive search to find a new job for the 2026 NFL season is underway.

Harbaugh won't be out of work for long given how many of the teams with head-coaching vacancies requested even just a conversation with the former Baltimore Ravens head coach.

While there are other impressive candidates out there, like Kevin Stefanski and Mike McDaniel, Harbaugh's decision might be the first domino to fall in the coaching cycle.

John Harbaugh

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According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, John Harbaugh "is fully expected to coach in 2026."

Schefter also reported that Harbaugh has had preliminary phone calls with the New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Las Vegas Raiders and Arizona Cardinals.

The Atlanta Falcons officially announced an interview with Harbaugh as well.

Harbaugh is the top candidate in this year's coaching cycle. A handful of teams will go all-in for the former Ravens coach and then explore secondary options if they don't land him.

Harbaugh should have his pick of the available jobs, and while there are plenty of quality candidates out there, he carries the most experience and owns a Super Bowl victory, which is something many candidates can't brag about.

Matt LaFleur

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According to Schefter, the Green Bay Packers "expected to try to work out a deal in the coming days" to keep Matt LaFleur as their head coach.

There's been speculation about what the Packers would do with LaFleur after their postseason exit on Saturday at the hands of the Chicago Bears.

LaFleur would rival Harbaugh as the top coaching candidate on the market if he were to part ways with the Packers.

Green Bay would immediately jump to the top of the list of available jobs as well.

However, it looks like the Packers and LaFleur will keep their working relationship going for the foreseeable future.

Jonathan Gannon

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According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has a handful of interviews scheduled for the next week.

Gannon, who was the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia before he took the Arizona job, has interviews lined up with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders for their open defensive coordinator positions.

Gannon will also interview with the Titans regarding their head-coaching vacancy.

The 43-year-old went 15-36 over three seasons with the Cardinals, so it's understandable if he doesn't receive many head coach interviews.

Gannon should land on a defensive staff somewhere. Both of the NFC East teams he's meeting with need a significant upgrade on defense to challenge the Eagles moving forward.