A protracted list of John Harbaugh suitors exists with eight head coaching openings across the NFL. It could come as little surprise if the Super Bowl winner were to be the primary domino to fall on this 12 months’s hiring cycle.
The Giants and Falcons are seen because the frontrunners for Harbaugh, though other suitors are in play as well. Earlier today, it was learned his first interview was accomplished with Atlanta. Each teams have Harbaugh atop their wishlists, but additionally they appear to share a backup plan.
Kevin Stefanski is seen amongst coaching candidates as Plan B for the Giants and Falcons, Connor Hughes of SNY reports. Whichever team is unable to rent Harbaugh is anticipated to show its attention to Stefanski in consequence. In fact, there are other potential landing spots in Stefanski’s case as well.
The previous Browns HC was viewed by many as the highest candidate in the marketplace prior to Harbaugh’s dismissal. Stefanski would still represent an completed hire no matter how the coaching landscape shakes out over the approaching weeks. A two-time Coach of the 12 months winner, he would offer experience and a possible play-caller to any recent team.
The Giants moved on from Brian Daboll midway through the 2025 season. General manager Joe Schoen continues to be in place, but finding early success with the team’s next head coaching hire will little doubt be critical with respect to his job security. Stefanski, 43, has already interviewed with the Giants and has recently been named as a candidate to observe closely regarding their opening.
Having moved on from Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot, the Falcons are the one team within the NFL with a emptiness at the top coach and general manager positions. Atlanta has brought in Matt Ryan as president of football operations, and with that hire having taken place the team will proceed on the opposite two fronts. The Falcons’ interest in Harbaugh speaks to their desire for a veteran staffer, so Stefanski represents a logical fallback option.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, are among the many teams which have also been connected to Stefanski.No meeting has taken place between team and coach yet, but Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports one is anticipated on this case. As a coach who isn’t under contract, Stefanski is free to interview with suitors and accept a position at any time.