ON TODAY'S SCORECARD
Put Me In, Coach
Take a look. Here’s what every new NFL coaching hire can realistically achieve in their first season this year, per SI.com.
Arizona Cardinals (Mike LaFleur): 7-8 wins
New Cardinals coach Mike LaFleur has the unenviable task of trying to make Arizona competitive in the toughest division in the NFL. The Rams, 49ers and Seahawks were three of the NFC’s final four teams, and the Rams and Seahawks are arguably the two best teams in the entire league.
Atlanta Falcons (Kevin Stefanski): Playoff berth
There are still questions surrounding quarterback Michael Penix Jr., but the Falcons have too talented of a roster not to be making the playoffs, particularly in a weak NFC South. If Kevin Stefanski can lead a dysfunctional Browns squad to the playoffs twice in a much tougher AFC North, he should be able to bring the Falcons back to the playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Baltimore Ravens (Jesse Minter): Playoff berth,
Assuming Lamar Jackson is fully healthy in 2026, the Ravens will be expected to return to the playoffs and win the AFC North with Jesse Minter at the helm. The Ravens fired John Harbaugh because he was unable to get over the hump with Jackson, and anything short of a playoff berth will be a huge letdown. Minter was hired in large part because of his work with the Chargers’ defense, and he will be expected to produce a similar turnaround with the Ravens.
Buffalo Bills (Joe Brady): Divisional round
With Josh Allen in his prime, it’s Super Bowl or bust for the Bills. The Bills fired Sean McDermott because they didn’t want to miss out on their Super Bowl window, so the pressure is on Joe Brady, even as a first-year head coach.
Cleveland Browns (Todd Monken): Win 8 games
New Browns coach Todd Monken will look to improve an offense that struggled greatly in 2025. The Browns largely won five games thanks to their stellar defense, but that unit has taken a massive hit with Jim Schwartz resigning from his position as defensive coordinator. If Monken can steer Cleveland back on track and improve on their win total, that would make for a promising first season as the Browns’ new lead man.
Las Vegas Raiders (Klint Kubiak): 7-8 wins
The Raiders have been a hot mess for much of the last two decades, but they’re seeking stability and success with the hiring of Klint Kubiak. It won’t be easy in their first season as Las Vegas competes in the AFC West and goes up against the NFC West in 2026, but if they can tally seven to eight wins, that would be a significant step in the right direction for a team lacking a lot of marquee talent. More importantly, improved player development will define whether Kubiak’s first season is successful. Assuming the Raiders draft Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick, getting him off to a confident start would be a success in itself. As Kubiak also alluded to in his introductory press conference, it will be important for him to get the offensive line right to then unlock Ashton Jeanty and the running game.
Miami Dolphins (Jeff Hafley): Equal or better their win total
As the Dolphins welcome in a new regime to South Beach, they’re signaling a time of transition for the franchise. Not only do the Dolphins have a new head coach and general manager, but they also appear to be ready to move on from several key veterans, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Expectations likely won’t be too high as they make significant changes to the roster, but it would be positive to see Miami at least reach seven wins, which they did this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers (Mike McCarthy): Playoff berth
Unlike the other teams with new head coaches, the Steelers did not fire a coach in hopes of improvement. Mike Tomlin walked away on his own terms. It’s hard to fully project what’s realistic for the Steelers immediately in the post-Tomlin era. Pittsburgh is a largely aging team with uncertainty at the quarterback position as Aaron Rodgers mulls whether he’ll return. Tomlin set an impeccable standard by leading the team to a Super Bowl in his second season and never recording a losing season. While McCarthy has consistently led his teams to the playoffs, it could be more difficult with where this Steelers squad is at. Given their recent track record and the AFC North coming off a down year in 2025, it’s realistic to expect the Steelers to aim for a division title and playoff berth next season. FYI: Aaron Rodgers was 110-65-1 under McCarthy with the Packers.
Tennessee Titans (Robert Saleh): 6-8 wins
The Titans have won just three games in each of the last two seasons, so doubling their win total in their first season under Robert Saleh would be a positive step for the franchise. Similarly to the Raiders, seeing improvement across the roster is most important for Tennessee. If Cam Ward can take steps forward under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll and the defense gets better as Saleh calls the plays this time around, the Titans should feel good about the direction of their team. | 
