The NFL coaching carousel spun again this week, and one significant position has finally been filled. That move narrowed the field and turned up the pressure for the league’s remaining head coach openings.
With the Cleveland Browns making their choice, all eyes are now on Arizona and Las Vegas, where uncertainty still looms large.
Cardinals, Raiders Face Shrinking Options After Browns Act
The Cleveland Browns ended their search by hiring Todd Monken as their next head coach. The decision removed one of the most experienced offensive minds from the market and reshaped the landscape for the final two vacancies.
Monken comes from Baltimore, where he spent three seasons as the Ravens’ offensive coordinator. Under his watch, Lamar Jackson won a second MVP in 2023, and Baltimore finished No. 1 in total yards and No. 3 in scoring in 2024. Cleveland also knew Monken well. He served as the Browns’ offensive coordinator in 2019 under Freddie Kitchens and has long been respected inside the building.
With Monken off the board, only the Arizona Cardinals and Las Vegas Raiders remain without a head coach.
In Arizona, momentum has been building around Mike LaFleur. According to multiple reports, the Rams’ offensive coordinator has been interviewed twice and is widely viewed as a finalist. SNY’s Connor Hughes reported that LaFleur is the front-runner for the Cardinals’ job.
The Cardinals’ search has already narrowed. Jacksonville confirmed that Anthony Campanile will stay with the Jaguars, eliminating another option. Arizona has also conducted second interviews with Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and previously met in person with Ron Rivera. Still, LaFleur’s offensive resume and success working with elite receiving talent appear to fit what the organization wants as it reshapes its identity.
Las Vegas, meanwhile, remains harder to read.
Hughes reported that Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is viewed by some as the front-runner for the Raiders’ job. However, Las Vegas has not yet brought Kubiak in for a second interview, which leaves the door open to doubt. League rules would also prevent an official hire until after the Super Bowl if Kubiak advances that far.
The Raiders have been far more active with other candidates. They’ve already conducted second interviews with Davis Webb, Brian Daboll, Ejiro Evero, and Joe Brady. Brady is now off the market after being promoted in Buffalo. Daboll is reportedly leaning toward Tennessee unless Las Vegas makes a move.
Denver quarterbacks coach Davis Webb remains in play, though the Broncos’ decision to fire offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi raised speculation that Denver could attempt to keep Webb with a promotion.
Time is becoming a factor. The Raiders have interviewed 15 candidates since moving on from Pete Carroll, and general manager John Spytek has emphasized urgency, calling this offseason “a massive opportunity” for the franchise.
With Monken hired, the margin for patience is shrinking. Arizona and Las Vegas must now decide whether to strike quickly or risk losing preferred candidates as the carousel continues to spin.
