As the NFL gears up for Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara on February 8, three teams have already hit the reset button in a bold offseason move. While powerhouses like New England and Seattle focus on the championship game, the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders have used this critical period to lock in new leadership, signaling a fresh start for franchises in search of direction.
Strategic Moves for Long-Term Success
These coaching changes were not made for mere publicity or noise. Instead, they represent a deliberate shift toward control, direction, and breaking the cycle of failure that has plagued these teams. By 2026, all three franchises completed major coaching hires, each driven by a common goal: to move beyond short-term fixes and establish a strong, winning identity. The search led them to three coaches with unique backgrounds, united by a shared responsibility to transform team culture and deliver victories.
New York Giants: Banking on Experience
The Giants opted for proven experience by acquiring John Harbaugh, who was fired by the Baltimore Ravens after the 2025 regular season. New York has struggled with only 59 wins since 2015, cycling through coaches without finding stability. Harbaugh brings 18 seasons of NFL expertise, a Super Bowl title, and instant credibility to a team in need of structure. He inherits a locker room with promising talent, including star quarterback Jaxson Dart, receiver Malik Nabers, left tackle Andrew Thomas, and defensive standout Dexter Lawrence. For the Giants, this hire is about restoring respect and building a solid foundation for the future.
Arizona Cardinals: Focusing on Offensive Upside
On February 2, 2026, the Cardinals named Mike LaFleur as their head coach, a move centered on offensive potential. LaFleur’s Rams unit led the NFL with 6,709 total yards in 2025, offering a stark contrast to Arizona’s 19th-ranked offense. The team faces uncertainty at quarterback after Kyler Murray played just five games due to a foot injury. With the No. 3 pick in the upcoming draft and no clear franchise passer available, LaFleur’s challenge is to quickly define a new offensive identity and turn the team’s fortunes around.
Las Vegas Raiders: Building from the Ground Up
The Raiders turned to Klint Kubiak, agreeing to terms on February 1, 2026, with the deal set to finalize after Super Bowl LX on February 8. Las Vegas finished last in total offense and holds the No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, where Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza is expected to be selected, with Geno Smith providing insurance. Kubiak’s mission is straightforward: construct a functional offense and secure a brighter future for a team in desperate need of revitalization.
A New Era for Three Franchises
With these new head coaches in place, the Giants, Cardinals, and Raiders are poised for a transformative season. Each hire reflects a strategic pivot toward long-term growth, aiming to end years of disappointment and instill a winning culture. As the NFL world watches Super Bowl LX, these teams have already set the stage for their own comeback stories in the seasons ahead.
