Total Pro Sports
John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski made big decisions this month. Both took new jobs for security and stability. Now, both might be wondering what they missed.
The Ravens fired Harbaugh shortly after the regular season ended. The Giants moved quickly and offered him a reported $100 million deal. He accepted, and it was hard to say no. Stefanski also acted fast, taking the Falcons’ job. Atlanta wanted a fresh start, and he liked the control and the long-term plan.
Then Buffalo changed the whole scene. The Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott, opening one of the best jobs in the league. The team already has Josh Allen and is close to competing for a Super Bowl.
All of a sudden, the timing looks unlucky for two of the league’s top coaches.
The Bills had to wait. They were still alive in the playoffs. Teams do not fire head coaches during a run like that, even if change is coming.
John Harbaugh became available earlier. Baltimore missed the playoffs. The Giants moved fast and hired him. They did not want to risk losing him.
Kevin Stefanski also moved quickly. He did not wait to see what other jobs might open. He chose Atlanta.
Buffalo could not ask either coach to wait. If the Bills had reached the Super Bowl, McDermott would have kept his job. The risk was too big.
John Harbaugh could have waited and hoped Buffalo made a change. But that would have meant turning down a massive contract. Most coaches would not take that chance.
Now the Bills job is open, and it stands out as one of the most attractive openings in the league. Josh Allen leads the team, the defense has talent, and the front office wants a new start, that’s it.
By comparison, the Giants’ job looks much tougher. The roster is thin, even though rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart has shown some promise. New York finished 4-13 and has not reached the playoffs since 2022.
Atlanta also comes with big questions, especially at quarterback. The Falcons have talent in place with Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts. But the lack of a clear answer under center could shape how Stefanski’s early years go.
Harbaugh is likely comfortable with his decision, helped by a massive contract, and Stefanski probably feels good, too, with control and time on his side.
The NFL hiring cycle can be harsh, and timing matters. This time, top coaches moved early and played it safe, only for the best job to open late, leaving everyone wondering what might have been.
