The 2026 NFL season brings 10 new head coaches, but their chances of reaching the playoffs are far from equal. Last season showed what a first-year coach can do, with Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson and Liam Coen all leading their teams to division titles and playoff berths.

So, which of this year’s new coaches has the best chance of making the postseason? Here is how Henry Russell of Yahoo Sports ranks them.

10. Jeff Hafley, Miami Dolphins

Jeff Hafley has a difficult job ahead of him with the Miami Dolphins. The roster has several major weaknesses, making a playoff push a tough ask in his first season.

“Hafley might be a good coach but we’re unlikely to see that this season,” Henry Russell wrote on Yahoo Sports on September 4.

The Miami Dolphins have one of the weakest rosters in the NFL, according to Russell.

9. Mike LaFleur, Arizona Cardinals

Mike LaFleur has some exciting skill-position talent to work with on the Arizona Cardinals. The Cardinals also face the NFL’s toughest schedule based on opponents’ projected win totals.

“Good luck to LaFleur, who should at least run a competent offense with a lot of fun skill-position players,” Russell wrote.

The Cardinals also lost rookie running back Jeremiah Love to a high ankle sprain after he was heavily used in his first preseason game.

8. Todd Monken, Cleveland Browns

Todd Monken has some promising pieces on the Cleveland Browns roster, but the quarterback situation remains a major concern. Deshaun Watson is expected to start the season under center.

“Monken almost made the ‘no chance’ list, but the Browns have some good talent sprinkled around the roster,” Russell added.

Russell expects the Cleveland Browns to be more competitive.

7. Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans

Robert Saleh takes charge of the Tennessee Titans after the team spent heavily in free agency. The biggest factor could be quarterback Cam Ward, who will need to take a significant step forward.

“Probably not but there are reasons to believe in a significant improvement, if Ward plays better than he did in the preseason,” Russell wrote.

The Tennessee Titans moved on from Brian Callahan after his tenure included Cam Ward’s rookie season.

6. Klint Kubiak, Las Vegas Raiders

Klint Kubiak arrives with plenty of attention after being one of the more sought-after coaching names during the offseason.

The Las Vegas Raiders also made moves to improve the roster, including adding free agents and rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

“It’s hard to pick the Raiders to finish anywhere but last in the AFC West, but they’ll be a lot better,” Russell added.

The AFC West remains a difficult division, but the Las Vegas Raiders should be a stronger team after their offseason additions.

5. Kevin Stefanski, Atlanta Falcons

Kevin Stefanski may have one major advantage in Atlanta: the NFC South. The division was wide open last season, with eight wins enough to win it.

“Anyone playing in the NFC South has a shot to make the playoffs,” Russell wrote.

The Atlanta Falcons still have plenty of questions, particularly at quarterback.

4. Mike McCarthy, Pittsburgh Steelers

Mike McCarthy takes over a Pittsburgh Steelers team that already reached the playoffs after winning 10 games last season.

“Maybe McCarthy does the same, though there are plenty of concerns throughout an aging roster,” Russell added.

Mike Tomlin managed to keep the Pittsburgh Steelers above .500 despite the team’s issues. McCarthy now has the task of maintaining that level of success while working with an aging roster.

3. John Harbaugh, New York Giants

John Harbaugh walks into a New York Giants team with plenty of young talent, including second-year quarterback Jaxson Dart.

“They were underachieving with the old staff. In steps Harbaugh, who has a Hall of Fame-level résumé,” Russell wrote.

The New York Giants still have plenty to fix, but Harbaugh brings a proven track record to the job.

2. Jesse Minter, Baltimore Ravens

Jesse Minter takes over a Baltimore Ravens team that came painfully close to making the playoffs last season.

“For the top two on this list, it would be a surprise if they didn’t make the playoffs as rookie head coaches,” Russell added.

Lamar Jackson remains the key to the Baltimore Ravens’ hopes, although his health will be important once again.

1. Joe Brady, Buffalo Bills

Joe Brady is taking over one of the strongest situations among the 10 new head coaches. The Buffalo Bills have reached the playoffs and won at least 10 games in each of the past seven seasons.

“The Bills have won double-digit games and made the playoffs each of the past seven seasons. Brady was handed the keys to a sports car,” Russell wrote in the same article.

Josh Allen remains the centerpiece of the Bills, and an AFC East title is already the expectation in Brady’s first season.

The 10 new coaches are entering very different situations in 2026. For some, the playoffs may be a long shot, while others have teams already built to contend from the start.