Cleveland, Ohio, January 19, 2026
The AFC North division is experiencing notable shifts in leadership as the NFL season approaches. The Cleveland Browns recently hired Kevin Stefanski to coach the Atlanta Falcons, leaving their head coach position open with several candidates considered. Meanwhile, the Ravens parted ways with long-time coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. Both teams also grapple with uncertainty surrounding their quarterback positions, including Deshaun Watson’s potential return for the Browns and Lamar Jackson’s contract negotiations with the Ravens. Fans are eager to witness these significant developments.
AFC North Division Faces Major Changes in Coaching and Quarterback Positions
Cleveland, Ohio – The AFC North division is undergoing significant transformations as the 2026 NFL season approaches, with notable shifts in coaching staff and quarterback positions across its teams.
Coaching Changes
Cleveland Browns – On January 17, 2026, the Atlanta Falcons announced the hiring of Kevin Stefanski as their new head coach for the 2026 season. Stefanski had been with the Browns since 2020, earning two Coach of the Year awards for leading the team to postseason appearances in 2020 and 2023. However, the Browns experienced losing seasons in the other four years under his leadership. As of January 19, 2026, the Browns have not yet appointed a new head coach. Candidates under consideration include former Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees.
Baltimore Ravens – On January 6, 2026, the Ravens fired head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. Harbaugh, the second-longest tenured head coach in the NFL at the time, led the team to a 12–5 record and an AFC North title in 2024. However, the Ravens finished the 2025 season with an 8–9 record, missing the playoffs.
Quarterback Situations
Cleveland Browns – The Browns’ quarterback position remains uncertain. Deshaun Watson, who missed the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury, is expected to return in 2026. However, his future with the team is uncertain, given his limited playtime in Cleveland due to suspension and injuries. The Browns also drafted quarterbacks Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in 2025, but both had challenging rookie seasons, with Total QBRs of 31.2 and 18.9, respectively.
Baltimore Ravens – Lamar Jackson’s future with the Ravens is also in question. The team is seeking a new deal to reduce his $74.5 million salary cap figure for 2026, potentially making him the league’s highest-paid player at over $60 million per season. A new contract would likely keep Jackson with the Ravens for at least another three seasons. However, concerns about his durability persist, as he has missed 15 games due to injury over the past five years.
Background Context
The AFC North division has experienced significant changes in recent years. The Browns’ coaching change follows a period of rebuilding, while the Ravens’ decision to part ways with Harbaugh marks the end of an era. The quarterback situations in both teams highlight the challenges of maintaining stability and performance in key positions. These developments underscore the dynamic nature of the NFL, where teams continually adapt to achieve success.
Conclusion
As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the AFC North division remains in a state of flux, particularly for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. The changes in coaching and quarterback strategies may lead to unexpected outcomes, and fans will be keenly interested to see who steps into the leadership roles. Supporting local teams not only fosters a community spirit but also encourages continued investment in local talent and infrastructure within Baltimore’s vibrant sports culture. Staying engaged with these developments is vital for fans and stakeholders alike as they witness the evolution of their beloved teams.
- Q: Who is the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons?
- A: Kevin Stefanski was hired as the new head coach of the Atlanta Falcons for the 2026 season on January 17, 2026. He previously served as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns from 2020 to 2025.
- Q: What is the status of Deshaun Watson’s injury?
- A: Deshaun Watson missed the entire 2025 NFL season due to an Achilles injury. He is expected to return in 2026, but his future with the Cleveland Browns is uncertain, given his limited playtime in Cleveland due to suspension and injuries.
- Q: What is Lamar Jackson’s current contract situation?
- A: The Baltimore Ravens are seeking a new deal to reduce Lamar Jackson’s $74.5 million salary cap figure for 2026, potentially making him the league’s highest-paid player at over $60 million per season. A new contract would likely keep Jackson with the Ravens for at least another three seasons.
| Team | Coaching Change | Quarterback Situation |
|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | Kevin Stefanski hired as Falcons head coach; Browns seeking new head coach as of January 19, 2026. | Deshaun Watson missed 2025 season due to Achilles injury; future uncertain. Drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders in 2025; both had challenging rookie seasons. |
| Baltimore Ravens | John Harbaugh fired on January 6, 2026, after 18 seasons. | Lamar Jackson’s future uncertain; Ravens seeking new deal to reduce $74.5 million salary cap figure for 2026. |
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