2026 NFL Defensive Coordinators
Defensive coordinators matter because they shape defensive identity, pressure plans, coverage structure, player development and week-to-week adjustments. The job cannot be separated perfectly from roster talent, head coach influence or injuries, so this hub keeps the full team context in view.
How It Connects
How This Connects to Coaching Direction
PFM Coaching Direction is not just a head coach score. It also considers coordinator stability, staff performance, player development, culture and game management, which is why coordinator pages should be read next to the PFM Coaching Direction rankings.
Coordinator List
Every 2026 NFL Defensive Coordinator
Search or sort the table to compare staff setup, team context and the PFM ratings around each coordinator.
 Arizona Cardinals |
Nick Rallis | Mike LaFleur | 2023 | Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coach (2021–2022) | Unknown | 72.5 | 74.6 | No. 30 | View Dashboard |
 Atlanta Falcons |
Jeff Ulbrich | Kevin Stefanski | 2025 | New York Jets defensive coordinator (2021–2024) | Unknown | 77.5 | 77.8 | No. 20 | View Dashboard |
 Baltimore Ravens |
Anthony Weaver | Jesse Minter | 2026 | Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator (2024–2025) | Unknown | 80.5 | 81.3 | No. 31 | View Dashboard |
 Buffalo Bills |
Jim Leonhard | Joe Brady | 2026 | Denver Broncos assistant head coach & defensive pass game coordinator (2025) | Unknown | 81.2 | 82.1 | No. 27 | View Dashboard |
 Carolina Panthers |
Ejiro Evero | Dave Canales | 2023 | Denver Broncos defensive coordinator (2022) | Unknown | 74.6 | 70.9 | No. 32 | View Dashboard |
 Chicago Bears |
Dennis Allen | Ben Johnson | 2025 | New Orleans Saints head coach (2022–2024) | Unknown | 77.8 | 79.8 | No. 11 | View Dashboard |
 Cincinnati Bengals |
Al Golden | Zac Taylor | 2025 | Notre Dame defensive coordinator (2022–2024) | Unknown | 73.0 | 80.6 | No. 21 | View Dashboard |
 Cleveland Browns |
Mike Rutenberg | Todd Monken | 2026 | Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator (2025) | Unknown | 84.2 | 76.7 | No. 25 | View Dashboard |
 Dallas Cowboys |
Christian Parker | Brian Schottenheimer | 2026 | Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach & pass game coordinator (2024–2025) | Unknown | 73.9 | 79.3 | No. 22 | View Dashboard |
 Denver Broncos |
Vance Joseph | Sean Payton | 2023 | Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator (2019–2022) | Unknown | 84.6 | 80.4 | No. 6 | View Dashboard |
 Detroit Lions |
Kelvin Sheppard | Dan Campbell | 2025 | Detroit Lions linebackers coach (2022–2024) | Unknown | 80.5 | 85.0 | No. 4 | View Dashboard |
 Green Bay Packers |
Jonathan Gannon | Matt LaFleur | 2026 | Arizona Cardinals head coach (2023–2025) | Unknown | 78.5 | 81.0 | No. 9 | View Dashboard |
 Houston Texans |
Matt Burke | DeMeco Ryans | 2023 | Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach (2022) | Unknown | 85.8 | 80.3 | No. 15 | View Dashboard |
 Indianapolis Colts |
Lou Anarumo | Shane Steichen | 2025 | Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator (2019–2024) | Unknown | 75.2 | 74.9 | No. 24 | View Dashboard |
 Jacksonville Jaguars |
Anthony Campanile | Liam Coen | 2025 | Green Bay Packers linebackers coach & run game coordinator (2024) | Unknown | 82.0 | 80.4 | No. 16 | View Dashboard |
 Kansas City Chiefs |
Steve Spagnuolo | Andy Reid | 2019 | New York Giants defensive coordinator (2015–2017) | Unknown | 83.8 | 84.3 | No. 1 | View Dashboard |
 Las Vegas Raiders |
Rob Leonard | Klint Kubiak | 2026 | Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach & run game coordinator (2023–2025) | Unknown | 75.1 | 76.1 | No. 23 | View Dashboard |
 Los Angeles Chargers |
Chris O'Leary | Jim Harbaugh | 2026 | Western Michigan defensive coordinator & safeties coach (2025) | Unknown | 82.3 | 79.3 | No. 5 | View Dashboard |
 Los Angeles Rams |
Chris Shula | Sean McVay | 2024 | Los Angeles Rams linebackers coach & pass rush coordinator (2023) | Unknown | 86.2 | 85.0 | No. 3 | View Dashboard |
 Miami Dolphins |
Sean Duggan | Jeff Hafley | 2026 | Green Bay Packers linebackers coach (2025) | Unknown | 72.7 | 79.7 | No. 28 | View Dashboard |
 Minnesota Vikings |
Brian Flores | Kevin O'Connell | 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant & linebackers coach (2022) | Unknown | 80.2 | 79.4 | No. 13 | View Dashboard |
 New England Patriots |
Zak Kuhr | Mike Vrabel | 2026 | New England Patriots inside linebackers coach (2025) | Unknown | 83.8 | 80.4 | No. 7 | View Dashboard |
 New Orleans Saints |
Brandon Staley | Kellen Moore | 2025 | San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach (2024) | Unknown | 78.1 | 71.9 | No. 29 | View Dashboard |
 New York Giants |
Dennard Wilson | John Harbaugh | 2026 | Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator (2024–2025) | Unknown | 76.2 | 73.8 | No. 14 | View Dashboard |
 New York Jets |
Brian Duker | Aaron Glenn | 2026 | Miami Dolphins secondary coach & pass game coordinator (2024–2025) | Unknown | 77.9 | 79.5 | No. 26 | View Dashboard |
 Philadelphia Eagles |
Vic Fangio | Nick Sirianni | 2024 | Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator (2023) | Unknown | 84.4 | 83.8 | No. 12 | View Dashboard |
 Pittsburgh Steelers |
Patrick Graham | Mike McCarthy | 2026 | Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator (2022–2025) | Unknown | 83.4 | 79.9 | No. 10 | View Dashboard |
 San Francisco 49ers |
Raheem Morris | Kyle Shanahan | 2026 | Atlanta Falcons head coach (2024–2025) | Unknown | 81.9 | 85.3 | No. 8 | View Dashboard |
 Seattle Seahawks |
Aden Durde | Mike Macdonald | 2024 | Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach (2021–2023) | Unknown | 89.6 | 85.5 | No. 2 | View Dashboard |
 Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
Todd Bowles | Todd Bowles | 2019 | New York Jets head coach (2015–2018) | Unknown | 78.0 | 78.6 | No. 18 | View Dashboard |
 Tennessee Titans |
Gus Bradley | Robert Saleh | 2026 | San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach (2025) | Unknown | 72.3 | 71.2 | No. 19 | View Dashboard |
 Washington Commanders |
Daronte Jones | Dan Quinn | 2026 | Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach & pass game coordinator (2022–2025) | Unknown | 75.8 | 80.2 | No. 17 | View Dashboard |
No coordinator rows match that search.
Staff Changes
New Defensive Coordinators for 2026
A new coordinator can change the weekly rhythm, but the job still depends on the head coach, quarterback, roster and current team direction.
| Baltimore Ravens |
Anthony Weaver | Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator (2024–2025) | Jesse Minter | Can Anthony Weaver turn a 80.5 defensive rating and 81.3 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Buffalo Bills |
Jim Leonhard | Denver Broncos assistant head coach & defensive pass game coordinator (2025) | Joe Brady | Can Jim Leonhard turn a 81.2 defensive rating and 82.1 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Cleveland Browns |
Mike Rutenberg | Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator (2025) | Todd Monken | Can Mike Rutenberg turn a 84.2 defensive rating and 76.7 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Dallas Cowboys |
Christian Parker | Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach & pass game coordinator (2024–2025) | Brian Schottenheimer | Can Christian Parker turn a 73.9 defensive rating and 79.3 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Green Bay Packers |
Jonathan Gannon | Arizona Cardinals head coach (2023–2025) | Matt LaFleur | Can Jonathan Gannon turn a 78.5 defensive rating and 81.0 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Las Vegas Raiders |
Rob Leonard | Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach & run game coordinator (2023–2025) | Klint Kubiak | Can Rob Leonard turn a 75.1 defensive rating and 76.1 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Los Angeles Chargers |
Chris O'Leary | Western Michigan defensive coordinator & safeties coach (2025) | Jim Harbaugh | Can Chris O'Leary turn a 82.3 defensive rating and 79.3 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Miami Dolphins |
Sean Duggan | Green Bay Packers linebackers coach (2025) | Jeff Hafley | Can Sean Duggan turn a 72.7 defensive rating and 79.7 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| New England Patriots |
Zak Kuhr | New England Patriots inside linebackers coach (2025) | Mike Vrabel | Can Zak Kuhr turn a 83.8 defensive rating and 80.4 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| New York Giants |
Dennard Wilson | Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator (2024–2025) | John Harbaugh | Can Dennard Wilson turn a 76.2 defensive rating and 73.8 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| New York Jets |
Brian Duker | Miami Dolphins secondary coach & pass game coordinator (2024–2025) | Aaron Glenn | Can Brian Duker turn a 77.9 defensive rating and 79.5 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Pittsburgh Steelers |
Patrick Graham | Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator (2022–2025) | Mike McCarthy | Can Patrick Graham turn a 83.4 defensive rating and 79.9 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| San Francisco 49ers |
Raheem Morris | Atlanta Falcons head coach (2024–2025) | Kyle Shanahan | Can Raheem Morris turn a 81.9 defensive rating and 85.3 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Tennessee Titans |
Gus Bradley | San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach (2025) | Robert Saleh | Can Gus Bradley turn a 72.3 defensive rating and 71.2 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
| Washington Commanders |
Daronte Jones | Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach & pass game coordinator (2022–2025) | Dan Quinn | Can Daronte Jones turn a 75.8 defensive rating and 80.2 roster support into steadier weekly answers? |
Strongest Setup
Best Defensive Coordinator Situations
This is team context, not a ranking of coordinator talent. The point is to show which staffs have the strongest environment around them.
Aden Durde gets one of the better defensive environments in the league. Seattle Seahawks pair Defense 89.6 with Roster Strength 85.5.
Los Angeles Rams belongs in this group because the roster gives the defensive staff more ways to win. Defense 86.2 backs up that picture.
Steve Spagnuolo gets one of the better defensive environments in the league. Kansas City Chiefs pair Defense 83.8 with Roster Strength 84.3.
The 49ers give Raheem Morris a strong defensive base because Defense 81.9 and Roster Strength 85.3 both support the staff.
Zak Kuhr gets one of the better defensive environments in the league. New England Patriots pair Defense 83.8 with Roster Strength 80.4.
Harder Jobs
Toughest Defensive Coordinator Situations
This is not a blame section. It identifies the jobs where the coordinator has less margin because the current roster, unit grade or team results create a tougher setup.
Tennessee Titans lands here because the defensive results and roster support do not create much cushion. Defense 72.3 is the number that has to move.
The Cardinals need the defensive staff to manufacture more clean downs. The current setup starts with Defense 72.5 and Roster Strength 74.6.
The Panthers need the defensive staff to manufacture more clean downs. The current setup starts with Defense 74.6 and Roster Strength 70.9.
The Raiders are a tougher defensive job because Defense 75.1 and Roster Strength 76.1 leave the staff with less margin.
The Saints need the defensive staff to manufacture more clean downs. The current setup starts with Defense 78.1 and Roster Strength 71.9.
All 32 Teams
Team-by-Team Defensive Coordinator Notes
These notes connect the coordinator listing to the PFM ratings around each staff.
Arizona CardinalsNick Rallis
- Head Coach
- Mike LaFleur
- Year Hired
- 2023
- Previous Role
- Philadelphia Eagles linebackers coach (2021–2022)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 72.5
- Roster Strength
- 74.6
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 30
What the numbers say
This is a tough defensive environment, not a one-person indictment. Arizona Cardinals sits at 72.5 on defense and 74.6 in Roster Strength, which leaves the staff less room when games speed up.
View Team DashboardAtlanta FalconsJeff Ulbrich
- Head Coach
- Kevin Stefanski
- Year Hired
- 2025
- Previous Role
- New York Jets defensive coordinator (2021–2024)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 77.5
- Roster Strength
- 77.8
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 20
What the numbers say
The Falcons have a demanding defensive job because Defense 77.5 and Roster Strength 77.8 both sit in the concern range. The staff has to steal advantages with alignment, pressure timing and better tackling.
View Team DashboardBaltimore RavensAnthony Weaver
- Head Coach
- Jesse Minter
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator (2024–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 80.5
- Roster Strength
- 81.3
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 31
What the numbers say
The coordinator context in Baltimore Ravens depends on which number you trust most. Defense 80.5 and Roster Strength 81.3 do not tell the same exact story.
View Team DashboardBuffalo BillsJim Leonhard
- Head Coach
- Joe Brady
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Denver Broncos assistant head coach & defensive pass game coordinator (2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 81.2
- Roster Strength
- 82.1
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 27
What the numbers say
The Bills show why defensive coordinator context needs team data. The unit grade is 81.2, the roster grade is 82.1, and that split changes how much the staff can dictate.
View Team DashboardCarolina PanthersEjiro Evero
- Head Coach
- Dave Canales
- Year Hired
- 2023
- Previous Role
- Denver Broncos defensive coordinator (2022)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 74.6
- Roster Strength
- 70.9
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 32
What the numbers say
This is a tough defensive environment, not a one-person indictment. Carolina Panthers sits at 74.6 on defense and 70.9 in Roster Strength, which leaves the staff less room when games speed up.
View Team DashboardChicago BearsDennis Allen
- Head Coach
- Ben Johnson
- Year Hired
- 2025
- Previous Role
- New Orleans Saints head coach (2022–2024)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 77.8
- Roster Strength
- 79.8
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 11
What the numbers say
The Bears show why defensive coordinator context needs team data. The unit grade is 77.8, the roster grade is 79.8, and that split changes how much the staff can dictate.
View Team DashboardCincinnati BengalsAl Golden
- Head Coach
- Zac Taylor
- Year Hired
- 2025
- Previous Role
- Notre Dame defensive coordinator (2022–2024)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 73.0
- Roster Strength
- 80.6
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 21
What the numbers say
There is enough here to watch, but not enough to make the staff context simple. Cincinnati Bengals has Defense 73.0 and Roster Strength 80.6, which puts the weekly plan under the microscope.
View Team DashboardCleveland BrownsMike Rutenberg
- Head Coach
- Todd Monken
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Atlanta Falcons defensive pass game coordinator (2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 84.2
- Roster Strength
- 76.7
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 25
What the numbers say
Mike Rutenberg gets a job where the roster and defensive output have to be read together. The Browns show Defense 84.2, Roster Strength 76.7 and Recent Performance 67.4.
View Team DashboardDallas CowboysChristian Parker
- Head Coach
- Brian Schottenheimer
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Philadelphia Eagles defensive backs coach & pass game coordinator (2024–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 73.9
- Roster Strength
- 79.3
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 22
What the numbers say
The Cowboys are a mixed defensive read. Defense 73.9 grades as a major concern, while Roster Strength 79.3 is a area to watch, so the staff has to make the talent and results line up.
View Team DashboardDenver BroncosVance Joseph
- Head Coach
- Sean Payton
- Year Hired
- 2023
- Previous Role
- Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator (2019–2022)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 84.6
- Roster Strength
- 80.4
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 6
What the numbers say
The Broncos are a mixed defensive read. Defense 84.6 grades as a strength, while Roster Strength 80.4 is a area to watch, so the staff has to make the talent and results line up.
View Team DashboardDetroit LionsKelvin Sheppard
- Head Coach
- Dan Campbell
- Year Hired
- 2025
- Previous Role
- Detroit Lions linebackers coach (2022–2024)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 80.5
- Roster Strength
- 85.0
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 4
What the numbers say
The Lions show why defensive coordinator context needs team data. The unit grade is 80.5, the roster grade is 85.0, and that split changes how much the staff can dictate.
View Team DashboardGreen Bay PackersJonathan Gannon
- Head Coach
- Matt LaFleur
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Arizona Cardinals head coach (2023–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 78.5
- Roster Strength
- 81.0
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 9
What the numbers say
The coordinator context in Green Bay Packers depends on which number you trust most. Defense 78.5 and Roster Strength 81.0 do not tell the same exact story.
View Team DashboardHouston TexansMatt Burke
- Head Coach
- DeMeco Ryans
- Year Hired
- 2023
- Previous Role
- Arizona Cardinals defensive line coach (2022)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 85.8
- Roster Strength
- 80.3
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 15
What the numbers say
The Texans show why defensive coordinator context needs team data. The unit grade is 85.8, the roster grade is 80.3, and that split changes how much the staff can dictate.
View Team DashboardIndianapolis ColtsLou Anarumo
- Head Coach
- Shane Steichen
- Year Hired
- 2025
- Previous Role
- Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator (2019–2024)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 75.2
- Roster Strength
- 74.9
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 24
What the numbers say
The defensive margin in Indianapolis Colts is small. With Defense 75.2 and Roster Strength 74.9, Lou Anarumo cannot count on talent alone to erase mistakes.
View Team DashboardJacksonville JaguarsAnthony Campanile
- Head Coach
- Liam Coen
- Year Hired
- 2025
- Previous Role
- Green Bay Packers linebackers coach & run game coordinator (2024)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 82.0
- Roster Strength
- 80.4
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 16
What the numbers say
The coordinator context in Jacksonville Jaguars depends on which number you trust most. Defense 82.0 and Roster Strength 80.4 do not tell the same exact story.
View Team DashboardKansas City ChiefsSteve Spagnuolo
- Head Coach
- Andy Reid
- Year Hired
- 2019
- Previous Role
- New York Giants defensive coordinator (2015–2017)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 83.8
- Roster Strength
- 84.3
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 1
What the numbers say
This is a good defensive environment because the roster grade backs up the unit grade. Kansas City Chiefs sits at 83.8 on defense and 84.3 in Roster Strength.
View Team DashboardLas Vegas RaidersRob Leonard
- Head Coach
- Klint Kubiak
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Las Vegas Raiders defensive line coach & run game coordinator (2023–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 75.1
- Roster Strength
- 76.1
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 23
What the numbers say
The Raiders need the defense to become more reliable snap to snap. Defense 75.1, Roster Strength 76.1 and Recent Performance 66.7 explain why the job is not just about calling more pressure.
View Team DashboardLos Angeles ChargersChris O'Leary
- Head Coach
- Jim Harbaugh
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Western Michigan defensive coordinator & safeties coach (2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 82.3
- Roster Strength
- 79.3
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 5
What the numbers say
The coordinator context in Los Angeles Chargers depends on which number you trust most. Defense 82.3 and Roster Strength 79.3 do not tell the same exact story.
View Team DashboardLos Angeles RamsChris Shula
- Head Coach
- Sean McVay
- Year Hired
- 2024
- Previous Role
- Los Angeles Rams linebackers coach & pass rush coordinator (2023)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 86.2
- Roster Strength
- 85.0
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 3
What the numbers say
This is a good defensive environment because the roster grade backs up the unit grade. Los Angeles Rams sits at 86.2 on defense and 85.0 in Roster Strength.
View Team DashboardMiami DolphinsSean Duggan
- Head Coach
- Jeff Hafley
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Green Bay Packers linebackers coach (2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 72.7
- Roster Strength
- 79.7
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 28
What the numbers say
There is enough here to watch, but not enough to make the staff context simple. Miami Dolphins has Defense 72.7 and Roster Strength 79.7, which puts the weekly plan under the microscope.
View Team DashboardMinnesota VikingsBrian Flores
- Head Coach
- Kevin O'Connell
- Year Hired
- 2023
- Previous Role
- Pittsburgh Steelers senior defensive assistant & linebackers coach (2022)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 80.2
- Roster Strength
- 79.4
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 13
What the numbers say
The Vikings show why defensive coordinator context needs team data. The unit grade is 80.2, the roster grade is 79.4, and that split changes how much the staff can dictate.
View Team DashboardNew England PatriotsZak Kuhr
- Head Coach
- Mike Vrabel
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- New England Patriots inside linebackers coach (2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 83.8
- Roster Strength
- 80.4
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 7
What the numbers say
Zak Kuhr gets a job where the roster and defensive output have to be read together. The Patriots show Defense 83.8, Roster Strength 80.4 and Recent Performance 87.7.
View Team DashboardNew Orleans SaintsBrandon Staley
- Head Coach
- Kellen Moore
- Year Hired
- 2025
- Previous Role
- San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach (2024)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 78.1
- Roster Strength
- 71.9
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 29
What the numbers say
There is enough here to watch, but not enough to make the staff context simple. New Orleans Saints has Defense 78.1 and Roster Strength 71.9, which puts the weekly plan under the microscope.
View Team DashboardNew York GiantsDennard Wilson
- Head Coach
- John Harbaugh
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator (2024–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 76.2
- Roster Strength
- 73.8
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 14
What the numbers say
The Giants have a demanding defensive job because Defense 76.2 and Roster Strength 73.8 both sit in the concern range. The staff has to steal advantages with alignment, pressure timing and better tackling.
View Team DashboardNew York JetsBrian Duker
- Head Coach
- Aaron Glenn
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Miami Dolphins secondary coach & pass game coordinator (2024–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 77.9
- Roster Strength
- 79.5
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 26
What the numbers say
The Jets are a mixed defensive read. Defense 77.9 grades as a concern, while Roster Strength 79.5 is a area to watch, so the staff has to make the talent and results line up.
View Team DashboardPhiladelphia EaglesVic Fangio
- Head Coach
- Nick Sirianni
- Year Hired
- 2024
- Previous Role
- Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator (2023)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 84.4
- Roster Strength
- 83.8
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 12
What the numbers say
The Eagles give Vic Fangio legitimate defensive support: Defense 84.4 and Roster Strength 83.8 both say the staff has pieces that can win matchups.
View Team DashboardPittsburgh SteelersPatrick Graham
- Head Coach
- Mike McCarthy
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator (2022–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 83.4
- Roster Strength
- 79.9
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 10
What the numbers say
The Steelers are a mixed defensive read. Defense 83.4 grades as a strength, while Roster Strength 79.9 is a area to watch, so the staff has to make the talent and results line up.
View Team DashboardSan Francisco 49ersRaheem Morris
- Head Coach
- Kyle Shanahan
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Atlanta Falcons head coach (2024–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 81.9
- Roster Strength
- 85.3
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 8
What the numbers say
The coordinator context in San Francisco 49ers depends on which number you trust most. Defense 81.9 and Roster Strength 85.3 do not tell the same exact story.
View Team DashboardSeattle SeahawksAden Durde
- Head Coach
- Mike Macdonald
- Year Hired
- 2024
- Previous Role
- Dallas Cowboys defensive line coach (2021–2023)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 89.6
- Roster Strength
- 85.5
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 2
What the numbers say
The Seahawks have enough defensive infrastructure for the coordinator to be aggressive when matchups allow it. Defense 89.6 and Roster Strength 85.5 give the staff a real base.
View Team DashboardTampa Bay BuccaneersTodd Bowles
- Head Coach
- Todd Bowles
- Year Hired
- 2019
- Previous Role
- New York Jets head coach (2015–2018)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 78.0
- Roster Strength
- 78.6
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 18
What the numbers say
Todd Bowles gets a job where the roster and defensive output have to be read together. The Buccaneers show Defense 78.0, Roster Strength 78.6 and Recent Performance 76.7.
View Team DashboardTennessee TitansGus Bradley
- Head Coach
- Robert Saleh
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- San Francisco 49ers assistant head coach (2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 72.3
- Roster Strength
- 71.2
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 19
What the numbers say
Gus Bradley is working with a defense that needs structure before style points. The Titans have Defense 72.3 and Roster Strength 71.2, so fewer busts and cleaner run fits matter.
View Team DashboardWashington CommandersDaronte Jones
- Head Coach
- Dan Quinn
- Year Hired
- 2026
- Previous Role
- Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach & pass game coordinator (2022–2025)
- Defensive Identity
- Unknown
- Defensive Rating
- 75.8
- Roster Strength
- 80.2
- Coaching Direction Rank
- No. 17
What the numbers say
The coordinator context in Washington Commanders depends on which number you trust most. Defense 75.8 and Roster Strength 80.2 do not tell the same exact story.
View Team DashboardCoordinator FAQ
Who are the current NFL defensive coordinators?
The table lists every team’s defensive coordinator when the name has been reviewed. Missing names stay marked as unknown until they are verified.
Which NFL teams have new defensive coordinators in 2026?
Teams marked with a 2026 hire year or a reviewed new-coordinator status appear in the new defensive coordinators section.
What does a defensive coordinator do?
A defensive coordinator shapes the front, coverage structure, pressure plan, player roles and week-to-week adjustments.
Why do defensive coordinators matter?
They help decide how a defense creates pressure, protects weaker matchups, develops players and handles game-plan stress.
How does PFM connect defensive coordinators to Coaching Direction?
PFM looks at the defensive staff as one piece of Coaching Direction, not as a separate grade that ignores roster talent or head coach influence.
PFM ratings updated 2026-06-30 · Coordinator information reviewed as recently as 2026-07-05
PFM ratings updated
How PFM grades NFL teams