Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says 1st-round pick Derrick Harmon sprained knee By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers first-round draft pick Derrick Harmon sprained a knee in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers and had to be carted to the locker room.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said after the 19-10 victory that the defensive end had a “knee sprain of some description” and called it one of two “significant” injuries for the team.
Tomlin said Harmon and wide receiver Brandon Johnson (foot) will be evaluated more in the coming days. Tomlin did not give a timetable for their return.
When asked if the team is worried that Harmon might have suffered serious ligament damage, Tomlin said “like I said, it is a knee sprain.”
It didn't look good for Harmon right away.
His knee twisted awkwardly as he was engaged with a blocker on a pass rush. He was in tears with a towel over his head as he rode on the back of a cart to the locker room.
The former Michigan State and Oregon player was the 21st pick in April.
The Steelers elected to start a handful of starters on both sides of the ball against the Panthers, including Harmon. The rookie had been expected to start this season on a defensive line with Cameron Hayward and Keeanu Benton.
Veteran Isaiahh Loudermilk is expected to see more playing time if Harmon is out a significant amount of time.
The Panthers did not play their starters.
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Tyree Wilson shows promise in training camp, aims to prove worth as Raiders' seventh pick By MARK ANDERSON AP Sports Writer The Associated Press HENDERSON, Nev.
HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — NFL teams that draft a player seventh usually expect that prospect to make an immediate impact.
They count on it.
But Tyree Wilson , as he enter his third season with the Raiders, he is still trying to prove himself.
Maybe this is the season he proves why Las Vegas used such a high pick on him, and Wilson has shown in training camp that he could be poised to take a big step forward.
“The whole camp, he’s been doing a solid job,” coach Pete Carroll said. “We’ve called on him in a number of ways to keep going and keep pushing. We’re really trying to make sure that we put him in the right spots that take advantage of his skills and in his comfort and so that he can play at his best.”
That includes playing Wilson defensive end or tackle.
He was drafted as an edge rusher after making seven sacks each of his final two seasons at Texas Tech, but also has been used inside not only in Las Vegas but in college.
“It’s the quickest path to the quarterback being inside,” Wilson said. "You go through the guard, the quarterback is really going to be standing right there.”
Wilson has been playing catch-up since the Raiders drafted him. A foot injury in his final season at Texas Tech forced him to sit out of organized team activities and minicamp, and Wilson didn't get onto the practice field until well into training camp.
The result? Wilson didn’t record a sack his rookie until Week 7 against Chicago. He wound up making 3 1/2 by season's end, but no one was mistaking his pass rushing abilities for teammate Maxx Crosby.
Wilson showed a little more promise last season in making 4 1/2 sacks, but the fact he has remained on the second team in practices is telling. He isn't on the trajectory previously expected, but that doesn't mean Wilson can't change the narrative.
The 6-foot-5, 263-pound player has taken advantage of the opportunities he has received in camp.
“I feel like I’m way faster, way more fluid than I have been before, and it’s going to continue to get better,” Wilson said.
As Wilson has progressed and shown flashes, another defensive end is still trying to find his way. Malcolm Koonce ended the 2023 season with six sacks in his final four games and looked poised to form a strong pass-rushing duo with Crosby when 2024 rolled around.
But a torn ACL in last year's camp took Koonce out of the season, and he used the offseason practices to get back into form. It remains an ongoing effort for Koonce, who signed a one-year, $12 million prove-it contract in March.
“He missed so much in the offseason that he was disappointed in," Carroll said. “It’s been three, four weeks we’ve been out here, and I think it took him time to realize he’s OK and he’s in great shape. It’s often with injuries, particularly lower-leg injuries in knees and ankles, you got to believe that it’s OK, and sometimes you have to prove it.”
Which is where Wilson also finds himself.
He appears relaxed and confident, and no doubt his positive practice performances help. But until he does it consistently in the season, Wilson will be a big draft miss.
Maybe this season will be a different story.
“He’s working hard,” linebacker Elandon Roberts said. “He does some very good things inside and on the outside. And, man, that guy is really long, so his extension and just being able to get off blocks and affect not just in the pass game but the run game, you really see it.”
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Giants' Jaxson Dart clears concussion protocol after taking a hit in preseason game vs. Patriots By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer The Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Jaxson Dart took a big hit at the end of a run that resulted in a fumble, went down to the ground and wanted to stay in the New York Giants' preseason finale . Instead, he was escorted to the sideline to get evaluated for a concussion.
“I’ve never been taken out of the game for getting the air knocked out of me, so that was the first,” Dart said.
The rookie quarterback cleared concussion protocol, but that was the end of his time on the field Thursday night and perhaps his final game action for quite some time. Rather than wishing he slid to avoid contact, Dart said he regretted not holding onto the ball.
“I just shouldn’t have fumbled,” Dart said before lamenting the extra medical attention he didn't feel was necessary. “I told them: ‘You would feel uncomfortable if you got the air knocked out of you, too. I’m fine. I’m just trying to get my breath.’ That’s all that it was. Obviously, a little different than college, I guess.”
The hit from linebacker Jack Gibbens finished Dart's run at 23 yards late in the first quarter. Dart grabbed at his head after the play but quickly wanted to brush off the mistake and return — so much he was trying to get the evaluation done and over with quickly.
“I didn’t understand why i got took off the field, so I wanted to get back out there and finish the drive,” Dart said. “Everybody was just kind of walking over (to the medical tent). I’m like, ‘Lets go, I want to get back out there.’”
Dart was replaced by veteran Jameis Winston, who threw a touchdown pass on the next play. Dart exited the tent and went to the bench but did not return for the next offensive possession in the second quarter.
Coach Brian Daboll said it was always the plan for Dart to just play the first quarter before going to Winston. Dart completed 6 of 12 passes for 81 yards, including a 50-yard gain to Gunner Olszewski and a TD toss to Greg Dulcich.
The first-round pick out of Mississippi finished the preseason 32 of 47 passing for 372 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, also running six times for 52 yards and a TD.
“He’s done a good job,” Daboll said. “Credit the player, first and foremost. Being a rookie quarterback is not easy. Being a quarterback is not easy. He knows he’s got a lot of things to work on, but he’s made progress every day and I’m glad we drafted him. I’m glad he’s our guy.”
No matter that progress, Russell Wilson is the starter and expected to be under center when the season begins Sept. 7 at Washington. Dart is now ready to serve as Wilson's backup.
“Obviously Russ is the starter, and he’s going to do amazing,” Dart said. “He’s had such a great camp and has played at an elite level. My job is to just be the best teammate and be ready whenever it it is, but I’m excited for Russ and what he’s going to do this year.”
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Steelers beat Panthers 19-10 in preseason finale, but lose 1st-round pick Harmon to sprained knee By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE, N.C.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Skylar Thompson completed 11 of 13 passes for 152 yards including a 24-yard touchdown strike to Lance McCutcheon, rookie Ben Sauls kicked four field goals and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Carolina Panthers 19-10 on Thursday night in the preseason finale.
The Steelers (2-1) played a handful of starters on both sides of the ball, while the Panthers (0-3) rested all of theirs and several top reserves.
Getting some players extra preseason reps may have backfired on Steelers coach Mike Tomlin as defensive end Derrick Harmon, the team's first-round draft pick, was carted to the locker room because of a sprained knee in the first half. Harmon, the 21st pick in the draft, did not return and will continue to be evaluated.
Tomlin said Harmon has a "knee sprain of some description" and called the injury significant. He did not give a timetable on his return.
Tomlin said despite holding the Panthers to 10 points, there are areas to improve upon.
“I thought we were highly penalized, we turned the ball over there early and the tackling was shaky at best at times,” Tomlin said. “I think they had 100 yards rushing at the half and that’s just kind of indicative of how poor the tackling was at times.”
Thompson entered the game in the second quarter in relief of Mason Rudolph, who started with Aaron Rodgers sitting out. Thompson completed his first five passes for 72 yards, including a perfectly-placed over-the-shoulder pass to McCutcheon in the left corner of the end zone for the game's first touchdown.
Thompson also connected on a 53-yard strike to Scotty Miller , who finished with 82 yards on three receptions.
“He’s not afraid to attack,” Tomlin said. “I mean, he comes in boom, boom, boom. He’s got playing experience. This guy started (three career) games in Miami and so, I think that experience shows.”
Rudolph finished 6 of 8 for 36 yards, including an interception on an overthrow.
“Hey, we’re not a finished product, but no one is,” Tomlin said.
Jack Plummer, playing in place of Bryce Young and the injured Andy Dalton, started slow for the Panthers with a red-zone interception on Carolina's third possession after escaping pressure in the pocket. But he battled back to complete 7 of 14 passes for 48 yards, including a 7-yard touchdown toss to a wide-open James Mitchell in the corner of the end zone to tie it at 10 before halftime.
Carolina struggled in the second half under recently signed quarterback Bryce Perkins, who turned the ball over on a sack-fumble by Yahya Black and failed to lead a scoring drive.
Panthers rookie outside linebacker Princely Umanmielen said he's not worried about the team going winless in the preseason and being outscored 69-23.
“I don’t really look at it too much and read into it too much because (teammates) DJ Wonnum and Pat Jones told me when they were at Minnesota they never won a preseason game — and Minnesota was usually always in the playoffs," Umanmielen said.
Warren makes debut
Running back Jaylen Warren made his preseason debut for the Steelers and had 3 yards rushing on two carries and 12 yards receiving on two catches. Warren is expected to start for the Steelers this season, although rookie Kaleb Johnson will push him for playing time.
Johnson had 24 yards on five carries.
Kicking battle
Ryan Fitzgerald made a 43-yard field goal and an extra point for the Panthers.
The rookie from Florida State is battling for a roster spot with journeyman Matthew Wright. The Panthers elected not to re-sign unrestricted free agent Eddy Pineiro. Despite being the NFL's third-most accurate kicker ever at 88.1%, Pineiro has yet to land a spot with an NFL team.
Sauls made field goals of 38, 50, 49 and 28 yards.
“Really happy for Ben Sauls, the work he was able to show us tonight, man, good for him,” Tomlin said.
Injuries
Steelers: Aside from Harmon, WR Brandon Johnson left in the first half with a foot injury.
Panthers: Umanmielen said he will have an MRI on his right shoulder on Friday. OT Ja'Tyre Carter (ankle) and RB Raheem Blackshear (ankle) sustained injuries.
Up next
Both teams open the season on the road Sept. 7, with the Steelers facing the Jets, and Panthers playing the Jaguars.
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Skattebo plays and Dart clears concussion protocol as Giants beat Patriots in preseason finale By STEPHEN WHYNO AP Sports Writer The Associated Press EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. (AP) — Cam Skattebo saw his first game action for the New York Giants and Jaxson Dart had an eventful preseason finale by throwing a touchdown pass and clearing concussion protocol following a big hit, with reserves playing much of a 42-10 rout of the New England Patriots on Thursday night.
Skattebo started at running back after missing much of training camp because of a hamstring injury setback and had three carries for 12 yards. Getting the the nod at quarterback with Russell Wilson and most of the starters sitting out, Dart showed some more promise along with a reminder he is a rookie.
The first-round pick out of Mississippi completed 6 of 12 passes for 81 yards, including a 50-yard throw and catch with Gunner Olszewski and a touchdown to Greg Dulcich. Instead of sliding to give himself up on a run late in the first quarter, he fumbled when tackled by Jack Gibbens and was taken to the medical tent on the sideline to be evaluated for a concussion.
“He got the wind knocked out of him,” coach Brian Daboll said. “He’s good. Yeah, I would like him to slide on that.”
Dart did not return, though Daboll said it was always the plan to turn to Jameis Winston after the first. Winston replaced Dart and connected with Jalin Hyatt on a 27-yard TD on the next play.
“Shoutout to Jameis for throwing a touchdown and finishing that last drive that I was in,” Dart said.
Dart finished the preseason 32 of 47 passing for 372 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, also running six times for 52 yards and a TD.
“I feel like whenever my number is called that I’m going to go out there and I’m going to play my game and I’m going to ball,” Dart said. “That’s just my mindset any time I touch the field.”
Dart and No. 3 pick Abdul Carter , who was disruptive in the couple of plays he got on the field, were the captains for the pregame coin toss — a glimpse into what the organization hopes is its future cornerstones on offense and defense.
Fourth-string QB Tommy DeVito had three TD passes after taking over for Winston, and rookie TJ Moore scored on a 44-yard pick-6. The Giants (3-0) went unbeaten in exhibition play for the first time since 2019, outscoring opponents 107-47.
The Patriots (2-1) rested nearly all of their starters, including QB Drake Maye, plus backup Josh Dobbs. In their absences, undrafted free agent Ben Woolridge played the entire game, going 10 of 20 for 82 yards.
“Decided to do that and give us a chance to evaluate some other players,” coach Mike Vrabel said his decision not to play most of his first-team offense and defense. “Where we’re at is still building and developing.”
Injuries
Patriots: Receiver Kendrick Bourne was among those who did not dress because of a leg injury.
Giants: Moore was carted off after injuring his right leg on a punt with under four minutes left. Teammates took a knee while he was attended to by medical personnel, and Wilson, Dart and Winston helped lift him onto the cart. Daboll said: "It wasn’t good. I feel for that young man."
Up next
Patriots: Host Las Vegas to open the season Sept. 7.
Giants: At Washington to open the season Sept. 7.
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Alabama standout LB Deontae Lawson 'has one shot at this' and wants to make it count By KENNINGTON SMITH Associated Press The Associated Press TUSCALOOSA, Ala.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — Deontae Lawson knows he only has one chance remaining.
The linebacker is entering his fifth and final college season, a last ride with the eighth-ranked Crimson Tide that means even more after what he endured last November. Lawson tore a ligament in his knee in a loss to Oklahoma and has spent every waking moment since working his way back.
Now, nine months later, Alabama’s team captain is on track to return for the team's season opener at Florida State next Saturday.
“He’s kind of stayed ahead of every marker that we’ve had for him,” defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “To be able to come out in fall camp, and we thought maybe we would limit some of his loads and all that. We’ve really pushed him, and he’s handled it really well.”
Lawson’s body has changed during recovery as well. He’s down 11 pounds from last season, now listed at 228, and is playing at an impressive speed, Wommack said. For Lawson, the recovery process has put the 2025 season into a new perspective.
“It just made me think about a lot of things,” Lawson said. “Just how blessed I am just to wake up and be able to do this. It just made me realize that you really got one shot at this, to be honest.”
A healthy Lawson, particularly early in the season, is a shot in the arm to an Alabama defense that finished last season allowing 17.4 points a game — its fewest since 2017.
Alongside Lawson at inside linebacker, Alabama features fellow seniors Justin Jefferson and Colorado transfer Nikhai Hill-Green, an All-Big 12 selection last season. Amid an experienced group of defenders, Lawson’s leadership has stood out.
“His leadership is the thing that I think has really come out. That's exciting,” coach Kalen DeBoer said. “I think he feels really good about being out there. Mentally and physically, I think he’s in a really good spot. But there’s still progress to be made as we build toward the first game.”
That progress can’t be replaced with anything but time.
Lawson’s still working through trusting his body and playing without second thought. He carries arguably the most responsibility on defense as the on-field play-caller and will be an integral part of Alabama’s pass rush as well.
The Tide defense recorded 25 sacks last season, ranking 69th nationally, and have placed an emphasis on it during camp. Lawson is Alabama’s returning sack leader (with two) and has spent some of camp working with the outside linebackers in pass-rush drills.
“It’s a mental thing,” Lawson said. “I just got to trust myself. That just takes time. It’s definitely getting better. It’s something that I’ve kind of pushed to the side a little bit and just focus on what I can do.”
Lawson at full throttle is one of the premier defenders in the Southeastern Conference. Despite the injury, he’s been named to the Butkus Award watch list. The award is given annually to the best linebacker in college football. The goal for Lawson is to play at that level and lead Alabama back to the College Football Playoff after a disappointing finish in 2024.
As Lawson continues progressing, he’s drawing closer parallels to the 2023 version of himself, when he weighed 230 pounds and finished second on the team in tackles. The expectation within the program is that his lighter frame paired with his maturity produce the best of Lawson this fall.
“Obviously from an injury standpoint, he had to come back from that, and his body is just in a position to where he’s moving really fast," Wommack said. “He looks good. He’s playing with great anticipation. His level of leadership is taken to another level. He's playing his best football right now, which is pretty impressive to say, eight, nine months, coming off of a leg injury.”
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Panthers re-sign longtime RT Taylor Moton to a 2-year, $44M extension, AP sources says By STEVE REED AP Sports Writer The Associated Press CHARLOTTE N.C.
CHARLOTTE N.C. (AP) — Taylor Moton is staying in Carolina.
The Panthers announced Friday they've given their durable longtime right tackle a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the team through the 2027 season.
Moton will make $44 million over the next two years including $40 million in guaranteed money, a person familiar with the situation told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team typically does not release financial details of contracts.
The deal means the Panthers have all five starting offensive linemen under contract at least through the 2026 season.
A second-round pick in 2017, Moton has been an extremely consistent player in Carolina playing in 129 games with 113 starts. He has missed only three games, all of those last year with an elbow injury, which ended a streak of 104 consecutive starts.
During training camp, Moton got emotional when asked if this might be his final year in Carolina and indicated he wanted to stay.
“All the blood, all the sweat, all the tears, right? I’ve been through so much here; being a Panther means a lot to me," Moton said on July 30. "The city means a lot to me. I found my family here, I found my son here, you know? So much sacrifice has gone out on the football field, the practice field here at Bank of America Stadium.
“I put so much time, so much heart into it, right? So it’s just crazy, you know, but at the end of the day, focused on finishing this out the right way. If it is, obviously I said I have some good years left, but I have a deep passion for this city, for this organization, for all the guys in the locker room, all the staff, everyone involved in making this thing go.”
Panthers coach Dave Canales is expected to address the move during his news conference on Friday.
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Multiple candidates still in the mix in Bengals' right guard battle By CHARLIE GOLDSMITH Associated Press The Associated Press CINCINNATI
CINCINNATI (AP) — Bengals coach Zac Taylor doesn't have a timeline when it comes to naming a starting right guard for Week 1. The position battle between Lucas Patrick, Cody Ford and Jalen Rivers continues as training camp reaches its end.
Even if Taylor had mapped out a plan for the competition, injuries would have prevented that plan from taking shape.
“We’ve had guys battling through injuries almost the entire time,” Taylor said. “I don’t think any schedule we would have had on would have been able to stand up because guys have been fighting through different stuff.”
Taylor announced Wednesday that Cordell Volson will have season-ending shoulder surgery. Volson had been the second-team right guard before he got hurt. He was a starter from 2022 through 2024, but he was slated to fill a bench role before he was injured.
“All he has ever done is come to work and try to be the best Cincinnati Bengal he can be,” Taylor said. “Not always agreeing with what we are doing in terms of him not being a starter anymore, but just handled it in such a professional way and been a team player through and through. That’s what he has been his entire life.”
Patrick and Ford are day to day with undisclosed injuries. As a result, Rivers has been receiving the first-team reps at right guard ahead of Cincinnati's final preseason game on Saturday against Indianapolis.
The Bengals selected Rivers in the fifth round of April's NFL draft to be the team’s swing tackle. But when Rivers struggled at that spot early in training camp and multiple guards suffered injuries, Rivers learned he would be playing guard going forward.
“They drafted me to be a versatile lineman for them,” Rivers said. “I’m showing that I can do that. Showing that I can play right guard and that they can trust me means a lot. I’ll keep working at it.”
While Patrick has missed time with two different injuries during training camp, he has received the most first-team reps at right guard. The eight-year veteran has played in 112 NFL games. Patrick has been a backup for most of his career, but the Bengals are hopeful that he can raise the floor of the team’s offensive guard group.
Patrick assessed his performance in training camp as up-and-down, but he feels himself getting more comfortable in a new scheme.
“I’ve tried to put my best foot forward and play as good as I can, but I’m still adjusting to the nuances and really getting those down,” Patrick said. “I’ve got some work to do. There’s always work to do.”
Ford had been spending most of his time at tackle over the last two weeks, but he’s better at guard and has started games for the Bengals at that position in the past. Taylor said Ford is still in the mix in the right guard battle.
When asked about the potential of adding another offensive lineman before the start of the season, Taylor didn’t shoot down the possibility.
“We’re still working through it,” Taylor said. “We’ve got guys who are competing for a lot of the jobs there and I’m excited to see how that shakes out over the next couple of weeks.”
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49ers bolster injury-hit backfield by acquiring Brian Robinson from Washington By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers added a proven running back to their injury-depleted group by acquiring Brian Robinson from the Washington Commanders for a 2026 sixth-round draft pick.
Two people familiar with the deal said the trade will be finalized once Robinson passes a physical. The people spoke on condition of anonymity because the trade hadn't been announced.
ESPN first reported the deal.
San Francisco was in need of adding healthy running backs behind starter Christian McCaffrey after Patrick Taylor, Corey Kiner and Ameer Abdullah all got placed on injured reserve this month.
Fifth-round rookie Jordan James is also out with a broken finger, and second-year back Isaac Guerendo just returned to practice this week after missing time with a shoulder injury.
Robinson was one of a few players left who were drafted by Washington’s previous regime led by Ron Rivera. A third-round pick in 2022, he was the Commanders’ leading rusher among running backs last season with 799 yards and a career-high eight touchdowns. He has 2,329 yards rushing and 15 TDs the last three seasons.
General manager Adam Peters, who came from San Francisco, drafted Jacory Croskey-Merritt in the seventh round this year, and the rookie known as “Bill” was expected to share carries with Austin Ekeler and Chris Rodriguez Jr. after Robinson appeared to fall out of favor with the coaching staff.
Robinson didn't play in Washington's preseason game on Monday night and was excused from practice earlier this week. Coach Dan Quinn said an organizational decision had been made to hold Robinson out of practices and games and to keep players informed of the situation so they did not hear about it elsewhere.
Robinson’s time with the organization is perhaps best known for being shot twice in the right leg as part of a carjacking attempt in the summer of 2022 before making his NFL debut. He missed the first month but returned to rush for nearly 800 yards and five TDs in 12 games, and a year after said he felt night and day from the aftermath of the shooting.
McCaffrey typically handles most of the load for the 49ers when healthy. He led the NFL with 339 scrimmage touches and 2,023 yards when he won AP Offensive Player of the Year in 2023. McCaffrey played at least 75% of the offensive snaps 15 times that season, including the playoffs.
But the 29-year-old McCaffrey played only four games last season because of injuries to both Achilles and his knee. He also missed significant time due to injuries in 2020 and 2021 with Carolina.
Robinson is the second veteran player added this week by San Francisco in a trade. The Niners also swapped late-round picks in 2027 with Kansas City in a deal to acquire receiver Skyy Moore.
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AP Sports Writer Stephen Whyno contributed to this report
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Former NFL head coaches find benefits in taking advisory roles with different teams By STEVE MEGARGEE AP Sports Writer The Associated Press GREEN BAY, Wis.
GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) — Former Denver Broncos head coach and New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett is resetting his coaching career with an unfamiliar role in a familiar place.
Hackett, the Packers’ offensive coordinator from 2019-21, is back in Green Bay. But this time he’s working with Green Bay’s defense in an advisory capacity.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, who has used this strategy before, said Hackett would be in and out of Green Bay throughout the year. Longtime defensive assistant Robert Saleh advised Green Bay's offense last year after he got fired as the Jets’ head coach midway through the season.
LaFleur remembered how a similar plan worked when he was Atlanta's quarterbacks coach in 2016. That year, Raheem Morris started coaching the Falcons’ receivers after having spent his entire NFL career up to that point as a defensive assistant. Morris now is the Falcons’ head coach.
“I just think it’s a fresh perspective,” LaFleur said. “When you take a defensive guy and put them on offense and vice versa, an offensive guy on defense, it gives you a little different lens to see it through and talk through.”
By having coaches work on the opposite side of the ball from their traditional background, LaFleur has added a twist to a common NFL staffing strategy. Teams across the league have hired former head coaches or coordinators to positions that don’t necessarily rise to the ranks of position coaches or coordinators.
The teams making these moves add more head coaching experience to their staffs, while the ex-head coaches get a chance to stay in the league as they ponder their next step. For instance, after working with the Packers’ offense last year, Saleh has returned to his usual side of the ball as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive coordinator.
Saleh said he provided a different perspective on the offense during his time in Green Bay by offering his thoughts on what might or might not work against a particular defense.
“I joke with Matt, I think it was more therapy for me than I was a help for him,” Saleh said.
New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said he benefited from spending the 2024 season as a consultant with the Cleveland Browns after the end of his six-year stint coaching the Tennessee Titans. Vrabel, who went 54-45 at Tennessee, was fired at the end of the 2023 season.
Vrabel said the experience helped him realize how much he missed the opportunity to lead his own team and put a staff together. It also enabled him to get his focus back on teaching and developing.
“Really enjoyed getting to know those players and teaching them and helping the staff, helping the young coaches,” Vrabel said during his introductory news conference with the Patriots. “It just reminded me of not forgetting all the small, little details that are critical in coaching and teaching.”
Staffs around the NFL feature ex-head coaches in a variety of different roles.
The 49ers’ current assistant head coach is former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley, who was fired as the Indianapolis Colts’ defensive coordinator at the end of last season.
Having that extra experience on staff can prove particularly useful for a first-time head coach.
Tennessee’s Brian Callahan was preparing for the second season of his tenure when he added Mike McCoy to his staff as a senior offensive assistant this year. McCoy coached the San Diego Chargers from 2013-16 and spent six years as an NFL offensive coordinator, though he most recently was a quarterbacks coach for the Jaguars.
“For a guy that’s had the experiences that he’s had, been a head coach and all those things, and for him to come in and the role he’s in with the humility to take on the role and just want to help,” Callahan said. “He just loves football, wants to be around, and wants to lend a helping hand wherever he can help us, at the end of the day.”
When Dave Canales took over at Carolina last year, he brought in former head coaches Dom Capers as a senior defensive assistant and Jim Caldwell as a senior coaching advisor. Canales said it's been invaluable to get their feedback on various situations that could come up on or off the field.
“I can go down and ask and say, ‘Hey, did you ever experience something like this? How did you handle it?'" Canales said. “And (I can) be able to take all that information and try to make the best decision possible."
Yet, the Green Bay cases may be the most intriguing examples because the Packers had a defensive coach assisting the offense and now an offensive coach helping the defense.
Green Bay defensive tackle Kenny Clark said the Packers’ defense should benefit from Hackett’s presence. Clark said Hackett can explain how an offense might react to whatever a defense might try.
“As we all know, all these coaches know each other, a bunch of coaching trees and all that kind of stuff, so they all run a lot of the same stuff,” Clark said. “Just being able to bounce ideas off each other, just telling Haf (defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley) what they’d do in a situation on third-and-4 or second-and-10, how they might attack that situation, I think it helps.”
The move could help provide a reboot for Hackett, who lost his play-calling responsibilities with the Jets late in the 2024 season after lasting just 15 games as Denver’s head coach in 2023.
Saleh said he appreciated his brief time helping Green Bay’s offense last year.
“I’m, again, forever grateful for Matty for opening the door to his building and allowing me the opportunity to work there,” Saleh said. “Just because from a mental space, it was, like I said, more therapeutic than anything for me.”
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AP Pro Football Writers Josh Dubow and Teresa Walker and AP Sports Writers Will Graves and Steve Reed contributed to this report.
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