Coaching Chaos: McDaniel to Chargers, Bieniemy Returns to KC, & The Jan 28 Hiring Spree

The NFL coaching carousel spun at breakneck speed this week, with January 28, 2026, marking one of the busiest hiring days in recent memory. For fantasy football managers, particularly in Dynasty leagues, these moves are not just news—they are actionable shifting tides in player value.

We break down the confirmed hires from the "Jan 28 Spree" and analyze what they mean for your fantasy rosters.

The Headliners: Offensive Masterminds on the Move

Mike McDaniel Hired as Chargers OC

The Move: After a stint elsewhere, Mike McDaniel lands in Los Angeles as the Offensive Coordinator for the Chargers. Dynasty Impact: 📈 Justin Herbert (Stock Up) This is the dream pairing dynasty managers have been waiting for. Herbert's arm talent combined with McDaniel's motion-heavy, schematic advantages is a recipe for elite fantasy production.

• The Angle: Expect Herbert’s efficiency metrics (YPA, Completion %) to spike. If you can buy Herbert for anything less than top-5 QB prices, do it now.
• Secondary Winner: The Chargers' speed receivers. McDaniel knows how to utilize speed better than anyone.

Eric Bieniemy Returns to Kansas City (OC)

The Move: The Chiefs bring back Eric Bieniemy as Offensive Coordinator. Dynasty Impact: 🔄 Patrick Mahomes (Stabilizer) With the Chiefs looking to re-establish their offensive identity, bringing back the coordinator who oversaw their most disciplined seasons makes sense.

• The Angle: While Mahomes is always a hold/buy, this move signals a return to structure. For Dynasty, it suggests a "get right" season is incoming for the entire Chiefs offense.

Kevin Stefanski Hired as Falcons HC

The Move: Former Browns HC Kevin Stefanski takes the helm in Atlanta. Dynasty Impact: 📈 Bijan Robinson (Stock Up) Stefanski's offenses in Cleveland were renowned for their efficient, devastating ground attacks (think Nick Chubb).

• The Angle: Bijan Robinson is arguably the most talented back Stefanski has ever coached. The volume usage combined with Stefanski's zone-run scheme solidifies Bijan as a top-3 overall Dynasty asset.
• Note: With Matt Ryan also joining the front office as President of Football Operations, the "Falcons Culture" overhaul is officially underway.

The Head Coach Hires

Mike McCarthy to Steelers

The Move: The Steelers hire Mike McCarthy as Head Coach. Fantasy Take: Stability. McCarthy brings a pass-heavy background but also a veteran presence consistent with the "Steelers Way." Expect a functional offense, though perhaps not the cutting-edge innovation of a McDaniel.

Jesse Minter to Ravens

The Move: The Ravens stay defensive-minded, hiring Jesse Minter (formerly Chargers DC) to replace John Harbaugh. Fantasy Take: This likely means the Ravens will continue to rely on a strong run game and stout defense. It reinforces the value of their RBs in dynasty, as game scripts should remain favorable.

John Harbaugh to Giants

The Move: Harbaugh stays in the coaching game, moving up I-95 to New York. Fantasy Take: A culture setter for a Giants team in need of direction.

Robert Saleh to Titans

The Move: Saleh takes over in Tennessee, bringing Brian Daboll with him as OC. Fantasy Take: Brian Daboll as OC is the real fantasy story here. Will Levis (or the next Titans QB) gets a quarterback whisperer. This makes the Titans' passing game weapons interesting "buy low" dart throws in dynasty.

Other Notable Coordinator Moves

• Todd Monken to Browns (HC): The carousel completes a circle as Monken gets his shot at HC.
• Jonathan Gannon to Packers (DC): Defensive boost for Green Bay.

Trade Analyzer Verdict

The biggest winner of the Jan 28 cycle is undoubtedly Justin Herbert. The pairing with McDaniel removes the "conservative playcalling" cap that has occasionally frustrated managers. Conversely, Bijan Robinson managers should feel relieved that an elite run-game coordinator is now his Head Coach.

Action Item: Check your league's trade block. If the Herbert manager is worried about coaching turnover, send an offer immediately.