NFL Coaching Carousel: Major Changes Ahead for 2026

As the NFL playoffs draw near, teams that failed to secure postseason berths are making pivotal adjustments in leadership, sparking a frenzy of head coaching changes. This week has seen what fans and analysts call “Black Sunday” and “Monday,” extending into Tuesday as franchises scramble to revamp their coaching staff and front office in pursuit of a brighter future for the 2026 season.

Notable Coaching Departures

Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh

The biggest shockwave came from Baltimore as the Ravens parted ways with coach John Harbaugh, who concluded an 18-year tenure with a Super Bowl victory. The decision follows a disappointing season marred by injuries and inconsistent performances, leaving the organization in search of new direction. Harbaugh’s record with the team stands at 193-124, including playoffs, and while he is lauded for his contributions, the organization appears ready to embrace a reset.

Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski

In an almost immediate response to Harbaugh’s firing, the Cleveland Browns announced the termination of head coach Kevin Stefanski. Despite leading the team to two playoff appearances and a notable win in 2020, recent seasons have failed to meet expectations, culminating in a second consecutive losing record. Stefanski’s record stands at 46-58, and his inability to stabilize quarterback play amid ongoing turmoil has hurt his standing.

Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris

The Atlanta Falcons also made significant changes, letting go of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after a lackluster performance led to an 8-9 finish. Morris had shown some promise with a four-game winning streak to end the season; however, overall regression led the franchise to explore new visions—especially with rumors of former Falcon QB Matt Ryan returning as president of football.

Additional Changes Across the League

A multitude of other team executives and coaches have not escaped the axe:

• The Las Vegas Raiders parted with coach Pete Carroll after a disappointing 3-14 season that sparked discussions about deeper systemic issues within the franchise.
• The New York Giants dismissed Brian Daboll, stemming from injuries and poor management decisions that piled up despite a promising first year that won him Coach of the Year honors.
• The Washington Commanders mutually agreed to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who were pivotal in leading the team to an NFC championship appearance but faltered this season.

Who’s on Deck?

With all these changes comes an exciting wave of potential candidates who might step into these roles. Among the top prospects are:

• Brian Flores: Currently the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, he could be a fit for several vacancies.
• Mike McCarthy: The former Cowboys and Packers head coach is set to hold discussions with teams, including the Giants.
• Vance Joseph: The Broncos’ defensive coordinator could be sought after by multiple franchises looking for head-coach candidates.

Teams Eyeing New Leadership

As teams initialize interviews for their open positions, the landscape of coaching in the NFL is changing rapidly. Noteworthy interviews have been scheduled across the league:

• The Giants are reportedly meeting with Kevin Stefanski.
• The Titans have lined up interviews with candidates like Lou Anarumo and Matt Nagy.
• The Cowboys have moved on from Matt Eberflus, following a historic defensive setback.

Coaches on the Hot Seat

While several teams have made decisions, attention is pivoting toward several head coaches who remain on shaky ground. Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles, who has managed a tumultuous season, finds himself under scrutiny. His team posted a 36-36 record and was on the brink of missing the playoffs despite entering Week 18 with a semblance of hope.

The dynamic of the NFL is fraught with tension as each franchise seeks to establish a roster capable of competing at a high level. With each fired coach comes speculation and enthusiasm surrounding who will fill these vacancies, offering fans a tantalizing glimpse into the future of their beloved teams.

As the coaching carousel keeps spinning, one thing is clear: the road to the 2026 NFL season is filled with uncertainty, excitement, and a reimagined landscape for all involved.