The NFL regular season has drawn to a close. Black Sunday and Monday are upon us, and we’ll find out which coaches won’t be back for the 2026 season.
The first victims of the week were Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, who were both fired on Sunday after the Falcons finished the season 8-9. Former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan also could be returning to the organization in a new role as president of football.
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On Monday, the Browns parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Two hours after Stefanski was let go, the Raiders parted ways with coach Pete Carroll after just one season. Not long after that, it was reported that the Arizona Cardinals were parting ways with Jonathan Gannon following his third straight losing season.
Two head coaches, the Tennessee Titans’ Brian Callahan and the New York Giants’ Brian Daboll, lost their jobs during the season. Another whose status might have been in question, Indianapolis’ Shane Steichen, is reportedly returning next season, along with general manager Chris Ballard. The Cincinnati Bengals answered a similar question Monday, announcing the return of head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin for another season.
Here’s the rundown on where the carousel currently stands, plus the latest coaching news updates. We also rank the top coaching openings, from least to most attractive. And here are the top candidates on the market to fill those vacancies.
FIREDJonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
Record with team: 15-36, three seasons
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Why he was fired: Gannon was hired in part to toughen up Arizona’s defense, and that didn’t really happen. This season’s unit was 26th in EPA per play allowed, 27th in success rate allowed, and in general hasn’t taken a step forward despite 17 of Gannon’s 28 draft picks being on that side of the ball, including six of seven last spring. It’s hard to say the Cardinals are demonstrably better than they were when Gannon was hired.
Potential replacements: Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Record with team: 3-14, one season
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Why he was fired: Carroll was supposed to bring stability to the franchise, but it was more losing under the 74-year-old former Super Bowl winner. The Raiders beat the Kansas City Chiefs in their season finale to end a winless streak that dated to Week 6. The offseason trade for Carroll’s preferred QB Geno Smith never yielded much, the offensive and special teams coordinators were both fired in November, and now there was a dispute with Maxx Crosby over the star pass rusher being placed on injured reserve. None of it reflected well on Carroll, who was in over his head trying to fix a franchise where the rot goes much deeper (and higher).
Potential replacements: Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, former Giants coach Brian Daboll, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
Record with team: 46-58 (including playoffs), six seasons
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Why he was fired: The Browns suffered their fourth losing record in six years under Stefanski, as well as a second straight year picking in the top seven of the draft. The cataclysmic Deshaun Watson trade is partly on Stefanski, who recruited him in the spring of 2022, and for all of Stefanski’s offensive acumen, none of the 13 quarterbacks who’ve started under his watch has proven to be the long-term solution.
Potential replacements: Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
Record with team: 16-18, two seasons
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Why he was fired: Morris hadn’t been flat-out bad. The Falcons won their final four games of the season, seemingly helping Morris’ cause. But the Falcons regressed overall this season and the operation felt shaky under his watch. While he ended up a fall guy alongside general manager Terry Fontenot, who oversaw an all-in 2025 that included trading away the team’s first-round draft pick next spring, Morris didn’t always build the strongest case for himself. The Falcons now look like they will completely revamp their football operations department with former quarterback Matt Ryan poised to come in as Atlanta’s new president of football.
Potential replacements: Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur, Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy.
Brian Daboll, New York Giants
Record with team: 21-41-1, three full seasons and 10 games
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Why he was fired: Daboll won Coach of the Year his first season in charge, leading the Giants to a playoff win behind Daniel Jones and Saquon Barkley. But injuries and underachievement dug a hole Daboll couldn’t coach his way out of, and his handling of the Giants’ overall operation — from game management to interfering with concussion protocol to repeatedly exposing 2025 first-round rookie QB Jaxson Dart to extra punishment in the run game — became too much for the franchise to bear.
Potential replacements: Former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, former Cowboys and Packers head coach Mike McCarthy, former Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, Rams defensive coordinator Chris Shula, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans
Record with team: 4-19, one full season and six games
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Why he was fired: Callahan was more successful at drawing attention to himself off the field than winning on it. He blew up at QB Will Levis multiple times during games, admitted he didn’t know a rule that cost the Titans early this season, excoriated referees and more. Despite his reputation as an offensive guru, it didn’t seem like No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward was making much progress under his auspices, and the Titans decided to admit their mistake and cut bait.
Potential replacements: Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
ON THE HOT SEATMike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
Record with team: 35-35 (including playoffs), fourth season
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Why he might get fired: The story of the McDaniel era (thus far) is starting with a bang and petering out, both in the micro and macro. He made the playoffs his first two seasons (including a hallowed 70 burger against the Broncos), but lost six of the last seven in 2022 and four of his last six in 2023. Since then, his motion-heavy, speed-oriented offense has been less effective against the league as a whole, and off-field issues (including players reportedly running out defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who won a Super Bowl with the Eagles last season) suggest McDaniel doesn’t have much command of the locker room.
Why he might be safe: Tua Tagovailoa’s limitations and concussion concerns have limited the Dolphins, and if they don’t bring him back next season, the salary cap hit would be so big that team owner Stephen Ross might decide it’s worth keeping McDaniel around one more year to get out from under it.
John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
Record with team: 193-124 (including playoffs), 18th season
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Why he might get fired: The Ravens were surprisingly mediocre this season, and it can’t all be attributed to Lamar Jackson’s injuries. Their defense yo-yo’d between outright bad and competent, and some of Harbaugh’s in-game decisions have drawn scrutiny. Harbaugh has failed to get back to the Super Bowl with a two-time MVP quarterback in Jackson, and there’s a general sense that a breath of fresh air at head coach might be good for the Ravens.
Why he might be safe: This is only Harbaugh’s third losing season, and the stability he brings the organization is valuable. If he’s not back, it won’t be because he became a bad coach overnight.
Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record with team: 36-36 (including playoffs), fourth season
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Why he might get fired: Despite winning Saturday against the Panthers, the Saints’ defeat Sunday blocked the Bucs from the postseason. Entering Week 18, Bowles’ Buccaneers lost seven of eight. The downturn came as they got healthier, which was confusing. There were some bad losses, and for a coach without a great career record, maybe there isn’t a reason to believe things will be decidedly better in the 2026 season.
Why he might be safe: Bowles was on the verge of his fourth straight division title, albeit in a mediocre NFC South. This is the first time in Bowles’ run with Tampa that the Bucs haven’t made the postseason.
NFL coaching news live blogLive21 updates
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:48 AM PST
Tarohn Finley
The Atlanta Falcons requested to interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for their vacant head coach position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
In Kubiak’s first year with the Seahawks, the team went 14-3 and was the No. 1 seed in the NFC. Coaches who have the No. 1 seed and a first-round bye are permitted to interview during wild-card week.
Before Kubiak was the offensive coordinator of the Seahawks, he served as the offensive coordinator for the New Orleans Saints and the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers and the Denver Broncos.
Kubiak also coached with his father, Gary Kubiak, on the Minnesota Vikings.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:36 AM PST
Jason Owens
The Atlanta Falcons have requested an interview with Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for their opening at head coach, NFL Network reports. Kubiak is in his first season as Seattle’s offensive coordinator after working in the same position with the Saints and Vikings.
He could potentially interview this week with the Seahawks on a bye for the first round of the playoffs.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:35 AM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
As the Raiders search for a new head coach after firing Pete Carroll and make preparations as the first selector in the 2026 NFL Draft, expect a more input from Tom Brady, the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:15 AM PST
Criss Partee
New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said the franchise will begin head coaching interviews this week. The Giants fired head coach Brian Daboll in November after a 2-8 start to the season. Mike Kafka took over and finished the season as interim head coach.
Schoen has not revealed whether he’s received an contract extension with the Giants. His current deal runs through the end of next season.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:00 AM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 10:44 AM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 9:56 AM PST
Criss Partee
The Miami Dolphins have requested to interview San Francisco 49ers assistant general manager R.J. Gillen for their vacant GM position.
Philadelphia Eagles assistant GM Alec Halaby. San Francisco 49ers VP of Player Personnel Tariq Ahmad, 49ers director of scouting and football operations Josh Williams, and 49ers assistant general manager RJ Gillen. Los Angeles Rams assistant GM John McKay and Green Bay Packers VP of Player Personnel Jon-Eric Sullivan.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 9:04 AM PST
Criss Partee
The Arizona Cardinals will be searching for a new head coach this offseason after firing Jonathan Gannon on Monday. Gannon led the Cardinals to three losing seasons, culminating in a 3-14, 2025 campaign. Before becoming Arizona’s head coach in 2023, Gannon was the defensive coordinator in Philadelphia for two years.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 8:26 AM PST
Criss Partee
Head coach Pete Carroll has been fired by the Las Vegas Raiders after just one season, the team announced on Monday.
The Raiders concluded a disappointing 2025 campaign on Sunday with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, bringing their record to 3-14 to end the season. Carroll signed a three-year deal last year, and the Raiders finished with one of the worst records in the NFL and ranked last in the league in multiple offensive categories on offense.
Las Vegas also locked up the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Now that the Raiders officially own the No. 1 overall pick in this year’s draft, it is suspected by many that they may select Heisman Trophy winner, Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 8:18 AM PST
Criss Partee
The Tennessee Titans have requested interviews with Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, and Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy. Of the four potential candidates, only Anarumo has never been a head coach in the NFL.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 7:20 AM PST
Chris Cwik
The New York Giants will make one major change ahead of the 2026 NFL season, but one person in power will stick around. General manager Joe Schoen will reportedly return to the team after it went 4-13 in 2025, per the New York Post.
Schoen was initially hired by the Giants ahead of the 2022 NFL season.
The team hasn’t been very productive under Schoen since then. After making the playoffs in 2022, the Giants have gone 13-38 over the past three seasons.
Despite the struggles, Schoen may have found some talent in the 2025 NFL Draft. Jaxson Dart proved to be a playmaker at quarterback and Cam Skattebo looked like an impact runner before a devastating ankle injury.
That may have allowed Schoen to retain his job for another season. He’ll have another chance to add an elite talent ahead of next season, as the Giants pick fifth in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 7:07 AM PST
Chris Cwik
The Cincinnati Bengals will run it back following a disappointing 2025 NFL season. The team announced Monday that both head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin will return in 2026.
The status of both men were in question after the Bengals went just 6-11 this season.
The move ensures Taylor will return for his eighth season with the Bengals. He’s put together a 52-63-1 record with the team, including leading it to the Super Bowl
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 6:17 AM PST
Chris Cwik
The Cleveland Browns are making changes after going 5-12 in 2025. The team fired head coach Kevin Stefanski on Monday, hours after the Browns beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18.
The team confirmed the news in a statement, saying general manager Andrew Berry will lead the coaching search.
Stefanski experienced highs and lows in six seasons on the job. After leading the team to the playoffs in his first season, Stefanski’s Browns hovered around .500 over the next two years before another playoff appearance in 2023.
But things bottomed out from there, with the team combining to go 7-26 over the next two years. That, combined with unrest at quarterback, led to Stefanski’s firing Monday.
Sun, January 4, 2026 at 6:14 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Falcons owner Arthur Blank released a statement after the team parted ways with Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot:
Sun, January 4, 2026 at 5:46 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Atlanta Falcons have fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following an 8-9 season despite ending on a 4-game win streak.
Sun, January 4, 2026 at 5:06 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Pete Carroll doesn’t sound like a guy ready to retire even after a tough first season with the Raiders.
Sun, January 4, 2026 at 4:32 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
1. Las Vegas Raiders
2. New York Jets
3. Arizona Cardinals
4. Tennessee Titans
5. New York Giants
6. Cleveland Browns
7. Washington Commanders
How many of these teams will have a new head coach come April?
Sun, January 4, 2026 at 4:17 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
“Don’t blame all this on Flus,” Jones said, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “This took five or six years to get here … I can’t make a case for you that we haven’t had a satisfactory defense for five or six years, really.”
After the Cowboys got torched again in Sunday’s loss to the Giants, has Jones’ mind changed?
We’ll find out in the coming days.
Sun, January 4, 2026 at 3:55 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Will Kevin Stefanski be back in Cleveland?
He would be if one of his best defenders had his say.
Sun, January 4, 2026 at 3:52 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff