Head coaching removal, and in some cases front-office figures, is in full swing across the NFL as teams that didn’t make the playoffs readjust in an attempt for a brighter 2026.
Black Sunday and Monday delivered the end for multiple head coaches and one general manager, and this week begins the scramble to fill those positions.
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The changes haven’t just been limited to head coaches. As was widely expected, the Dallas Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on Tuesday after the team surrendered more than 500 points in a season for the first time in franchise history.
Staying in the NFC East, the Washington Commanders have reportedly moved on from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and mutually agreed to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Both were part of Dan Quinn’s inaugural Commanders staff that helped lead Washington to its first conference title game appearance since the 1991 season. Kingsbury is expected to receive head-coaching consideration and to have OC options after assisting Jayden Daniels’ NFL breakout.
The first victims of the week were Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, who were both fired Sunday after the Falcons finished 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 Cleveland Browns parted ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski. Two hours after Stefanski was let go, the Las Vegas Raiders parted ways with coach Pete Carroll after just one season. Not long after that, the Arizona Cardinals fired 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 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.
Among those who appear to be safe from the latest round of firings is Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, who is expected to be back in 2026 despite the team’s search for a new general manager, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Monday.
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.
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FIREDJonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
Record with team: 15-36, three seasons
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.
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Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Record with team: 3-14, one season
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: Former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, 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 in 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: Former Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski, former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, 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 SEATJohn 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 blogLive40 updates
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 11:41 AM PST
Criss Partee
The Clemson Tigers had explored an inquiry on Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken for their previous OC vacancy. The University filled that role earlier this month with Chad Morris. According to Senior NFL Insider Josina Anderson and her sources, Clemson could not wait on Monken.
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 11:27 AM PST
Criss Partee
It is being reported that if Atlanta hires former MVP quarterback Matt Ryan as president of football, he would leave his broadcasting job at CBS, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. They are still working to complete the process with Ryan.
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 9:44 AM PST
Andy Backstrom
Denver Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is expected to interview this week for the Raiders’, Cardinals’, Giants’ and Titans’ head-coaching jobs, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Joseph currently oversees a Broncos defense that allowed the third-fewest points per game (18.3) this season. Before taking over as Denver’s DC ahead of the 2023 season, he served as Arizona’s DC from 2019-22.
Joseph has previous head-coaching experience. He went 11-21 in two seasons leading the Broncos from 2017-18.
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 9:13 AM PST
Criss Partee
Washington is cleaning house today after mutually parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders are also reportedly moving on from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 9:04 AM PST
Criss Partee
One name to watch for the Dallas Cowboys’ recently vacant defensive coordinator position is current Minnesota Vikings DC Brian Flores. While the Vikings took a step back as a team overall this season, Flores has been praised for the job he’s done with the defense over the past three years.
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 9:03 AM PST
Criss Partee
The Washington Commanders and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have decided to mutually part ways after just two seasons. In year one of Kingsbury’s tenure, the Commanders made it to the NFC championship game. This season, they regressed and missed the postseason altogether.
Kingsbury is expected to receive interest for head coaching and offensive coordinator positions.
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 8:29 AM PST
Criss Partee
The Tennessee Titans have three interviews scheduled for the week in their search to fill the head coaching vacancy.
Wednesday: Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo
Thursday: Kansa City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy
Saturday: Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski
Stefanski was let go by Cleveland on Monday following a 5-12 campaign. In six seasons as Browns head coach Stefanski led them to two winning seasons, two playoff appearances and was a two-time Coach of the Year award winner.
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 7:38 AM PST
Kate Magdziuk
Tue, January 6, 2026 at 6:44 AM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Dallas Cowboys parted ways with defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus on Tuesday — a move that was widely expected after the team allowed more than 500 points in a season for the first time in franchise history.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones had lamented his defense’s performance for weeks. The unit lost star Micah Parsons shortly before the start of the season after he was traded to the Green Bay Packers and never truly found its footing, even after acquiring defensive lineman Quinnen Williams at the trade deadline.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 4:53 PM PST
Ryan Young
The Dolphins have put out an initial list of interviewees for their open GM position. They’ll start interviewing candidates virtually this week.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 3:10 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers collapsed in the second half of the season, fumbling the NFC South title to the Carolina Panthers. This disastrous season has raised the heat on head coach Todd Bowles, who has led the Bucs over the past four seasons.
Bowles is having none of it.
“All I can do is coach and be myself. I’ve earned the chance,” Bowels said, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Rick Stroud. “I’ve won three straight division titles, so that says a lot as far as I’m concerned.”
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 2:53 PM PST
Ian Casselberry
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor was not among the four NFL coaches fired on Sunday and Monday (creating six openings thus far). Team owner and president Mike Brown announced that Taylor and director of player personnel Duke Tobin would retain their jobs, though the team finished .
With his job for next season seemingly secure, Taylor told reporters (including WLWT’s Charlie Clifford) covering the team that he’ll bring back his entire coaching staff.
That includes offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher, whose unit ranked No. 17 among NFL teams in total offense. However, quarterback Joe Burrow was limited to eight games this season due to a turf toe injury.
Defensive coordinator Al Golden will also return despite the Bengals’ finishing with the second-worst defense in the NFL, allowing 381 yards per game (6,475 yards total).
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 2:50 PM PST
Kate Magdziuk
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 1:45 PM PST
Criss Partee
Former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski is expected to be in contact with the Atlanta Falcons, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans about their head coaching vacancies. Stefanski finished his six-year tenure in Cleveland with a 5-12 record this season and a 45-56 record overall. The Browns made the playoffs twice under Stefanski, and he was also a two-time NFL Coach of the Year award winner.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 1:38 PM PST
Ryan Young
The Tennessee Titans are going to interview Raheem Morris later this week, according to ESPN’s Peter Schrager. Morris, who was fired by the Falcons on Sunday night, is expected to interview with several teams with open head coaching jobs — and open defensive coordinator positions — this cycle.
Raheem Morris is expected to interview with several teams for open head coaching jobs after he was fired by the Falcons. (David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
(Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)Mon, January 5, 2026 at 1:11 PM PST
Criss Partee
The Miami Dolphins are expected to bring back head coach Mike McDaniel for another season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
McDaniel spoke to the media on Monday and expressed the same sentiment in his expectation of remaining the Dolphins head coach.
“My understanding is that I am the coach of the Miami Dolphins until told otherwise.” McDaniel told reporters on Monday.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 12:50 PM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Philip Rivers continued to turn heads, even if his days of playing QB for the Colts or any other team are done. Rivers received head coaching interest, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported Sunday. On Monday, Rivers addressed the report, telling reporters:
“I do think, as humbly as I can say it, that I can coach at this level. I know enough about the game, about the guys from a leadership standpoint — camaraderie, all that comes with it. But, again, that’s not something that I’m sitting here pursuing.”
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:57 AM PST
Tarohn Finley
The Atlanta Falcons requested to interview Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver for the team’s vacant head coach position, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Weaver has served as the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator for the last two seasons. Before his time with the Dolphins, Weaver was the assistant head coach for the Baltimore Ravens and the defensive coordinator for the Houston Texans.
The Falcons also requested an interview with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The Falcons fired former head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot on Sunday.
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:55 AM PST
Yahoo Sports Staff
Mon, January 5, 2026 at 11:48 AM PST
Tarohn Finley
The Atlanta Falcons requested to interview Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak for the team’s 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. The Falcons fired former head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot on Sunday.