NFL Coaching Carousel: 2025 Firings

Top Openings for 2026

To paraphrase the legendary Houston Oilers' head coach Bum Phillips: "There's two kinds of coaches, them that's fired and them that's gonna be fired."

The NFL coaching landscape entered a state of significant upheaval at the end of the 2025 season, with a wave of firings and organizational resets across the league. Several long-tenured and high-profile head coaches were dismissed in a cycle that ranks among the busiest in recent memory.

Major Firings After the 2025 Season

One of the most shocking moves came when the Baltimore Ravens fired John Harbaugh after 18 seasons as head coach. Harbaugh had been one of the longest-serving coaches in the NFL, compiling 180 regular-season wins and a Super Bowl title in the franchise’s history. His dismissal marked a dramatic end to a tenure that spanned nearly two decades and included consistent playoff appearances.

The Cleveland Browns also made a change, parting ways with Kevin Stefanski after six seasons in charge. Stefanski’s tenure included an 11-5 season and a playoff win early in his stint, but a 5-12 finish in 2025 ultimately led to the organization seeking new leadership.

Elsewhere, a handful of other head coaching jobs opened up:

• Las Vegas Raiders fired Pete Carroll after one season, ending a brief and difficult tenure.
• The Arizona Cardinals dismissed Jonathan Gannon after three seasons, including a 3-14 campaign.
• The Atlanta Falcons moved on from Raheem Morris following a 16-18 record over two years.
• Earlier in the season the Tennessee Titans fired Brian Callahan after a disappointing start, and the New York Giants had already made a change by dismissing Brian Daboll.

Black Monday & Midseason Changes

The day after the regular season — historically dubbed “Black Monday” — saw several of these changes officially announced, following what has become a tradition in the NFL coaching carousel. The number of firings this year was notably high, underscoring the increasing impatience of franchises looking for turnaround and consistency.

Which Head Coach Openings Are Most Appealing?

Not all coaching vacancies are equal. Some franchises present a more attractive combination of roster talent, draft capital, stability, and organizational culture, while others offer rebuilding challenges that might deter certain candidates.

Baltimore Ravens

Despite firing Harbaugh, the Ravens remain an attractive option. With a roster headlined by a dynamic quarterback and strong defensive pieces, the job is seen as one of the most desirable openings in the league. A new coach could inherit a team that should remain competitive immediately.

New York Giants

The Giants’ vacancy has generated interest from high-profile coaches. Rumors and betting markets have linked Harbaugh and Stefanski to the position, with both reportedly interviewing or in serious consideration for the job. The Giants have young talent on offense and could be appealing to coaches who want to help reshape a franchise.

Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s head coach opening presents an intriguing but complex opportunity. Though the Browns have struggled with consistency and personnel issues such as quarterback controversy, the team has valuable draft capital and some emerging talent that could attract a coach looking to build over time.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons could appeal to coaches seeking a somewhat “win-now” environment. Atlanta still boasts playmakers and has shown flashes of potential, making it a job that might appeal to experienced leaders ready to leverage existing roster strengths.

Other Vacancies

Jobs with franchises like the Raiders and Cardinals might be seen as longer rebuilds, requiring patience and a strong vision. Still, they offer coaches a chance to establish a culture and direction in places hungry for success.

What This Means for the Coaching Market

With so many openings in a single cycle — potentially seven or more — 2026 stands out as one of the most competitive coaching markets in recent memory. The movement creates opportunities for both veteran leaders and fresh faces coming off successful coordinator stints. Industry observers and bettors alike will be watching candidate interviews, rumor developments, and eventual hires closely throughout the offseason.

As teams redefine their identities and leadership, the upcoming coaching hires could shape the NFL landscape for years to come.