NFL Coaching Carousel: A Season of Change

As the NFL regular season wraps up, the drama of Black Sunday and Monday has taken center stage. It’s the time of year when teams make critical decisions about their coaching staff, and the landscape of the league is poised for a significant overhaul heading into the 2026 season.

The First Victims

This year’s coaching casualties kicked off with a shocking move from the Atlanta Falcons. Despite a late-season surge that ended the year with a record of 8-9, head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot were both shown the door. Their departure marks a pivotal moment as the Falcons aim to reset their direction. Former quarterback Matt Ryan is reportedly in talks to return to the organization in a new role, possibly as president of football operations, adding an intriguing twist to Atlanta’s future.

Monday Madness

The coaching chaos continued into Monday, where the Cleveland Browns decided to part ways with head coach Kevin Stefanski. His tenure saw highs and lows, including a playoff appearance in his first season. However, a series of underwhelming seasons culminated in a tumultuous 5-12 campaign in 2025, leading to his exit.

Not long after, the Las Vegas Raiders followed suit, firing Pete Carroll after just one season. The team’s disappointing 3-14 record, marked by internal strife, including a public dispute with star player Maxx Crosby, ultimately sealed Carroll’s fate, illustrating how quickly fortunes can turn in the NFL.

Adding to the mix, the Arizona Cardinals relieved Jonathan Gannon of his duties, completing his three-year run with a dismal record of 15-36. The Cardinals struggled significantly on defense, failing to show tangible improvements despite a heavy investment in draft picks aimed at bolstering that side of the ball.

Coaches Already Dismissed Mid-Season

In a trend not uncommon in today’s NFL, two head coaches were already axed during the season: Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans and Brian Daboll of the New York Giants. Callahan’s tenure was tumultuous, characterized by failure to establish an effective offense and emotional outbursts during games, while Daboll went from celebrated Coach of the Year to facing scrutiny for his team’s management and lack of resilience.

Among the coaches with uncertain futures, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen appears to be safe, with reports indicating he will return. This stability is notable, especially given that Steichen was at the helm during a rollercoaster season marred by injuries to key players.

Conversely, the Cincinnati Bengals have opted for continuity, announcing that head coach Zac Taylor and general manager Duke Tobin will return for another season, despite a disappointing 6-11 record in 2025.

The Potential Replacements

The coaching carousel brings speculation about potential replacements for the departed heads. For the Cardinals, names like Vikings’ Brian Flores and Rams’ Chris Shula have surfaced as potential candidates. Similarly, for the Raiders, fans are buzzing about possible new leaders, with former head coaches like Mike McCarthy and innovative offensive minds like Joe Brady shining as thrilling candidates.

Coaches on the Hot Seat

Looking at the broader context, several coaches are navigating a precarious landscape heading into the offseason:

• Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins: McDaniel leads a .500 record through four seasons but faces scrutiny after late-season collapses in his previous two campaigns. While injuries to quarterback Tua Tagovailoa might save him for now, doubts linger about his command in the locker room.

• John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens: With a legacy built on stability, this season’s mediocre performance has raised eyebrows. Harbaugh’s ability to inspire a return to form will be crucial as questions about his long-term viability arise.

• Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bowles stands at a crossroads after the Buccaneers missed the playoffs for the first time in his tenure. With a less than stellar overall record, the next season will be pivotal for his future.

The Road Ahead

As the NFL gears up for another offseason of both hope and uncertainty, the ripple effects of these coaching changes will resonate throughout the league. Fans, players, and organizations alike eagerly anticipate how these shake-ups will shape the 2026 season, with new leadership poised to usher in a fresh era for multiple franchises. The excitement of each coaching search carries with it the promise of renewal, accountability, and ultimately, the quest for the elusive Super Bowl trophy.