The 2026 NFL offseason has kicked off with a seismic shift in the league's leadership landscape. NFL Black Monday 2026 has lived up to its chaotic reputation, delivering one of the most stunning slates of NFL head coach firings in recent memory. While some moves were anticipated following disappointing campaigns, the Baltimore Ravens' decision to part ways with longtime head coach John Harbaugh has sent shockwaves through the sport, instantly becoming the defining storyline of this cycle. As teams pivot to the 2026 offseason, the race to secure the next NFL head coach is already underway with a crowded field of high-profile candidates and desperate franchises.

Harbaugh Out, Stefanski Gone: The Biggest Shocks of 2026

The headline of the day is undoubtedly the end of an era in Baltimore. After 18 seasons and a Super Bowl title, the Ravens have fired John Harbaugh following a heartbreaking Week 18 loss that kept them out of the postseason. The move marks the biggest bombshell of the NFL coach tracker 2026, putting a Hall of Fame-caliber coach immediately onto the open market. Sources indicate that Harbaugh is already receiving heavy interest, with the New York Giants and Miami Dolphins emerging as potential landing spots.

In Cleveland, the patience finally ran out for Kevin Stefanski. After six seasons and a regression to a 5-12 record in 2025, the Browns dismissed the two-time Coach of the Year. Despite his past accolades, the organization decided a fresh voice was needed to salvage their roster. Stefanski's exit adds another experienced offensive mind to the free-agent pool, likely attracting attention from teams looking to revitalize broken attacks.

Short Leashes: Raiders and Cardinals Clean House

The Las Vegas Raiders continue their carousel of leadership changes, firing Pete Carroll after just one disastrous 3-14 season. The experiment with the 74-year-old coaching legend failed to spark the franchise, leading to the Raiders securing the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming draft. Ownership moved quickly on Black Monday, signaling a desire to rebuild from the ground up—again. This marks yet another hard reset for a team that has struggled to find stability.

Meanwhile, the Arizona Cardinals have parted ways with Jonathan Gannon after three seasons. Gannon, who posted a 15-36 record during his tenure, could not elevate the team into contention in a competitive NFC West. The Cardinals' 3-14 finish made Gannon's exit one of the day's more predictable moves, as the franchise looks for a leader who can better maximize their talent.

Coaching Carousel Rumors: McCarthy to New York?

As the firing cycle cools, the hiring cycle is heating up with intense NFL coaching rumors. A year after the Dallas Cowboys conducted their search for a Mike McCarthy replacement—eventually settling on Brian Schottenheimer—McCarthy himself is back in the mix for a top job. Reports confirm that the former Packers and Cowboys coach is scheduled for an in-person interview with the New York Giants. The Giants, who fired Brian Daboll in November, are casting a wide net that also includes Harbaugh and rising offensive coordinators.

The Miami Dolphins are also major players in this cycle after firing Mike McDaniel. following a 7-10 season and a second consecutive year without playoffs. Miami's vacancy is considered attractive due to their offensive talent, and they are expected to compete with the Giants for the top veteran names available. In Atlanta, the Falcons dismissed Raheem Morris after two 8-9 seasons, joining the Tennessee Titans (who fired Brian Callahan in October) in the hunt for new leadership.

Current NFL Head Coach Openings (2026)

  • Baltimore Ravens: John Harbaugh (Fired)
  • Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski (Fired)
  • Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll (Fired)
  • Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon (Fired)
  • Miami Dolphins: Mike McDaniel (Fired)
  • Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris (Fired)
  • New York Giants: Brian Daboll (Fired mid-season)
  • Tennessee Titans: Brian Callahan (Fired mid-season)

What's Next for the Hiring Cycle?

With eight confirmed openings, the competition for top candidates like Seahawks Offensive Coordinator Klint Kubiak, Broncos Defensive Coordinator Vance Joseph, and the newly available John Harbaugh will be fierce. Teams are moving faster than ever, with interviews already scheduled for this week. As the NFL coach tracker 2026 updates by the hour, fans should expect a flurry of activity as franchises scramble to secure their leaders before the Super Bowl.