The NFL landscape underwent a seismic shift this NFL Black Monday 2026, marking the end of one of the league's most stable eras. In a stunning move that headlines a chaotic day of dismissals, the Baltimore Ravens have parted ways with head coach John Harbaugh after 18 historic seasons. The decision comes on the heels of a disappointing 2025 campaign, signaling a total reset for a franchise long defined by continuity. But Harbaugh wasn't the only big name to fall; the coaching carousel is spinning faster than ever with Pete Carroll exiting the Raiders and Mike McDaniel departing the Dolphins, creating a frenzy of NFL head coach vacancies.

John Harbaugh Fired: End of an Era in Baltimore

For nearly two decades, John Harbaugh was synonymous with Baltimore Ravens football. Hired in 2008, he brought a culture of toughness and consistency that resulted in a Super Bowl XLVII victory and a .614 winning percentage over his tenure. However, the John Harbaugh fired news breaks after a lackluster 2025 season where the Ravens finished outside the playoff picture, reportedly due to internal friction and on-field regression.

Harbaugh leaves as the franchise's all-time wins leader (193 total victories) and one of the most respected figures in the game. Sources close to the organization suggest the decision was mutual but driven by ownership's desire for a "philosophical reset" following the team's elimination from postseason contention on the final day of the regular season. The search for his successor begins immediately, with the Ravens job expected to be the most coveted opening on the market.

Pete Carroll's Raiders Experiment Ends After One Season

In Las Vegas, the experiment is over before it truly began. Pete Carroll, who made a sensational return to the NFL to lead the Raiders for the 2025 season, has been dismissed after a disastrous 3-14 finish. The move makes Carroll a "one-and-done" coach, a rare blemish on a Hall of Fame-worthy résumé.

Insiders point to the heavy influence of minority owner Tom Brady in the decision-making process. The Pete Carroll Raiders tenure was plagued by offensive struggles, specifically the regression of quarterback Geno Smith, who led the league in interceptions. General Manager John Spytek and Brady are now tasked with finding a leader who can finally bring stability to a franchise that has cycled through four head coaches in as many years. Names like Brian Flores are already surfacing in early NFL coaching rumors as potential replacements.

Mike McDaniel Out in Miami, Browns and Falcons Make Moves

While Harbaugh and Carroll grabbed the headlines, another shockwave came from South Beach. Despite reports earlier in the week suggesting he might be safe, the Miami Dolphins have officially parted ways with head coach Mike McDaniel. After a promising start to his tenure in 2022, the Dolphins stagnated in 2025, struggling to compete in a crowded AFC East. The departure of Mike McDaniel from the Dolphins underscores the league's "win-now" mentality, as ownership reportedly grew impatient with the team's inability to secure a playoff win.

Other Major Firings Across the League

The bloodshed didn't stop there. NFL Black Monday 2026 claimed several other victims as teams look to turn the page:

  • Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski was relieved of his duties after a 5-12 season, ending a six-year run that included two Coach of the Year awards but recent decline.
  • Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris was let go after failing to break the team's playoff drought, with the Falcons finishing 8-9.
  • Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon was dismissed following a 3-14 campaign, leaving the franchise with major questions surrounding Kyler Murray's future.

What's Next? The 2026 Coaching Search Begins

With at least six NFL head coach vacancies now open, the race for top talent is on. The NFL coaching rumors mill is already churning with high-profile candidates. Former heavyweights and rising coordinators alike will be vying for these positions, but the allure of the Baltimore opening likely puts the Ravens in the driver's seat for their top choice.

As interviews line up and requests go out, this offseason promises to be one of the most transformative in recent history. For fans in Baltimore, Las Vegas, and Miami, the hope is that today's painful changes will lead to tomorrow's championships.