The dust has barely settled on another brutal Black Monday, but the NFL coaching tracker 2026 season preparation is already spinning into high gear. As franchises across the league pivot from regular-season disappointment to offseason hope, the fallout from recent firings has created a volatile landscape. With high-profile vacancies in Jacksonville, Chicago, and New York, and rumors swirling around the fate of contenders in the NFC East, this hiring cycle promises to be one of the most consequential in recent memory. Fans and front offices alike are glued to the wire, waiting to see which domino falls next in the quest for gridiron supremacy.

Cowboys Conundrum: The Search for the Next Cowboys Head Coach?

All eyes are fixed on Frisco, Texas, where the situation surrounding Mike McCarthy is reaching a fever pitch. While not technically fired on Black Monday, McCarthy’s contract is set to expire, leaving his future in serious doubt following a disappointing playoff exit. Owner Jerry Jones has remained uncharacteristically tight-lipped, fueling speculation that the team is preparing for a major shakeup.

The conversation inevitably turns to the next Cowboys head coach, with one name dominating the headlines: Bill Belichick. The legendary six-time Super Bowl champion remains the most coveted free agent on the market. Bill Belichick rumors have intensified in the last 48 hours, with insiders suggesting that Jones views the 72-year-old icon as the perfect authoritarian figure to discipline a talented but underachieving roster. If Dallas does make the move, it would arguably be the biggest hiring splash in franchise history, instantly shifting the NFL coach vacancies landscape.

Eagles in Limbo: Sirianni’s Job Security Wavers

Ideally, a playoff appearance grants a coach safety, but Nick Sirianni’s tenure in Philadelphia feels anything but secure. Following a historic late-season collapse where the Eagles lost five of their last six games, the temperature under Sirianni’s seat has reached a boiling point. Despite leading the team to a Super Bowl appearance just two seasons ago, the disconnect between the coaching staff and the roster has become palpable.

Sources indicate that Sirianni’s end-of-season meeting with owner Jeffrey Lurie will be pivotal. Unlike the clear-cut Black Monday coach firings elsewhere, the Eagles' situation is complex. If Philly moves on, they instantly become a top destination for candidates like Ben Johnson or Mike Vrabel. The hesitation suggests the front office is weighing whether a simple coordinator change can fix the issues or if a complete leadership overhaul is required to salvage the prime years of Jalen Hurts.

Confirmed Exits: Analyzing the Open Jobs

While the NFC East provides the drama, several teams have already made decisive moves, adding verified entries to the hiring news NFL cycle. The Jacksonville Jaguars officially parted ways with Doug Pederson after a catastrophic 2024-2025 campaign that saw Trevor Lawrence regress and the team plummet to the bottom of the AFC South. Jacksonville now searches for an offensive-minded innovator to rescue their franchise quarterback.

In Chicago, the Bears got a head start on the process by firing Matt Eberflus late in the season, and they are now casting a wide net. With Caleb Williams entering his second year and a roster loaded with offensive talent, the Chicago vacancy is arguably the most attractive opening on the board. Meanwhile, the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints, having fired Robert Saleh and Dennis Allen mid-season respectively, are deep into their vetting processes, looking for leaders who can instill culture and consistency.

The Top Candidates: Who Gets the Call?

As the NFL coaching tracker 2026 updates by the hour, a hierarchy of candidates is emerging. Beyond the looming shadow of Belichick, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson remains the prize of the cycle. His work revitalizing Jared Goff has made him the top target for teams with young quarterbacks. similarly, Texans OC Bobby Slowik is drawing heavy interest for his role in C.J. Stroud’s rapid ascent.

On the defensive side, Mike Vrabel awaits his return to the sideline. The former Titans coach is viewed as a culture-builder, a trait desperately needed by franchises like the Jaguars and Jets. As interview requests flood in, the coming days will separate the contenders from the pretenders. One thing is certain: the decisions made in January will define the league’s power structure for years to come.