Black Monday is still a few days away, but the 2026 NFL coaching carousel is already spinning.
Two head coaches have been fired midseason. General managers are on the hot seat. Coordinators across the league are polishing their resumes and preparing interview talking points. This is the time of year when franchises decide whether to blow it up or double down—and agents position their clients for the next job.
Here's everything you need to know about who's already out, who might be next, and which candidates are generating the most buzz.
Head coaching vacancies
New York Giants
Brian Daboll was fired on November 10 after a 2-8 start to his fourth season. Offensive coordinator Mike Kafka took over as interim coach and has gone 0-4 since. The Giants hold significant draft capital and will likely pick in the top three, making this one of the more attractive openings.
Candidates to watch: Robert Saleh (49ers DC), Chris Shula (Rams DC), Mike Kafka, Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame)
Tennessee Titans
Brian Callahan was fired on October 13 after a 1-5 start to his second season. Mike McCoy served as interim coach. The Titans are 3-14 and will likely have a top-three pick, with rookie quarterback Cam Ward showing promise despite the losses.
Candidates to watch: Arthur Smith (Steelers OC), Kevin Stefanski (if Browns move on), Joe Brady (Bills OC)
GM changes already made
The front office carousel has also been active:
- Miami Dolphins: Chris Grier and the team mutually parted ways on October 31 after 10 seasons. Champ Kelly served as interim GM.
- Las Vegas Raiders: Tom Telesco was fired on November 7. The Raiders have interviewed multiple candidates for both HC and GM roles.
- Tennessee Titans: Ran Carthon was replaced by Chiefs assistant GM Mike Borgonzi, giving Tennessee a fresh start at both positions.
Coaches on the hot seat
Several coaches could join the unemployment line after Week 18:
Kevin Stefanski's future in Cleveland remains uncertain. The Browns have underperformed expectations, and multiple sources indicate Stefanski would immediately become a top candidate if Cleveland parts ways with him.
The Cardinals and Falcons situations bear watching, though neither firing feels imminent. Both Jonathan Gannon and Raheem Morris have shown enough to potentially survive disappointing seasons.
Top coordinator candidates
This hiring cycle appears tilted toward defensive minds, a shift from recent offensive-coordinator-heavy searches:
Robert Saleh (49ers DC) — Perhaps the most in-demand candidate. ESPN's Bill Barnwell noted that in the Jets' final 17 games under Saleh, they were No. 1 in defensive EPA per play. Since his firing, they've been the NFL's worst by the same metrics.
Chris Shula (Rams DC) — The grandson of legendary coach Don Shula has the Rams fourth in defensive EPA this season. Sean McVay assistants always draw interest.
Joe Brady (Bills OC) — Despite some recent struggles, Buffalo's offense still ranks among the league's best. Brady has drawn multiple head coach interviews in recent cycles.
The college wild card
Marcus Freeman's name keeps surfacing for NFL openings. The Notre Dame coach has a 43-12 record and led the Irish to a national championship game appearance. His buyout is reportedly $40-50 million, which would limit interested teams—but the Giants' connection (Freeman played and coached in New York's system) makes him a legitimate candidate.
What to watch this week
Week 18 results will clarify several situations. Teams mathematically eliminated will finalize their plans. The NFL officially opens interview request windows after the regular season ends, and expect a flurry of activity starting January 6.
For now, the jockeying continues behind closed doors. But make no mistake—the 2026 coaching cycle is already underway.
Sources: NFL.com, ESPN, The Ringer, Sports Illustrated