2026 NFL head coaching carousel reaches historic mark as two jobs remain open

The 2026 NFL offseason has delivered a breaking update across the league, with 10 head coaching changes tying an all time record and leaving only two franchises still searching for leadership as the offseason timeline continues to unfold.

According to league data, this marks the 16th consecutive season with at least five head coaching changes, and the 10 moves this cycle match previous highs set in 1978, 1997, 2006 and 2022. The scale of turnover underscores a growing urgency across franchises to align coaching philosophy, roster construction and quarterback development in an increasingly competitive league.

The latest movement began with Cleveland replacing Kevin Stefanski with Todd Monken, a shift aimed at reviving an offense that stalled following a playoff appearance in 2023. Buffalo followed by promoting offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach after moving on from Sean McDermott, signaling a commitment to offensive continuity around Josh Allen.

Pittsburgh turned to Super Bowl winning coach Mike McCarthy after Mike Tomlin stepped away, while Baltimore made a bold transition by hiring Jesse Minter to succeed John Harbaugh, ending one of the longest tenured coaching runs in NFL history.

Tennessee hired Robert Saleh after firing Brian Callahan midseason, entrusting the former Jets coach with the development of young quarterback Cam Ward. Miami paired new general manager Jon Eric Sullivan with head coach Jeff Hafley, continuing a defensive driven reset after moving on from Mike McDaniel. Atlanta hired Kevin Stefanski following back to back losing seasons and a prolonged playoff drought, while New York secured John Harbaugh on a five year deal as the Giants seek stability after consecutive down seasons.

What this means league wide is a rare convergence of veteran championship coaches and first time head coaches reshaping organizational direction at the same time. Teams such as the Giants, Steelers and Browns prioritized experience, while the Bills, Ravens and Dolphins leaned into projection and long term development. The impact will be felt not only in win loss columns but also in staffing trees, roster philosophy and quarterback timelines over the next several seasons.

Two openings remain. Arizona fired Jonathan Gannon after three seasons and a 15 and 36 record. The Cardinals finished 3 and 14 and never rose above third in the NFC West under his tenure. The roster offers an intriguing foundation with Kyler Murray, Trey McBride, Marvin Harrison Jr., Budda Baker and a young defensive core, but injuries, divisional competition and ownership spending concerns present challenges that will shape the outlook for any candidate.

Las Vegas also remains open after parting ways with Pete Carroll following a 3 and 14 season. Despite the record, the Raiders hold the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, own the second most projected cap space in the league and have emerging stars in Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty. The next steps will be closely watched, particularly with general manager John Spytek and minority owner Tom Brady overseeing football operations amid ongoing questions about organizational stability and the future of Maxx Crosby.

As the offseason progresses, the final two hires will complete a coaching cycle that reflects both urgency and evolution across the NFL. With quarterback development, roster control and schematic identity at the center of these decisions, the long term impact of the 2026 head coaching carousel will extend well beyond this offseason and into the competitive balance of future seasons.

2026 NFL Head Coaching Changes

1. Atlanta Falcons

New head coach Kevin Stefanski

Former head coach Raheem Morris

Hired January 17

2. Baltimore Ravens

New head coach Jesse Minter

Former head coach John Harbaugh

Hired January 22

3. Buffalo Bills

New head coach Joe Brady

Former head coach Sean McDermott

Hired January 27

4. Cleveland Browns

New head coach Todd Monken

Former head coach Kevin Stefanski

Hired January 5

5. Miami Dolphins

New head coach Jeff Hafley

Former head coach Mike McDaniel

Hired January 19

6. New York Giants

New head coach John Harbaugh

Former head coach Brian Daboll

Hired January 17

I nterim head coach Mike Kafka finished the 2025 season

7. Pittsburgh Steelers

New head coach Mike McCarthy

Former head coach Mike Tomlin

Tomlin stepped down January 13

8. Tennessee Titans

New head coach Robert Saleh

Former head coach Brian Callahan

Callahan fired October 13 during the 2025 season

Open Head Coaching Positions

1. Arizona Cardinals

Former head coach Jonathan Gannon

Fired January 5

General manager Monti Ossenfort leading the search

2. Las Vegas Raiders

Former head coach Pete Carroll

Fired January 5

Football operations overseen by John Spytek and Tom Brady