NFL Coaching Shakeup After the 2025–26 Season — Who Got Fired and Where They Should Land Next

The 2025 NFL regular season delivered on the field — and delivered a seismic shakeup behind the scenes. As teams prepare for the 2026 campaign, several franchises have hit the reset button on head coaching, opening major opportunities for candidates across the league.

From established veterans to rising coordinators, football minds are once again on the move. This blog breaks down the coaches who were fired this season and explores the best potential landing spots for them — and for the teams still seeking head coaches that fit their rosters and aspirations.

🔥 Coaches Who Were Fired in the 2025–26 Cycle

Following Black Monday and the conclusion of the regular season, at least six head coaches have been dismissed due to underperformance or organizational change.

❌ Arizona Cardinals — Jonathan Gannon

Gannon was let go after a 3–14 season, finishing with a 15–36 record over three years. The Cardinals failed to establish offensive rhythm or defensive identity under his tenure.

❌ Las Vegas Raiders — Pete Carroll

One season wasn’t enough. Carroll, who came to Vegas after a long Seahawks career, couldn’t turn the Raiders around (3–14), leading to yet another coaching change in a franchise that has lacked stability.

❌ Cleveland Browns — Kevin Stefanski

A surprising move considering Stefanski’s prior success, but back-to-back disappointing years (5–12 in 2025) led to Cleveland seeking a new direction.

❌ Atlanta Falcons — Raheem Morris

Morris finished 8–9 for the second straight year. Despite flashes of competence, inconsistent coaching decisions and roster mismanagement led to his dismissal — alongside GM Terry Fontenot.

❌ New York Giants — Brian Daboll

Despite having talent on the roster, Daboll’s tenure ended early due to a disappointing stretch that culminated in a 2–8 start before his firing. Interim coach Mike Kafka closed out the season.

❌ Tennessee Titans — Brian Callahan

Callahan didn’t last long, going 4–19 over parts of two seasons before being dismissed mid-season.

🔁 Teams Still Searching for Coaches

Several clubs are now in the market for new leadership:

• Arizona Cardinals

• Las Vegas Raiders

• Cleveland Browns

• Atlanta Falcons

• New York Giants

• Tennessee Titans

Each franchise faces unique challenges — from rebuilding rosters to maximizing quarterback talent — and the right coach could dramatically accelerate their timelines.

📍 Best Landing Spots (and Fits) for Fired Coaches

Let’s run through the major candidates and where they make the most sense:

🟦 Kevin Stefanski — Best Fits

Stefanski enters free agency with multiple contenders already rumored to be interested. Teams that could benefit from his offensive acumen and organizational stability include:

⭐ New York Giants – Strong Fit

• The Giants could use Stefanski’s offensive expertise to unlock Jaxson Dart and revitalize a talented roster. Analysts describe him as a “great fit” for New York’s young quarterbacks and skill talent.

• He brings structure and a track record of building offenses.

⭐ Tennessee Titans – Rebuild Opportunity

• The Titans could view Stefanski as a stabilizing hire after the mixed results elsewhere. His experience putting together balanced offenses gives them a blueprint to rebuild.

⭐ Las Vegas Raiders – Long-Term Project

• With the No. 1 pick and a likely rookie QB in 2026, Stefanski could be the coach who crafts a roster around a new cornerstone, especially with strong cap flexibility.

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🟧 Pete Carroll – Veteran-Led Rebuild Jobs

Carroll’s experience and championship pedigree still make him an attractive candidate for teams looking for cultural leadership.

🔹 Atlanta Falcons

• The Falcons are rebuilding and could benefit from Carroll’s ability to shape culture and mentor younger assistants — especially on defense.

🔹 Washington Commanders

• A franchise craving stability might take a chance on a veteran voice if they want to slow down the highs and lows and emphasize discipline.

Veteran coaches rarely go without offers — and Carroll’s name won’t be forgotten.

🟥 Jonathan Gannon – Defensive Specialist Jobs

Gannon’s defensive expertise could be an asset for teams seeking to rebuild their identity:

🔹 Chicago Bears

• The Bears have been seeking defensive consistency. Pairing Gannon with young talent could help stabilize a struggling unit.

🔹 Indianapolis Colts

• If the Colts want a tough, disciplined defensive voice, Gannon’s résumé could attract interest.

A turnaround in defense is often the first step back to competitiveness — and Gannon specialzes in that area.

🟨 Raheem Morris – Rebound Candidates

Morris hasn’t proven he’s a long-term solution yet, but his familiarity with personnel and leadership environment could make him an interesting coordinator-turned-head coach candidate.

🔹 Detroit Lions (DC or consultant role)

• Joining a stable environment as a defensive coordinator could reboot his stock.

🔹 Secondary Roles With Rebuilding Teams

• Organizations like the Bears or Commanders might use his NFL head coaching experience in other capacities.

🟩 Brian Daboll – Analyst Pick with Upside

Though his tenure in New York ended early, Daboll’s offensive mind and rapport with players could make him a coordinator target or even a head coach candidate if paired with the right roster.

🔹 Offensive Coordinator Roles

• Teams seeking offensive innovation (e.g., Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings) could look Daboll’s way.

A strong coordinator stint could propel him back into head coaching conversations.

🏈 Teams Poised to Impact the Coaching Carousel

Several franchises looking to fill coaching vacancies have unique needs that should shape their hire:

🟦 Arizona Cardinals

With a 3–14 season, the Cardinals must choose a coach who can build from the ground up, ideally someone with quarterback development experience given Kyler Murray’s uncertain future.

Best Fit: A young offensive coach with Xs and Os command.

🟥 Las Vegas Raiders

With the No. 1 draft pick in 2026, the Raiders should hire a coach excellent at handling a rookie QB while fostering long-term culture growth.

Best Fit: A coach with a measured approach to veteran and rookie development.

🟩 Cleveland Browns

After a disappointing finish, Cleveland needs a coach who can stabilize an inconsistent roster and re-energize a fan base.

Best Fit: A leader with experience turning around middling teams.

🟧 Atlanta Falcons

Fresh leadership could reinvigorate the rebuild around Michael Penix Jr., suggesting an offensive-minded coach with a strong QB pedigree.

Best Fit: Offensive play-caller with strong young QB development.

🟡 New York Giants

With talent like Malik Nabers and Jaxson Dart, the Giants should target a coach who elevates offensive consistency while building around youth.

Best Fit: Proven offensive strategist.

🟢 Tennessee Titans

Mid-season firing shows impatience for progress. A coach who blends discipline with growth mindset is key.

Best Fit: A coach adept at culture rebuilds.

🏁 Final Thoughts on the 2026 Cycle

The 2025–26 offseason is shaping up to be one of the most fascinating coaching carousels in recent NFL memory. With multiple fired coaches — from veterans like Pete Carroll to proven minds like Kevin Stefanski — the mix of experience and fresh opportunities could reshape several franchises.

Whether teams choose seasoned heads or rising coordinators, the right match between roster, quarterback situation, and coaching philosophy will determine success in 2026 and beyond.

Coaching in the NFL rarely stops being discussed — and this offseason might be the perfect storm that reshapes the league for years to come.