The NFL coaching carousel is in full swing as teams that failed to secure playoff berths make significant changes in hopes of a better future in 2026. Notably, the Atlanta Falcons have officially appointed franchise icon Matt Ryan as their new president of football operations, following the recent firings of head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot.
Earlier this week, the Miami Dolphins also made headlines by terminating head coach Mike McDaniel. In quick succession, they hired Jon-Eric Sullivan from the Green Bay Packers as their new general manager, tasked with leading the search for McDaniel’s successor. McDaniel’s dismissal comes after a tumultuous season that saw the Dolphins struggle early on, despite a strong turnaround late in the year.
Adding to the list of surprising moves, the Baltimore Ravens let go of long-time head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons and a Super Bowl victory. His firing has sparked significant interest from other teams, with both the Dolphins and Cleveland Browns reportedly seeking interviews with Harbaugh for their head coaching vacancies.
The shake-up extends beyond head coaches; the Dallas Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after a historically poor defensive season, and the Washington Commanders parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as well as offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders had achieved their first conference title game appearance since 1991 under Dan Quinn’s staff, yet recent changes signal a shift in strategy.
Various franchises are now grappling with the fallout. The Cleveland Browns terminated head coach Kevin Stefanski, and the Las Vegas Raiders moved quickly to release coach Pete Carroll after just one season. The Arizona Cardinals also fired Jonathan Gannon following a lackluster performance over three seasons.
As the coaching landscape evolves, several prominent figures have emerged as potential replacements for the various vacancies. Candidates include Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, former head coaches like Mike McCarthy and Kevin Stefanski, and other rising coordinators from around the league.
In a positive light, while change may be challenging, these coaching alterations present new opportunities for teams to reforge their identities and build stronger rosters moving forward. The excitement surrounding the hiring process highlights the potential for fresh perspectives and renewed energy as teams prepare for the upcoming season and beyond.