NFL Coaching Carousel Spins Fast in 2026

The NFL coaching landscape is undergoing a significant transformation in 2026, as teams scramble to find their next head coaches amid a flurry of high-profile firings and hirings. The New York Giants have made headlines by securing John Harbaugh on a five-year contract, starting the whirlwind of changes within the league. Following closely behind, the Atlanta Falcons have chosen to hire Kevin Stefanski, amplifying the urgency for teams to fill their vacant positions. With the departure of Mike Tomlin from the Pittsburgh Steelers, the number of head coaching vacancies has reached staggering levels, reminiscent of the chaotic cycles of 2009.

Vacancies and Their Attractiveness

With nine coaching job openings — the most in a single season since 2009 — teams are vying for the best available candidates. However, not all jobs offer equal appeal. Factors such as roster talent, salary cap situations, and additional pressures can significantly impact a coach's decision to take on a particular role. Here’s a comprehensive look at the NFL’s current head coaching job vacancies, ranked from least to most desirable.

The Cleveland Browns: A Daunting Challenge

The Cleveland Browns find themselves at the bottom of the desirability rankings, and for good reason. Despite the persistence and loyalty of their fan base, prospective coaches have ample reasons to be wary of taking the reins. The Browns' offensive roster is fraught with issues, characterized by an aging and porous offensive line and a skill-position group that arguably ranks as one of the weakest in the league. To make matters worse, the team's quarterback situation is dire. Following a disastrous trade involving Deshaun Watson, the Browns are grappling with a cap situation that leaves them over $15 million in the red. With general manager Andrew Berry retained, any new head coach will need to work with an unsteady foundation and face heavy scrutiny from ownership.

The Arizona Cardinals: Mixed Prospects

While the Arizona Cardinals offer some appealing aspects, including young talents like tight end Trey McBride and wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, the overall situation remains precarious. The Cardinals have over $27 million in cap space, and the pleasant fall weather might be a draw for some. However, they share many challenges with the Browns. Recent seasons have yielded four consecutive losing records and a lack of playoff success. Adding to the uncertainty, Kyler Murray's position as quarterback is in question, which could lead to a significant cap hit should the team decide to part ways with him.

The Las Vegas Raiders: Opportunities and Obstacles

For the potential head coach of the Las Vegas Raiders, the situation is more attractive, with nearly $90 million in cap space and a new state-of-the-art stadium. Moreover, the team holds the coveted No. 1 pick in the 2026 draft, allowing them to choose top prospects like Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. However, this pick also indicates that they were the league's worst team in 2025. While there are some solid building blocks on the roster, including tight end Brock Bowers and edge-rusher Maxx Crosby, the team faces formidable competition in a challenging division that includes the Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs, and Los Angeles Chargers.

Pittsburgh Steelers: Expectations vs. Reality

The Pittsburgh Steelers coaching position comes with historical prestige and expectations. Having had only three head coaches since the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Steelers pride themselves on stability. However, the weight of this history can intimidate incoming coaches. The roster has talent, but severe holes exist, particularly at quarterback and in the defense that struggled in 2025. With a schedule featuring increasingly tough opponents, a rebuild will not only be necessary but also a challenge under the bright lights of Pittsburgh’s expectations.

Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills: Elite Quarterback Appeal

Both the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills offer head coaching candidates an opportunity to work with superstar quarterbacks in their primes. The Ravens still boast two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, making their opening highly desirable despite ongoing issues with their roster. The Bills, meanwhile, have Josh Allen, who is well-regarded in the league. However, both teams face intense pressure to perform and compete for a Super Bowl, which can weigh heavily on new hires. The challenge remains to rectify deficiencies in their defenses while addressing the foundational elements required for sustained success.

Conclusion: A Highly Competitive Cycle

The 2026 NFL coaching cycle presents a complex web of opportunities and challenges for teams seeking new leadership. From the bleak prospects of the Browns to the enticing appeal of working with elite quarterbacks, potential head coaches will need to navigate nuanced landscapes as they decide where their next opportunity lies. Expect a thrilling ride as teams aim to transform their fortunes with fresh coaching hires.