The Aftermath of Black Monday: A Look at Recent Coaching Firings

In the wake of Black Monday—the notorious day following the conclusion of the NFL regular season when head coaches and executives are often let go—several franchises have taken significant measures to reshape their coaching staff. Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns, Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals have all been officially relieved of their duties as teams look to reposition themselves for the future. Let's break down the implications of these firings and assess the coaching landscape as potential job openings arise.

The Coaches Who Were Let Go

The Cleveland Browns were the first team to announce a coaching change, confirming that Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year, would no longer be at the helm. His tenure was marked by periods of hope but ultimately ended with disappointing results, including an unimpressive 8-26 record over the past two seasons.

Following closely, the Las Vegas Raiders announced that Pete Carroll would also depart. Carroll, known for his Super Bowl success with the Seattle Seahawks, could not replicate his winning formula in Las Vegas, where the team has struggled to find consistency.

Lastly, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Arizona Cardinals have parted ways with Jonathan Gannon. Gannon’s short tenure saw the team languish with a dismal 15-36 record since he took over in 2023.

Assessing the Coaching Openings

As the 2026 NFL offseason begins, the focus shifts to the attractiveness of these coaching opportunities. Several factors determine the desirability of each job, including roster composition, draft assets, salary cap space, and team stability.

Cleveland Browns

The Browns present a challenging landscape for any incoming coach. Issues with ownership and an underwhelming roster, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding franchise quarterback Deshaun Watson, make this job less appealing. The Browns only boast $3.1 million in projected cap space for 2026, leaving little room for significant roster improvements. Additionally, the franchise's history of instability is likely to deter potential candidates.

Arizona Cardinals

Similarly, the Cardinals may find it difficult to attract a high-profile coaching candidate. General manager Monti Ossenfort remains at the forefront, having worked collaboratively with Gannon—both of whom were hired in 2023. With uncertainty surrounding quarterback Kyler Murray and a weak roster framework, the Cardinals face considerable challenges. Although they do hold the third overall pick in the upcoming draft, the prospects for immediate improvement appear slim.

Tennessee Titans

In contrast, the Tennessee Titans are in a more favorable position. They are retaining general manager Mike Borgonzi, who has shown potential in building a competitive team. With quarterback Cam Ward exhibiting flashes of brilliance following his first overall draft selection, the Titans possess considerable cap space, estimated at $113 million, coupled with the fourth overall pick in the 2026 draft. A successful offseason could reestablish the Titans as formidable contenders.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons, who recently parted ways with both their head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot, find themselves in a unique situation. Although they experienced shortcomings this season, they ended with a positive outlook, tied for the best record in the NFC South. Given the relative ease of competition within their division, the Falcons may represent an attractive landing spot for head coaches seeking to compete for the playoffs immediately.

Las Vegas Raiders

Holding the first overall pick in the draft, the Raiders are positioned to attract a quarterback of their choice, potentially reshaping their offensive outlook. With $110.2 million in projected cap space, incoming coaches will have resources to bolster the roster. However, the status of general manager John Spytek and potential external influences, including minority owner Tom Brady's involvement, could complicate the hiring process and decision-making.

New York Giants

The New York Giants present another intriguing opening. While general manager Joe Schoen remains in place, the emergence of quarterback Jaxson Dart provides a solid foundation. With a promising roster and $18.5 million in projected cap space, the Giants could compete with the powerhouses in the NFC East, provided they make strategic acquisitions this offseason.

Conclusion: A Transformative Offseason Ahead

The first wave of coach firings following Black Monday signals a transformative offseason across the NFL. With prominent teams like Cleveland and Arizona looking to rebuild, while franchises such as Tennessee and Atlanta hold more appealing prospects, there will be considerable interest in how these job openings shape the future landscape of the league. It's an exciting time for aspiring head coaches as each franchise seeks the right leader to drive their success in the upcoming season.