NFL Coaching Carousel Kicks Off in 2026

The NFL’s coaching carousel in 2026 is spinning rapidly, with teams looking to fill their head coaching positions swiftly. The New York Giants were the first to make a bold move, reportedly signing seasoned coach John Harbaugh to a five-year deal. Shortly after, the Atlanta Falcons announced their hiring of Kevin Stefanski, marking him as the second coach to step into his new role this cycle, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

A Record Number of Openings

This year's wave of coaching changes is notably significant, as over 25 percent of head coaching jobs became available following Mike Tomlin's resignation from the Pittsburgh Steelers. With nine positions available, this year tied for the most in a single season since a significant turnover of 11 coaches occurred in 2009. Though many of these vacancies have now been filled, the competition remains fierce for the few remaining spots, given that there are only 32 head coaching positions in the NFL.

Analyzing the Head Coaching Opportunities

With most of the coaching vacancies filled, let’s take a closer look at the remaining job opportunities and provide insights into their desirability.

The Cleveland Browns: A Tough Rebuild

Starting at the bottom of the desirability rankings is the Cleveland Browns. Despite the loyal hopes of their dedicated fanbase, the franchise continues to struggle. The current roster presents numerous challenges, especially on the offensive side, where the offensive line is both aging and ineffective. Moreover, the team is facing a bleak quarterback situation, compounded by a headache-inducing cap space dilemma resulting from the ill-fated Deshaun Watson trade. Currently, the Browns find themselves over $15 million in deficit against the expected 2026 salary cap.

General Manager Andrew Berry is retained, but this move requires the new head coach to navigate through a murky situation left by previous management. The added pressure of an owner like Jimmy Haslam, known for his heavy involvement in team operations, makes this position even less appealing.

Arizona Cardinals: Potential With Pitfalls

The Arizona Cardinals do possess some attractive qualities for potential head coaches. With promising young talent such as tight end Trey McBride and emerging wide receivers Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson, along with over $27 million in cap space, the job has its merits. However, the franchise has faced its share of turmoil, with four consecutive losing seasons and a decade-long absence from postseason glory.

The biggest concern lies in the uncertain quarterback situation, with indications that the team might move on from Kyler Murray. Should they trade or release him, it would severely impact their financial situation, leaving journeyman Jacoby Brissett possibly as the starter for the upcoming season. Additionally, competing against the formidable NFC West teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams complicates prospects for a rapid turnaround.

The Las Vegas Raiders: A Mixed Bag of Opportunities

Among the more appealing vacancies in this cycle is that of the Las Vegas Raiders. With approximately $90 million in cap space, the Raiders are in a prime financial position and will also benefit from playing in a state-of-the-art stadium. Furthermore, the prestige of having a legendary figure in the ownership group adds to the organization’s potential appeal.

They hold the No. 1 overall draft pick, allowing the new head coach to mold the team’s future around potentially elite talent, such as Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. Yet, this first pick comes with the reality of having been the worst team in the league during the previous season. The Raiders require significant improvements across both offense and defense, as evidenced by their dismal rankings last year in both total offense and scoring defense.

Competing in the tough AFC West against rivals like the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Chargers, and Kansas City Chiefs only heightens the challenge faced by the new head coach.

Conclusion: A New Era Awaits

As the coaching carousel keeps spinning, NFL teams are striving to find the right fit to lead them into a successful future. With varying degrees of roster stability, financial flexibility, and historical performance, coaches will need to weigh the pros and cons of each opportunity carefully. For now, the best of NFL coaching houses have been set in motion, and the industry will be focused on how these new appointments reshape the trajectories of their respective franchises.