by The NFL regular season has officially come to a close, and as is tradition, the conclusion of Week 18 has ushered in the “bloodletting” known as Black Monday. For several struggling franchises, the end of the schedule marks the beginning of a total organizational reset. If you are looking for the full list of NFL coaches fired today, the 2026 coaching carousel is already spinning at record speed, with established veterans and promising young leaders alike being shown the door after disappointing campaigns.
The Black Monday Headlines: Cleveland and Las Vegas Lead the Way
The most shocking news among the NFL coaches fired today comes out of Cleveland. The Browns have officially parted ways with Kevin Stefanski after six seasons. Despite being a two-time NFL Coach of the Year and leading the franchise to rare playoff success, a 5-12 finish in 2025 proved to be the final straw for the Haslam family. Stefanski leaves as the winningest coach in modern Browns history, and while his tenure ended in frustration, he is expected to be a top candidate for several of the vacancies that opened just this morning.
Meanwhile, the “one-and-done” trend hit the desert as the Las Vegas Raiders relieved Pete Carroll of his duties. Carroll, who came out of retirement to lead the Silver and Black, finished with a league-worst 3-14 record. While the Raiders did secure the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft under his watch, owner Mark Davis decided that a younger, long-term vision was necessary. With minority owner Tom Brady expected to have a significant say in the next hire, the search for a leader to develop a rookie quarterback starts immediately among the NFL coaches fired today.
2026 Coaching Vacancy Tracker
| Team | Coach Fired | Tenure | 2025 Record |
| Cleveland Browns | Kevin Stefanski | 6 Seasons | 5–12 |
| Las Vegas Raiders | Pete Carroll | 1 Season | 3–14 |
| Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Gannon | 3 Seasons | 3–14 |
| Atlanta Falcons | Raheem Morris | 2 Seasons | 8–9 |
| New York Giants | Brian Daboll | 4 Seasons | In-Season |
| Tennessee Titans | Brian Callahan | 2 Seasons | In-Season |
Changes in the NFC: Cardinals and Falcons Move On
The coaching purge continued in the NFC, where the Arizona Cardinals dismissed Jonathan Gannon after three seasons. Gannon’s tenure ended on a sour note with a nine-game losing streak to close out 2025, leaving the Cardinals with a 3-14 record and a glaring need for defensive identity. According to reports regarding NFL coaches fired today, the Cardinals are looking for a coach who can finally maximize the talent of their young roster and provide stability in a division dominated by the Seahawks and 49ers.
The Atlanta Falcons also joined the list of NFL coaches fired today, parting ways with Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot. Despite a late-season four-game winning streak, an 8-9 finish wasn’t enough to save Morris’ job after the team missed the playoffs for the eighth consecutive year. Owner Arthur Blank has signaled a “complete leadership reset,” looking for a fresh duo to take over a team that many believe is talented enough to compete immediately in the NFC South.
The “In-Season” Precursors: Giants and Titans
While much of the focus is on the NFL coaches fired today, it’s important to remember that two chairs were already empty heading into the finale. The New York Giants fired Brian Daboll in November after a 2-8 start, leaving interim coach Mike Kafka to finish the year. Similarly, the Tennessee Titans let go of Brian Callahan back in October. These early moves allowed both franchises to get a head start on vetting candidates, but they now face stiff competition from the prestigious openings in Cleveland and Las Vegas.
What’s Next? Top Candidates for 2026
With six total head coaching vacancies now live, the attention shifts from the NFL coaches fired today to the men who will replace them. Initial reports suggest that recently ousted Kevin Stefanski will be a “hot commodity,” with the Giants and Falcons already rumored to be requesting interviews. Other top names on the circuit include Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, and Seahawks offensive mastermind Klint Kubiak.
For teams like the Raiders and Giants, the search will be defined by their draft position. With both teams holding top-five picks, they will likely prioritize “quarterback whisperers” who can develop the next generation of signal-callers. As the news of NFL coaches fired today settles, fans can expect a flurry of interview requests over the next 48 hours as the league prepares for a massive shift in its coaching hierarchy.
Which opening do you think is the most attractive for a new head coach? Let us know in the comments, and would you like me to track the interview schedules for your favorite team?
