NFL

These are the six NFL teams looking for a new head coach and these are the HCs that survived Black Monday

Six head coaches were fired following the conclusion of the NFL regular season. Here are the teams now on the hunt and those who live to coach another year.

CHRIS UNGER

Jennifer Bubel

Sports journalist who grew up in Dallas, TX. Lover of all things sports, she got her degree from Texas Tech University (Wreck ‘em Tech!) in 2011. Joined Diario AS USA in 2021 and now covers mostly American sports (primarily NFL, NBA, and MLB) as well as soccer from around the world.

Update: Jan 6th, 2026 10:43 EST

Black Monday 2026 is behind us, and the NFL coaching carousel is officially spinning. While six teams are searching for new head coaches, some surprising names survived the annual purge. Here’s a full breakdown.

Black Monday = 5 coaches fired brings the openings total to 6

Which one surprises you most?
And which is most appealing? pic.twitter.com/N2OoUrzEKD
— Fantasy Football Commish  (@AskTheFFC) January 5, 2026

Who survived Black Monday?

Not every team rumored to make a change actually pulled the trigger. Some coaches will return in 2026, giving their teams continuity despite underwhelming seasons. Here’s a look at the head coaches who survived, despite having less successful seasons.

Baltimore Ravens (8-9) - John Harbaugh

Harbaugh remains the only head coach in Baltimore in nearly two decades, and despite a season that fell short of expectations, the Ravens are keeping him. Any changes may come at the coordinator level rather than with Harbaugh himself.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-11) - Zac Taylor

Taylor is back for 2026, with general manager Duke Tobin staying alongside him. Since taking over in 2019, Taylor has led the Bengals to multiple playoff appearances, and the team is betting on that next season.

Indianapolis Colts (8-9) - Shane Steichen

Steichen and GM Chris Ballard were confirmed to return. A strong start to the season before Daniel Jones’ Achilles injury gave the team optimism for the future, even if the second half faltered.

Miami Dolphins (7-10) - Mike McDaniel

McDaniel is expected to lead the team through a general manager search and return in 2026. Despite some inconsistency, he remains the man in Miami, with potential coordinator changes more likely than a head coach shake-up.

New York Jets (3-14) - Aaron Glenn

Glenn survived a tough rookie season in New York. After coordinator Steve Wilks was let go, the Jets may make some changes to their staff but are keeping Glenn at the helm.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9) - Todd Bowles

Bowles missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record but appears secure for next season. Tampa Bay’s brass is betting on stability after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The six open head coaching jobs

Despite some surprises, six teams are actively searching for a new head coach heading into 2026:

1. New York Giants (4-13)

The Giants fired Brian Daboll after failing to maximize a roster with young quarterback Jaxson Dart and a solid defensive core. The team has top draft picks, salary cap flexibility, and enough talent to attract coaching candidates looking for a fast rebuild.

2. Tennessee Titans (3-14)

Brian Callahan is out after another underwhelming season. The Titans have a depleted roster but massive cap space and a top-four draft pick. Cam Ward is a promising quarterback if paired with the right coach.

3. Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)

Pete Carroll’s tenure ended after one season. The Raiders are offering a soft landing spot with top draft picks and emerging talent like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty.

4. Atlanta Falcons (8-9)

Raheem Morris was let go after a late-season surge failed to mask quarterback uncertainty. The Falcons have an intriguing mix of offensive skill and defensive talent, though the cap situation and QB question could complicate the next hire.

5. Cleveland Browns (5-12)

Kevin Stefanski was fired after a disappointing season despite Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, and Shedeur Sanders on the roster. The Browns offer defensive talent but a chaotic quarterback and cap situation.

6. Arizona Cardinals (3-14)

Jonathan Gannon was fired after a lost season highlighted by injuries and underperformance from Kyler Murray. A young receiving corps and high draft pick provide tools for the next coach, but the QB and offensive line remain major hurdles.