NFL Head Coaching Carousel: Breaking down the 9 open head coach jobs

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With the recent departure of Mike Tomlin from the Pittsburgh Steelers, nine NFL franchises are now searching for a new head coach ahead of the 2026 season. Each opening presents a unique mix of strengths and challenges, but as first-year head coaches like Mike Vrabel, Ben Johnson and Liam Coen have shown this season, the right hire can accelerate a turnaround quickly.

A closer examination of each vacancy helps clarify where teams are positioned to succeed and where improvement is needed, providing a clearer picture of which jobs may be the most attractive fits for the league’s next wave of head coaches.

Arizona Cardinals

Strengths

• Potential offensive core in place (excluding quarterback)
• Young defensive talent
• Third overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

Arizona offers a solid offensive foundation for an incoming head coach. Former fourth overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. has yet to fully reach his ceiling, but fellow wide receiver Michael Wilson broke out in 2025, totaling more than 1,000 receiving yards. Trey McBride is one of the NFL’s premier receiving tight ends, and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. has graded as a top-25 player at the position in each of the past two seasons.

Defensively, production has lagged behind, but there is enough talent in place to build a competent unit. Garrett Williams has been an effective nickel cornerback when healthy, while Will Johnson and Denzel Burke gained valuable experience on the outside this season. Up front, the defensive line offers upside with Josh Sweat, Zaven Collins and 2025 first-round pick Walter Nolen forming a promising core.

Areas to Improve

• Lack of QB clarity
• Offensive line struggles
• Defense that underperformed relative to talent level

Arizona appears headed toward a split with quarterback Kyler Murray following a tumultuous 2025 season. The Cardinals could opt to move forward with Jacoby Brissett or add another short-term veteran stopgap, but doing so would likely only delay the need to identify a long-term franchise quarterback. Holding the third overall pick in this year’s draft gives Arizona flexibility, with potential options including Oregon’s Dante Moore and Alabama’s Ty Simpson.

Improvement is also needed along the offensive line, regardless of who lines up under center. Paris Johnson Jr. remains the anchor at left tackle, but three of the team’s other four starters earned PFF grades below 60.0 in 2025. Despite the talent present on defense, Arizona allowed the fourth-most points in the NFL this season and could benefit from additional reinforcements at defensive tackle and linebacker.

Potential Candidates: 49ers DC Robert Saleh, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy, Rams DC Chris Shula

Atlanta Falcons

Strengths

• Star power on offense (Bijan Robinson and Drake London)
• Stable offensive line
• Improved defense
• Winnable division

Atlanta may present the clearest path to short-term success, coming off a season in which it tied for first place in the NFC South despite finishing 8–9. There is ample offensive talent in place: Bijan Robinson is one of the league’s premier running backs, and Drake London is a top-10 wide receiver. The offensive line has also proven to be a consistently stable unit.

The Falcons‘ defense took a notable step forward in 2025, raising the possibility that an incoming head coach could look to retain defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich. Ulbrich’s playcalling, paired with the emergence of rookie edge defenders Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., significantly boosted the team’s pass-rush production. With quality pieces on both sides of the ball, Atlanta is well-positioned to compete for a postseason berth in 2026.

Areas to Improve

• Michael Penix Jr.'s injury
• Lack of pass-catching depth
• No first-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

The primary concern in Atlanta’s transition to a new coaching era centers on the health and development of quarterback Michael Penix Jr. He entered the NFL with a notable injury history and will begin next season coming off knee surgery. Penix also struggled on the field in 2025, earning a 58.0 PFF passing grade across nine starts.

Penix will need more support from the receiving corps moving forward. Drake London was the Falcons’ only qualified wide receiver to earn a PFF receiving grade of 60.0 or higher in 2025, and tight end Kyle Pitts is set to hit free agency, forcing the team to evaluate whether retaining him is feasible. Complicating matters further, Atlanta does not own a first-round pick in this year’s draft due to last year’s trade, placing added importance on efficiency and creativity in roster construction.

Potential Fits: John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski, Mike McDaniel, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak

Baltimore Ravens

Strengths

• Organizational stability
• QB Lamar Jackson
• Secondary

The Ravens are one of the NFL’s most established franchises and will be hiring a new head coach for the first time since 2008. Their biggest advantage in the current coaching market is having two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson in place. Even after a down 2025 season, Baltimore projects as a championship contender in any year Jackson is healthy.

Baltimore also features a high-end secondary anchored by safeties Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks. Hamilton was among the league’s best defensive backs this season, earning an 85.9 PFF grade. While neither side of the ball is flawless, the Ravens possess a strong roster foundation and a proven scouting infrastructure that positions them well for sustained success.

Areas to Improve

• Interior offensive line
• Pass catching depth
• Pass Rush

Regression in the trenches played a significant role in Baltimore’s struggles this season, with the offensive line emerging as a primary offseason concern. Center Tyler Linderbaum and right guard Daniel Faalele are both set to enter free agency, and even with them in the lineup, the Ravens ranked 25th in the NFL in PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025. That level of play is not sufficient to consistently support Lamar Jackson.

On the defensive side, Baltimore’s most glaring issue was its inability to disrupt quarterbacks. The Ravens ranked among the bottom four teams in the NFL in PFF pass-rush grade, pressure rate and pass-rush win rate as a unit. A lack of foundational young talent up front has left the defense vulnerable against top-tier quarterbacks, making the defensive line a clear priority heading into the offseason.

Potential Candidates: Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Bills OC Joe Brady

Cleveland Browns

Strengths

• Strong defense
• Productive 2025 rookie class
• Two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL Draft (No. 6 and No. 24)

As has been the case for several seasons, Cleveland remains driven primarily by its defense. That starts with Myles Garrett, the league’s best defensive player and the reigning NFL single-season sack record holder, but the Browns also quietly put together a productive 2025 draft class with room to build on it again this year.

Each of Cleveland’s 2025 draft picks contributed immediately. Linebacker Carson Schwesinger is a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, running back Quinshon Judkins rushed for more than 800 yards and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. finished his rookie season ranked 12th at the position in PFF receiving grade (76.4). Combined with two first-round picks in this year’s draft, those young contributors give the Browns a realistic path toward building enough depth and talent to compete in the AFC North.

Areas to Improve

• Lack of QB clarity
• Offensive line struggles
• Barren wide receiver unit

Cleveland’s offense is in need of a full-scale rebuild to approach functionality in the near future. The Browns ranked last in the NFL in both PFF passing grade and PFF pass-blocking grade in 2025, while also finishing 31st in PFF receiving grade. Compounding the issue, Cleveland’s salary-cap outlook remains restrictive until it can move on from Deshaun Watson’s contract.

If the Browns believe Shedeur Sanders is ready to start next season, the priority must be rapidly upgrading the supporting cast. That should begin in this year’s draft with an emphasis on wide receiver and offensive line talent. Any incoming head coach will also face the challenge of resetting an offensive culture that has struggled for consistency for much of the past three decades.

Potential Candidates: Browns DC Jim Schwartz, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, Ravens OC Todd Monken

Las Vegas Raiders

Strengths

• Young offensive talent (Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty)
• Third-most projected salary cap space ($89M)
• First overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

Virtually nothing went right for the Raiders this season. On a roster that finished with the fewest wins in the NFL, most of the limited bright spots came on the offensive side of the ball. Tight end Brock Bowers battled through injuries to earn an 82.2 PFF receiving grade, running back Ashton Jeanty forced 84 missed tackles and left tackle Kolton Miller recorded a PFF pass-blocking grade of 86.5.

The primary source of optimism for Las Vegas this offseason lies in its available resources. The Raiders hold the first overall pick in the upcoming draft, positioning them to select a potential franchise quarterback, and project to have the third-most salary cap space in the NFL, giving them flexibility to address multiple roster deficiencies.

Areas to Improve

• Lowest-graded defense in the NFL
• Struggling/injured offensive line
• Lack of proven wide receivers

The Raiders enter the offseason with no shortage of issues to address. They finished the year with the lowest-graded defense in the NFL and lack a deep collection of young, foundational pieces to build around. Compounding matters, their top defensive player, Maxx Crosby, appeared frustrated late in the season, creating uncertainty around his long-term future with the team.

On offense, upgrades are needed along the offensive line and at wide receiver. Kolton Miller’s return from injury will help stabilize the line, but the unit as a whole must be healthier and more effective in 2025. While quarterback play played a role, none of the Raiders’ qualified wide receivers earned a PFF receiving grade of at least 66.0 this season.

Potential Candidates: Kevin Stefanski, Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak, Rams Passing Game Coordinator Nate Scheelhaase

Miami Dolphins

Strengths

• Dynamic offensive weapons (De'Von Achane, Jaylen Waddle)
• Talented defensive line
• 11th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft

After a rough start to the season, Miami showed signs of promise during a midseason stretch in which it won five of six games. That optimism begins on offense, where young playmakers De’Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle form the foundation of the unit. Any new offensive playcaller will have the benefit of building the scheme around that dynamic duo.

Miami also features a talented defensive line that underperformed in 2025. Defensive tackle Zach Sieler generated 32 pressures and recorded five sacks, while the Dolphins’ two most recent first-round picks, defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and edge rusher Chop Robinson, flashed their ability at times. Greater consistency from that group would go a long way toward elevating the unit as a whole.

Areas to Improve

• Lack of QB clarity
• Lack of depth at wide receiver and secondary
• Fourth-least projected salary cap space (-$24.4M)

It appears Tua Tagovailoa’s time in Miami is nearing its end, leaving the Dolphins with one of the NFL’s most uncertain quarterback situations. Quinn Ewers started the team’s final three games but earned a 40.5 PFF passing grade for the season. With a tight salary cap outlook and only a mid-first-round draft pick, Miami may need to take a more aggressive approach if it hopes to upgrade the position in the short term.

Beyond quarterback, the Dolphins face several additional needs, particularly at wide receiver and in the secondary. Tyreek Hill’s future with the team is uncertain, and aside from Jaylen Waddle, no qualified Miami wide receiver earned a PFF receiving grade of at least 63.0. Defensively, Miami ranked 23rd in team PFF coverage grade, highlighting significant concerns at cornerback that will need to be addressed.

Potential Candidates: Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Packers DC Jeff Hafley, Rams DC Chris Shula

New York Giants

Strengths

• Potential offensive core in place
• Defensive line
• Fifth overall pick in the NFL 2026 Draft

Plenty went wrong for the Giants this season, as reflected in their four wins, but there were encouraging signs from first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart that suggest he can be the team’s starter in 2026. When healthy, New York can also build around wide receiver Malik Nabers, left tackle Andrew Thomas and running back Cam Skattebo, giving this offense a realistic path toward improvement.

The Giants’ defensive line remains the clear strength of the roster and should serve as the foundation of the unit regardless of scheme. Edge defender Brian Burns finished the regular season with the second-most sacks in the NFL, while defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, despite a quieter year, has already established himself as a high-level player. Rookie Abdul Carter added 66 pressures in his first season, reinforcing that the cupboard is far from bare. What this roster needs most now is direction and cohesion.

Areas to Improve

• Offensive line
• Pass-catching depth
• Defense that underperformed relative to talent level

The Giants’ path forward likely begins with finding long-term answers on the right side of the offensive line and adding depth at wide receiver beyond Malik Nabers. New York could retain impending free agent Wan’Dale Robinson, but the team may also look to address the position by selecting a wide receiver with the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

While the defensive line remains a clear source of optimism, the Giants’ defense as a whole fell short of expectations. Free-agent additions Jevon Holland and Paulson Adebo both earned PFF grades below 60.0, and New York finished tied for the lowest team PFF run-defense grade in the NFL. As a result, several starting roles on the defensive side of the ball should be up for grabs entering training camp.

Potential Candidates: John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski, Kliff Kingsbury

Pittsburgh Steelers

Strengths

• Organizational stability
• Pass rush
• Young offensive-line talent

Perhaps the most surprising vacancy of the offseason, the Steelers will search for a new head coach for the first time since 2007 and just the fourth time since 1969. An organization as stable and tradition-rich as Pittsburgh’s is likely to be deliberate in its approach, but there are clear building blocks in place for the next leader to work with.

As usual, the Steelers remain strong in the trenches, a major selling point for any candidate. Their pass rush, anchored by T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward, was elite once again this season, while on the offensive line, young pieces such as Zach Frazier, Mason McCormick and Troy Fautanu showed signs of growth and long-term promise.

Areas to Improve

• Lack of QB clarity
• Wide receiver depth
• Secondary

Mike Tomlin’s departure also likely signals the end of Aaron Rodgers’ tenure in Pittsburgh, leaving the Steelers with significant questions at quarterback once again. Complicating matters, they hold just the 21st overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, putting them out of position to easily land one of the top quarterbacks in the class.

Beyond quarterback, Pittsburgh has clear needs at wide receiver and in the secondary. D.K. Metcalf was the only Steelers wide receiver to surpass 400 receiving yards this season, underscoring the lack of depth at the position. James Pierre and Brandin Echols provided encouraging snaps at cornerback, but the team still needs a long-term solution opposite Joey Porter Jr., along with additional help at safety.

Potential Candidates: Vikings DC Brian Flores, Chargers DC Jesse Minter, Rams DC Chris Shula

Tennessee Titans

Strengths

• QB Cam Ward
• Front seven on defense
• Fourth overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
• Second-most projected salary cap space ($96.7M)

The top priority for any coach the Titans hire should be to maximize the talent of Cam Ward, the former first overall pick. Dealing with inconsistent pass protection and fellow rookies filling prominent roles at wide receiver and tight end, Ward flashed his upside but endured a turbulent rookie season. Tennessee won just three games, and Ward finished the year with a PFF passing grade of 56.4.

The Titans do have defensive pieces to build around, particularly in the front seven. Defensive tackles Jeffery Simmons and T’Vondre Sweat anchor the unit alongside linebacker Cedric Gray and safety Kevin Winston Jr. With the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft and the second-most salary cap space in the NFL, Tennessee is positioned to reset the roster under a coach with a clear, long-term vision similar to the one Mike Vrabel brought to New England this past season.

Areas to Improve

• Offensive skill players
• Offensive tackle struggles
• Secondary

The Titans lack proven skill-position talent on both sides of the ball. While wide receivers Elic Ayomanor and Chimere Dike and tight end Gunnar Helm emerged as useful contributors, Tennessee still lacks a true top-tier pass-catching threat, making wide receiver a realistic option with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft.

The secondary was hit hard by injuries and inconsistent play throughout the season, contributing to a unit that ranked 28th in the NFL. Tennessee will need to make multiple additions at cornerback, but the organization has the resources to do so. Pairing those upgrades with an offensive-minded head coach capable of developing Cam Ward would give the Titans a clear path forward.

Potential Candidates: Kevin Stefanski, Mike McCarthy, Chiefs OC Matt Nagy