New York, Jan. 4, 2026: As the 2025 regular season concludes, the NFL is bracing for its annual “Black Monday” purge. While the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans have already jump-started the carousel by creating vacancies, league sources indicate we should expect between six and eight head coaching openings in total.
The General Manager market is tighter, with only two to four projected changes. However, the complexity of this year’s cycle—defined by new owners, restructured front offices, and high-stakes consulting—promises a chaotic January.
Here is the definitive insider’s guide to the 2026 hiring cycle.
The Hot Seat: End of the Road?
Cleveland Browns: The Stefanski Split After six seasons, the Kevin Stefanski era in Cleveland appears finished. Despite two Coach of the Year awards, Stefanski holds a 44-56 record and has managed just two winning seasons. Sources suggest the breakup is mutual; the 43-year-old remains well-regarded league-wide and could land another job quickly. However, GM Andrew Berry appears safe. His recent draft classes—highlighted by likely Defensive Rookie of the Year Carson Schwesinger and offensive standout Harold Fannin Jr.—have bought him time to retool the roster around a new head coach.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Failed Experiment Pete Carroll’s return to the NFL has gone arguably worse than expected. The “one-and-done” tenure seems imminent for the legendary coach, whose varying philosophies clashed with the organization. The decision to place Maxx Crosby on IR recently nearly “ignited a powder keg” within the building. Expect Tom Brady to take the lead in the search for a new coach to pair with the No. 1 overall pick.
On the Bubble: Stability vs. Change
Atlanta Falcons Raheem Morris is fighting for his job. While a late-season winning streak has improved morale, the Falcons (7-9) have underachieved with a roster featuring stars like Bijan Robinson. GM Terry Fontenot is arguably in more danger than Morris; failure to win the division in five years and an unsettled QB situation for 2026 could force owner Arthur Blank to act.
Arizona Cardinals Jonathan Gannon may survive, but potentially for financial reasons. Owner Michael Bidwill is already paying former coaches Steve Wilks and Kliff Kingsbury; adding a third buyout might be unpalatable. Sources note Gannon has handled a difficult hand well, playing with an offense described as a “practice squad” due to injuries.
New York Jets Despite a brutal season, sources indicate Woody Johnson is inclined to give Aaron Glenn a second year. The logic is simple: The Jets have massive draft capital to finally fix the quarterback position, and ownership prefers stability at head coach while that search takes place.
Front Office Intrigue
Miami Dolphins: The “Triumvirate” With head coach Mike McDaniel safe (bolstered by rookie QB Quinn Ewers’ development), Miami is seeking a GM to complete a specific power structure. The goal is a “triumvirate” consisting of the new GM, McDaniel, and SVP Brandon Shore.
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The Twist: Hall of Famer Troy Aikman is assisting in the interviews. Aikman’s decades of production meetings have given him unique insights into organizational health across the league.
Tennessee Titans: The New Order Tennessee has clarified its leadership structure ahead of its coaching search. Chad Brinker will serve as President of Football Operations, while Mike Borgonzi takes the traditional GM title. Both will lead the hunt for Brian Callahan’s replacement.
Name to Watch: Ian Cunningham The Chicago Bears Assistant GM is the hottest name on the market. Having turned down the Cardinals job three years ago, Cunningham—who helped build Super Bowl winners in Baltimore and Philadelphia—is seen as the total package. Expect him to be a finalist for multiple GM openings.
Key Rules Reminders
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Interview Window: Teams can interview candidates from non-playoff teams (and teams with first-round byes) starting this week.
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In-Person Ban: No in-person interviews until Jan. 19, unless the candidate is currently unemployed.
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Rooney Rule: Teams must interview at least two external minority candidates in person for Head Coach and GM roles.
