Black Monday Fallout: Coaching Changes Shape NFL Landscape After Regular Season

With the regular season complete, multiple franchises move quickly into reset mode as head coaching changes define the league’s early offseason.

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The NFL regular season has officially concluded, and with it came a familiar post-season development: sweeping organizational change. Black Monday delivered several head coaching dismissals across the league as teams pivot toward the 2026 season in search of stability and improvement.

The league has now seen at least five head coaching changes in 15 consecutive seasons, and the current cycle may not be complete. Below is a breakdown of the most recent moves following the end of the regular season.

Arizona parted ways with Jonathan Gannon after three seasons. The Cardinals finished 3-14, closing the year on a nine-game losing streak. Gannon compiled a 15-36 record and never reached the postseason, prompting general manager Monti Ossenfort to begin a new coaching search.

• Jonathan Gannon fired Jan. 5 after three seasons

• Record: 15–36, no playoff appearances

Las Vegas dismissed Pete Carroll after one season. The Raiders finished 3-14 and secured the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Owner Mark Davis announced that general manager John Spytek, alongside minority owner Tom Brady, will oversee football operations and the coaching search moving forward.

• Pete Carroll fired after one season

• Finished 3–14 and secured the No. 1 pick

Cleveland also made a change, firing Kevin Stefanski after six seasons. The Browns went 5-12 and finished last in the AFC North for the second straight year. Despite playoff appearances in 2020 and 2023, Cleveland cited inconsistent results and long-term quarterback instability as factors in the decision. General manager Andrew Berry will remain in place.

• Kevin Stefanski dismissed after six seasons

• Two playoff appearances but four losing seasons

Atlanta dismissed head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot following an 8-9 finish. The Falcons ended the season on a four-game winning streak but were eliminated from playoff contention prior to that run.

• Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot fired

• Back-to-back 8–9 finishes

The New York Giants moved on from Brian Daboll in November after continued late-game collapses. Joe Schoen will lead the search while Mike Kafka served as interim coach.

Tennessee was the first team to act, firing Brian Callahan in October after a 1-5 start. Callahan finished with a 4-19 record.

• Brian Daboll fired midseason

• Mike Kafka named interim head coach

• Brian Daboll fired midseason

• Mike Kafka named interim head coach

A couple of teams opted for continuity. Cincinnati confirmed Zac Taylor will return, while Indianapolis announced both Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard will remain in their roles entering 2026.

• Bengals: Zac Taylor returns

• Colts: Shane Steichen and Chris Ballard stay

Coaching changes often set the tone for the entire offseason. Which team do you think made the right move, and which coaching opening stands out as the most attractive heading into 2026?