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The NFL season is hurtling toward its conclusion with only eight teams left standing in the hunt for the Lombardi Trophy. For the rest of the league, “Black Monday” has come and gone, leaving a trail of pink slips in its wake. Adding to the chaos, the shocking news that Mike Tomlin is stepping down for a sabbatical from football has turned the coaching carousel into a frenzy.
While nine jobs may technically be open, the focus remains on the eight primary vacancies. From “cursed” franchises to Super Bowl-ready rosters, here is the definitive ranking of the current openings, from the toughest rebuild to the ultimate destination.
8. Cleveland Browns
The Outlook: The Browns remain a franchise seemingly trapped in a cycle of “what-ifs.” Despite Kevin Stefanski winning two Coach of the Year awards, the weight of the roster finally pulled him under.
- The Quarterback Conundrum: The massive $230 million investment in Deshaun Watson continues to haunt the cap sheet, with a staggering $80.7 million cap hit looming in 2026.
- The Shedeur Factor: Rookie Shedeur Sanders showed flashes of brilliance after taking over in 2025, proving he can play through the noise, but he needs a coach who can manage both his talent and the surrounding media circus.
- Top Candidates: Mike McDaniel, Mike McCarthy, Jim Schwartz.
7. Miami Dolphins
The Outlook: The Mike McDaniel era ended in disappointment as the “Greatest Show on Surf” ran out of tide.
- Financial Red Alert: Cutting ties with Tyreek Hill could save $26.6 million, but moving on from Tua Tagovailoa would trigger a cataclysmic $99.2 million dead cap hit.
- Ownership Woes: Many insiders view Stephen Ross as a difficult owner to work for, and with no first-round pick until No. 11, the road back to the AFC East crown looks long and expensive.
- Top Candidates: John Harbaugh, Jesse Minter, Chris Shula.
6. Arizona Cardinals
The Outlook: Unlike Cleveland or Miami, Arizona isn’t in “cap hell.” They boast the No. 3 overall pick and $25.2 million in space, but the Kyler Murray enigma remains the central hurdle.
- The Murray Dilemma: If GM Monti Ossenfort finds a trade partner for Murray, it would clear an additional $35 million. This would allow Arizona to reset at QB with a veteran like Malik Willis or even a displaced Tua Tagovailoa.
- The Division: Playing in the NFC West is a gauntlet, but the resources are there for a quick turnaround.
- Top Candidates: Klint Kubiak, Robert Saleh, Vance Joseph.
5. Atlanta Falcons
The Outlook: This is arguably the “sleeper” job of the cycle. Atlanta plays in the struggling NFC South and possesses an arsenal of young, elite talent.
- The Core: With Michael Penix Jr. entering Year 2 alongside Bijan Robinson and Drake London, the offense is a Ferrari waiting for a driver. The defense is equally stacked with Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr.
- The GM Rumor: The city is buzzing with the possibility of legendary QB Matt Ryan returning as General Manager.
- Top Candidates: Kevin Stefanski, Klint Kubiak, Mike LaFleur.
4. Tennessee Titans
The Outlook: Money talks. The Titans lead the league with $96.7 million in open cap space and hold the No. 4 overall pick.
- The Ward Project: After a rocky rookie season for Cam Ward, the next coach must decide if Ward is the future or if that fourth pick should be used on a fresh start.
- Ownership Pressure: The firing of Mike Vrabel and the short leash given to his successor suggest that Amy Adams Strunk is losing patience.
- Top Candidates: Robert Saleh, Mike McCarthy, Matt Nagy.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
The Outlook: Dysfunction has been the brand, but the assets are undeniable. The Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick and nearly $90 million in cap space.
- Star Power: Between Maxx Crosby on defense and the duo of Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty on offense, the foundation is elite.
- The Brady Influence: Minority owner Tom Brady adds a layer of prestige (and pressure) to the search as they look for their sixth coach since 2020.
- Top Candidates: Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, Jesse Minter.
2. New York Giants
The Outlook: The Giants are a “Solid B” job that feels like an “A.” They have a defensive core of Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Dexter Lawrence that can ruin any offensive game plan.
- The Dart Era: Rookie Jaxson Dart looks like the real deal, giving the Giants their most stable QB situation in years.
- Marquee Appeal: Despite only $4.5 million in space, the prestige of the organization and a roster that is “one good draft” away from 10 wins makes this a premier destination.
- Top Candidates: John Harbaugh, Kevin Stefanski, Jeff Hafley.
1. Baltimore Ravens
The Outlook: This is the undisputed crown jewel of the 2026 coaching cycle.
- The Lamar Factor: Most teams on this list are searching for a QB; Baltimore has a two-time MVP in Lamar Jackson.
- Stability: After 18 years of John Harbaugh, the infrastructure in Baltimore is the gold standard of the NFL. With $20.8 million in space and the No. 14 pick, they aren’t rebuilding—they’re reloading for a Super Bowl run.
- Top Candidates: Jesse Minter, Brian Flores, Kliff Kingsbury.
Who do you think will be the new coaches? Leave a comment below.
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Director of Operations for NGSC Sports
Covers USF Athletics in Football, Baseball, Lacrosse, and Softball.
Also covered both major and minor league baseball in the Tampa Bay Rays and Clearwater Threshers.
He also covers college football bowl and conference championship games.
It might seem like just covers team sports he also covers both the PGA & LIV Tour and the LPGA Tour. He also announces for the Pinellas Park High School Patriots football.
He also has two sports podcasts in the P&W Sports Report and The Walker Report.
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