Today, January 7, 2026, marks the second day of what is often referred to as "Black Monday" in the NFL. This is the period when teams often make significant changes to their coaching staffs, including firings and new hires. As of this morning, several notable NFL head coach firings have added to the growing list of coaching vacancies across the league. This year’s firings started early, with notable names already announced. Let's dive into the details of the latest firings and what they mean for the upcoming NFL season.
The first NFL head coach firings of the day involved the Arizona Cardinals. Head coach Jonathan Gannon is out after a disappointing 3-14 season. The Cardinals are already looking for their next leader, with reports suggesting they might interview Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph . This move leaves the Cardinals with a significant rebuild ahead of them as they look to turn around their fortunes in the coming seasons.
Continuing the trend of significant changes, the Las Vegas Raiders and the Cleveland Browns have also made major moves. Pete Carroll, who had a single season with the Raiders, has been relieved of his duties, marking the end of his NFL coaching career . Kevin Stefanski, who had been with Cleveland for three seasons, has also been fired, following a disappointing season for the Browns . These firings have increased the total number of head coaching vacancies to six, a significant number as teams gear up for the 2026 NFL season.
In addition to these firings, the Atlanta Falcons have made a double change by firing both their head coach and general manager. Raheem Morris and Terry Fontenot are both out, and the Falcons are actively seeking new leadership. Reports indicate that the Falcons have requested interviews with Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, both highly regarded coaches in the NFL .
The firings continue to impact the NFL landscape, with more changes expected as the day progresses. The league's regular season ended on Sunday, and teams are now focusing on rebuilding and planning for the future. The NFL head coach openings are set to attract some of the top coaching talent, whether it's former coaches returning to the sidelines or new faces making their mark. As the NFL continues through this offseason, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these changes shape the 2026 season.
Given the flurry of activity, it’s clear that the NFL is eager to reshape its coaching landscape. The league’s focus on performance and winning culture is evident in these moves. As we stay tuned for more updates, it’s certain that the coming weeks and months will be crucial for the future of these teams and their new coaches. Stay tuned for more information on the latest NFL coaching changes and what they mean for the league.
