The NFL season always brings about significant changes, and one of the most notable is the turnover in head coaching positions. The end of the 2025 NFL season saw a wave of firings, commonly referred to as Black Monday . This year, several high-profile coaches were let go, leaving multiple teams in search of new leadership. Here’s a detailed look at the coaches fired, the reasons behind the changes, and the implications for the upcoming season.
One of the most surprising moves was the Baltimore Ravens firing John Harbaugh, who had been with the team for 18 seasons. Harbaugh's tenure included a Super Bowl victory and multiple playoff appearances, but recent performance issues led to his dismissal . The Ravens join a growing list of teams looking for new leadership, including the Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans .
The Arizona Cardinals made a significant change by parting ways with head coach Jonathan Gannon. Despite his efforts, the Cardinals finished the season with a 3-14 record, leading to his dismissal . Gannon’s firing is part of a broader trend of coaches being replaced due to poor performance, a common occurrence in the NFL . The Cardinals will now seek a new head coach to revitalize their franchise.
The Cleveland Browns also made a notable change, firing Kevin Stefanski. Stefanski had been with the team since 2020, but his tenure ended after the team failed to meet expectations, leading to his dismissal on Black Monday . Stefanski’s firing highlights the high stakes and pressure on NFL coaches to deliver consistent performance, especially in a competitive league like the NFL .
Other notable firings include the Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants. These teams, like many others, are now in the market for new head coaches, creating a dynamic coaching carousel as the 2026 season approaches . The coaching changes reflect the NFL's relentless pursuit of success, where even long-tenured coaches are not immune to the axe if their teams underperform .
Looking ahead, the NFL coaching carousel is in full swing. The Ravens, Cardinals, Browns, and other teams seeking new coaches will be closely watched as they navigate the offseason. The decisions made during this period could significantly impact the 2026 season, potentially reshaping the landscape of the NFL .
