**NFL Head Coach Firings Loom as Playoff Misses Prompt Shake-Ups**
Key Takeaways:
- Several non-playoff NFL teams are preparing to make head coaching changes
- The Las Vegas Raiders, Giants, and Titans have already parted ways with their coaches
- More decisions are expected following Week 18 as owners evaluate disappointing seasons
New York, NY — The search term “nfl coaches fired” is surging as the NFL regular season nears its conclusion and several non-playoff teams brace for coaching changes. With Week 18 games wrapping up, front offices have begun evaluating the futures of head coaches and general managers responsible for underperforming seasons.
Key Decisions Pending in Las Vegas, Cleveland, and Arizona
The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to part ways with head coach Pete Carroll after a dismal 2-15 season that saw the team lose 14 of its last 15 games. Owner Mark Davis has not made an official announcement but is widely believed to be preparing for a full rebuild. In addition, minority owner Tom Brady and GM candidate John Spytek are set to play key advisory roles in the hiring process.
In Cleveland, head coach Kevin Stefanski’s job is under threat despite his accolades and a playoff appearance in 2023. The Browns are 7-26 in the last two seasons, hindered largely by mounting quarterback issues and the failed Deshaun Watson acquisition. Owner Jimmy Haslam is expected to make a decision after Sunday’s game against Cincinnati.
The Arizona Cardinals, meanwhile, are signaling that head coach Jonathan Gannon will receive another year, though a quarterback reset appears imminent. Gannon’s future is reportedly tied to a possible overhaul of the roster, specifically determining how to move on from an expensive commitment to Kyler Murray.
What Led to This Coaching Carousel
The widespread coaching upheaval follows disappointing campaigns across a dozen or more franchises, many of which faced high preseason expectations. The Giants and Titans fired coaches Brian Daboll and Brian Callahan, respectively, earlier in the season to get a head start on their searches. Other struggling teams such as the Jets, Cowboys, and Falcons are expected to consider major staff adjustments following year-end evaluations.
Key injuries and quarterback inconsistencies plagued teams like the Colts, Vikings, and Dolphins, forcing midseason adjustments and emergency moves like signing Philip Rivers out of retirement. With front offices now armed with additional cap room and high draft picks, firings and strategic resets are seen as essential to long-term planning.
Coaching Changes Could Reshape 2026 NFL Landscape
The upcoming changes will significantly alter the league’s leadership map heading into 2026. Teams like the Raiders and Giants are in position to draft top-tier quarterbacks and begin new eras. Meanwhile, experienced candidates such as Mike McCarthy, Matt Nagy, and Kingsbury are already being linked to vacancies as interview windows open Monday morning.
Additionally, influential figures such as Troy Aikman and Tom Brady are directly involved in guiding GM and coach hiring processes, further emphasizing the strategic importance of this offseason. The NFL could see over 10 coaching changes before the 2026 season kicks off, making the next few weeks critical for teams looking to turn the page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is “nfl coaches fired” trending?
A: Multiple NFL teams have either fired coaches or are expected to, following disappointing 2025 seasons and playoff misses.
Q: What happens next?
A: Most decisions will be announced in the 48-72 hours after Week 18 concludes, with coaching searches formally beginning Monday.
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