Falcons Shock the NFL: Why They Just Fired Coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot!

The NFL regular season has come to a close, ushering in a tense period known as "Black Sunday and Monday," where the fates of several coaches hang in the balance. With some franchises facing disappointing seasons and others seeking a fresh start, the axe has already fallen on a few notable figures in the league.

The first casualty was Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, who, along with general manager Terry Fontenot, was fired following an 8-9 season. Both had been hoping to restore stability to a franchise that has struggled to find consistent success.

Already in-season coaching changes have included Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans and Brian Daboll of the New York Giants. Meanwhile, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen, despite a tumultuous season that saw his team plummet from 8-2 to a losing record, will reportedly return next season along with general manager Chris Ballard.

As teams assess their future, here are several head coaches whose job security is under scrutiny:

Coaches on the Hot Seat

Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Record with team: 3-14, first season
Why he might get fired: Carroll was brought in to provide stability, but the 74-year-old former Super Bowl-winning coach has seen his team falter, losing all games since Week 6. The midseason trade for quarterback Geno Smith has not panned out, and the firing of both the offensive and special teams coordinators this November raises serious questions about Carroll's leadership.

Why he might be safe: Carroll possesses a career record over .500, and owner Mark Davis may hesitate to pay off yet another failed head coach. However, with the franchise needing a thorough organizational overhaul, Carroll's age might work against him.

Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
Record with team: 46-58 (including playoffs), sixth season
Why he might get fired: The Browns have recorded their fourth losing season in six years under Stefanski, raising questions about the catastrophic trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson, which he championed. None of the 13 quarterbacks under his tenure have proven to be a long-term solution.

Why he might be safe: Stefanski has managed to achieve playoff appearances with limited talent, and ownership might see value in allowing him to develop a highly drafted quarterback through the upcoming seasons.

Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals
Record with team: 15-36, third season
Why he might get fired: Gannon was expected to strengthen Arizona's defense, but the unit has performed poorly, sitting 26th in EPA per play allowed. With 17 draft picks focused on defense during his tenure, fans and management are rightfully frustrated with the lack of progress.

Why he might be safe: The future of quarterback Kyler Murray looms large over Gannon's prospects. If ownership believes a better quarterback could yield improved results, Gannon might get another season to prove himself.

Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
Record with team: 35-35 (including playoffs), fourth season
Why he might get fired: McDaniel's teams have started strong but then faltered dramatically, losing crucial games in the last portions of the season. Discontent within the locker room and off-field issues, including conflicts with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, have raised eyebrows.

Why he might be safe: The potential financial ramifications of moving on from quarterback Tua Tagovailoa could lead owner Stephen Ross to retain McDaniel for another year, especially if the team can address its quarterback concerns.

Aaron Glenn, New York Jets
Record with team: 3-14, first season
Why he might get fired: The Jets have underperformed significantly, leaving fans disappointed. Glenn, who was expected to enhance the team's defense, has seen regression in performance, coupled with poor quarterback play.

Why he might be safe: Ownership has indicated that quarterback woes, not coaching, have been the primary issue this season. With five first-round draft picks in the next two drafts, Glenn might have the opportunity to rebuild.

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens
Record with team: 193-124 (including playoffs), 18th season
Why he might get fired: A disappointing season has led to scrutiny of Harbaugh's in-game decisions. Despite having a two-time MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson, the lack of postseason success has raised questions about Harbaugh's long-term viability.

Why he might be safe: Harbaugh's stability and successful history with the franchise carry a lot of weight. This is only his third losing season, and it would be a surprise if he were to lose his job after so many successful years.

Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record with team: 36-36 (including playoffs), fourth season
Why he might get fired: Despite a recent win, the Buccaneers' playoff hopes have vanished, and a seven-loss streak raises red flags about Bowles' ability to lead.

Why he might be safe: This season marks the first time Bowles has missed the postseason, and his past achievements may still earn him a reprieve.

Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals
Record with team: 57-65-1 (including playoffs), seventh season
Why he might get fired: The Bengals have not made the playoffs during Joe Burrow's prime years, and the team's struggles to protect Burrow have turned heads. Burrow’s comments about not enjoying football have raised further concerns.

Why he might be safe: Taylor's Super Bowl appearance in 2021 still looms large in fans' minds. The Bengals may be reluctant to lose a coach who has shown potential when Burrow is healthy.

As the NFL enters its offseason, the strategic decisions made by team owners and executives will set the tone for the 2026 season. The coaching carousel is just beginning, and fans will be closely watching who stays and who goes.