NFL SHOCKER: Dolphins Ditch McDaniel, Ravens Say Goodbye to Harbaugh—Is Your Team Next?

The NFL coaching carousel has begun its dizzying spin, with teams looking to reshape their futures after disappointing seasons. As franchises aim for a brighter 2026, significant changes are unfolding across the league. Notably, the Miami Dolphins have made headlines by parting ways with head coach Mike McDaniel just two days after the Baltimore Ravens shocked fans by firing long-time head coach John Harbaugh, who had a remarkable 18-season tenure, highlighted by a Super Bowl victory.

This week's upheaval wasn't confined to just a handful of coaches. Several other head coaches and one general manager have also been shown the door. The Dallas Cowboys, for instance, terminated defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus after a dismal season in which they allowed over 500 points—an unprecedented milestone in franchise history. Similarly, the Washington Commanders opted to move on from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and mutually parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, both of whom were part of a coaching staff that led Washington to its first conference title game since 1991.

Among the first casualties of the week were Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot of the Atlanta Falcons, who were dismissed after finishing the season with an 8-9 record. There are rumblings that former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan might rejoin the organization in a new capacity as president of football operations.

On Monday, the Cleveland Browns let go of head coach Kevin Stefanski after a lackluster season marked by a second consecutive year of picking in the top seven of the draft. Just hours later, the Las Vegas Raiders made a surprising move by firing Pete Carroll, who had a dismal 3-14 record in his single season at the helm. The Arizona Cardinals followed suit, terminating head coach Jonathan Gannon after a third straight losing season.

Amidst the shake-up, some head coaches are tentatively holding onto their jobs. The Indianapolis Colts announced the return of head coach Shane Steichen and general manager Chris Ballard for the upcoming season, as did the Cincinnati Bengals, retaining head coach Zac Taylor and GM Duke Tobin.

Despite the upheaval, reports suggest that Mike McDaniel may be safe for now, as he is expected to return in 2026, although the team is currently searching for a new general manager, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Current Coaching Changes and Potential Replacements

The latest round of firings has brought forth several significant changes with various teams. Below is a breakdown of notable coaching changes along with potential candidates to fill these vacancies:

Fired Coaches

Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

Record with team: 35-35 (including playoffs), four seasons
Reason for firing: The Dolphins struggled early this season, opening with a loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Despite a late-season surge that saw the team win five out of six games, McDaniel’s overall performance and that of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa ultimately led to his dismissal.

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

Record with team: 193-124 (including playoffs), 18 seasons
Reason for firing: The Ravens’ mediocre performance this season, coupled with inconsistent defense and questionable in-game decisions, raised concerns. Harbaugh's inability to return to the Super Bowl with two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson led to the conclusion that a change was necessary.

Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals

Record with team: 15-36, three seasons
Reason for firing: Gannon, who was expected to enhance the Cardinals' defense, failed to make significant improvements. The defense ranked among the worst in the league, which contributed to his dismissal.

Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders

Record with team: 3-14, one season
Reason for firing: Carroll’s tenure was marked by instability and a series of challenges, including coaching disagreements and a lack of offensive production, particularly after trading for quarterback Geno Smith.

Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns

Record with team: 46-58 (including playoffs), six seasons
Reason for firing: The Browns’ struggles under Stefanski, including the fallout from the controversial Deshaun Watson trade, ultimately led to his dismissal.

Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons

Record with team: 16-18, two seasons
Reason for firing: Although the Falcons finished strong, Morris's overall performance raised questions about his ability to lead the team, especially after an all-in season where the franchise traded away its first-round draft pick.

Brian Daboll, New York Giants

Record with team: 21-41-1, three full seasons
Reason for firing: Despite an exciting start that saw the Giants win a playoff game, injuries and underperformance led to Daboll’s eventual dismissal, exacerbated by concerns over game management.

Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans

Record with team: 4-19, one full season and six games
Reason for firing: Callahan failed to deliver on the field, struggling to develop talent and displaying a lack of composure during games.

The NFL coaching landscape is changing rapidly, and the scramble to find the right leaders is intensifying. With multiple head coaching vacancies and a flurry of potential replacements, teams are hoping to turn the page and build for a more successful future in 2026.