2025-26 NFL Coaching Carousel: Odds On Next Coaches

If Black Monday (January 5) was the appetizer, then what happened over the last week is the main course in one of the wildest coaching carousels we have seen in recent NFL history.

Two NFL head coaches were let go during the season, one was axed a few hours after their final regular season game, and three more were sent to the unemployment line on Black Monday. Yet, those departures don’t even compare to what happened afterward.

The seventh head coach to be relieved of duties was Baltimore’s longtime coach John Harbaugh on January 6. His firing shook up the entire NFL landscape and dramatically shifted a number of franchises’ target for their next head coach.

Following Harbaugh’s departure, Mike McDaniel was axed on January 8, from the Miami Dolphins after four seasons. But the fireworks weren’t over with. On January 13, Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin decided to step down as the head coach after 19 seasons.

The departures of Harbaugh and Tomlin meant that the two longest tenure, and former Super Bowl winning, NFL head coaches has come to an end and that their former franchises are facing crossroads of a soft rebuild or continuing on the same broken path.

With that said, let’s dive into the nine coaching vacancies, examine the latest NFL odds courtesy of the top sports betting sites, and make our picks for who each team will hire as their next head coach along with where Mike Tomlin or John Harbaugh might end up.

NFL Coach Odds

The following is a list of NFL prop bets examining the futures of the following teams and our picks for each opening:

As of this writing, each team has a notable odds-on favorite for their respective head coaching vacancy. However, the entire coaching landscape will be on hold until Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh decide their next moves.

From there, the remaining coaching vacancies will start to fill with hires of hot-commodities and rising assistants.

With that said, the departures of Tomlin and Harbaugh has led to overhaul my previous predictions in place of these new ones.

If you need additional assistance on NFL wagers and futures, then check out the industry’s top handicapping membership for all of NFL betting needs.

Score a Touchdown
Every Weekend

Join Our Expert NFL Picks.

Get Free Trial

Next NFL Head Coach Predictions

The following is a list of the latest NFL odds on the head coaching vacancies:

Where Will Mike Tomlin Coach in 2026?

• Tennessee Titans (+200)
• Atlanta Falcons (+300)
• Miami Dolphins (+600)
• Cleveland Browns (+800)
• Baltimore Ravens (+900)
• Las Vegas Raiders (+1200)

Sources close to Mike Tomlin have said that he will take off 2026 and most likely return next year. That’s good for any team wanting to hire him because they will have to give up some compensation considering Pittsburgh has Tomlin under contract for the next two seasons.

Plus, he can scout franchises all year long and put a plan in place. After taking a much-needed break. Wouldn’t be surprised if he took on an advisory role for a team like Buffalo.

Bet: No Bet

Where Will John Harbaugh Coach in 2026?

• Miami Dolphins (-150)
• New York Giants (+150)
• Atlanta Falcons (+300)

I’m with the New York Giants here. I believe they go “all-in” on Harbaugh. Reports are starting to surface that the team will pay whatever it takes for Harbaugh and his assistants. Plus, this organization has a franchise QB, playmakers on offense, and defensive stars as well.

The ingredients are here for Harbaugh to come in and take the Giants to the Playoffs in his first season provided that they nail that 5^th overall draft pick and get a few free agents.

Miami is a disaster and I don’t see someone of Harbaugh’s caliber going there for a complete rebuild.

Bet: New York Giants (+150)

Pittsburgh Steelers Next Coach

• John Harbaugh (+200)
• Brian Flores (+300)
• Mike McDaniel (+400)
• Kevin Stefanski (+500)
• Marcus Freeman (+500)
• Klint Kubiak (+700)
• Kliff Kingsbury (+700)
• Jesse Minter (+700)

After 19 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Mike Tomlin stepped down. So, for just the fourth time since 1969, the Steelers will be looking for a new coach.

If you look back at their hires (Chuck Knoll, Bill Cowher, Mike Tomlinson), the Steelers have a “type.” And, that type is a young coordinator that is seen as coaching prospect.

Knoll was 38, Cowher and Tomlin were both 34 years old. With that said, I’m going with Klint Kubiak. The Seahawks offensive coordinator has turned this franchise around and has made them a Top 10 offense.

At 38-years-old, Kubiak fits that mold. He’s the son of former head coach Gary Kubiak and his offensive scheme fits the Pittsburgh mold.

Bet: Klint Kubiak (+700)

Baltimore Ravens Next Coach

• Jesse Minter (+200)
• Klint Kubiak (+500)
• Robert Salah (+600)
• Brian Flores (+800)
• Kliff Kingsbury (+900)
• Kevin Stefanski (+1100)

I like Jesse Minter and think he has potential, but this franchise is a “win-now” team and has a two-time MVP needing to be put in an optimal position. That would require an offensive-minded head coach. And, to me, that means Kevin Stefanski.

Stefanski is familiar with this franchise as the former Browns coach. He’s also a highly respected offensive mind and coach. This is exactly what the Ravens need unless they can steal Joe Brady from Buffalo.

Bet: Kevin Stefanski (+1100)

Miami Dolphins Next Coach

• John Harbaugh (-150)
• Jeff Hafley (Even)
• Chris Shula (+300)
• Kevin Stefanski (+400)
• Mike Tomlin (+500)
• Klint Kubiak (+600)
• Jesse Minter (+700)

The Miami Dolphins have a QB problem, an overpriced Tyreek Hill issue, no depth on this roster, and a poor salary cap. This team needs a rebuild and that requires a new voice.

With that said, what better hire is there for the Dolphins than Chris Shula?

Seriously, this one writes itself. Shula is the grandson of the legend Don Shula who is a Miam Dolphins icon.

The younger Shula is a highly-regarded defensive coordinator for the Rams and viewed as a head coaching prospect. And, each year, there always seems to be a Sean McVay assistant to get hired.

Bet: Chris Shula (+300)

Tennessee Titans Next Coach

• Matt Nagy (+150)
• Mike McCarthy (+250)
• Steve Spagnuolo (+500)
• Joe Brady (+700)
• Arthur Smith (+700)
• Jesse Minter (+800)

The Titans didn’t even wait two months into the 2025-26 season before canning Brian Callahan on October 13. The former Bengals offensive coordinator went 3-14 in his first season (24-25) and started off this year going 1-5 despite having a new franchise QB in Cam Ward.

Tennessee has already requested a meeting with Matt Nagy who currently operates as the KC Chiefs offensive coordinator. In fact, the Titans have requests for interviews with a number of names that are popping up in these coaching searches.

With that said, Nagy’s run as the Bears head coach ended in 2021, following a 6-11 season. He did go 34-31 over his time in Chicago with two Playoff appearances.

While the Titans will kick the can on just about every reputable name, Nagy worked with Tennessee’s GM Mike Borgonzi in KC. Their connection, along with Nagy’s offensive prowess, makes him the logical choice. I don’t see many of the bigger prospects rushing for Tennessee’s opening.

Bet: Matt Nagy (+150)

New York Giants Head Coach

• John Harbaugh (-500)
• Kevin Stefanski (-150)
• Chris Shula (+300)

I would be absolutely stunned if Harbaugh passes up on a blank checkbook from the Giants’ front office and the talent on this team. Let’s also not forget they have some salary cap space and the 5^th overall draft pick to go along with a franchise QB and stars on both sides of the ball.

I was high on Stefanski going here, but the Harbaugh firing dramatically impacted this vacancy.

Bet: John Harbaugh (-500)

Atlanta Falcons Next Coach

• Kevin Stefanski (+150)
• Klint Kubiak (+200)
• Mike McDaniel (+400)
• Kliff Kingsbury (+600)
• Mike Lafleur (+1000)

I was surprised to see Raheem Morris get fired at the conclusion of Week 18. He finished with a 16-18 record and had the respect of his players, which you can’t say about some of these other head coaches that got fired. Additionally, it wasn’t Morris who constructed this QB room, which failed Atlanta two years in a row.

The GM was to blame for that mess and Atlanta also fired him (Terry Fontenot), as well. So, the team will need to hire both positions this offseason and build around their budding stars.

I agree with the perspective from the sportsbooks that Atlanta will go with an offensive minded head coach. They spent the last few years with a defensive minded coach in Morris, which definitely improved that side of the ball. However, their offense lacked in many areas despite the talent.

Initially, I was going with Kubiak for this position. However, after the changes to Baltimore and Pittsburgh, I see someone like Mike McDaniel or Kliff Kingsbury getting this job.

For his faults, McDaniel is a brilliant offensive mind. He could maximize this offensive talent along with dealing with a shaky QB room just like he did in Miami.elped turn this Seattle offense into a real threat in the NFL, like Brady has with Buffalo. Yet, he’s done it with Darnold compared to Allen for Brady.

Bet: Mike McDaniel (+400)

Cleveland Browns Next Coach

• Mike McDaniel (Even)
• Klint Kubiak (+500)
• Robert Saleh (+600)
• Jim Schwartz (+600)
• Mike McCarthy (+600)

At first, I wrote that Robert Saleh would be the ideal coach for Cleveland. And, I still believe that. But reports have come out saying that the Browns want an offensive minded head coach who will also keep Jim Schwartz as the defensive coordinator.

That begs the question, then whey not just give the head coaching job to Schwartz and hire an offensive coordinator.

With that said, the Browns need a coach that can rebuild, walk in with respect, and have an offensive mind. To me, that’s Mike McCarthy. He’s a Super Bowl winning coach that got a raw deal in Dallas despite three consecutive Playoff appearances.

McCarthy could come in on day one and build a winning culture, fix the offense, establish a QB, and allow Schwartz to run the defense.

Bet: Mike McCarthy (+600)

Las Vegas Raiders Next Coach

• Brian Flores (+200)
• Klint Kubiak (+300)
• Jesse Minter (+400)
• Kevin Stefanski (+500)
• Philip Rivers (+600)
• Kliff Kingsbury (+700)
• Joe Brady (+800)
• Mike LaFleur (+900)

The Las Vegas Raiders should be ashamed of themselves for how they handled the Pete Caroll situation. Sure, the team was awful this year, but they kept playing for their head coach. That’s a sign that he didn’t lose the team.

Keep in mind, the Raiders have arguably the second worst QB room behind Clevland as Geno Smith flopped in Vegas. Then, LV gets rid of its top receiver in Meyers, which provides poor QB play with no credible no.1 or no.2 receivers. In other words, this offense is horrible.

There’s a strong rumor going around that the Raiders, especially Tom Brady, want to bring in Brian Flores as head coach and pair him with Brian Daboll as the OC. I like this idea. I actually was going to suggest a Daboll-Saleh pairing in Cleveland for the same reasons.

Flores is an excellent defensive-minded coach who turned around a poor Vikings defense and made them one of the best. Furthermore, Daboll is an excellent OC who could help shape this offense as they add more talent in the offseason.

As much as I would love to see Philip Rivers coach the Raiders, which needs to be made into a reality TV show or Hard Knocks at the very least, the Flores-Daboll pairing could turn Vegas around.

Bet: Brian Flores (+200)

Arizona Cardinals Next Coach

• Vance Joseph (+200)
• Joe Brady (+400)
• Klint Kubiak (+500)
• Jeff Hafley (+900)

Jonathan Gannon went 15-36 (.294 winning percentage) in his three years with the Cardinals. And, that includes going 8-9 last year, which led to some optimism for Arizona heading into this season. Unfortunately, the team failed especially with subpar QB play from Kyler Murray. Injuries derailed success, as well.

Nevertheless, a 3-14 record in your third year as the head coach is a hard thing to overcome. Add the Murray drama to this franchise and you have a “hot mess” waiting for the next head coach.

This job won’t be appealing to the established coaching candidates. But it would be to a second-tier coordinator looking for his first coaching job. And, to me, that means Jeff Hafley or Joe Brady.

With that in mind, I am leaning towards Joe Brady here. He would maximize the talent on offense and could work with or without Kyler Murray. Would he want to leave Buffalo for this situation?

Bet: Joe Brady (+400)

NFL Black Monday

The origin of Black Monday began in the 1990s after The Chicago Tribune mentioned this term in association with College Football coaches getting fired. By the late 1990s, many of the major media outlets were using this term to describe the NFL firings following the end of the season.

Typically, the last NFL game is played on Sunday night. Following that game, teams that don’t make the Playoffs are looking towards building for the offseason, which may include firing their head coach.

What Is NFL Black Monday?

NFL Black Monday refers to the Monday right after the conclusion of the regular season. It’s often when teams fire head coaches, coordinators or GMs for disappointing seasons. Since 18 teams don’t make the Playoffs, there’s a higher chance that coaches get fired on this day than during the regular season.

Black Monday 2024

Since the NFL moved to an 18-week regular season, Black Monday is now pushed back into January of the following calendar year. So, the 2023-24 regular season ended on Sunday, January 7^th. This meant that Black Monday fell on January 8^th.

And, true to form, the axe fell on multiple coaches this Black Monday as Atlanta fired Arthur Smith early that morning. Smith finished his three-year tenure with the Falcons going 21-30 and never making the Playoffs. In fact, he finished with a 7-10 record each of his three seasons.

The Washington Commanders would fire Ron Rivera later that day, after four years as their head coach. Rivera finished 26-40-1 with four years of non-winning football. The Commanders did finish 7-9 in 2020 and won the NFC East division, but they lost in the Wild Card round to Brady and the Bucs. Prior to that, Rivera went 76-63-1 with Carolina during the regular season and 3-4 in the postseason. He led the Panthers to a Super Bowl loss against the Broncos in SB 50.

Tennessee’s Mike Vrabel had intense discussions all Black Monday and had one foot out the door. However, his official release didn’t take place until the next day. Yet, he was pretty much gone on that Monday.

Future HOF coach Pete Carroll almost survived the firing squad. Unfortunately, differences between Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks front office weren’t able to be resolved and the 72-year-old coach was let go two days after Black Monday.

On January 11th, 2024, the greatest NFL head coach of all-time, Bill Belichick agreed with the New England Patriots to part ways. That’s a nice way to say that the team was going to fire him. Belichick finished his 24-year tenure with the Patriots sporting a 266-121-0 record with 6 Super Bowl wins and a 30-12 Playoff mark. He also won 17 AFC East titles including 11 in a row from 2009-2019.

As mentioned at the beginning of the article, Frank Reich, Brandon Staley and Josh McDaniels were all released during the season. The Panthers didn’t even give Reich a full first year as head coach. They fired him after Week 11 due to the team getting off to a 1-10 start. Brandon Staley lasted under three seasons as the Los Angeles Chargers fired him after Week 15 due to a 5-9 start and one of the most embarrassing losses in franchise history. The Raiders destroyed the Chargers on Thursday Night Football by the score of 63-21.

Last year, Josh McDaniels was the first coach to get fired. So, if you were betting on this prop bet for the 2023-24 NFL season, you would’ve won if you wagered on McDaniels. The Raiders axed him after Week 8 due to Las Vegas starting the season 3-5. McDaniels finished with a 9-16 mark and a roster full of players that celebrated his departure from the organization.

Black Monday 2023

On January 8, 2023, Black Monday saw Kliff Kingsbury as the lone head coach to get fired on this day. The Arizona Cardinals decided to part ways with the once highly regarded coach.

That year, Houston fired Lovie Smith a few hours prior to the start of Black Monday. Additionally, three coaches were fired during the season:

On October 10, 2022, the Carolina Panthers fired Matt Rhule after a 1-4 start to the season.

The day after Christmas, the Denver Broncos didn’t even want to wait until Black Monday to fire Nathaniel Hackett. The team was 4-11 and most of the players had quit on the coach months prior. At least they let Hackett celebrate the holiday still employed!

Following five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts, Frank Reich was bounced after Week 9 due to a 3-5-1 start to the season. Ironically, Reich was fired after a 1-10 start to the 2023-24 season with the Panthers. It’s a dubious honor to be fired two years in a row during the season.

Black Monday 2022

The conclusion of the 2021-22 season came to an end on January 9^th, which put Black Monday on January 10^th. The Denver Broncos didn’t even wait until Black Monday to fire Vic Fangio. After three seasons, and a 19-30 record, the Broncos fired him on the Sunday before, since the team played on Saturday, January 8^th.

Following eight years as the head coach of the Vikings, Mike Zimmer was fired due to another losing season with an 8-9 record. He finished his tenure with a 72-56-1 regular season mark along with a 2-3 postseason record.

The Chicago Bears put fans out of their misery by finally firing Matt Nagy after his fourth season as the head coach. Nagy finished with a 34-31 record. However, he had three consecutive seasons of 8-8 or worse to close out his tenure.

The biggest surprise on the 2022 Black Monday, was Brian Flores getting fired by the Miami Dolphins. Although Flores didn’t make the Playoffs during his three years as the head coach, he did have two consecutive winning seasons before being let go. Flores finished with a 24-25 record with the Dolphins. However, that record is misleading as he went 19-14 over his final two years.

The New York Giants waited an extra day before firing Joe Judge after two seasons at the helm. Judge was 10-23 over those two years, so it’s unclear if the team wanted Judge to have his own day of facing the firing squad or if Judge nearly bribed or blackmailed the front office for a third year as the coach.

A few days following Black Monday, the Houston Texans fired David Culley after just one season. The team finished 4-13. It’s still a mystery how Culley even ended up as the head coach considering his lack of experience.

Jon Gruden (Raiders) and Urban Meyer (Jaguars) were both forced out during the regular season. Additionally, both were let go after scandals rocked their respective franchises.

Black Monday 2021

The 2020-21 NFL season was the last year of a 17-week schedule. So, the Black Monday fell on January 4^th, 2021, and two NFL coaches fell on that day.

The Los Angeles Chargers fired Anthony Lynn after four yeas as their head coach. He finished with a 33-31 record with the Chargers and two straight losing seasons. He also only appeared in the Playoffs one time and went 1-1 that year.

After four full seasons, and two games in 2016 as the interim head coach, the Jaguars fired Doug Marrone as their head coach. He finished his tenure with a 23-43 record in the regular season and 2-1 in the Playoffs. However, his final season saw the team finish 1-15 and a third straight season of six wins or less. And, let’s not forget how he quit on the Buffalo Bills in 2015. It was shocking that the Jaguars even waited this long to fire Marrone, let alone even hiring a head coach who quit his job after two seasons in Buffalo.

The Philadelphia Eagles ended up firing Doug Pederson a week later after discussions broke down and their differences became irreconcilable.

The New York Jets fired Adam Gase after two years at the helm. He finished 9-23 with the Jets, which included a 2-14 record in his final season. Prior to that, Gase was 23-25 with the Miami Dolphins and was also fired on Black Monday of 2018. Another dubious honor to be fired twice on Black Monday.

During the season, the Detroit Lions fired Matt Patricia after Week 11 following 2 ½ seasons and a 13-29-1 record.

The Houston Texans fired Bill O’Brien after Week 4 of the 2020 season. He finished his tenure at 52-48 in the regular season and 2-4 in the Playoffs. He went to the Playoffs two straight years before being fired. It’s more than likely that O’Brien was fired more so due to the Hopkins trade than anything else.

Dan Quinn’s tenure with the Atlanta Falcons came to an end after Week 5 of the season. He finished with a 43-42 regular season record and a 3-2 postseason record in his five-plus years as head coach.