Black Monday in the NFL didn’t take a breather. Some got through the dreaded day, only to get the axe a few days later. Even the two longest tenured coaches in the NFL became free agents for the first time.
The number of vacancies sits at eight after John Harbaugh is on the verge of a deal with the New York Giants. Some openings look attractive. Others will have coaches eventually quoting Doc Rivers.
Since John Harbaugh is on the verge, supposedly, of accepting a job with the New York Giants, there now remain eight NFL head coaching vacancies. Which destinations are the most attractive, and which the least?
8. Cleveland Browns
‘The Land’ is the worst of the worst. Cleveland has eight wins in the last two seasons, after trading away their only real shot at relevancy.
Former HC Kevin Stefanski was expected to navigate through the QB room of Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders.
Adding the noise of the worst trade in NFL history, the organization decided that the best course of action was to move on from their two-time Head Coach of the Year?
A new coach will inherit:
A top-five defense led by Myles Garrett — the NFL’s single-season sack record holder and 2025 TFL leader — along with rookie-of-the-year candidate LB Carson Schwesinger and two picks in the first round.
Those are strong incentives to take the job.
Still, it’ll be tough to overlook owner Jimmy Haslam’s abysmal track record, including nearly 30 different starting QBs in his tenure and the looming QB drama with Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders.
7. Arizona Cardinals
Losing 14 of your last 15 games is something you hear about in spring and summer months, not during football season.
The Arizona Cardinals found a way to do just that, ultimately leading to this opening. Prayers up for whoever Jonathan Gannon berates next.
The Card’s boast first team All-Pro TE Trey McBride, explosive playmaker in WR Michael Wilson, and of course defensive stud Budda Baker. QB Kyler Murray? Most likely on the trading block.
Aside from the No. 1 overall pick, the 2026 QB draft class is weak after QB Dante Moore announced a return to Oregon. Whoever coaches in the valley will have roughly $15 million in cap space to work with.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
For those who haven’t seen it everywhere: This will be Pittsburgh’s fourth head coach since the NFL/AFL merger.
The Rooney family has shown saint-like patience with their coaches. Now they must pray they don’t fall below .500 for the first time in 23 years.
It’s very simple, barring Aaron Rodgers’ future, this team is headed straight for a rebuild.
Another team in need of a QB hurt by the weak draft class, with the best free-agent QB option being Daniel Jones, doesn’t scream “dream job.” Whoever takes it will have a nonexistent offense and an aging defense in 2026.
5. Miami Dolphins
In two straight seasons, Mike McDaniel looked like an offensive mastermind, leading the Dolphins to their first postseason berth since 2016.
Unfortunately, QB Tua Tagovailoa continuously had his skull crushed in 2023 and THEN received a $212 million contract extension the following season.
Now Miami is stuck with a very unhealthy QB who is owed $54 million this upcoming season.
There’s talent on the roster with Jaylen Waddle and De’Von Achane, plus promising backup QB Quinn Ewers, who showed flashes in his second career start (14-for-22 for 172 Yds and two TD’s in a win over Tampa Bay).
Defensive standouts like Bradley Chubb and Minkah Fitzpatrick add appeal. Still, a new GM, and only the No. 11 overall pick, it doesn’t land this organization high on this list.
4. Las Vegas Raiders
Money, money, money! The Raiders enter 2026 with the third highest cap space going into 2026, the No. 1 overall pick, and the best QB of all time.
Well, that QB is in the ownership group, but will be influential going forward.
Things haven’t looked fantastic for the Raiders. For the 2025 season: dead last in yards, dead last in points, most sacks given up, you get the picture.
Exciting players include Maxx Crosby, Brock Bowers, Ashton Jeanty, and likely the addition of Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza.
With all that cap space, the Raiders must add competent pieces around Crosby on D, and upgrade the offensive line.
The next coach who takes over will most likely not be in his mid 70’s, so the future looks bright!
3. Atlanta Falcons
The NFC South remains the weakest division in the NFL. A three-way tie for the division at 8-9 means you’re staring at some rough football. But hey, at least Matt Ryan is in the front office..???
That being said: Being in the weakest division in the NFL puts you in the best position for success, at least on paper.
Michael Penix Jr. faces a long recovery with his torn ACL, but the Falcons have high-upside talent like, Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Kyle Pitts, plus electric rookies, James Pearce Jr. and Xavier Watts.
https://Twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/2011500008160244036?s=20
They lack a first-round pick in 2026, but smart contract restructuring of Kirk Cousins and others could free up cap space. That would make Atlanta a surprisingly attractive landing spot.
2. Tennessee Titans
The Titans went 6-28 over the last two seasons, and neither Cam Ward nor Will Levis inspires confidence under center.
However, Cam Ward showed toughness down the stretch and appeared in all 17 games. In weeks 13-16, Ward threw eight TD’s and on INT for 766 yds on 59% passing.
Surrounding Ward with real weapons is achievable —and badly needed after ranking 31st in total offense.
The top targets for Cam this past season were Elic Ayomanor, Chigoziem Okonkwo, and Chimere Dike, all of whom fell below 50th in receptions.
With the No. 4 overall pick and the second-most cap space, they can target a top receiver in the draft, chase free-agent help, and finally fix their lackluster defense.
1. Baltimore Ravens
Yes, the most obvious choice. A two-time NFL MVP and Heisman-winning QB, an All-Pro and Heisman-winning RB, plus 11 draft picks — there isn’t a team out there that can top this choice.
With Zac Taylor retained in Cincinnati — and considering the struggles in Cleveland and Pittsburgh — the AFC North is wide open for Baltimore to dominate.
Becoming a head coach always comes with responsibility. Whoever the Ravens grab is going to be faced with immense criticism (“Harbaugh would’ve gotten us here”).
Lamar Jackson has struggled in big playoff moments, so whoever dons the headset has the great opportunity to get the team over that hump. Out of every vacancy, the Ravens are the most playoff-ready and easily most coveted.
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