Which NFL coaches will be fired after the season? The conclusion of Week 18 will be followed immediately by Black Monday, a 24-hour period when a majority of head-coaching decisions are made. This year feels like it could be rather uneventful, given the lack of high-end coaching candidates available, but we should see a few NFL coaches fired by early next week.
Let’s dive into our predictions for NFL coaches fired on Black Monday.
Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll really left the organization with no other choice. Despite the additions of quarterback Geno Smith and running back Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas finished with fewer wins this season than it did under Antonio Pierce. It also seemed evident that this team gave up by the midpoint of the season, showing very little fight in its remaining games. Maybe Las Vegas does Carroll a solid by allowing him to announce his retirement rather than being fired, but the end result is the same. The Raiders will have a new head coach for the 2026 season.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders Offseason Moves That Should be Made
Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns
After consecutive seasons with 12-plus losses, the Cleveland Browns are going to make a head-coaching change. Kevin Stefanski is well-regarded across the NFL and he won’t be out of a job for long, with clubs like the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders and New York Giants likely to target him. For the Browns, however, there’s been enough time without any improvement from this offense for the franchise to justify making a change. This won’t exactly be the most desired job available, but this organization has to change something this offseason. Stefanski will be the one to go.
Related: Cleveland Browns Offseason Moves That Should be Made
Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have played better to close out the season, but it likely won’t be enough for Raheem Morris to be retained for another year. Whether or not general manager Terry Fontenot is brought back, someone has to pay the price for the franchise falling well short of expectations in recent years. The team tried to make it work with Morris, who was also on staff during the Dan Quinn years, but it just didn’t pan out. He’ll likely return to being a top defensive coordinator and assistant head coach, while Atlanta seeks a new leader who can finally get this roster over the hump.
Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins
It seemed like the second-half turnaround by the Miami Dolphins—albeit out of playoff contention—would be enough for Mike McDaniel to return in 2026. However, Dan Graziano of ESPN reported before Week 18 that the winds seem to be shifting in Miami and it is no longer a safe bet that McDaniel returns. Furthermore, Stephen Ross and Troy Aikman may determine that it’s time for a fresh start, bringing in a new general manager and allowing him to hire his own head coach so the front office and coaching staff are aligned. If McDaniel is fired, he will instantly become the most coveted candidate on the market and can likely choose his next destination.
