NFL Coaching Carousel 2026: Ranking the Top 8 Potential Openings

The NFL’s head coaching market is heating up. With Brian Callahan fired by the Titans and Brian Daboll axed by the Giants, several teams could be looking for new leadership in 2026. Let’s break down the most appealing—and challenging—coaching gigs based on roster talent, cap space, draft capital, and stability.

1. Cincinnati Bengals

Cap space: $110.7M | Draft capital: 10th most

Joe Burrow is still one of the league’s best QBs, and that alone makes Cincinnati appealing. The offense is stacked, but the defense continues to underperform. Firing Zac Taylor and bringing in a defensive-minded coach could turn the Bengals into perennial playoff contenders. Ownership has been frugal, and the roster needs investment on defense, but any coach getting Burrow at his peak would be foolish to pass.

2. Arizona Cardinals

Cap space: $39.2M | Draft capital: 6th most

The Cardinals are better than their 2-7 record suggests. Jonathan Gannon’s defense has collapsed, and quarterback uncertainty looms with Kyler Murray’s injury history. Still, GM Monti Ossenfort has stockpiled young talent and draft picks. A coach who can fix the QB situation could see a rapid turnaround—even in a tough NFC West.

3. Cleveland Browns

Cap space: $7.9M | Draft capital: 4th most

Kevin Stefanski leaves behind a roster in transition, with Deshaun Watson likely gone after 2026. A new coach could draft a franchise QB and rebuild the offensive line, but Cleveland’s high expectations and historically impatient ownership make this a risky spot. Success probably won’t come until 2027 at the earliest.

4. Tennessee Titans

Cap space: $120.1M | Draft capital: 5th most

The Titans have elite cap space and a young QB in Cam Ward, but talent gaps at WR and defense remain. The franchise has struggled with stability, cycling through GMs and coaches in recent years. Still, Ward’s potential and Tennessee’s favorable financial position could lure a coach willing to rebuild carefully.

5. New York Giants

Cap space: $26.6M | Draft capital: 1st most

With Brian Daboll out, the Giants have the top pick and the most draft capital in the league. Rookie QB Jaxson Dart shows promise but has injury concerns. General manager Joe Schoen’s mixed track record adds uncertainty. This is a high-reward opportunity—but with a timeline that could pressure any new hire to deliver immediately.

6. Atlanta Falcons

Cap space: $10.9M | Draft capital: 30th most

The Falcons were close to contending in 2025 but ultimately fell short. QB Michael Penix Jr. shows flashes but is injury-prone, and GM Terry Fontenot has traded valuable draft picks. The team has a strong pass rush, but limited draft capital and a shaky QB situation make Atlanta a tough sell for top coaching candidates.

7. Miami Dolphins

Cap space: -$2.6M | Draft capital: 8th most

The Dolphins are in a rebuild mode. Tua Tagovailoa’s benching and guaranteed contract money complicate things for any incoming coach. The roster is young along the line but thin at skill positions. Stephen Ross demands results quickly, and Miami’s track record shows little patience. This is a high-risk, high-pressure job with limited upside in 2026.

8. Las Vegas Raiders

Cap space: $116.5M | Draft capital: 3rd most

Las Vegas offers money and no income tax, but it’s been a revolving door of coaching failures. The roster is depleted, young talent is underperforming, and Mark Davis’ impatience is legendary. The right coach could rebuild over several years, but expecting immediate success is unrealistic. Only the boldest candidates would bite.

The Bottom Line

For coaches seeking a mix of talent and stability, the Bengals and Cardinals top the list. Long-term rebuilds with young QBs—like the Titans—offer promise but require patience. Meanwhile, Miami and Las Vegas are cautionary tales: plenty of potential upside, but significant challenges and short leashes await.

The 2026 coaching carousel promises drama—and a handful of teams will give the next NFL superstar coach a golden opportunity to shape the future.