And Then There Was 10

Just when we were getting comfortable with a robust nine head coach vacancies, one more opened. After Saturday’s stunning loss to the Denver Broncos in the Divisional playoffs, the decision-makers of the Buffalo Bills decided that Sean McDermott is done. In his nine years as the head coach, McDermott guided the Bills to eight playoff appearances. This year made it six consecutive years that the Bills won at least one playoff game. In 2022 and 2024, their playoff run ended in the AFC Championship game. The only thing that McDermott didn’t accomplish as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills was make it to the Super Bowl. And, of course, win one. When it comes down to it, NFL head coaching success is really only measured by titles. Josh Allen has been one of the league’s best quarterbacks for years. If a coach can’t win the ultimate prize with one of the best quarterbacks, maybe it’s time to find a coach that can. It appears that’s the thinking of the Bills decision-makers. There will now be 10 teams with a new head coach in 2026. 

While the annual head coach churn reached 10 teams, there are presently only eight vacancies. The New York Giants and Atlanta Falcons found their new head coach. Well, each team’s new head coach is actually an old head coach. 

Head Coach Vacancies

New York Giants

Hired: John Harbaugh

Fired: Brian Dabol

Atlanta Falcons

Hired: Kevin Stefanski

Fired: Raheem Morris

Tennessee Titans

Fired: Brian Callahan

Arizona Cardinals

Fired: Jonathan Gannon

Baltimore Ravens

Fired: John Harbaugh

Cleveland Browns

Fired: Kevin Stefanski

Las Vegas Raiders

Fired: Pete Carroll

Miami Dolphins

Fired: Mike McDaniel

Pittsburgh Steelers 

Stepped Away: Mike Tomlin

Buffalo Bills

Fired: Sean McDermott

In just over a week, John Harbaugh and Kevin Stefanski experienced a firing and a hiring. Mike McDaniel has had a few head coach interviews. Even though he never reached the ultimate game, Sean McDermott had a very successful nine-year run in Buffalo. He’s joining the churn cycle late but he could get some interest from teams looking for a head coach. Maybe Harbaugh and Stefanski won’t be the only head coaches in new places next year. 

Some of the eight teams looking for a new head coach are reaching the finalist stage of their search. There could be more hires this week.