NFL Black Monday 2026: Full list of coaches fired - here's the breakdown

Black Monday represents a pivotal moment on the NFL calendar, arriving immediately following the conclusion of the regular season marking the annual turning point when struggling NFL franchises start to reshape their futures. It is traditionally the period when teams that failed to meet expectations make difficult decisions about leadership, often parting ways with head coaches.

Many organizations acted even before the season officially ended, dismissing coaches amid poor starts and elevating pressure. Others waited until the last whistle, with firings accelerating rapidly on January 5 as the league entered its offseason.

As of the morning of Jan. 5, six head coaches who started the 2025 season have been dismissed, featuring widespread dissatisfaction across the league.

Which Coaches Were Fired Before Black Monday?

Brian Callahan, Tennessee Titans — Fired Oct. 13

Callahan became the season's first head coach dismissed. After guiding Tennessee to a 3–14 record in 2024 and getting the No. 1 overall draft pick, expectations were elevated with the addition of a new franchise quarterback. However, a 1–5 start in 2025 capped by a 20–10 loss to the Raiders led ownership to move on early.

Brian Daboll, New York Giants — Fired Nov. 10

Daboll entered his fourth season facing scrutiny after a disastrous 2024 campaign that involved a franchise-record 14 losses and the benching of quarterback Daniel Jones. Even with drafting rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Giants stumbled to a 2–8 start, dropping Daboll’s overall record to 20-40-1 the poorest for any Giants coach with at least 50 games resulting in his dismissal alongside defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.

Who Was Fired at the End of the Season?

Raheem Morris, Atlanta Falcons — Fired Jan. 4

Morris finished the season but was dismissed shortly following Week 18. Despite closing the year with four straight wins, Atlanta completed 8–9 for the second consecutive season and narrowly missed the playoffs by one game in a weak NFC South. Hours after the finale, the Falcons also fired general manager Terry Fontenot, showing a complete leadership reset.

Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns — Fired Jan. 5

The first Black Monday firing, Stefanski’s tenure concluded after six seasons. Although he won NFL Coach of the Year honors twice (2020 and 2023) and led Cleveland to two playoff appearances, inconsistency dominated the franchise. Outside those peak seasons, the Browns went 23–45 with no postseason berths, initiating Cleveland to seek a new direction.

Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders — Fired Jan. 5

Carroll’s return to the sidelines lasted just one year. Despite a Week 18 win, Las Vegas completed with only three victories tied for the league’s poorest record. The poor performance got the Raiders the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft but cost Carroll his job.

Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals — Fired Jan. 5

Gannon became the third coach dismissed by midday Monday. Across three seasons, Arizona failed to post a winning record, which includes a 3–14 finish in 2025. His overall mark of 15–36 (.294 winning percentage) and repeated last-place finishes convinced the Cardinals to make a change.

What Happens Next?

With six coaching vacancies now open, teams are anticipated to start interviews immediately as the NFL offseason accelerates.

FAQs

Q1. What is Black Monday in the NFL?
Black Monday is the day after the NFL regular season concludes. It is known for several coaching dismissals.

Q2. Why are NFL coaches fired on Monday?
Teams use Monday to examine season performance. Poor results often result to immediate decisions.