The NFL’s annual “Black Monday” shake-up is well underway, with the Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, and Arizona Cardinals all dismissing their head coaches in the immediate aftermath of the 2025 regular season.
Veteran coach Pete Carroll, former NFL Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski, and Arizona’s Jonathan Gannon were all relieved of their duties on Monday as franchises moved swiftly to reset ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Black Monday — the day after the regular season concludes — has become synonymous with sweeping coaching changes, as teams react to underwhelming performances and begin the search for new leadership.
Pete Carroll Sacked After One Season With Raiders
The Las Vegas Raiders confirmed the dismissal of Pete Carroll following a disastrous 3–14 season, tied for the worst record in the NFL.
Carroll, 74, one of the most experienced coaches in league history and a Super Bowl winner with the Seattle Seahawks, lasted just one year in Las Vegas after being hired amid high expectations.
Raiders owner Mark Davis announced the decision, confirming that minority owner Tom Brady will play an influential role in identifying the franchise’s next head coach. The Raiders are now searching for their sixth head coach since 2021, underlining ongoing instability within the organisation.
Despite Carroll’s pedigree and championship experience, the Raiders struggled on both sides of the ball and failed to show consistent progress throughout the season.
Browns Part Ways With Kevin Stefanski After 5–12 Finish
The Cleveland Browns were the first team to act on Black Monday, dismissing Kevin Stefanski after a disappointing 5–12 record in 2025.
Stefanski, 43, joined the Browns in 2020 and remains one of the most successful coaches in recent franchise history. He led Cleveland to two playoff appearances and delivered their first postseason victory in 26 years during his debut season.
Despite those achievements — and becoming one of only 16 coaches to win the NFL Coach of the Year award multiple times — Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam decided change was necessary.
In a statement, the Haslams described Stefanski as “a good football coach and an even better person” but said that “a change at the head coaching position is necessary” as the franchise looks to move forward.
Cardinals Dismiss Jonathan Gannon After Nine-Game Losing Streak
The Arizona Cardinals also confirmed the firing of Jonathan Gannon after a brutal end to the season that saw the team lose nine straight games, finishing 3–14.
Gannon, 42, was hired after impressing as defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles, but his defensive expertise failed to translate into results in Arizona.
During his three seasons in charge, the Cardinals’ defence never ranked inside the NFL’s top 20, and Gannon compiled an overall record of 15–36.
The prolonged slump and lack of defensive improvement ultimately sealed his fate as Arizona looks to rebuild once again.
Four Coaches Fired as Black Monday Takes Shape
Including Carroll, Stefanski and Gannon, four NFL head coaches have been fired since the regular season ended on Sunday.
The Atlanta Falcons were the first franchise to make changes, dismissing both head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot on Sunday night.
Atlanta posted consecutive 8–9 seasons under Morris and failed to reach the playoffs during Fontenot’s five-year tenure, prompting ownership to clean house ahead of 2026.
With several teams now entering the coaching market, the coming weeks are expected to feature intense competition for top candidates as franchises look to reshape their futures.
What Comes Next After NFL Black Monday?
As the NFL playoff field is set and postseason action begins, attention off the field will remain firmly on coaching vacancies, front-office changes, and rebuilding plans.
With high-profile franchises like the Raiders, Browns and Cardinals all searching for new leadership, Black Monday 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most consequential in recent years.
More firings could still follow, reinforcing Black Monday’s reputation as the league’s most ruthless — and transformative — day of the season.
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