Following the conclusion of the 2025 NFL regular season, which saw 14 teams advance to the postseason, 18 non-playoff teams have begun the process of initiating personnel changes. This period has involved the dismissal of six head coaches and two general managers, alongside the commencement of interview processes for vacant positions. Two head coach changes occurred earlier in the season, while four head coaches were dismissed on or around January 5, a period often referred to as 'Black Monday'.
Overview of Coaching and General Manager Changes
Arizona Cardinals
Head coach Jonathan Gannon was dismissed on January 5. Gannon served for three seasons, compiling an overall record of 15-36. The team concluded the recent season with three wins, ending with a 37-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, which marked their ninth consecutive defeat and 14th loss in 15 games.
Atlanta Falcons
Head coach Raheem Morris and General Manager Terry Fontenot were dismissed on January 4. Morris's tenure included two consecutive 8-9 seasons. The team concluded the recent season with four consecutive wins, resulting in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South, despite being eliminated from playoff contention. Morris had previously served as the Falcons' interim coach for the final 11 games of the 2020 season following Dan Quinn's dismissal, returning to the team after a role as the Rams' defensive coordinator.
Interview requests for the head coach position have been extended to Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Discussions are also anticipated with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Cleveland Browns
Head coach Kevin Stefanski was dismissed on January 5, concluding his six-year tenure with the team. He achieved an overall record of 46-58, with a 5-12 record in the most recent season. Stefanski led the Browns to playoff appearances in both 2020 and 2023, earning AP Coach of the Year honors in both those seasons. During his time with the team, 13 different starting quarterbacks were utilized, with seven appearing in the last two seasons.
Las Vegas Raiders
Head coach Pete Carroll, aged 74, was dismissed on January 5 after one season with the Raiders. The team finished the season with a 3-14 record. Prior to a 14-12 victory over Kansas City, the Raiders had experienced a 10-game losing streak. Carroll's previous experience includes 14 years with the Seattle Seahawks, where he led the team to two Super Bowl appearances and one victory, and nine years at Southern California, securing two national titles.
Miami Dolphins
General Manager Chris Grier was dismissed on October 31. On January 5, interview requests for the General Manager position were issued to:
- Tariq Ahmad, 49ers vice president of player personnel
- Alec Halaby, Eagles assistant G.M.
- John McKay, Rams assistant G.M.
- Jon-Eric Sullivan, Packers vice president of player personnel
- Josh Williams, 49ers director of scouting and football operations
- RJ Gillen, 49ers assistant G.M.
New York Giants
Head coach Brian Daboll was dismissed on November 10, following the team's loss of eight of their first ten games. Daboll guided the Giants to a playoff appearance in his first season. Subsequently, the team recorded an 11-33 record, concluding his tenure with an overall record of 20-40-1. His final period included a victory against the defending Super Bowl champions Philadelphia, followed by four consecutive losses, one of which involved relinquishing an 18-point lead with six minutes remaining against Denver. Discussions are anticipated with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
Tennessee Titans
Head coach Brian Callahan was the first coach dismissed this season, with his departure occurring on October 13 or 14. Callahan's overall record was 4-19, including a 10-game losing streak. He transferred play-calling responsibilities after an 0-3 start to the season. His .174 winning percentage ranks 237th among 241 NFL coaches who have coached at least 20 games since the 1970 merger.
Interview requests for the head coach position on January 5 include Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, and Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo. An interview request was also made for Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo. An interview with former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris is reportedly scheduled for the week of January 5. Discussions are also anticipated with former Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.