Coaching Carousel: Ranking the Remaining 8 NFL Head Coach Vacancies

At their essence, all NFL head coaching jobs are attractive. There are just 32 of them, after all, and only a few of those spots become available each year. 

But not all NFL head coaching jobs are created equal. Ownership, front office structure, quarterback situation, draft capital and salary cap flexibility are among the many factors that determine the appeal of a head coach role. 

With the recent departures of Mike Tomlin (Steelers) and Sean McDermott (Bills) and the arrivals of John Harbaugh (Giants) and Kevin Stefanski (Falcons), there are currently eight vacancies across the league. Here’s our ranking of them. 

8. Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel on Jan. 8 following days of uncertainty about his status. Miami has one of the league’s worst cap situations, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa’s terrible contract, to work through in 2026. Miami’s draft positioning also makes it tough to draft a passer in a weak quarterback class. But the new coach gets to come in with a general manager — Chris Grier and the Dolphins mutually agreed to part ways in October — which is a plus.

Dolphins At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 7-10
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: -$23.2M (29th in the NFL)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 11 overall

When asked if he would like a fresh start in 2026, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa said, "That would be dope." Will the dismissal of head coach Mike McDaniel change the calculus in Miami? (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

7. Arizona Cardinals 

Kyler Murray’s time in the desert might be over, so the Cardinals could be in the market for a quarterback in a bad offseason to be pursuing one. But Arizona owns all of its original 2026 draft picks, including the No. 3 overall selection, and is projected to have $21.2 million in salary cap space, which ranks 18th in the league, according to Over The Cap.  

Cardinals At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 3-14
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: $21.2M (18th)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 3 overall

6. Cleveland Browns

The Browns’ quarterback situation remains a mess with Deshaun Watson’s disastrous contract still on the books and Shedeur Sanders' future with the team in question. General manager Andrew Berry somehow remains in the picture despite the firing of coach Kevin Stefanski. Cleveland’s new coach will, however, inherit a promising 2025 draft class and two 2026 first-round picks. 

Will Deshaun Watson (right) be back under center for the Browns next season? If so, what does that mean for Shedeur Sanders' future in Cleveland?  (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Browns At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 5-12
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: -$12.2M (27th)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 6 overall

5. Pittsburgh Steelers

While there was uncertainty about his long-term job status, Mike Tomlin still shocked the NFL world by stepping down as Steelers coach after 19 seasons. 

Pittsburgh's new coach will be left with a big question mark at quarterback — will 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers retire or re-sign? — and an old roster to sort through. But the team has some financial flexibility — it’s projected to have around $39 million in cap space, which ranks 10th in the NFL, per OTC — and a projected five picks in the first three rounds of the upcoming draft. That will give the new coach a great opportunity to retool the team in his image.

The Steelers will be hiring just their fourth head coach since 1969. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)

Steelers At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 10-7
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: $39M (10th)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 21 overall

4. Tennessee Titans 

On the surface, there’s a lot to love about the Titans’ situation. They have plenty of cap space — they’re currently projected to be $95 million under the 2026 salary cap, which ranks third in the NFL, per OTC. Cam Ward flashed as a long-term franchise quarterback as a rookie. Mike Borgonzi, who just wrapped up an encouraging first season as general manager, is a well-respected football executive across the league. Tennessee also has the No. 4 overall pick. 

But controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk’s unpredictability takes some air out of the job. She has fired two head coaches and two general managers over the past three years. The Titans, however, made the wise move of announcing a return to a more traditional front office structure moving forward, which clears up some questions.

Titans At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 3-14
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: $95.6M (third)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 4 overall

Cam Ward finished his rookie season with 3,169 passing yards, 15 touchdowns and seven interceptions. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images)

3. Las Vegas Raiders

Sure, things don't look good right now for the Raiders, who haven't had a winning season or made the playoffs since 2021. But with the No. 1 overall pick and more than $100 million in projected salary cap space (second in the NFL, per OTC), the franchise will give its next head coach an ideal opportunity to rebuild the team alongside general manager John Spytek. 

Having three cornerstone players — edge Maxx Crosby, tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty — is a bonus. Plus, Geno Smith’s contract will be easy to cut, paving the way for a fresh start at quarterback. The Raiders are on the clock.

Raiders At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 3-14
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: $100.8M (second)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 1 overall

2. Buffalo Bills

Following another playoff run that has fallen short of the Super Bowl, Sean McDermott is out in Buffalo after nine years, including eight postseason trips.

The Bills have a top-three quarterback in Josh Allen, the reigning MVP. He's under contract for the next five seasons. Allen's presence makes this a premier opening. But Buffalo has a lot of work to do to build his supporting cast. The receiver spot has been a particular problem for the past couple of years.

Bills At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 12-5
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: -$11.6M (23rd)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 26

[What's Next: Where Do the Bills Go From Here After Firing Sean McDermott?]

1. Baltimore Ravens

John Harbaugh's dismissal after 18 seasons was shocking if not totally surprising. It didn't take him long to land another gig, as Harbaugh signed a huge deal with the Giants.

Assuming the trade rumors surrounding Lamar Jackson have zero credence, the next Ravens coach inherits a two-time MVP who, when healthy, remains one of the NFL’s best quarterbacks. 

Baltimore is currently projected to have more than $28 million in cap space and 11 draft picks this spring (four compensatory selections), per SpoTrac. 

John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson had their ups and downs during their time together in Baltimore. Now the two-time MVP will have a new voice in his ear. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)

Ravens At A Glance

• 2025 Record: 8-9
• Projected 2026 Cap Space: $28.1M (17th)
• Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 14 overall

Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports. He previously worked for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network, where he was the Titans beat writer for a year and a half. He covered the Seattle Seahawks for SeattlePI.com for three seasons (2018-20) prior to moving to Tennessee. You can follow Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur.

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