There are currently eight head coaching openings in the NFL after a series of changes that began with nine vacancies, dropped to seven, and then rose to ten before settling back at seven. The latest move was the Buffalo Bills’ decision to fire Sean McDermott on Monday, marking the tenth coaching change for the 2026 cycle.
The New York Giants have hired John Harbaugh and the Atlanta Falcons have brought in Kevin Stefanski, filling two of these positions. Despite some roles being filled, having ten teams switch head coaches in one offseason remains notable.
The Arizona Cardinals are among the teams searching for a new head coach this year. According to ESPN, this is only the fifth time there have been ten coaching openings during a single hiring cycle—the previous instances occurred in 1978, 1997, 2006, and 2022. In 1978, when there were just 28 NFL teams (making up over a third of all jobs), the Cardinals also sought a new coach following Don Coryell’s departure and subsequently hired Bud Wilkinson.
The Bills’ decision could affect the Cardinals’ search in two ways: it adds another team competing for candidates and puts McDermott into consideration as a potential hire. “We’ll see if McDermott would have any interest for Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort,” said an unnamed source. “But even to a lesser level, if McDermott ends up in one of the other vacancies, that could make available a coach that would have otherwise taken the job McDermott gets.”
Among those reportedly contacted by the Cardinals who remain active in the playoffs are Rams assistants Mike LaFleur and Chris Shula; Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak; Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph; and Patriots passing game coordinator Thomas Brown.
Additionally, news broke Monday that Detroit Lions will hire Drew Petzing—previously offensive coordinator for Arizona—in the same capacity. He becomes the first member of Jonathan Gannon’s staff to leave for another NFL position. Gannon himself is reportedly speaking with the Dallas Cowboys about their defensive coordinator role this week and has interviewed with Tennessee Titans regarding their head coaching vacancy.
“UPDATE: It looks like the openings have fallen back down to seven again, with the Dolphins going with Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley.”
“UPDATE 2: Niners defensive coordinator Robert Saleh, who is currently in Tennessee interviewing for the Titans job, reportedly is coming to Arizona for an in-person second interview on Tuesday assuming he doesn’t take the Titans’ job first.”
The Arizona Cardinals are recognized as both members of NFC West division and as one of professional football’s oldest franchises. The team represents Phoenix and plays its home games in Glendale, Arizona.
