2026 NFL Head Coach Openings Ranked
As the 2025-2026 NFL season comes to a close, several teams are left searching for a new head coach to lead their squads into the next season. The NFL.com has recently released its ranking of the best available head coach positions, providing insight into which teams are most in need of a change at the top.
Top 5 Teams in Need of a New Head Coach
The first team on the list is the Chicago Bears, who have struggled to find consistency on the field despite a talented roster. With a 6-10 record and a lack of playoff appearances in recent years, the Bears are in dire need of a new leader to turn their franchise around.
The Bears are followed closely by the Detroit Lions, who have also failed to achieve significant success despite a strong young core of players. With a 7-9 record and a lack of playoff appearances since 2016, the Lions are in search of a coach who can bring some much-needed stability to the team.
The Indianapolis Colts are another team in need of a new head coach, as they look to rebuild their roster and return to relevance in the AFC South. With a 5-11 record and a struggling offense, the Colts are in need of a coach who can help them turn things around.
Notable Candidates for Open Positions
Several notable coaches have been mentioned as potential candidates for the open positions, including former Super Bowl-winning coach Sean Payton. Payton has been out of the league since 2021 but is said to be looking for a new opportunity, and his experience and success make him a prime candidate for one of the open jobs.
Another coach who has been mentioned as a potential candidate is former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett. Garrett has a strong track record of success in the league and is said to be looking for a new challenge, making him a prime candidate for one of the open positions.
Other notable coaches who have been mentioned as potential candidates include former Green Bay Packers head coach Mike McCarthy and former San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Both coaches have a strong track record of success in the league and are said to be looking for new opportunities.
What to Expect in the Coming Weeks
In the coming weeks, teams are expected to begin making moves to fill their open head coach positions. This could involve interviewing candidates, making job offers, or even making trades to acquire players or coaches who can help their team succeed.
As the NFL continues to navigate the off-season, fans can expect a lot of excitement and speculation surrounding the head coach positions. With several talented coaches and teams looking for a new leader, it's going to be an interesting few weeks in the world of the NFL.
One thing is certain, however - with the right coach in place, any of these teams has the potential to make a significant turnaround and become a contender for the Super Bowl.
The coming weeks will be filled with a lot of uncertainty, but one thing is clear: the NFL is always looking for the next great coach to lead their team to victory.