Sportsnaut
The NFL coaching carousel for 2026 has arrived, with six head-coaching vacancies already out there and more potentially to come. Head-coaching searches are already underway, with some of this year’s top candidates being brought in for interviews. As we do every year, we’re making predictions for NFL coaches hired in 2026.
Let’s dive into our NFL coaching carousel predictions.
Do not mistake the Washington Commanders parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury as an indictment of him as a play-caller, especially since players wanted him back. In a season where Jayden Daniels (7 starts), Terry McLaurin (10 starts), Noah Brown (4 games), Austin Ekeler (2 starts), and Luke McCaffrey (9 games) all missed nearly a majority of the year, Kingsbury’s offense still ranked 15th in yards per drive (32.3), 12th in yards per play (5.5), and sixth in red-zone touchdown rate (65.2 percent). Over the last two seasons in Washington, Kingsbury’s offense ranked sixth in EPA per Play (0.089) and third in Success Rate (47.4%).
He proved that he can make adjustments to avoid the second-half falloffs that plagued him with the Arizona Cardinals. Let us also keep in mind that he posted a much better winning percentage in Arizona (.432) than his replacement (.294). He would be a very solid hire and exactly the kind of coach you want designing an offense centered around Jaxson Dart, Cam Skattebo, Malik Nabers, Theo Johnson Jr., and a potential top rookie wide receiver. Plus, if it proves to be a successful hire, it would be a great way to stick it to Washington.
Related: Ranking NFL Coaching Vacancies 2026
It is evident that minority owner Tom Brady is being given significant decision-making power over the Las Vegas Raiders. While he did not get his preferred candidate in the NFL coaching carousel last offseason (Ben Johnson), rumors suggest that Brian Flores is a primary target for Brady this year. Fortunately for him, due to an ongoing discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and three of its teams (including the New York Giants), the Raiders might be one of Flores’ few viable options for a head-coaching role.
Flores’ resume as a defensive play-caller speaks for itself. Since taking over as Minnesota’s defensive coordinator in 2023, he has orchestrated a unit that ranks second in EPA per play (-0.066) and fifth in success rate (42%). While he faced challenges finding the right offensive coordinator in Miami, Brady might already have a solution by potentially recreating the Patriot Way with Brian Daboll.
If the Las Vegas job does not materialize for Flores, his other options may be limited. Reports have surfaced regarding friction between Flores and the Minnesota organization, which aligns with his reputation during his tenure in Miami. However, Brady and Daboll both know him well and understand how to work with him. There’s volatility risk here, but Brady truly might see this as the best way to turn the Raiders’ culture around.
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