NFL Overreactions Week 17
USAT’s Prince Grimes breaks down the best games of NFL Week 17 and the unfolding playoff picture.
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Several NFL teams are expected to search for new head coaches following the 2025 regular season.The Tennessee Titans and New York Giants already have head coaching vacancies after in-season firings.Former quarterback Philip Rivers is reportedly being considered by teams as a potential head coaching candidate.
New year, new HC?
With the calendar flipping to 2026 and the NFL calendar turning the page to the 2025 NFL playoffs, 14 NFL teams will be vying to make it to Super Bowl 60. Others will be finding their next head coach with hope to make the dance in the coming years.
Black Monday is a trying day for head coaches and franchises around the league. This year figures to be a bit quieter than previous seasons, with several coaches already getting their walking papers entering the Monday after the final regular season games are played.
Tennessee Titans head coach Brian Callahan and New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll were both fired during season, making for two potential openings as the season ends. Others remain on the proverbial hot seat.
Eyes are on the Las Vegas Raiders, Miami Dolphins, Cleveland Browns and others for potential head coaching changes.
Here’s the latest rumors surrounding potential head coaching vacancies ahead of NFL’s Black Monday:
NFL head coaches on the hot seat
Here are some coaches who could get their walking papers come Black Monday:
Mike Kafka, Giants (interim)Mike McCoy, Titans (interim)Pete Carroll, RaidersMike McDaniel, DolphinsKevin Stefanski, BrownsRaheem Morris, Falcons
On Sunday night, the team fired coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot. Both of Morris’ seasons ended with 8-9 records. Atlanta has the second-longest playoff drought in the NFL and joins the Giants and Titans as teams with an opening at head coach entering the 2026 offseason.
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
GM Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen will return for the 2026 season. After finishing the season 8-9, in third place in the AFC South, there were some questions surrounding the future in Indianapolis but that speculation has already been put to rest.
According to NFL Media’s Cameron Wolfe, Miami owner Stephen Ross is looking for reasons to keep McDaniel as opposed to getting rid of him. That could mean that McDaniel will be around for another season, with a new general manager behind him.
Source: Adam Schefter, ESPN
Stefanski, a two-time Coach of the Year, is expected to be out in Cleveland, according to the ESPN NFL insider. Stefanski is expected to be a hot coaching candidate should he hit the unemployment line after Week 18.
Pete Carroll may be one-and-done in Las Vegas
Source: Jordan Schultz, NFL insider
It’s been a season to forget for Pete Carroll in his return to the sidelines, with the Raiders potentially securing the No. 1 pick after Sunday’s matchup vs. the Kansas City Chiefs. Schultz reports that the Raiders and Carroll are headed for a split, whether that’s by firing or retirement.
Philip Rivers as an NFL head coach?
Source: Ian Rapoport, NFL Media
Philip Rivers might not have had the storybook finale to his 2025 comeback, but that doesn’t mean the book is closed. The quarterback may get some looks as an NFL head coach this offseason, per Rapoport. NFL Media adds that teams are doing their homework on Rivers, potentially looking into him as a head coaching option this cycle.
NFL head coaching candidates
Here are some names who could be hot commodities come the NFL coaching cycle:
Chris Shula, Rams defensive coordinatorKlint Kubiak, Seahawks offensive coordinatorBrian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinatorJesse Minter, Chargers defensive coordinatorJeff Hafley, Packers defensive coordinatorRobert Saleh, 49ers defensive coordinator