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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.
On Monday, four NFL head coaches were fired, bringing the number of openings to six. There could be more on the horizon, of course. But for now, here’s our ranking of the head coach vacancies:
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 17th in the league, according to Over The Cap.
Cardinals At A Glance
- 2025 Record: 3-14
- Projected 2026 Cap Space: $21.2M (17th in NFL)
- Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 3 overall
The Browns’ quarterback state of affairs stays a multitude with Deshaun Watson’s disastrous contract nonetheless on the books and Shedeur Sanders‘ future with the staff in query. Basic supervisor Andrew Berry in some way stays within the image regardless of the firing of coach Kevin Stefanski. Cleveland’s new coach will, nonetheless, inherit a promising 2025 draft class and two 2026 first-round picks.
Will Deshaun Watson (proper) be again beneath heart for the Browns subsequent season? If that’s the case, what does that imply for Shedeur Sanders’ future in Cleveland? (Picture by Jason Miller/Getty Photographs)
Browns At A Look
- 2025 Record: 5-12
- Projected 2026 Cap Space: -$12.2M (27th)
- Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 6 overall
The quarterback state of affairs is much from supreme. Michael Penix Jr., the eighth total decide within the 2024 draft, has had 5 season-ending accidents since he began school. Contingencies should be put in place, which suggests a choice should be made on veteran Kirk Cousins, who performed properly down the stretch. Atlanta additionally doesn’t have a first-round decide in 2026, and it isn’t in good condition salary-cap clever both. The Falcons are at the moment projected to be greater than $4 million over the cap, twenty fourth within the league, per OTC.
These are a few of the points for the staff’s new president of soccer operations, who’s anticipated to be Falcons legend Matt Ryan. The staff does have some nice younger expertise, together with celebrity working again Bijan Robinson and edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. on rookie contracts.
Falcons At A Look
- 2025 Record: 8-9
- Projected 2026 Cap Space: -$4.3M (24th)
- Top 2026 Draft Pick: No first-round pick
On the floor, there’s quite a bit to like in regards to the Titans’ state of affairs. They’ve loads of cap house — they’re at the moment projected to be $95 million beneath the 2026 wage cap, which ranks third within the NFL, per OTC. Cam Ward flashed as a long-term franchise quarterback as a rookie. Mike Borgonzi, who simply wrapped up an encouraging first season as basic supervisor, is a well-respected soccer govt throughout the league. Tennessee additionally has the No. 4 total decide.
However controlling proprietor Amy Adams Strunk’s unpredictability takes some air out of the job. She has fired two head coaches and two basic managers over the previous three years. The Titans, nonetheless, made the clever transfer of saying a return to a extra conventional entrance workplace construction transferring ahead, which clears up some questions.
Titans At A Look
- 2025 Record: 3-14
- Projected 2026 Cap Space: $95.6M (third)
- Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 4 overall
The Giants could not have a ton of projected cap house ($11 million, nineteenth), however they’ve promising constructing blocks on rookie contracts. These embody first-round quarterback Jaxson Dart, star vast receiver Malik Nabers, standout tight finish Theo Johnson, No. 3 total decide Abdul Carter and working again Cam Skattebo, who missed half his rookie season after a extreme proper ankle damage.
New York additionally has the No. 5 total decide within the 2026 draft. The possible new coach would seemingly want to come back in with a basic supervisor — Joe Shoen was retained after Brian Daboll’s midseason firing — however Schoen’s presence is probably not a deal-breaker.
The Giants have constructing blocks comparable to quarterback Jaxson Dart and tight finish Theo Johnson, each on rookie contracts. (Picture by Justin Edmonds/Getty Photographs)
Giants At A Look
- 2025 Record: 4-13
- Projected 2026 Cap Space: $11M (19th)
- Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 5 overall
Positive, issues do not look good proper now for the Raiders, who have not had a successful season or made the playoffs since 2021. However with the No. 1 total decide and greater than $100 million in projected wage cap house (second within the NFL, per OTC), the franchise will give its subsequent head coach a perfect alternative to rebuild the staff alongside basic supervisor John Spytek.
Having three cornerstone gamers — edge Maxx Crosby, tight finish Brock Bowers and working again Ashton Jeanty — is a bonus. Plus, Geno Smith’s contract might be simple to chop, paving the way in which for a contemporary begin at quarterback. The Raiders are on the clock.
Raiders At A Look
- 2025 Record: 3-14
- Projected 2026 Cap Space: $100.8M (second)
- Top 2026 Draft Pick: No. 1 overall
Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports activities. He beforehand labored for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Community, the place he was the Titans beat author for a 12 months and a half. He coated the Seattle Seahawks for SeattlePI.com for 3 seasons (2018-20) previous to transferring to Tennessee. You may comply with Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur.
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