When was the last time there were 10 NFL head coaching changes in the same offseason?

Charlie Zschau Published: Jan 20 2026 18:31

After the Buffalo Bills fired head coach Sean McDermott on Monday, the NFL has tied the record for the most coaching changes in a single season.

Nine head coaches were fired this season, and Mike Tomlin stepping down from his role with the Steelers left 10 vacant head coaching jobs in the NFL.

The record for the most coaching changes in an offseason season is 10, which has now happened for a fifth time. Previous years include 2022, 2006, 1997, and 1978.

In 2009, 11 teams had new coaches, but two of those teams hired their interim head coaches who had taken over after firing their previous head coaches during the 2008 season.

Four of the 10 vacant positions have been filled as of Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

The Miami Dolphins have hired the Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley, the New York Giants secured John Harbaugh after he was fired by the Baltimore Ravens, the Tennessee Titans hired Robert Saleh, and the Atlanta Falcons hired 2x Coach of the Year winner Kevin Stefanski.

Teams still searching for a new head coach for the 2026 season include the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Ravens, Arizona Cardinals, Pittsburgh Steelers, Las Vegas Raiders, and Buffalo Bills.

Tomlin (19 season) and Harbaugh (18 season) were the two longest tenured head coaches in the NFL until they either stepped down or were fired. Now, Andy Reid (13 seasons) is the longest tenured coach in the league.