NFL Coaching Carousel: Could Nagy, Callahan, Roman & Taggart Rise Again?
- February 14, 2026 – The 2026 NFL coaching carousel has largely come to a halt, with all ten head coaching vacancies now filled, leaving several prominent coaches, including...
- The completion of the hiring cycle was marked by the Cleveland Browns’ decision to bring in Todd Monken, effectively closing off one of the remaining openings.
- The New York Giants made a significant splash early in the process, securing former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh with a five-year deal.
NFL Coaching Carousel Concludes, Matt Nagy Remains in Limbo
– The 2026 NFL coaching carousel has largely come to a halt, with all ten head coaching vacancies now filled, leaving several prominent coaches, including former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy, still searching for opportunities.
The completion of the hiring cycle was marked by the Cleveland Browns’ decision to bring in Todd Monken, effectively closing off one of the remaining openings. According to reports, this move signals a broader slowdown in coaching movement across the league.
The New York Giants made a significant splash early in the process, securing former Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh with a five-year deal. This aggressive move was praised as a win for the organization, which has been seeking stability and competence after years of coaching turnover and disappointing results. Harbaugh is expected to assemble a strong staff of assistant coaches, bringing immediate improvements to the Giants.
The Giants’ general manager, Joe Schoen, played a central role in the coaching search, conducting extensive research and making calls throughout the league to gather information on potential candidates. His imprint is clearly visible in the final decision to hire Harbaugh.
While several positions have been filled, the situation remains challenging for coaches like Nagy. The article suggests that Nagy is “on the outside looking in” as teams finalize their staffs. The carousel’s conclusion leaves fewer options for those who were hoping for a head coaching position this offseason.
Elsewhere in the league, the Dallas Cowboys are seeking a defensive coordinator following the firing of Matt Eberflus. Minnesota’s Brian Flores, along with recently dismissed head coaches Raheem Morris and Jonathan Gannon, are reportedly on their radar. However, the Cowboys have a history of prioritizing experience when hiring defensive coordinators, and the team believes that defensive issues were not solely Eberflus’s responsibility, indicating a need for roster improvements as well.
The hiring cycle this year was described as “one of the wildest in recent memory,” with a record-tying ten head coaching jobs becoming available. The teams with vacancies included the Giants, Falcons, Cardinals, Bills, Dolphins, Browns, Ravens, Steelers, Titans, and Raiders.
The Giants’ staff for 2026 is now taking shape under Harbaugh, with Matt Nagy slated to serve as offensive coordinator, Greg Roman as senior offensive assistant, and a yet-to-be-named individual handling quarterback coaching duties.
The NFL playoffs are underway, but attention remains focused on coaching changes and potential moves across the league. The situation surrounding Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers, as well as the Raiders’ plans after securing the No. 1 draft pick, continue to be points of interest for league observers.
The ESPN report from January 7, 2026, highlighted the fast-paced nature of the coaching carousel, accelerated by the dismissal of John Harbaugh from the Ravens. The report indicated a comprehensive effort to gather intelligence on potential moves for all 32 teams.