Top NFL Head Coaches Ranked by Job Security After 2026 Shake-Up
The 2026 NFL coaching landscape is rapidly evolving. Following a tumultuous end to the 2025 regular season and the commencement of the playoffs, nine franchises are in search of new head coaches. This upheaval includes the dismissal of long-tenured coaches such as John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin, the latter of whom parted ways with the Pittsburgh Steelers amid speculation.
Top NFL Head Coaches Ranked by Job Security After 2026 Shake-Up
As teams look to the future, it is essential to evaluate which coaches have job security and which may find themselves on unstable ground heading into the upcoming season.
Coaches with Strong Job Security
- Mike Vrabel – New England Patriots
- Ben Johnson – Chicago Bears
- Sean McVay – Los Angeles Rams
- Kyle Shanahan – San Francisco 49ers
- DeMeco Ryans – Houston Texans
- Mike Macdonald – Seattle Seahawks
- Sean Payton – Denver Broncos
- Liam Coen – Jacksonville Jaguars
- Dan Campbell – Detroit Lions
- Andy Reid – Kansas City Chiefs
Vrabel led the Patriots to a significant turnaround with a 14-3 record, earning a Divisional Round playoff berth.
Johnson has significantly improved the Bears’ performance, turning Caleb Williams into a standout quarterback.
Despite concerns following Aaron Donald’s retirement, McVay has kept the Rams competitive, showcasing his coaching prowess.
Shanahan has navigated injuries successfully, leading the 49ers back to the playoffs.
Ryans has achieved three consecutive winning seasons, positioning the Texans as serious playoff contenders.
Macdonald’s leadership brought the Seahawks to the top of the NFC standings, solidifying his role.
Payton has rebounded from a rocky start, finishing the season with a commendable 14-3 record.
Coen’s first year as head coach was promising, leading the Jaguars to an AFC South title.
Campbell transformed the Lions into playoff contenders following a significant improvement in team culture.
With an established Hall of Fame resume, Reid remains a cornerstone of the Chiefs.
Coaches Facing Pressure
- Jim Harbaugh – Los Angeles Chargers
- Dave Canales – Carolina Panthers
- Sean McDermott – Buffalo Bills
- Kevin O’Connell – Minnesota Vikings
- Matt LaFleur – Green Bay Packers
- Kellen Moore – New Orleans Saints
- Nick Sirianni – Philadelphia Eagles
- Brian Schottenheimer – Dallas Cowboys
- Shane Steichen – Indianapolis Colts
- Dan Quinn – Washington Commanders
- Todd Bowles – Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Zac Taylor – Cincinnati Bengals
- Aaron Glenn – New York Jets
Harbaugh has led the Chargers to consecutive playoff appearances, despite injuries affecting the team’s potential.
Canales’ future hinges on the development of quarterback Bryce Young and overcoming a flawed roster.
Despite consistent regular-season success, McDermott’s playoff performances have sparked doubts regarding his future.
O’Connell must navigate the team’s transition phase to remain beyond the hot seat, given inconsistent performances.
LaFleur’s postseason mismanagement has started to overshadow his regular-season success, putting him in a precarious position.
Moore ended the season positively, leading the Saints to win four of their last five games.
Tension is brewing in Philadelphia as the team navigates offseason changes, potentially affecting Sirianni’s stability.
Schottenheimer’s first season was marked by difficulties, necessitating immediate improvement to satisfy owner Jerry Jones.
After a promising start, Steichen’s job security diminished following an extremely disappointing end to the season.
Quinn faces challenges after a playoff miss, with pressure mounting for a significant turnaround.
Bowles’ coaching has come into question after a mid-season collapse, putting his position in jeopardy.
Despite being the longest-tenured coach in the AFC North, Taylor’s playoff failures have cast a shadow on his future.
Glenn’s inaugural season failed to meet expectations, with serious questions surrounding the team’s defensive performance.
The job security of NFL head coaches will continue to be a focal point as teams assess their futures while preparing for a pivotal 2026 season.
