Dolphins Appoint Jon-Eric Sullivan as New General Manager to Oversee Search for Mike McDaniel’s Successor in 2026 NFL Coaching Update

NFL Coaching Changes: A Season of Transition

Head coaching removal, along with changes in front-office positions, is currently sweeping across the NFL as teams that failed to make the playoffs brace themselves for the future. As franchises strive for brighter prospects in the 2026 season, the carousel of coaching changes is about to take yet another spin.

Miami Dolphins Make Bold Moves

In a move that surprised many, the Miami Dolphins fired head coach Mike McDaniel just days ago. This decision came shortly after the Dolphins hired Jon-Eric Sullivan, the Green Bay Packers’ vice president of player personnel, as their new general manager. Sullivan’s appointment is crucial, as he will be tasked with finding McDaniel’s replacement. McDaniel’s firing follows a tumultuous season that started poorly with a 1-6 record but included a midseason rally where the team won five out of six games. Ultimately, this late surge was not enough to save his job.

Shockwaves in Baltimore

Not far behind in the wave of firings was the Baltimore Ravens, who parted ways with long-time head coach John Harbaugh after 18 seasons. Harbaugh leaves a legacy that includes a Super Bowl win but also a mediocre performance this season, which many attributed to injuries and inconsistent defense. The Ravens job is now viewed as one of the most attractive vacancies in the league.

Shifts in Other Teams

The recent week also saw several other head coaches and one general manager let go. The Dallas Cowboys dismissed defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus following a dismal season where they allowed more than 500 points—a first in franchise history. The Washington Commanders not only dismissed defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. but also parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, both of whom were part of a staff that had previously led the team to its first conference title game appearance since 1991.

Adding to this flurry of changes were the Atlanta Falcons, who fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot after finishing the season with a disappointing 8-9 record. Speculation suggests former Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan might return to the franchise in a new role as president of football operations.

Noteworthy Firings and Potential Replacements

Mike McDaniel, Miami Dolphins

• Record: 35-35 (including playoffs)
• Reason for Firing: A rocky start to the season followed by an insufficient midseason recovery.

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens

• Record: 193-124 (including playoffs)
• Reason for Firing: Inconsistencies in performance, coupled with missed playoff opportunities despite having a talented roster.

Jonathan Gannon, Arizona Cardinals

• Record: 15-36 in three seasons
• Reason for Firing: A struggling defense that failed to improve under his leadership, leaving the Cardinals stagnant.

Pete Carroll, Las Vegas Raiders

• Record: 3-14 in one season
• Reason for Firing: Carroll’s inability to stabilize the Raiders led to his ousting, culminating in a season of turmoil.

Kevin Stefanski, Cleveland Browns

• Record: 46-58 over six seasons
• Reason for Firing: Recurrent losing seasons and failed quarterback management plagued his tenure.

This week also dashed the hopes of head coaches Brian Callahan (Tennessee Titans) and Brian Daboll (New York Giants), both dismissed amid disappointing campaigns. However, some coaches, like the Indianapolis Colts’ Shane Steichen and Cincinnati Bengals’ Zac Taylor, have received votes of confidence to return next season.

Future Prospects

As the NFL enters the crucial hiring period, multiple candidates are already in the mix for head coaching roles. Former Dallas Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy and ex-Falcons head coach Kevin Stefanski are likely candidates for various openings, highlighting the continuing trend of teams seeking fresh leadership.

A number of franchises are gearing up for interviews with potential coaching stars, including Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores and Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. With the search for new head coaches heating up, it will be intriguing to see which candidates will emerge as the new leaders of these clubs.

Ongoing Live Updates

For the latest and most accurate information, keeping an eye on live updates will be essential. The ever-evolving coaching carousel in the NFL promises much movement in the weeks to come, with teams actively seeking to secure the right person to lead them to success in the upcoming season.