NFL Coaches Fired: Full Guide (Updated 2025-2026)

Every year, changes in NFL head coaching positions get a lot of attention. If a team isn't doing well or doesn't live up to what people expect, the head coach is usually the first one to be looked at closely, and often, they're let go.

This piece looks at NFL coaches who were fired not long ago, why those choices were made, and what the common reasons are for coaches getting fired in the league.

Keep in mind that firings and specifics can shift during the season. This guide reflects changes known as of 2025, plus trends influencing NFL coaching choices up to the 2026 offseason.

Recent NFL Head Coaches Fired (2025-2026)

Here's a look at the latest NFL head coaching changes as teams finish the 2025 season and get ready for 2026. (Coaches still in their jobs aren't included.)

In the NFL, it's all about winning. These firings just show how fast things can change when you don't get the results you need.

Why NFL Coaches Get Fired

NFL head coaches get fired for many reasons, like bad performance, poor choices about players, culture problems within the team, or failures in leadership.

1. Team Performance

The usual suspects:

• Didn't make the playoffs

• Losing more games than winning

• Getting worse each year

2. Early Playoff Exits

Teams that don't make it far in the playoffs often consider changing their leadership, mostly if they believe they should have gone further.

3. Locker Room Issues

• Players and management aren't getting along.

• The team has lost faith in the locker room.

• People are publicly talking badly about the leaders.

4. Organizational Change

New general managers or owners have the option to change leadership and pick their own head coach.

5. Scheme & Strategy Failures

Coaches who stick to one game plan, whether it's all offense or all defense, might find themselves out of a job if they can't change with the times.

How Firings Impact Teams

When a coach gets fired:

• Assistant coaches usually leave too.

• The team culture might change completely.

• Offensive and defensive strategies could be replaced.

• Players might find themselves in very different roles.

This shake-up impacts everything from who's on the team to who they draft and how the fans feel.

Coach Termination Trends (Modern NFL)

Notable NFL Coaching Firings (Last Decade)

Here's a look at some well-regarded coaches who were let go:

These examples prove that if a coach doesn't get results or foster a good team environment, their job is at risk.

Why Some Coaches Keep Their Jobs Despite Losing Records

Coaches with losing records don't always get fired. Here's how some keep their jobs:

• The players really like and support them.

• The team is young and rebuilding, so people are willing to be patient.

• Their contract makes it hard to fire them.

• The team owners still believe in their plan for the future.

Mid-Season Firings vs Offseason Firings

Mid-Season

Sometimes teams fire coaches during the season when:

• The team's performance falls apart.

• The coach loses control of the team.

• The coach creates bad publicity.

Offseason

Teams usually fire coaches after the season. That's when they:

• See how everyone did

• Look at how the management performed

• Figure out what to do next year

Typical NFL Coaching Contract Considerations

Here's what coaches usually get in their contracts:

• They're paid a set amount for the length of their contract.

• If they're fired early, they get a buyout.

• They get extra money for doing well.

• If they make the playoffs, their contract might get renewed.

So, getting fired doesn't always mean they're broke. Usually, they get paid something to help them out.

Are Assistant Coaches Also Fired?

When a head coach gets fired, the coordinator positions are usually replaced. Also, the position coaches often leave as well. So, completely changing the staff is something you see a lot.

How Firings Affect Draft Strategy

Teams that are changing things up might:

• Go after experienced leaders.

• Choose the people the assistants like best.

• Put focus on positions good for coaching, like quarterback or offensive/defensive line.

After a new coach comes in, the front office will probably change direction too.

Final Thoughts

NFL coaching changes show how serious pro football is. With billions of dollars, crazy fans, and not much time to be good, teams have to be patient but also win.

For coaches, each season is a test, and in the NFL, winning is what counts.