The 2026 NFL offseason featured 10 head coaching changes, tying the record set in 1978, 1997, 2006 and 2022. ESPN research confirmed this as the most coaching turnover in a single offseason. The Raiders hired Klint Kubiak after his Super Bowl win as Seattle's offensive coordinator.
Three AFC North teams -- the Browns with Todd Monken, the Steelers with Mike McCarthy, and the Ravens with Jesse Minter -- also changed coaches. In the AFC, the Bills promoted Joe Brady to head coach, the Dolphins hired Jeff Hafley, and the Titans brought in Robert Saleh. The NFC saw Mike La Fleur join the Cardinals, Kevin Stefanski the Falcons, and John Harbaugh the Giants.
ESPN reporters evaluated each team's start, identifying both positive signs and concerning trends, along with a key statistic for each. The Raiders' offense showed immediate improvement under Kubiak, while the Titans' defense struggled early with Saleh. The Browns' offense clicked with Monken, but the Steelers' defense regressed under McCarthy.
The Giants' offense improved with Harbaugh, while the Falcons' offense stalled. The Bills' offense thrived with Brady, but the Dolphins' defense struggled early. Each team's Power Index ranking and early season performance were documented by respective ESPN correspondents.
Source: ESPN NFL · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing