The NFL has seen significant changes in its coaching ranks as four head coaches were dismissed following disappointing seasons. The Arizona Cardinals, Las Vegas Raiders, and Cleveland Browns all made coaching changes on March 12, 2024, joining the Atlanta Falcons, who had already terminated their head coach, Raheem Morris.
The Raiders parted ways with Pete Carroll after a challenging 3-14 season. Carroll, who previously coached the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Seattle Seahawks, left the Raiders with a record of 3-14 in his only season. The team’s struggles culminated in a losing streak, although they managed to secure a season-ending victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, finishing with a 14-12 win. Notably, the Raiders will have the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
Las Vegas majority owner Mark Davis announced that part-owner Tom Brady, a seven-time Super Bowl champion, will play a crucial role in the search for a new head coach. In a statement, Davis expressed confidence in the collaboration between Brady and general manager John Spytek to guide the team’s football operations and decisions moving forward.
The Arizona Cardinals also made a significant change, letting go of head coach Jonathan Gannon after a disappointing 3-14 season. Gannon’s three-year tenure resulted in a 15-36 record for the team, which has reached the playoffs only once in the past decade.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns dismissed Kevin Stefanski after six seasons, following a 5-12 campaign. Stefanski had an overall record of 45-56 and led the Browns to their first playoff victory since 1994 in 2020. Despite this achievement, Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam stated that the team’s recent performance did not meet expectations, prompting the decision for a change in leadership.
Stefanski’s dismissal has drawn scrutiny, particularly regarding the impact of the controversial trade for quarterback Deshaun Watson. Acquired from the Houston Texans for three first-round draft picks, Watson’s subsequent five-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $230 million has raised questions about the direction of the franchise. The Athletic columnist Jason Lloyd remarked that the Watson trade represents a pivotal moment for the Browns, highlighting the organization’s ongoing struggles over the past 25 years.
Despite the coaching shakeup, Browns general manager Andrew Berry will retain his position. Berry expressed disappointment over the team’s collective performance and emphasized the need for a new leader to develop a young offense that can build on the success of an elite defense.
The wave of coaching changes began with the Atlanta Falcons’ decision to fire Raheem Morris shortly after their 8-9 season concluded with a victory over the New Orleans Saints. Falcons owner Arthur Blank took responsibility for the team’s underperformance, stating, “No statement can change the disappointment of the past several seasons.” Blank reiterated that accountability for the team’s results ultimately rests with him.
As teams assess their futures, the coaching changes signal a new chapter in the NFL, with organizations now focused on rebuilding and redefining their expectations for success in the coming seasons.
