As the NFL regular season barrels toward its final stretch, the coaching carousel chatter is starting to heat up - but not in the way some might expect. While December often brings speculation about pink slips and fresh starts, a trio of head coaches - Mike McDaniel in Miami, Raheem Morris in Atlanta, and Kevin Stefanski in Cleveland - are each navigating very different paths when it comes to their job security. Let’s break down where things stand.
Mike McDaniel: Back on Solid Ground in Miami?
Just a few weeks ago, Mike McDaniel’s future in Miami looked uncertain. The Dolphins were underperforming, and the organization made a bold move by parting ways with longtime general manager Chris Grier.
But since that decision, something’s clicked. Miami has rattled off three straight wins and, at 5-7, they're somehow still alive in the AFC playoff race.
League insiders say McDaniel’s footing within the organization has stabilized. He remains well-liked inside the building, and ownership continues to believe in his vision. With no clear-cut upgrades available on the coaching market, there’s growing sentiment that McDaniel could - and maybe should - be back on the sideline in 2026.
This wouldn’t be a surprise when you consider McDaniel’s track record. Since taking over in 2022, he’s led the Dolphins to a 33-30 record with two playoff appearances.
That’s no small feat in a division that features Josh Allen and, until recently, Bill Belichick. His offensive creativity and player-friendly approach have helped reshape Miami’s identity, even if the results haven’t always been consistent.
McDaniel’s journey through the coaching ranks is a testament to perseverance. From a 2005 intern gig with the Broncos to his time as a run game coordinator and eventual offensive coordinator with the 49ers, he’s paid his dues. Now, with the Dolphins showing signs of life, McDaniel might just be earning himself more time to finish what he started.
Raheem Morris: Patience in Atlanta
Over in Atlanta, the Falcons are 4-8, and the offense has struggled to find rhythm. But despite the record, there’s no indication that Arthur Blank is ready to make a move - at least not yet.
There’s a sense around the league that Blank holds Morris in high regard and won’t make a knee-jerk decision. While there’s some internal smoke around Morris’ job status, it’s not a full-blown fire. The Falcons still have time to turn things around, and Morris could earn a third season if he can show progress down the stretch - though some changes to his staff, particularly on special teams and offense, may be on the table.
Morris’ coaching resume is a winding one. After starting at Hofstra in 1998, he worked his way up through the Buccaneers' ranks and became their head coach in 2009.
That stint ended after three seasons and a 17-31 record, but Morris didn’t fade into the background. He rebuilt his career with stops in Washington and Atlanta before becoming the Rams’ defensive coordinator.
Atlanta brought him back as their head coach in 2024, and he’s 12-17 in this second go-round.
It’s clear Morris has the respect of the locker room and the front office. Now, he just needs results.
Kevin Stefanski: A Coach in Demand?
In Cleveland, Kevin Stefanski’s name keeps surfacing in league conversations - not because he’s on the hot seat, but because other teams are watching closely. If the Browns were to move on, there’s a strong belief around the league that Stefanski wouldn’t be out of work for long.
“He’s a good coach, experienced, two-time Coach of the Year - Cleveland is a hard place to win,” one AFC executive said. “He might need a fresh start elsewhere.”
That said, there’s no strong indication that Browns ownership is ready to make a change. Stefanski and GM Andrew Berry don’t appear to be in immediate danger, and the team remains competitive despite a turbulent season.
Stefanski’s coaching roots run deep. After starting out as an operations intern with the Eagles in 2005, he spent over a decade with the Vikings, working his way through various offensive roles before becoming the team’s full-time offensive coordinator. Cleveland hired him in 2020, and he made an immediate impact, winning AP Coach of the Year in his debut season and again in 2023.
His overall record with the Browns sits at 43-53, with two playoff appearances and a 1-2 postseason mark. That might not jump off the page, but in Cleveland - a franchise that’s seen more than its share of instability - it represents real progress.
Final Thoughts
As we enter the final month of the regular season, coaching futures are always a hot topic. But this year, the story isn’t just about who’s on the brink - it’s about which coaches are quietly solidifying their place, even amid adversity.
Mike McDaniel’s Dolphins have found a pulse. Raheem Morris still has a shot to prove he’s the right man for the job in Atlanta.
And Kevin Stefanski? He might be one of the most respected coaches in the league - whether he’s in Cleveland or elsewhere.
The coaching carousel may spin again soon, but don’t be surprised if these three names stay right where they are.