NFL’s worst head coaching hires of 2026, graded

Nearly a third of NFL teams entered the offseason hunting for head coaches, and the carousel finally stopped when the Arizona Cardinals named Mike LaFleur to the post on Sunday. The rush to fill vacancies produced a mix of bold moves and eyebrow-raising bets — and a few hires that look shaky on paper right away.

Below, we break down three hires that, at first glance, raise more questions than confidence. Each move carries risk: roster limitations, locker-room dynamics, and organizational instability that can swallow even experienced coordinators turned head coaches. Here’s why these particular choices drew failing grades from skeptics.

Arizona Cardinals: Betting on Mike LaFleur despite deep roster questions

After missing out on Klint Kubiak — who chose the Las Vegas Raiders — the Cardinals turned to Mike LaFleur, the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. LaFleur’s offense with the Rams ranked among the NFL’s most productive, but Arizona’s problems extend beyond scheming.

Why the hire raises red flags

• Roster shortcomings: Arizona has only 19 wins across the last four seasons and has rarely placed above third in the NFC West. Talent gaps on the offensive line and at wide receiver make any offensive turnaround harder to achieve.
• Quarterback uncertainty: Kyler Murray’s availability is a major question. He started just a handful of games in 2025, yet remains under a large contract that the team must manage for the next two seasons unless they cut ties.
• Experience vs. pedigree: LaFleur comes from a successful coaching tree — he’s both a LaFleur brother and a product of the Sean McVay-led coaching network — but scheme alone may not fix long-standing personnel issues.

What to watch early

• Play-calling adaptability when facing stronger defenses in the NFC West.
• Front-office moves to upgrade the offensive line and receiving corps.
• How the team manages Kyler Murray’s rehab, contract timeline, and potential alternatives.

Short-term outlook: LaFleur’s presence gives Arizona a modern offensive identity, but without roster reinforcement and stability at quarterback, expectations should remain muted.

Miami Dolphins: Jeff Hafley’s college pedigree meets NFL turbulence

Miami’s hire of Jeff Hafley — a coach whose only prior head-coaching job was at Boston College — marks the franchise’s fourth head coach since 2016. Hafley’s defensive work in Green Bay earned him respect, yet the Dolphins’ roster and internal dynamics make his task complicated.

Core issues surrounding the move

• Leadership leap: Transitioning from coordinator to NFL head coach is a major step, and Hafley’s resume lacks long-term head-coaching proof at the professional level.
• Locker-room friction: Miami’s front office has been marred by public disputes and power struggles; that environment tests any first-time NFL head coach’s ability to command a locker room.
• Quarterback track record: The Dolphins still rely on a quarterback who delivered his most electric moments in college, raising doubts about fit and consistency under pressure.

Potential upside and pitfalls

Hafley’s recent success as Green Bay’s defensive coordinator — even if it dimmed after key injuries — shows he can develop NFL units. Pairing him with new general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan, another former Packers executive, might create a familiar framework for decision-making. Yet, the combination of internal discord and Hafley’s inexperience as an NFL head coach means his margin for error is small.

Cleveland Browns: Todd Monken returns with promise and baggage

Todd Monken’s hiring brings him back to Cleveland, where he once served as offensive coordinator during the tumultuous Freddie Kitchens era. Since then, Monken rebuilt his reputation with successful stints at Georgia and with the Baltimore Ravens — but his return also resurrects old questions about the Browns’ broader organization.

Complicating factors for Monken’s second act

• Past Cleveland chapters: Monken’s previous run in Cleveland coincided with one of the franchise’s more chaotic seasons, and memories of that period could influence fan and media expectations.
• Depth and injuries: The Browns still face uncertainty at quarterback and thinness at wide receiver and along the offensive line — areas Monken will need to address quickly.
• Defensive staff drama: The lingering questions around Jim Schwartz’s future as defensive coordinator highlight instability that could undermine a new head coach’s authority.

Questions left unanswered

• Why did several candidates step away from this job before Monken accepted it, and what does that say about the front office’s appeal?
• Can Monken avoid becoming second-guessed in a market prone to impatience and conflicting internal loyalties?
• Will the franchise commit to roster upgrades that match his scheme and vision?

Immediate focus: Monken must secure buy-in from players, clarify the coaching staff’s direction, and push the front office to shore up areas that limit offensive potential if he wants to shake off skepticism tied to his Cleveland past.

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John Davis

John Davis is a sports journalist focused on the NBA, NFL, and major global championships. With seven years of live coverage, he breaks down performances and key strategies. His expertise gives you a clear view of every game and its impact.