Predicting NFL's Next Coaching Moves After Sean Payton, DeMeco Ryans Take Back Play-Calling Duties

Several teams have fallen short of expectations through the first month of the season, which has led to the first significant in-season changes of 2026. No head coaches have been fired yet, but a couple of significant moves were made ahead of Week 5.

Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Wednesday that he is taking over the defensive play-calling duties previously held by coordinator Matt Burke. A day later, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton is expected to replace offensive coordinator Davis Webb as his team's primary play-caller.

The 0-4 Texans and 2-2- Broncos aren't the only teams that have underperformed through four full weeks, and they certainly won't be the last teams to shake things up on the sideline.

Here, find predictions for the next coaching dominoes to drop based on recent performances, projected results, available options, and any relevant recent buzz.

Lions Replace Defensive Coordinator Kelvin Sheppard

AP Photo/Paul Sancya

Kelvin SHeppard

Kelvin Sheppard took over as the Detroit Lions' defensive coordinator before the 2025 season, and his unit's performance has underwhelmed since. Last year's defense finished the season ranked 18th overall and 22nd in points allowed. This year, the group has been even worse.

The Lions rank 31st in points allowed and dead-last in yards allowed through Week 4. They've also lost two games in convincing fashion on the road because of ineffective defense.

To this point, head coach Dan Campbell hasn't entertained the idea of replacing Sheppard.

"I'm not talking about all that," Campbell said, per ESPN's Eric Woodyard. "I'm talking about getting better right now with what we've got."

However, Detroit cannot continue to give up 30-plus points almost every week and expect to make a run in the NFC North. If the defense again collapses against the Arizona Cardinals this week, the Lions might even consider making changes at the Week 6 bye—ahead of pivotal matchups against the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.

Defensive line coach and run-game coordinator Kacy Rodgers would be a logical candidate to replace Sheppard on an interim basis, as he has defensive-coordinator experience on his resume.

Chargers Replace Offensive Coordinator Mike McDaniel

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Mike McDaniel

Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel is another play-caller who has received some in-season support from his head coach.

"No, his job is not in jeopardy," head coach Jim Harbaugh said of McDaniel, per Shane Lantz of the Associated Press. "He's a skilled coach and we're going to keep growing."

The problem, though, isn't simply that Los Angeles' offense has underwhelmed, though it has. The Chargers remain winless largely because they rank 21st in yards and 29th in scoring. However, the bigger issue is that quarterback Justin Herbert seems to have regressed in McDaniel's system.

Herbert has thrown just four touchdowns with six interceptions. He also holds a 70.6 passer rating, by far the worst of his career and nearly 25 points below his career average.

The Chargers' season isn't quite lost, but losses to the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs over the next two weeks could leave L.A. eyeing the future and considering changes during the Week 7 bye. Herbert is under contract through 2029, and Harbaugh needs to get him back on a positive track.

Passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach Shane Day has experience with Herbert that dates back to his rookie season—though he spent the 2023 season in Houston—and he could be the perfect candidate to help the quarterback return to form.

Day's play-calling experiences is limited to a brief window in college, but he has a strong grasp of what has traditionally worked for Herbert and the Chargers.

Saints Replace Defensive Coordinator Brandon Staley as Play-Caller

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Brandon Staley

The New Orleans Saints looked like a potential contender at the beginning of the year. They took the Detroit Lions to overtime in Week 1, and they pulled off a road upset over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2.

However, the Saints have lost back-to-back games, and they appeared woefully outclassed by the rival Atlanta Falcons on Monday night. With tough games against the Minnesota Vikings, New York Giants, and Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming, New Orleans' promising start to the season might appear fraudulent by the Week 8 bye.

If the Saints were to make a change during their bye week, it would likely involve defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. His unit has been hampered by injuries, but it has been one of the league's worst units even when healthy. New Orleans ranks 26th in total defense and 32nd in points allowed.

The Saints defense has consistently exhibited poor gap integrity, bad tackling, and frequent coverage breakdowns in the secondary. A fresh voice might help resolve some of these issues.

New Orleans might not outright fire Staley, but it might consider handing play-calling duties over to defensive pass game coordinator Terry Joseph.

Joseph is relatively new to the NFL ranks, having joined New Orleans in 2025, and he doesn't have a coordinator background. However, he's a respected coach who was listed as a breakout coaching candidate during the summer by The Athletic's Jourdan Rodrigue. His experience coaching and developing the secondary could also be critical as the Saints look to tighten their back end.

Cowboys Find Help for Defensive Coordinator Christian Parker

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Christian Parker

The Dallas Cowboys put a lot of effort into rebuilding their defense this offseason, adding the likes of Rashan Gary, Von Miller, Caleb Downs, and Malachi Lawrence. Last week, they traded for cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

However, Dallas' defense has performed an awful lot like last year's unit. The Cowboys came into Week 5 ranked 30th in yards allowed and 28th in points allowed. On Thursday night, they surrendered 419 yards and 24 points in a loss to the previously 0-4 Tampa Bay Buccaneers and undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels.

New defensive coordinator Christian Parker is rightfully under scrutiny, and longtime NFL coordinator Don Martindale has publicly offered his assistance.

"He's being outclassed right now," Martindale told Talkin' Ball with Pat Leonard (h/t ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio). "So Jerry [Jones] can call me and I'll go help him. But, you know, I'm talking about helping the coordinator."

The Cowboys might not call Martindale specifically, but no one should be surprised if they look to give Parker a helping hand. However, they could look to add a veteran coach in an advisory role or consider giving more play-calling input to another defensive coach.

Passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley would be a strong candidate for the latter route, as he has coordinator experience—though he didn't call defensive plays until after the Chargers fired head coach Brandon Staley in 2023.

Buccaneers Fire Head Coach Todd Bowles

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles could be the first head coach to lose his job in 2026, depending on the team's ability to build on Thursday's win. That victory certainly helps, and Bowles has a bit of a built-in excuse for the 1-4 start as quarterback Baker Mayfield is sidelined by a dislocated thumb.

However, Tampa's offense was an overall disaster in the first month under new coordinator Zac Robinson, who was hired by Bowles, and that's only been part of the issue. Bowles, who was elevated from the defensive-coordinator role in 2022 when Bruce Arians transitioned to a front-office role, hasn't gotten great production out of the other side of the ball either.

The Buccaneers entered Week 5 ranked fourth in total defense but only 19th in points allowed. Some of the unit's letdowns have been the result of Bowles' decision-making. His clock and situational management have long been questionable, and Bowles hasn't delivered consecutive wins since last October.

Bowles inherited a Super Bowl-caliber team, and while he kept it competitive for a few years in the post-Tom Brady era, Tampa may be well past its peak under Bowles guidance.

The Bucs have a talented core, and they would undoubtedly provide a coveted job if they have a head-coaching vacancy in 2027. Firing Bowles in-season—possibly even before the Week 9 bye—could give Tampa a head start on its coaching search.

Run-game coordinator and outside linebackers coach Larry Foote would be an intriguing candidate to replace Bowles on an interim basis. His experience working with both sides of the ball, along with his experience as a player, would give him a unique voice with which to guide the team.

Foote played in the NFL for 13 seasons, and he won a pair of Super Bowls with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Jet Fire Head Coach Aaron Glenn

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Aaron Glenn

The New York Jets hired former Lions offensive coordinator Aaron Glenn as their head coach at the start of the 2025 season. He went 3-14 in his inaugural campaign but managed to survive through the offseason.

The Jets fired offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand and defensive coordinator Steve Wilks while making several other coaching changes following last season.

Glenn's second season got off to a promising start with a Week 1 victory and an overtime loss to the Green Bay Packers. Of course, the win came against the now-0-4 Tennessee Titans, while the Packers haven't looked very formidable during their 2-2 start.

Perhaps more importantly, New York might be sitting at 2-2 itself had Glenn done a better job of managing the game against Green Bay.

The Jets did keep things relatively close against the Lions and Chicago Bears over the last two weeks, and they may not be inclined to move away from Glenn before the Week 12 bye. However, it's fair to wonder if he's the right coach to lead New York beyond this season.

New York has three 2027 first-round picks and is widely expected to chase its quarterback of the future in April's draft. Pairing said quarterback with a new head coach might be the move for the Jets.

If Glenn is relieved of his duties, offensive coordinator Frank Reich is the most likely interim candidate. He has had two head-coaching stints in the NFL, and he could continue developing young offensive players like offensive tackle Olu Fashanu, receiver Adonai Mitchell, and rookie tight end Kenyon Sadiq.