Honestly, the numbers change so fast in this league it’ll make your head spin. If you’re looking at the NFL right now in January 2026, the landscape of leadership looks a whole lot different than it did even six months ago.
We just saw the end of an era.
Mike Tomlin—the guy who spent 19 seasons in Pittsburgh without ever once finishing below .500—is officially out. He stepped down just days ago, leaving a massive void not just for the Steelers, but for the representation of Black coaches across the entire league. When a titan like that leaves, everyone starts counting.
The Current Count: Who is Leading Teams Right Now?
As of mid-January 2026, there are 5 Black head coaches currently employed in the NFL, though that number is in a state of flux because we are right in the middle of the "hiring carousel."
Here is the breakdown of the men currently holding the top spot:
- Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Still holding it down in Tampa. He’s brought a defensive stability that’s kept the Bucs competitive in the NFC South.
- DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans): Basically a hero in Houston. He took a struggling franchise and turned them into a playoff threat almost overnight.
- Jerod Mayo (New England Patriots): The man who had the impossible task of following Bill Belichick. He’s the first Black head coach in Patriots history.
- Antonio Pierce (Las Vegas Raiders): He earned the permanent job after a fiery interim stint and has kept that "Raider Way" alive.
- Raheem Morris (Atlanta Falcons): Morris was a big hire in 2024, though it's worth noting the Falcons just shook up their front office, putting more eyes on his performance.
Wait. Why did I say the number is in flux?
Because right now, there are seven open head coaching jobs. Seven. The Steelers, Ravens, Browns, Dolphins, Cardinals, Raiders (technically exploring options), and Titans are all looking.
Why the "Total Number" is a Moving Target
You've probably noticed that names like Mike Tomlin and even Raheem Morris are being floated for new jobs immediately. In the NFL, "fired" doesn't mean "gone."
Last year, in 2025, we saw a record number of interviews for minority candidates—38 in total. But interviews don't always equal hires.
👉 See also: Barca Latest Football News: What Really Happened Behind the Scenes This Week
The Rooney Rule is the thing everyone talks about, but few people actually get right. It’s not a "quota" for hiring. It’s a requirement for the process.
How the Rooney Rule Works in 2026
The league has beefed this up significantly over the last few seasons. It's no longer just about checking a box.
- Teams must interview at least two external minority candidates in person for head coaching vacancies.
- They also have to interview at least two external minority candidates for coordinator positions.
- Even the Quarterback Coach position now requires a diverse interview.
The logic is simple: most head coaches come from the offensive side of the ball, specifically the QB room. If you don't have diversity there, you'll never have it at the top.
The "Pipeline" Problem and the 2026 Cycle
For years, the excuse was that there weren't enough "qualified" candidates on the offensive side. That’s mostly been debunked.
Look at guys like Anthony Weaver (Dolphins DC) or Ejiro Evero (Panthers DC). These guys are at the top of every team's wishlist this month. Then you've got Brian Flores, who is currently the Vikings DC and is arguably one of the best defensive minds in the game, despite his ongoing legal battle with the league.
💡 You might also like: Why the Philadelphia Eagles White House Visit 2025 Means More Than Just a Photo Op
The real shift we’re seeing in 2026 is the "retread" vs. "new blood" debate.
Teams like the Titans are leaning heavily toward "been-there, done-that" coaches. They've interviewed 14 people who have already been head coaches. This actually helps guys like Raheem Morris or Vance Joseph, but it can make it harder for a young Black coordinator to break through for the first time.
Why Does the Number Keep Fluctuating?
It's a brutal business.
Look at what happened in 2025. The league celebrated having nine minority head coaches at the start of the season (including Robert Saleh and Mike McDaniel, who identify as minority but not Black). By the end of the year, several were gone.
Success is the only job security.
DeMeco Ryans is safe because he wins. Todd Bowles is safe because he wins. The moment that stops, the "hot seat" talk starts.
What to Watch for in the Coming Weeks
If you want to know if the number of Black head coaches will go up or down, watch the following names. These are the guys currently in the "finalist" stages for the open 2026 jobs:
- Anthony Weaver: Heavily linked to the Cardinals job.
- Ejiro Evero: A favorite for the vacancy in Cleveland.
- Brian Flores: Rumored to be a top choice to return to a head coaching role, possibly with the Steelers to replace Tomlin.
- Thomas Brown: The Patriots passing game coordinator who is getting a ton of buzz for "offensive-minded" roles.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Analysts
If you're following the coaching cycle and want to understand the real progress being made, don't just look at the final hire.
Watch the Coordinator Hires
The real indicator of future Black head coaches is how many Black coordinators are hired this month. If a team hires a white head coach but fills the Offensive and Defensive Coordinator spots with diverse talent, that "pipeline" is working.
Follow the "Compensatory Picks"
The NFL now rewards teams that develop minority coaches who get hired away as head coaches. If the 49ers or Ravens lose a coach to a head coaching job, they get draft picks. This has actually incentivized owners to hire and promote Black talent.
Check the "Second Interview" Lists
A first interview is often just compliance with the Rooney Rule. The second interview is where the real interest lies. If a candidate of color makes it to the second round in multiple cities, they are a legitimate frontrunner.
The 2026 season is going to be a massive test for the NFL’s diversity initiatives. With the departure of a legend like Mike Tomlin, the league is at a crossroads. Will we see a new generation of Black leaders take those seven open spots, or will the "old guard" return to the sidelines?
Keep your eyes on the tracker. The next two weeks will tell the whole story.