Jeff Hafley’s Miami Dolphins have yet to lead in a single game this season, joining just four other teams since 1950 in failing to take the lead through their first five games. The team’s struggles reflect the challenges facing the NFL’s 10 new head coaches, six of whom are navigating their first NFL head-coaching roles in 2026.
Miami’s difficulties are compounded by an unprecedented roster situation. The Dolphins carry an NFL-record $179 million in dead cap hits, exceeding the $156 million spent on active players. Their roster entered the season with only 608 career starts—the lowest since tracking began in 2000—and a single career Pro Bowl selection in running back De’Von Achane, who tore his ACL in Week 3. As a result, the Dolphins have the league’s worst scoring offense at 14.0 points per game, making it difficult to fairly assess Hafley’s performance during this rebuilding phase.
Tennessee’s Robert Saleh also faces a tough start. The Titans sit near the bottom offensively, with the second-worst scoring offense (also 14.0 points per game) and the league’s worst total yardage at 236.3 per game. Quarterback Cam Ward, the 2025 first overall pick, has posted the lowest expected points added per dropback (-0.15) since entering the league last season. Still, there was a positive moment in Week 6 when special teams coordinator John "Bones" Fassel’s unit blocked a punt, setting up a 26-20 comeback win over the Indianapolis Colts. Tennessee overcame a 13-point halftime deficit by outscoring Indianapolis 26-7 in the second half, offering some hope as they enter Week 7.
Kevin Stefanski’s Atlanta Falcons have experienced an inconsistent season. Forced to start Cooper Rush at quarterback for the first two weeks, the Falcons struggled early but rallied once Michael Penix Jr. returned in Week 3. They then defeated the Packers and Saints by a combined 80-38 score. However, back-to-back home losses followed against Baltimore without Lamar Jackson and the Chicago Bears. At 2-4, Atlanta is off to its worst start since 2020 and has begun 0-3 at home for only the third time this century. Stefanski’s next challenge is to create stability with the team’s potential.
In Arizona, Jonathan LaFleur’s Cardinals ended a four-game losing streak in Week 6 by upsetting the Los Angeles Rams 18-16 on the road, marking the largest upset win of the season so far. The Cardinals relied on six field goals and no touchdowns to achieve the win as 13.5-point underdogs. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett has been conservative, averaging just 6.9 air yards per attempt, ranking seventh lowest in the NFL. LaFleur’s focus now turns to developing rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the third overall pick in the 2026 draft, while considering options at quarterback for 2027.
The Las Vegas Raiders have matched their .500 record despite starting 38-year-old Kirk Cousins, who is returning from an Achilles injury. While the offense lacks depth on the line, the unit has been more entertaining than expected. Defensive issues remain, with the Raiders allowing 27 or more points in four straight games after giving up 27 across the first two weeks combined. Head coach Kubiak and Cousins are working to develop 2026 first overall pick quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
John Harbaugh’s New York Giants began with promise, holding a 3-1 record despite injuries to quarterback Jaxson Dart and edge rusher Brian Burns. However, recent results have stalled the team’s momentum, including a tie with the Washington Commanders and a win that ended the Saints’ losing streak. The Giants remain in an NFC East division where no team has made significant progress in the past two weeks.
Meanwhile, Mike McCarthy’s Pittsburgh Steelers have shown significant offensive improvement after a slow start. After averaging just 11.5 points per game in the first two weeks, they have scored 28.5 points per game since Week 3. Their recent 26-19 overtime win on the road against the Tennessee Titans included the franchise’s largest fourth-quarter comeback since the 2002 AFC Wild Card Round against the Cleveland Browns.
The six-week mark of the 2026 NFL season reveals a mixed bag for new head coaches. Some, like Hafley and Saleh, are contending with significant roster limitations, while others such as McCarthy and LaFleur have found ways to deliver encouraging moments. The coming weeks will be critical for all as they aim to steer their teams toward consistency and success.
According to CBS.
