Brasileirão 2026 Hits 22 Coaching Changes After Chapecoense Relegation
Rafael Lacerda departs Chapecoense, marking the 22nd managerial exit in Brazil's top flight this season.
1Record Coaching Turnover
The Brazilian Série A has reached a staggering 22 coaching changes during the 2026 season. This high frequency of managerial exits reflects the immense pressure on clubs to achieve immediate results. Rafael Lacerda became the latest casualty following Chapecoense's official relegation to the second division after a loss to Mirassol.
2Chapecoense's Difficult Season
Rafael Lacerda took charge of Chapecoense on May 30, marking his first experience managing a top-division club. His tenure lasted 20 matches, yielding only four victories and a 27% success rate. The team's relegation was confirmed with four rounds remaining, highlighting a season defined by consistent struggles across all competitions.
3Vitória's Strategic Shift
Following his departure from Chapecoense, reports indicate Rafael Lacerda is set to join Vitória. The club recently dismissed Jair Ventura, who had a 49% success rate over his year-long tenure. Vitória currently sits in 14th place, facing significant pressure as they remain only two points above the relegation zone in the standings.
4Coritiba's Managerial Crisis
Fernando Seabra was dismissed by Coritiba in late October after a winless streak of seven matches in the Brasileirão. Despite reaching the Paranaense semifinals, his 44% overall success rate was deemed insufficient. The club's final straw was a 1-0 home defeat against Grêmio, which occurred during the final minutes of play.
5Corinthians' Tactical Instability
Fernando Diniz left Corinthians after a poor run of results, including seven consecutive league defeats. His tenure lasted 33 games with a 47% success rate. The team's failure to progress in the Conmebol Libertadores against Estudiantes further weakened his position, leaving the club just one point above the relegation zone at departure.
6Internacional's Relegation Struggle
Paulo Pezzolano was fired by Internacional on September 20 following a 1-0 loss to São Paulo. Despite winning the Recopa Gaúcha, his 33% success rate in the league left the club in 18th place. The team's inability to secure points in the Brasileirão ultimately led to the Uruguayan coach's mid-season dismissal.
7Remo's Winless Drought
Léo Condé was dismissed by Remo after a fourth consecutive league defeat against Bahia. The club failed to win any of their last seven Brasileirão matches, extending a winless streak to nine games including cup fixtures. This poor form pushed the team into the relegation zone, ending Condé's tenure at the club.
8Grêmio's Away Performance Issues
Luís Castro was fired by Grêmio after failing to secure a single away victory in the Brasileirão throughout his tenure. Despite winning the Campeonato Gaúcho in March, his 36% success rate in the league proved unsustainable. Castro, in his second stint in Brazil, managed the team for nine months before his exit.
9Botafogo and Fluminense Changes
Franclim Carvalho left Botafogo after a heavy 6-1 defeat to Cienciano in the Copa Sudamericana. Meanwhile, Fluminense dismissed Luis Zubeldía following an eight-game winless streak. Both clubs cited poor performance in critical cup matches and league play as the primary reasons for terminating their respective managers during the 2026 campaign.
10Vasco and São Paulo Departures
Renato Gaúcho left Vasco in June following internal friction regarding his public comments about the squad. Similarly, São Paulo dismissed Roger Machado in May after a Copa do Brasil elimination. Despite leaving São Paulo within the G-4, Machado faced persistent fan criticism regarding his tactical communication and overall team performance.
11Early Season Managerial Casualties
The 2026 season saw rapid changes early on, with Jorge Sampaoli being the first to leave Atlético-MG in February. Other notable early exits included Filipe Luís at Flamengo and Tite at Cruzeiro. These departures demonstrate how quickly clubs react to early-season losses in the Supercopa and state championships across the league.
12Systemic Instability in Football
The 22 coaching changes in 2026 underscore the volatile nature of Brazilian football management. Clubs frequently prioritize short-term results over long-term project stability, leading to high turnover rates. As teams face relegation or fail to meet cup expectations, the cycle of hiring and firing continues to dominate the professional landscape.