NFL Black Monday updates: NFL firings and developing news
12 months ago
Good Monday #GoodMonday
Playoff tickets have been punched, the NFL’s regular season ended yesterday, and that can only mean one thing.
It’s Black Monday folks.
And for a handful of coaches and executives around the league that’s not a good thing because there will be changes.
The following is a quick look at some of the expected changes that could take place as soon as today, and some of the other rumors swirling as the offseason begins for most teams outside of the playoffs:
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith speaks on the sidelines during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2023, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)AP
‘Black Monday’ moves and storylines to watch
The Atlanta Falcons wasted little time getting busy on Black Monday, firing head coach Arthur Smith just after midnight. Smith made headlines Sunday for cursing out Saints coach Dennis Allen at midfield after a late New Orleans score in a 48-17 Falcons loss. Atlanta finished the season 7-10.
Bill Belichick is obviously the biggest name and the most interesting storyline to watch here. His Patriots closed out the season 4-13, losing in the snow to the lowly New York Jets on Sunday and reports are all over the place. Check one headline, and the claim is this is a done deal and that he’s gone. Check another and he and team owner Robert Kraft are planning to have a series of meetings across the next couple weeks. So, it’s hard to really say what direction the Patriots are going to go. That said, considering the fact that Belichick is, at least, in the argument for greatest NFL coach of all-time with six Super Bowl rings under his belt with the Patriots, it feels like this is one that won’t play out on Monday. Still, it’s the big one to watch.
Washington Commanders coach Ron Rivera seems almost certain to be among those cut loose, too. In fact, there are multiple reports that the Commanders may be eyeing Belichick if he is indeed through in New England. Rivera’s Commanders wrapped up the season Sunday with a loss to the Cowboys.
Another guy to keep an eye on is Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel. Multiple reports indicate that Vrabel will meet with team officials in the coming weeks to discuss his future. Tennessee upset the Jaguars Sunday, knocking them out of the playoffs, to finish the season 6-11.
Mike Tomlin and the Steelers made it into the postseason, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter discussed his future with the team some on Sunday. Check that story out, here. Because Pittsburgh is in the postseason, don’t expect any confirmation one way or the other on Monday there.
Mike McCarthy and the Dallas Cowboys are also in the playoffs, but his job could also reportedly depend on how the team does this postseason. In fact, Jones told reporters Sunday “we’ll see how each game goes” in the playoffs when asked about McCarthy’s future.
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels watches from the sidelines during the second half of a preseason NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo)AP
Coaches already cut loose
Three coaches have already been sent packing during the regular season.
· The Panthers fired Frank Reich 11 games into his first season as the team’s coach and they will be in the market for a new coach.
· The Charges sent Brandon Staley packing after being humiliated, 63-21, by the Raiders in Week 15. They, too, will be in the market for a new coach.
· The Raiders cut bait with Josh McDaniels following their loss to the Lions in Week 8, and his replacement, Antonio Pierce, has done well enough that the team will probably have to consider keeping him around.
