Many NFL experts have circled Black Monday. NFL Black Monday is the first Monday following the end of the regular season when teams typically fire coaches and general managers.
As some teams begin their playoff preparations, those who did not make the playoffs seek to change the course of their franchise by firing coaches and front-office executives.
What is NFL Black Monday?
The Chicago Tribune first used the term “Black Monday” in the late 1990s, following the firing of several college coaches.
However, Black Monday in the NFL began in 1998, when The Associated Press, New York Post, and Houston Chronicle all used the term in their headlines on the same day after the season concluded.
Black Monday became a popular phrase in NFL circles after it was used by all three major newspapers.
Last year’s Black Monday saw the firing of only one NFL head coach.
Matt Rhule, Frank Reich, and Nathaniel Hackett were all fired during the season, while the Houston Texans fired Lovie Smith right after their final game.
Kliff Kingsbury, the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach, was the only one fired on Black Monday.
Here is a list of NFL coaches who have been fired so far
- Josh McDaniels, Las Vegas Raiders
- Frank Reich, Carolina Panthers
- Brandon Staley, Los Angeles Chargers
- Arthur Smith, Atlanta Falcons
- Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders
The first three coaches were fired during the season, and Smith and Rivera were let go on Black Monday.