Week 18 of the NFL season is always a mixed bag of emotions. While some teams celebrate clinching playoff spots, others face the harsh reality of failure. But for coaches, the stakes are especially high- this is where “NFL Black Monday” comes into play. The term refers to the first Monday after the regular season when underperforming coaches and general managers often lose their jobs.
Let’s dive into what makes this day so critical and who might be packing their bags this year.
What Happens on NFL Black Monday?
Black Monday marks the start of the offseason for teams that didn’t make the playoffs. While fans lament the end of their team’s season, the franchise’s top brass often makes swift decisions about their coaching staff and management.
It’s a day dreaded by many NFL coaches. Organizations rarely waste time firing individuals who no longer fit their vision of success. While the bulk of firings happen on Black Monday, some dismissals may occur later, especially if a team flops in the playoffs.
Coaches brace for change as NFL’s ‘Black Monday’ approaches | Watch full video at https://t.co/D9vvKit2lV
— Kevin Lan3 (@Lan3Kevin) January 4, 2025
For coaches who survive this infamous day, their job security still isn’t guaranteed. Owners and general managers continue to evaluate performance throughout the offseason, which can lead to late firings or even contract extensions.
What’s at Stake in Week 18?
This weekend’s games hold high stakes, not just for teams but also for coaches trying to prove their worth. In the AFC, the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, and Cincinnati Bengals are vying for the last playoff spot. In the NFC, the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not only fighting for a postseason berth but also for the NFC South Division title.
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While 15 teams have already been eliminated from playoff contention, three more will join them after Week 18. That means these franchises will face tough decisions next week, including possible coaching changes.
Why Are Coaches Fired on Black Monday?
Coaching in the NFL is a high-stakes job, with immense pressure to deliver results. Teams invest millions in players and expect their coaches to translate talent into victories. When that doesn’t happen, ownership looks for new leadership.
Former #Raiders HC Jon Gruden is getting interest from some #NFL teams as Black Monday is on the horizon. pic.twitter.com/eiaZeaRAuA
— NFL Rumors (@nflrums) January 1, 2025
Firing a coach immediately after the season allows teams to start fresh. They can search for new candidates and have ample time to prepare for the upcoming season. It’s also a strategic move to attract top coaching talent before rivals do.
Also Read: Which NFL Coaches Have The Most Game Wins In History?
Potential Coaching Changes: Who’s on the Hot Seat?
This season, several coaches are under scrutiny for their teams’ underwhelming performances. Here’s a look at the top candidates likely to face the chopping block:
Mike McCarthy – Dallas Cowboys
Mike McCarthy’s name consistently comes up in discussions about coaching changes. Despite leading the Cowboys to some success, many fans believe his tenure has been marked by underachievement. However, team owner Jerry Jones has publicly defended McCarthy and hinted at a possible contract extension. This move would likely anger many fans, but it underscores the unpredictability of coaching decisions.
Antonio Pierce – Las Vegas Raiders
Antonio Pierce has struggled to turn around the Raiders’ fortunes. After a disappointing season, his job security is shaky at best. The Raiders’ front office will likely weigh whether Pierce can lead the team to sustained success.
Shane Steichen – Indianapolis Colts
Shane Steichen’s debut season with the Colts has been rocky. While some believe he needs more time to implement his vision, but the team’s poor performance risks his replacement.
NFL coaches could be in for a Black Monday bloodbath with ‘7 to 10’ openings: insider https://t.co/qTwxYQeHx6 pic.twitter.com/4v0ZeOKJNb
— New York Post (@nypost) November 27, 2024
Jerod Mayo – New England Patriots
Jerod Mayo has faced challenges in his role with the Patriots. With a season that failed to meet expectations, his position could be in jeopardy. The Patriots’ management may decide it’s time for a new direction.
Brian Daboll – New York Giants
Brian Daboll’s job is on thin ice after a disappointing year. However, reports suggest he may get one more chance to turn things around, providing a small silver lining for Giants fans.
Beyond Black Monday
Coaching changes don’t just impact the teams making them. They set off a domino effect across the league. Once a coach is fired, other teams scramble to secure top candidates, creating a competitive hiring landscape.
This year, with two playoff spots still up for grabs and several coaches under fire, Black Monday promises to be as dramatic as ever. Fans and analysts will watch closely to see which teams choose to rebuild and which decide to stay the course.
NFL Black Monday is a day of reckoning for coaches and general managers, signaling the end of one chapter and the start of another. With Week 18 looming, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether it’s Mike McCarthy’s uncertain future or the fate of other struggling coaches, this year’s Black Monday will undoubtedly shape the 2025 NFL season.
Also Read: Who Is The Youngest NFL Coach?
