We embark on what has now become an annual season finale tradition around the NFL, the dreaded Black Monday. This is where struggling teams look to move on from their current regime of coaches, executives, and coordinators ahead of the off-season.
So far we have seen a few names look to kick off their offseason with a coaching change in both the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders.
We have also seen teams move on from their respective coaches throughout the regular season including Josh McDaniels of the Las Vegas Raiders, Frank Reich of the Carolina Panthers, and Brandon Stately from the Los Angeles Chargers, all of whom were unceremoniously shown the door.
With rumors of accomplished coach Bill Belichick potentially on the hot seat, we may see more prominent names in the NFL world get fired throughout the day/week.
Here's a list of who has been released so far.
NFL: Ron Rivera and Arthur Smith Are First to Go, Who Will Follow?
The Atlanta Falcons: Head Coach Athur Smith
After a dubious 7-10 season, the Atlanta Falcons announced they would part ways with head coach Authur Smith following a 48-17 loss against division rival New Orleans Saints last night.
Smith finished with a record 21-30 and failed to clinch the playoffs throughout his time in Atlanta. The Falcons dropped their final four games of the season and were blown out in their last two games against the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons have used their first round picks on explosive offensive talent during Author Smith's tenure in Atlanta, including wide receiver Drake London, running Back Bijan Robinson, and tight-end Kyle Pitts. And now the Falcons can begin their search for a head coach who can hopefully help bring their talented offense to the next level.
The Washington Commanders Head Coach: Ron Rivera
The Washington Commanders have fired head coach Ron Rivera after finishing the season with a disappointing 4-13 record.
Rivera spent four seasons with the Washington Commanders, clinching the playoffs once and finishing up with a record of 26-40-1 throughout his time in DC.
In a statement released from the Washington Commanders, owner Josh Harris notes that the team will search for a new head coach. The Commanders also announced they hired former NBA Executive Bob Myer to help run the franchise. Myers helped build the Warriors dynasty, which has won four NBA Championships behind Hall of Fame-bound players such as Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.
These decisions come after Josh Harris' leadership team purchased the franchise from its previous owner Daniel Synder.
The Commanders own the second pick in the NFL Draft, and the team looks to move in a different direction with a new front office guiding the way.
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NFL: Other Staff That Didn't Survive Black Monday
The Carolina Panthers: Scott Fitterer
The Carolina Panthers will begin the offseason with a new general manager.
The Panthers' GM Scott Fitterer was fired Monday morning, leaving assistant general manager Dan Morgan in charge of day-to-day operations.
Fitterer was the general manager of the Panthers since 2021 and played a role in the off-season hiring of head coach Frank Reich.
The Panthers finished the season 2-15, after taking quarterback Bryce Young with the first overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Now the Panthers look for a fresh start with a young quarterback and new general manager/head coach in the 2024 season.
The New York Giants: Thomas McGaguhey and Bobby Johnson
The Giants announced this morning they have fired special teams coordinator Thomas McGaguhey and the offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.
This move doesn't come as a surprise to many, being that Big Blue struggled to put points up throughout the season and also having their offensive line lead the league in allowing the most sacks of any quarterback.
NFL: Who's Next?
Rumors have it that the New England Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick, may be on the hot seat after finishing the season with a 4-13 record.
Belichick, in his season-ending video, had noted that Kraft has not given him any indication that he may be shown the door.
Despite his legendary 24-year tenure with the Patriots the team may look to get a fresh start with a new head coach after Belichick leading the franchise to six Super Bowl victories.
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