NFL Black Monday 2025: Coach Firings and Team Updates

As the NFL regular season wraps up, the chaos of Black Monday has officially begun. This year, several head coaches and general managers facing pressure have already been let go as teams prepare for substantial offseason changes. Let's dive into the latest updates on coach firings and the evolving landscape of the league.

Recent Coach Firings

The first major move of Black Monday that sent shockwaves through the league was the firing of Doug Pederson, head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars. After three seasons and a record of 22-29—including an impressive yet ultimately disappointing divisional appearance in the playoffs in 2022—Khan made the decision to let Pederson go, retaining general manager Trent Baalke.

Another dismissal includes Jerod Mayo, the New England Patriots’ head coach, who was relieved of his duties after just one season marked by a 4-13 record. This decision came quickly following their Week 18 win over the Buffalo Bills. The Patriots are already on the prowl for candidates to fill their coaching position and have requested interviews with Ben Johnson, the Lions' offensive coordinator.

The Cincinnati Bengals have also made headlines by letting go their long-serving defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo after a disappointing season, which saw a promising offense led by QB Joe Burrow fail to secure a playoff berth. Anarumo's tenure lasted six seasons, and many speculate he could find himself in another defensive role soon.

Other significant firings include:

• Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears.
• Dennis Allen from the New Orleans Saints.
• Robert Saleh of the New York Jets earlier in the season.

Teams on the Search

Many teams are in the early stages of searching for new leadership:

• The Jets are widely considered to be in a rebuilding phase and have already lined up interviews with a variety of candidates, including former NFL coaches Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera.
• In Chicago, the Bears are eyeing new options for their coaching role and have requested interviews with various offensive coordinators from around the league.
• The Saints are taking their time but plan to interview David Shaw, the former head coach at Stanford, as a potential replacement.

Other Notable Updates

The Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts announced that they would be retaining their head coaches, while the Dallas Cowboys face a uncertain future as the status of Mike McCarthy remains unclear amidst discussions about the team's performance.

The NY Giants have also declared that both head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen will remain for the 2025 season, indicating a commitment to build around their young talent under the pressure of a disappointing year.

What’s Next?

As the aftermath of Black Monday continues to unfold, expect a flurry of interviews to commence, with teams eager to fill their vacancies before the upcoming NFL Draft and Scouting Combine. It will be intriguing to see how these changes will affect team dynamics and the strategies they will employ as they prepare for next season.

Stay tuned for ongoing updates as team strategies evolve and more coaching moves occur during this tumultuous time in the NFL offseason!