Quick Read
- NFL’s ‘Black Monday’ 2026 occurred on January 5, marking widespread coaching and front office changes.
- The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot immediately after their final game.
- Kevin Stefanski, two-time Coach of the Year, was fired by the Cleveland Browns.
- The Las Vegas Raiders are expected to make a head-coaching change, with uncertainty around Maxx Crosby’s future.
- The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, having made earlier coaching changes, are ahead in their interview processes for new head coaches.
As the final whistle of Week 18 echoes across NFL stadiums, a different kind of tension settles over the league. January 5, 2026, marks the annual, often brutal, tradition known as ‘Black Monday’ – a day synonymous with the abrupt termination of head coaches and general managers. While some teams prepare for playoff glory, others face the stark reality of sweeping organizational overhauls, signaling the start of a frenetic coaching carousel.
This year, the axe fell swiftly, even before the official ‘Black Monday’ designation. The Atlanta Falcons wasted no time, parting ways with head coach Raheem Morris and general manager Terry Fontenot just hours after their final game. The Cleveland Browns also made headlines, announcing the firing of two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski. These moves, while expected by some, highlight the ruthless nature of professional football where success is paramount and patience often a luxury.
The Unrelenting Cycle of NFL Leadership Changes
The term ‘Black Monday’ gained prominence in 1998, with major news outlets like The Associated Press and New York Post using it to describe a day of widespread firings. Since then, it has become an unfortunate, yet integral, part of the NFL calendar. Historically, the Monday after the regular season concludes serves as the primary day for teams to reset their leadership, initiating a chain reaction of interviews and new hires.
In 2025, the landscape of coaching changes was complex. While only one coach, Doug Pederson of the Jacksonville Jaguars, was fired specifically on Black Monday, several others were dismissed earlier in the regular season, including Robert Saleh (New York Jets), Dennis Allen (New Orleans Saints), and Matt Eberflus (Chicago Bears). Post-season, Jerod Mayo of the New England Patriots, Antonio Pierce of the Las Vegas Raiders, and Mike McCarthy of the Dallas Cowboys also saw their tenures end, though not precisely on Black Monday itself. This trend of teams acting preemptively or waiting a few days after the official ‘Black Monday’ has become increasingly common, yet the spirit of the day—of significant upheaval—remains.
Looking further back, 2024 saw five head-coaching positions open up after the regular season, with Arthur Smith (Falcons) and Ron Rivera (Commanders) being notable Black Monday casualties. Mike Vrabel (Titans), Pete Carroll (Seahawks), and Bill Belichick (Patriots) also departed their long-held positions shortly thereafter. The 2023 season’s Black Monday was relatively quieter, with Kliff Kingsbury (Arizona Cardinals) being the lone head coach fired on that specific day, though several others were dismissed mid-season or just before.
The trend continues into 2022 and 2021, where multiple coaches like Matt Nagy (Bears), Mike Zimmer (Vikings), and Brian Flores (Dolphins) were let go on Black Monday. These historical patterns underscore a league where job security is fleeting, and the pressure to perform is constant, making the first Monday after the regular season a day of anxiety for many.
2026’s Shifting Sands: Rumors and Realities
Beyond the confirmed firings, 2026’s Black Monday period is ripe with speculation and behind-the-scenes maneuvering. The Las Vegas Raiders, for instance, are widely expected to undergo a head-coaching change for 2026, compounded by uncertainty surrounding the future of star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, whose relationship with the team appears strained. Questions abound regarding who will ultimately make these critical decisions within the Raiders’ ownership group, including principal owner Mark Davis and minority owner Tom Brady.
The New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, having already created openings by firing Brian Daboll and Brian Callahan during the 2025 season, are ahead in the interview process. These teams are conducting remote interviews with candidates whose teams are out of the playoffs, with in-person meetings scheduled to begin later in January. Names like Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, and Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are reportedly in the mix for these coveted roles, alongside defensive coordinators from playoff-bound teams such as Jeff Hafley (Packers) and Robert Saleh (49ers).
Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders’ future under coach Dan Quinn remains somewhat in flux despite expectations for his return. Changes to the offensive and defensive schemes are possible, and there’s internal discussion about moving on from Kliff Kingsbury, even if he doesn’t secure a head-coaching job elsewhere. This highlights a fascinating dynamic where a coordinator might be interviewing for promotions while simultaneously facing potential dismissal from his current post.
Other teams, like the Cincinnati Bengals, appear to be holding a united front. Quarterback Joe Burrow’s consistent support for coach Zac Taylor, echoed by star receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, seems to have solidified Taylor’s position despite a challenging 6-10 season. Similarly, the New York Jets’ owner Woody Johnson remains committed to coach Aaron Glenn, opting for a long-term vision despite a disappointing 3-13 record.
Navigating the Offseason: Player Futures and Strategic Moves
The ripple effects of Black Monday extend beyond coaching staffs, impacting player decisions and team-building strategies. The Minnesota Vikings, for example, face significant questions regarding quarterback J.J. McCarthy. While he’s expected to return, a series of injuries in his first two years has left the team without definitive proof of his long-term viability. As a result, the Vikings plan to explore established options via trade or free agency to strengthen their quarterback room, even as they remain committed to McCarthy’s development. This situation underscores the delicate balance teams strike between nurturing young talent and ensuring competitive readiness.
Another crucial element of the season’s end revolves around whether to rest key starters in Week 18. This decision is less about a universal philosophy and more about the specific health and strategic needs of each team. For playoff-bound teams like the Los Angeles Rams, maintaining momentum and securing a favorable matchup might mean playing starters. Conversely, teams like the Los Angeles Chargers, out of playoff contention and battling injuries, prioritize player protection and future health. It’s a team-by-team ‘truth serum,’ revealing priorities and exposing vulnerabilities as the regular season concludes.
Amidst all this, the 2025 Coach of the Year race has been exceptionally tight, with several candidates making compelling cases. Ben Johnson’s turnaround of the Chicago Bears, Mike Vrabel’s success with the New England Patriots, and Liam Coen’s impact on the Jacksonville Jaguars’ offense are just a few examples. Sean Payton (Broncos), DeMeco Ryans (Texans), Mike Macdonald (Seahawks), and Kyle Shanahan (49ers) have also led their teams to impressive seasons, often overcoming significant challenges. Such outstanding coaching performances, while celebrated, also highlight the incredibly high bar set for those who find themselves on the wrong side of Black Monday.
The annual Black Monday serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s relentless pursuit of excellence, where even successful coaches can find themselves on the hot seat, and the strategic chess match for talent and leadership continues unabated into the offseason. The sheer volume and speed of personnel changes underscore the high stakes and constant pressure that define the league, making every decision a potential turning point for a franchise.