As the NFL's Black Monday unfolds, several coaches find themselves on the hot seat, with some already receiving the axe. This annual tradition, which occurs the day after the regular season ends, leads to significant changes in coaching staff across the league.
The Jacksonville Jaguars were among the first to make a move, parting ways with head coach Doug Pederson early on Monday. Pederson’s Jaguars finished the season with a disappointing 4-13 record, prompting the team's decision.
"Doug is an accomplished football man who will undoubtedly enjoy another chapter in his impressive NFL career, and I will be rooting for Doug and his wife Jeannie when that occasion arrives," said Jaguars owner Shad Khan. "I strongly believe it is possible next season to restore the winning environment we had here not long ago."
Patriots Move Quickly to Fire Jerod Mayo
The New England Patriots didn’t waste any time either, firing Jerod Mayo just hours after the Patriots’ surprise victory against the Buffalo Bills. The win left them with a 413 record for the season, and the team acted swiftly to make a coaching change.
Coaches on the Chopping Block Amid NFL Rule Change
With the end of the regular season, many other coaches are also feeling the pressure, and could be removed at any time. However, two of the league's most successful franchises – the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions – are also impacted by a new NFL rule.
The Chiefs and Lions finished as the No. 1 seeds in the AFC and NFC, respectively, and have generated plenty of attention for their impressive performances. Teams searching for new head coaches, including those with interim coaches, have been keeping a close eye on the coaching staff in Kansas City and Detroit.
NFL Rule Change: Virtual Interviews for Coordinators
Under a new rule implemented this season, coordinators from the No. 1 seeded teams can now field interviews for head coaching positions, but only virtually. This window for virtual interviews opens from Wednesday, January 8 to Monday, January 13, prior to the divisional round of the playoffs.
Historically, most head coaching vacancies were filled by or shortly after the divisional round. However, this new rule prohibits inperson interviews until after that round has concluded. Teams with open head coach positions were able to begin requesting interviews starting on Monday.
Key Coaching Candidates: Lions and Chiefs Coordinators
Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, along with Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, are among the top candidates for head coaching jobs. These four coordinators, who have been integral to the success of their teams, are expected to receive significant interest.
Peter Schrager, a pundit on "Good Morning Football," shared his thoughts on the new rules: "New coaching hire cycle rules. As the coordinators from the No.1seeded team, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn can interview with teams starting Wednesday. Nagy and (Spagnuolo) can, too. They've all got to be virtual and they must be completed by Monday, Jan. 13."
Coaching Interviews: Bears, Jets, and Saints Interested
According to reports, the Chicago Bears have already requested to interview both of Detroit's coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. Meanwhile, the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints are expected to reach out to Glenn for an interview, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Upcoming NFL Playoff Action
With several head coaching decisions still to be made, the Lions will be in action during the NFC Divisional Round at Ford Field on the weekend of Saturday, January 18 to Sunday, January 19. The Chiefs, as the top seed in the AFC, will play in the AFC Divisional Round at Arrowhead Stadium.
Saturday, January 11
21:30: Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans
01:00: Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens
Sunday, January 12
18:00: Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills
01:00: Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Monday, January 13
01:00: Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angeles Rams