The day after the final regular season game in the NFL is known as “Black Monday” which is the day that many head coaches are fired. Just how many lost their job this time around? Let’s take a look and also look at some possible replacements.
Black Monday
Three coaches were let go on Monday as Rex Ryan, Marc Trestman and Mike Smith were fired. Jim Harbaugh also left San Francisco so you can put him in this group as well even though he was officially let go on Sunday night. The people at Michigan couldn’t even wait until Monday to get Harbaugh so his departure came just after the 49ers played their last regular season game on Sunday.
Jim Harbaugh
The 49ers let Harbaugh walk away in a decision that both parties supported. Harbaugh won a lot of games with the 49ers but he wore on everyone and it was time for him to move on. Harbaugh leaves with a 49-22-1 record with the 49ers. If the 49ers stay in house for their next head coach it could be defensive coordinator Vic Fangio or defensive line coach Jim Tomsula that get the job.
Marc Trestman
The Bears fired Trestman after just two years. Trestman went just 5-11 this season and it was obvious he was in over his head. He was supposed to be an offensive guru but he couldn’t get much out of a talented group of players. General manager Phil Emery was also let go.
Rex Ryan
The New York Jets dismissed head coach Rex Ryan and GM John Idzik. Ryan hasn’t done anything in recent years and he hasn’t gotten any help as Idzik made a ton of drafting mistakes including taking Geno Smith as his quarterback.
Mike Smith
- The Falcons dismissed Smith after the team went just 6-10 this season. Smith did a lot of good things with Atlanta but it was obvious a change had to be made. In the past two years the Falcons won four and six games, respectively.
It is also worth noting that Dennis Allen was fired earlier this season by the Oakland Raiders so there will be an opening in Oakland although interim head coach Tony Sparano is getting an interview for the full time job. One opening that didn’t occur is in New York where Tom Coughlin will be returning for next season. The Giants missed the playoffs for the fifth time in six years but the team played better down the stretch and Coughlin is getting one more year.
Potential Candidates
The list of coaching candidates to replace the fired coaches is a long one. Top offensive coordinators Adam Gase from the Broncos and Josh McDaniels from the Patriots will be in high demand but neither may want to leave their current situation. Chargers coordinator Frank Reich and Colts coordinator Pep Hamilton could also get interviews along with Ravens coordinator Gary Kubiak.
Also, getting a look could be Packers offensive coordinator Tom Clements, Browns coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Eagles coordinator Pat Shurmur, Bengals coordinator Hue Jackson and Seahawks coordinator Darrell Bevell. Defensive coordinators who could get a call include Arizona’s Todd Bowles and Chargers coordinator John Pagano.
