With the NFL's regular season drawing to a dramatic close, the spectre of 'Black Monday' casts a long shadow over several head coaches whose jobs are hanging by a thread. While 14 teams prepare for the playoff battles ahead, the remaining franchises are contemplating ruthless changes at the helm.
Coaches on the Chopping Block
According to a report from OutKick, as many as four head coaches could be shown the door once the final whistle blows on the campaign. The day after the regular season ends, notoriously dubbed 'Black Monday', is one of the most cut-throat in the football calendar, and this year appears to be no exception.
Arizona Cardinals' Jonathan Gannon is viewed as almost certain to be dismissed. His team concludes a dismal season against the formidable Los Angeles Rams, having suffered a staggering 13 losses in their last 14 outings. The Cardinals' performance has fallen far short of expectations, sealing Gannon's fate.
On the West Coast, the Las Vegas Raiders are also expected to be in the market for a new leader. Despite an offseason overhaul and the high-profile acquisition of quarterback Geno Smith from the Seattle Seahawks, head coach Pete Carroll has failed to deliver the anticipated improvement. The Raiders' loss to the New York Giants cemented their position as favourites for the No. 1 draft pick in 2026, a stark indicator of a failed season.
Pressure Mounts in the AFC East
In New York, Jets coach Aaron Glenn is named as another likely casualty. There have been minimal signs of progress under his leadership, a fact brutally underscored by a 42-10 demolition at home by the New England Patriots. With a 3-13 record heading into a final game against the powerhouse Buffalo Bills, Glenn's position looks increasingly untenable, despite his public insistence that he retains the owners' backing for a rebuild.
The most immediate pressure cooker situation belongs to Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His job rests on a single game: a win against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday would secure a playoff berth and likely save his position. A loss, however, makes his dismissal highly probable. The Bucs' season has unravelled spectacularly after a promising start, losing seven of their last eight games, including a critical 17-20 defeat to the already-eliminated Miami Dolphins last Sunday.
Coaches Who Have Weathered the Storm
The report also highlights a coach who has successfully navigated away from the danger zone. Miami Dolphins' Mike McDaniel was under immense scrutiny after a disastrous 1-6 start to the season, compounded by the departure of General Manager Chris Grier and the benching of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. However, McDaniel has engineered a remarkable turnaround, guiding the team to a 7-9 record and seemingly securing his own future for now.
Finally, OutKick confirms that two other coaches are considered safe: Kevin Stefanski of the Cleveland Browns and Zac Taylor of the Cincinnati Bengals will not be fearing the call on Black Monday. For others, however, an anxious wait for the axe to fall begins as the regular season concludes.
