As the NFL regular season approaches its conclusion, teams are preparing for the inevitable reshuffling of coaching staff, commonly referred to as Black Sunday and Monday. Following their disappointing seasons, Brian Callahan of the Tennessee Titans and Brian Daboll of the New York Giants have already been relieved of their duties, raising questions about the fates of several other coaches.
Here’s a look at some of the head coaches who find themselves on the hot seat as the season concludes.
Pete Carroll of the Las Vegas Raiders is under intense scrutiny after finishing the season with a dismal 2-14 record. His first year in charge has seen the team struggle significantly, including a defeat in their last nine games. Despite Carroll’s impressive career record, the Raiders’ lack of progress and the turmoil within the organization may lead to parting ways.
Cleveland Browns’ Kevin Stefanski faces uncertainty after leading the team to another losing season marked by questionable quarterback decisions, particularly following the high-profile trade for Deshaun Watson. However, Stefanski has demonstrated some capabilities despite the franchise’s challenges and could receive another chance to guide the team.
Raheem Morris of the Atlanta Falcons has shown a mixed bag this season. His squad enjoyed a late-season surge, yet overall regression under his management has kept him in the discussion for a potential exit. Ownership may opt to retain him given that some of the struggles are tied to the general manager’s moves.
Jonathan Gannon of the Arizona Cardinals has not impressed in his third season, with his defense struggling to perform as expected. While ownership may see another season as an opportunity to redefine the team’s trajectory, there is no denying that Gannon’s tenure has yet to yield positive results.
Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins is facing questions after the team’s inconsistent performance, including an alarming decline in effectiveness late in the season. The franchise’s decision regarding the future may hinge on the quarterback situation, particularly concerning Tua Tagovailoa’s health and performance.
Among those seen as having some backing, New York Jets’ Aaron Glenn finds himself in a tough spot despite ownership’s support, as the team has remained mostly uncompetitive. However, with multiple first-round draft picks in the coming drafts, Glenn may still have a chance to reshape the team’s future.
Established coaches under pressure include John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens, whose team has been surprisingly average this season, leading to questions about his future. Yet, given his track record and the stability he brings, he may be given another year to turn things around. Similarly, Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers is facing scrutiny, but his long-standing rapport with the ownership offers him a level of security, even amid fan dissatisfaction.
With the regular season winding down, many teams are evaluating their coaching situations, each with unique challenges. As they assess their options, it will be fascinating to see how these decisions shape the NFL landscape for the next season. The hope is that franchises will seize this opportunity not just for change, but for meaningful improvement and revitalization, setting the stage for a more competitive future.