With only three weeks left in the regular season, NFL teams are gearing up for the inevitable “Black Monday,” the day after the regular season concludes when head coaches are traditionally let go.
Despite three in-season firings, speculation is rife about more changes on the horizon.
CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell has identified five coaches currently on the proverbial “hot seat,” and the pressure is mounting as the season inches closer to its end.
Podell’s list includes Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons, Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears, Robert Saleh of the New York Jets, Ron Rivera of the Washington Commanders, and the legendary Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots.
Just about 15 weeks through the 2023 NFL season, here’s a look at five head coaches who may be in jeopardy of losing their jobs. They are ranked by who is most susceptible to being fired at the end of the year. My latest for CBS Sports: https://t.co/pCWGQu1oCd
— Garrett Podell (@garrettpodell) December 18, 2023
As of last week, Smith was reportedly considered “safe,” but the recent loss to the previously 1-12 Carolina Panthers has cast doubts on his security.
Despite the setback, the Falcons, at 6-8, remain just one game out of first place in the NFC South. Smith now faces a crucial final stretch to secure his position.
Eberflus, the head coach of the Chicago Bears, may have improved his chances of staying with the team due to the squad’s recent strong performance, including a competitive game against the Cleveland Browns.
The Bears are likely to have the #1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, regardless of who takes on the role of head coach.
Saleh’s New York Jets have officially ended their 13th consecutive season without a playoff berth – The longest streak in North American sports.
However, Saleh might find solace in the fact that if star quarterback Aaron Rodgers wants him to return, he will … By all accounts, Rodgers likes Saleh and you’d be naive to think that the final decision doesn’t rest with Rodgers.
#Jets Robert Saleh weighs in on his job security. This is probably about as loud as cries have been, following the 30-0 loss to #Dolphins pic.twitter.com/hiN78wE1Ph
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) December 18, 2023
Rivera of the Washington Commanders is reportedly expected to be let go at the end of the season, adding another name to the list of coaching changes … It would be the shocker of all shockers if Rivera doesn’t get the axe.
The situation with Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots is less clear, with conflicting reports on the direction the franchise will take … Needless to say, the Belichick decision and ensuing fallout will be the biggest storyline of the upcoming offseason.
With “Black Monday” looming large, the coming weeks will be crucial for these coaches as they strive to secure their positions and remain in charge.
What is your prediction?
What coaches do you think will be fired?
As far as the biggest fish of all, what do you think will end up happening with Belichick???