As the 2024 NFL season wraps up this Sunday, fans brace themselves for what is often considered one of the toughest days in football—the notorious Black Monday. This day is known for the wave of coaching changes that hit the league, reshaping teams and the future direction of the NFL.
This season has already seen significant shakeups, with the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, and Chicago Bears all parting ways with their head coaches during the season. Additionally, the New England Patriots took a proactive approach, dismissing head coach Jerod Mayo after a disappointing 4-13 record. This decision was made public just hours after the Patriots secured a 23-16 victory over the Buffalo Bills, a win that, while uplifting, pushed New England down from the top spot to the fourth pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
With the Patriots looking for a new leader, reports indicate they might be targeting former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who is familiar with the franchise from his playing days.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are keeping their options open. Interim head coach Thomas Brown, who took over after multiple firings, is set to be interviewed for the permanent position. Despite a rocky record of 1-4, Brown ended the season on a high note with a victory against the Green Bay Packers. The Bears are also eyeing big names like Ben Johnson and Vrabel, making it clear they want to build on their talented roster.
Other notable head coaches may also be at risk of being scooped up in an unorthodox trade. Rumors swirl around Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell, both of whom might attract interest from other teams.
In Dallas, Mike McCarthy finds himself at a crossroads after a 7-10 finish. While he has expressed a strong desire to remain with the Dallas Cowboys, the New Orleans Saints are reportedly considering him as a candidate for their vacant position.
As for the Miami Dolphins and Indianapolis Colts, both teams have shown confidence in their current coaches after finishing with identical 8-9 records. Nonetheless, if improvements aren’t seen in 2025, the pressure could mount once again.
As Black Monday approaches, teams will be busy reshaping their future. Fans and players alike are left wondering who will stay and who will go, as the NFL coaching carousel begins to spin.
