The NFL’s annual “Black Monday” arrived with its usual wave of firings, leaving several head coaches without jobs after underwhelming performances during the 2024 season. From missed playoffs to disappointing player development, the reasons for their dismissals varied, but one common theme persisted: the relentless demand for success in the high-stakes world of professional football.
This year, notable firings occurred across several NFL teams, including the New York Jets, New Orleans Saints, Chicago Bears, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Las Vegas Raiders.
The fired coaches this year include Robert Saleh (Jets), Dennis Allen (Saints), Matt Eberflus (Bears), Jerod Mayo (Patriots), Doug Pederson (Jaguars), and Antonio Pierce (Raiders).
Each coach faced unique challenges, from struggling offenses to roster management issues, but ultimately, none could deliver the success their franchises demanded. Their dismissals highlight the NFL’s win-now culture, where the margin for error is razor-thin and patience is rarely afforded.
The NFL’s “Black Monday” refers to the day immediately following the conclusion of the regular season, notorious for numerous coaching and executive firings, as the franchises begin their offseason preparation. While some dismissals are anticipated due to ongoing struggles, others come as a shock. Over the past five years, this trend has not only reshaped coaching rosters but also strained teams financially. Across the league, teams owe $800 million to fired coaches and executives, showing fans that owners are not afraid to do whatever it takes to win.
Robert Saleh, formerly the defensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers, was tasked with reviving the New York Jets after leading the second ranked defense that year to the super bowl. Saleh turned the Jets’ defense into a dominant force, but he inability to find a reliable offensive coordinator led to his demise.
Under Saleh’s leadership, the Jets never ranked higher than 24th in points scored and failed to end their 14-year playoff drought. Saleh’s overall record of 20-36 reflected the team’s difficulties on offense and lack of consistent quarterback play. Saleh’s contract was for 5 years, with an annual average salary of $5 million per year.
Dennis Allen took over the New Orleans Saints after Sean Payton’s departure. With years of experience as the team’s defensive coordinator, Allen helped maintain a solid defense, but the Saints’ aging roster and salary cap issues hindered his success.
Despite these challenges, the Saints hovered around .500 for much of his tenure. Allen’s 18-25 record over two-plus seasons ultimately led to his dismissal following a 23–22 loss to the Carolina Panthers in Week 9 of the 2024 season, the Saints begins their search for a new coaching staff this offseason.
Matt Eberflus entered the Chicago Bears organization with the goal of developing young quarterback talent. However, he struggled to elevate the performances of both Justin Fields and Caleb Williams. His tenure was marked by questionable game management and a sharp decline in team performance. A 4-2 start in 2024 collapsed into a 5-12 finish, making his firing midseason an expected outcome.
Jerod Mayo, once viewed as the heir apparent to Bill Belichick, faced significant challenges in his first year as head coach of the New England Patriots. Despite having a promising young quarterback, Mayo’s team lacked depth and struggled on both sides of the ball. His rookie mistakes in play calling and clock management compounded the difficulties. The Patriots’ 4-13 record led to Mayo’s dismissal just after one year.
The Patriots have hired Mike Vrabel, a former star linebacker and team Hall of Fame inductee, as their next head coach. His hiring was a highly anticipated move for his impressive coaching resume, strong ties to the franchise, and reputation as a confident leader who can change the teams culture and identity for the better.
Junior Right Tackle for the Williston Varsity Football Team, Dean Ruksnaitis from Worcester, Mass., believes Vrabel is a great hire.
“[Mike Vrabel] is such a great hire, as he brings the team an identity, and he is famous for keeping his players accountable,” he said. “He will definitely do a better job than Jerod [Mayo], I think he will turn this team around in no time.”
Doug Pederson arrived in Jacksonville as a proven Super Bowl-winning coach and initially brought success to the Jaguars. He led the team to a playoff berth in his first season, highlighted by a dramatic comeback against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, injuries and defensive struggles contributed to a sharp decline. The Jaguars posted a 5-18 record over his final 23 games, and Pederson’s firing was seen as a necessary step after his inability to win games and develop young talent.
Jack Wilson, a junior from San Francisco, Cali., believes that Pederson was destined to be fired.
“I watched so many clips on Instagram of press conferences [Doug Pederson] had, he gave them like he already knew he was going to get fired at the end of the season,” he said.
Antonio Pierce earned the Las Vegas Raiders’ full-time head coaching job after an impressive stint as interim coach in 2023, boasting a record of 5-4. Pierce’s most notable win was beating division rival and soon to be super bowl champions, the Kansas City Chiefs. However, his first full season was marred by clock management issues and a lackluster roster. The Raiders failed to capitalize on their position for a top draft pick, adding to the frustrations of the season. While Pierce’s motivational skills were evident, his inexperience as a head coach ultimately led to his dismissal.
Mike McCarthy’s tenure with the Dallas Cowboys ended after a 7-10 season, with the team falling short of the playoffs despite high expectations. McCarthy had led the Cowboys to three consecutive 12-5 seasons prior, but a 1-3 playoff record under his leadership highlighted the team’s inability to perform in critical postseason moments.
Before taking the Dallas job after a full season out of coaching, McCarthy was the head coach of the Green Bay Packers for 13 seasons and had a 125-77-2 record from 2006-18. His record in the playoffs was 10-8 and led Green Bay to a Super Bowl title 14 years ago. Injuries to key players, including Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Zach Martin undermined the 2024 season.
McCarthy’s departure marks the end of his 50-38 tenure in Dallas, as owner Jerry Jones looks for a fresh start. With 174 career regular-season wins, McCarthy’s legacy remains significant, but his time in Dallas will be remembered as another chapter in the team’s nearly three-decade Super Bowl drought.
Micah Parsons, star pass rusher for the Dallas Cowboys, expressed his disappointment over head coach Mike McCarthy’s departure, calling it “devastating.”
“I’m obviously really saddened by this because of the strong relationships we had with Coach McCarthy and all he’s done for our program,” Parsons said on “The Edge” podcast. “Three consecutive 12-5 seasons, playoff appearances, and of course, an unfortunate year due to injuries… It’s tough. Coach Mike is not only a great coach but also a great father. He’s one of the most successful coaches, and he’s always been supportive of us as a team—coaches and players alike. Losing someone like Coach Mike is a big blow.”
