With the NFL Black Monday coming soon, three coaches could be fired after the season. Black Monday is a day for NFL coaches who could be fired after a season. This could relieve fans of teams needing change for next year.
One of these coaches who could be fired is Ron Rivera after four years in Washington. Another coach that could get fired is Arthur Smith, though he could retain his job. The last coach that could get fired is defensive coordinator Wink Martindale due to his defense a high amount of yards, especially this season with the Giants. Black Monday is a day in which there is change for these NFL teams.
NFL Black Monday: The Short History of Black Monday
Black Monday, to the regular viewer in the NFL, is a non-celebrated tradition with coaches losing their jobs. While there are instances in a season when head coaches are fired, most teams go through the season with them. It proves that some teams will trust the process but are more likely to fire them after a long season. Another reason why teams don’t fire coaches is because it would cost them money during the season. It would be better to end things when the season is over, even if it costs them a season in their minds. This tradition also can be a turning point for teams that want a new direction. The black Monday tradition continues after this season.
NFL Black Monday: Ron Rivera
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera. – AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
One of the head coaches who will be fired after this season is Rom Rivera of the Washington Commanders. The season for the Commanders has been a disaster, with brutal loss after loss. With new ownership, this season has been an evaluation year, and showing the team needs more work. Rivera, who has been a coach for the Commanders since 2020, has been underwhelming. The former Panthers head coach had one division title but only one year with a winning record for the Commanders. This decision wasn’t hard, with the Commanders being dreadful this year. When the Commanders fired Rivera defensive coordinator, Jack Del Rio, it was telling that he would be next.
NFL Black Monday: Arthur Smith
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith. – AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast
The Commander’s firing of Ron Rivera is not surprising at all, Atlanta won’t shock people if they fire Arthur Smith. Arthur Smith has been coaching the Falcons for three years with little results, and it’s shocking he is still there. During this season, Arthur Smith has shown no improvement in playcalling with confusing calls on the red zone.
A crucial reason why Falcons fans want Arthur Smith gone is Smith’s lack of utilizing his best players, including Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson. Along with the lack of improving scheming and utilizing players, Arthur Smith’s press conferences can be arrogant about his game-planning. With Smith, there is a chance the Falcons will retain him for next year, but anything can happen.
NFL Black Monday: Wink Martindale
New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. AP Photo/Tom Canavan
The last coach that could be gone by the season’s end is New York Giants defensive coordinator Wink Martindale. While the Giant’s defense has improved at times, the Martindale defense has its hole shown in the worst way. This season, the Giants’ defense has been destroyed by offenses, and it needs to change. While Martindale is popular with the Giants’ players and staff, there must be a scapegoat. There were rumors of the staff turning on Martindale, but there was not enough smoke for that fire. This Giants defense has some great pieces, but the scheming isn’t there. New York must fix this defense for next year, and Martindale could be gone.
NFL Black Monday: Overview
With Black Monday looming and potential change, these are the coaches that could be gone after week 18. The Commanders Ron Rivera knew his time was up in Washington and showed that change was coming soon. Along with Rivera, Falcons fans hope that Arthur Smith will be gone too after this disastrous season. Even if he’s not the head coach, the Giants need a scapegoat and sadly Martindale could be it. This NFL Black Monday like New Year’s can be celebrated for change for the better for these teams.
