It didn’t take long for the NFL’s “Black Monday” to officially begin.
Shortly after midnight ET, the Atlanta Falcons fired coach Arthur Smith, just hours after ending his three-year tenure with the franchise in a blowout loss to the New Orleans Saints.
And that was just the beginning of the action. Early Monday morning, the Washington Commanders resigned as coach Ron Rivera.
This is the day coaching staffs and front offices across the league do their annual tally. More moves are sure to come, but some may not be completed until later in the week, so stay tuned to USA TODAY Sports for any action regarding firings and resignations.
Jets unchanged
Robert Saleh is confident he will be OK for next season after receiving approval from Jets owner Woody Johnson. Coaches now extend the same security to the rest of their staff.
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Saleh said Monday that all three coordinators are expected to return in 2024.
He also said there are no plans to make any major changes to the coaching staff for next season.
Bill Belichick addresses rumors
His future with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick remains uncertain, but the coach finally addressed his position with the team on Monday.
Asked about the possibility of giving up personnel rights to remain with the team, Belichick didn’t close the door on the theory.
“Look, I agree that what we collectively decided as an organization was the best thing to do to help the football team,” Belichick said. “I have multiple roles in it and I rely on many people to help me fulfill my responsibilities. Someone has to have the final say, and I have that. I have a lot of other people helping me, and whatever that process is, I’m just a part of it.”
However, Belichick did not give a clear answer as to whether he would like to coach another team if he does not remain with the Patriots.
Will the Indianapolis Colts fire any assistants?
Shane Steichen appears to be ready for his second year with the Indianapolis Colts.
Asked Monday about possible staff changes, Steichen said, “I believe in continuity.”
Steichen reiterated that point when asked about defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, who leads a unit that ranks 24th with 349.8 yards per game.
Washington commander Ron Rivera fired
The move that everyone had been expecting was officially decided on Monday.
The team announced that the coaches have decided to step down from Rivera after four seasons.
Rivera’s fate seemed sealed a while ago, but Washington ended the season with a league-worst eight straight losses, finishing with a record of 4-13.
According to ESPN, new owner Josh Harris will now embark on the team’s first coaching search, hiring former Golden State Warriors general manager Bob Myers and former Minnesota Vikings general manager Rick Spielman. He will be hired to assist in the process.
Whoever takes over should have a great opportunity to shake up the roster. The Commanders own the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft and are currently the only pick behind the Tennessee Titans in available cap space for next season.
Carolina Panthers fire GM Scott Fitterer
The Carolina Panthers belatedly finished cleaning up Monday morning, firing general manager Scott Fitterer six weeks after head coach Frank Reich was fired.
“As we move forward in a new direction for our franchise, we have made the decision that Scott Fitterer will no longer serve as general manager,” owner David Tepper said in a statement. “We thank Scott for his efforts and wish him and his family the best.”
Despite acquiring the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 draft and selecting Alabama QB Bryce Young, the Panthers finished with a league-worst record of 2 wins and 15 losses. However, they won’t have the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. That’s because Fitterer traded that pick, along with wide receiver DJ Moore and other funds, to the Chicago Bears in the deal to acquire Young.
Carolina went 14-37 in three seasons with Fitterer’s transfer, but there were a number of things that didn’t work out, including trades for quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold and cornerback CJ Henderson. Fitterer’s high-end draft picks, including Young, CB Jaycee Horn, WR Terrace Marshall Jr., LT Ikki Ekwonu, and WR Jonathan Mingo, have yet to develop into fundamental players.
New York Giants fire special teams coordinator, according to reports
Although the New York Giants are not at the top of their game, they are making changes to their coaching staff.
The team has fired special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, according to multiple reports.
McGaughey was with the team for six seasons.
Giants manager Brian Daboll said early Monday morning that he expects offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and defensive coordinator Wink Martindale to remain.
Atlanta Falcons waive Arthur Smith
The Falcons didn’t take long to part ways with Arthur Smith after the season-ending debacle against the New Orleans Saints.
Smith was fired shortly after midnight, and team owner Arthur Blank announced his intention to turn the page after three straight 7-10 seasons.
Blank did not give specific authority to Smith, who is entering his third season, but made it clear that he expects Smith to make progress in the win column. Instead, the Falcons fell short of their first winning season since 2017.
