Black Monday. Two words that fans of poorly-performing teams love to hear. Or hate to hear.
We’ve already seen five coaches get the boot, and there will be more coming in the next few days. Here are some coaches on the hot seat and what their fate could be for the 2017 NFL season.
Todd Bowles, New York Jets: It’s tough to see Bowles get cut loose by the Jets, even after a year that the organization did not expect at all, going 5-11 after going 10-6 in 2015 and coming one win short of a playoff berth. The team played with no fire almost all season, and after an embarrassing 41-3 loss to the Patriots on Christmas Eve and multiple quarterback changes throughout the year, it looked as though Bowles was on his way out of the Big Apple. However, the Jets front office has decided to retain Bowles for 2017, but if the Jets struggle again, you may expect the Jets to have another coaching search on their hands.
The verdict: Bowles will stay in New York for the 2017 season.
John Fox, Chicago Bears: Another lackluster performance in Chicago in 2016, going 3-13. This team does not seem to be going anywhere fast, and with two underperforming QB’s in Jay Cutler and Matt Barkley, they won’t win for the next few years. With a coach who is 9-23 in two seasons at the helm, why not clean house? They should look to change the team regime in 2017, and that starts with a coaching staff.
The verdict: This could go either way, but Fox gets canned. Best replacement: Doug Marrone, OL coach/interim head coach, Jaguars
Hue Jackson, Cleveland Browns: It’s hard to say that after a team goes 1-15 that their coach is “safe,” but Jackson is about as safe as you can get in his situation. He is a good coach with no talent. He was the offensive coordinator for the Bengals up until this season, so he knows how to run an offense. The Browns may be in for another terrible season in 2017, but they should retain Jackson for at least another year or two.
The verdict: Jackson stays at the helm in Cleveland.
Chuck Pagano, Indianapolis Colts: The Colts shocked the NFL world last year by giving Pagano an extension when he was expected to be fired, but the team was expected to do better this year with Andrew Luck healthy, but they had the same record as last year, 8-8. Two AFC South division titles in his tenure may help his case, but owner Jim Irsay is apparently unhappy with the team’s play lately, so a change may be on the horizon.
The verdict: Another that could go either way, but Pagano is gone in Indianapolis. Best replacement: Teryl Austin, DC, Lions.
Quick hits: Already vacant NFL head coaching positions with the best replacement for them.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Tom Coughlin, former Giants head coach
Los Angeles Rams: Harold Goodwin, OC, Cardinals
Buffalo Bills: Anthony Lynn, current interim head coach
Denver Broncos (Gary Kubiak is expected to step down due to health concerns): Kyle Shanahan, OC, Falcons
