Unexpected Moves: Black Monday in NFL – Latest Fired Coaches, Tracker, Updates, and Rumors

As the NFL season winds down, Black Monday – the unofficial name for the day after the regular season ends – has once again lived up to its reputation for stunning coaching shake-ups. For years, this day has been a key moment in the NFL calendar, with teams making dramatic decisions to either reset or continue pushing forward with their leadership. In 2025, it’s no different, as multiple high-profile coaches have been let go, and rumors swirl about what’s to come in the immediate future.

Fired Coaches:

One of the most shocking dismissals on Black Monday comes from the Chicago Bears, who fired head coach Matt Eberflus after just three seasons at the helm. Despite showing promise in his first year, Eberflus’s squad struggled mightily in 2025, finishing with a losing record and unable to make a significant push for the playoffs. The Bears, having invested heavily in their young quarterback, are now looking for a coach who can fully unlock the potential of Justin Fields and bring stability to a team that has been in rebuilding mode for far too long.

Similarly, the Denver Broncos part ways with head coach Sean Payton, just two seasons after bringing him in to turn the team around. Despite major expectations, the Broncos failed to perform, and Payton’s offensive strategies never quite gelled with quarterback Russell Wilson. It’s a disappointing outcome for a team with so much talent on paper, but now the Broncos are looking for a fresh direction and possibly a coach who can reignite Wilson’s career.

In another stunning move, the Las Vegas Raiders have dismissed Josh McDaniels. After spending the previous season making bold moves, McDaniels couldn’t deliver the results fans hoped for, and the Raiders’ playoff hopes fell short yet again. His handling of star quarterback Derek Carr and internal team conflicts may have played a significant role in the decision to part ways.

Rumors and Updates:

In the world of NFL coaching, where speculation often overshadows reality, Black Monday was ripe with rumors about potential replacements for these fired coaches. The Bears are reportedly eyeing Jim Harbaugh, the head coach of the University of Michigan, as their top candidate. Harbaugh has had immense success at the collegiate level, and his hard-nosed style could bring a winning mentality to Chicago. The allure of bringing in a big name has the city buzzing with excitement.

The Broncos, meanwhile, are said to be targeting Dan Quinn, the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Quinn, who previously served as head coach for the Atlanta Falcons, is known for his defensive expertise, and Denver may be looking for a coach who can turn their top-ranked defense into a championship-caliber unit. His familiarity with managing large personalities and quarterbacks could be just what the Broncos need to turn things around.

For the Raiders, there’s talk of a reunion with Jon Gruden, the former head coach who was ousted a few years ago due to controversy. The Raiders may see Gruden as a stabilizing figure who could bring leadership and experience to a team that has struggled to find its identity in recent years.

The Big Picture:

As teams begin to regroup and search for new leadership, Black Monday is a reminder that in the NFL, no job is safe. The pressure to win now is immense, and organizations are constantly in flux as they chase a Super Bowl title. The decisions made today could have a lasting impact on the future of the league, with potential franchise-altering moves in the works.

As more coaches become available, and rumors swirl about their future homes, fans across the NFL eagerly anticipate the next wave of moves. Stay tuned, as Black Monday 2025 continues to reshape the landscape of the NFL.