Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson looks on during the fourth quarter Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars held off the Titans 20-13. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]

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NFL Black Monday : Which HC is on a Hot Seat ?

This Monday, the NFL’s Coaching Carousel Is Set to Spin: It’s Black Monday!

As is tradition on the day following the end of the regular season, underperforming coaches are shown the door—welcome to Black Monday.

At the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, several coaches are on the hot seat, with franchises failing to meet expectations. While the head coaching positions for the Bears, Saints, and Jets are already vacant, more jobs are expected to open during this year’s Black Monday, marking the close of the NFL’s 2024 regular season.

Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars)

Doug Pederson’s future with the Jacksonville Jaguars has been in doubt for weeks. Many were surprised he wasn’t let go during the Jaguars’ bye week back in November. There’s even speculation that Jacksonville may not wait until Black Monday to part ways with Pederson and could do so immediately after Sunday’s game against the Colts.

After three seasons together, the Jaguars and Pederson are likely to go their separate ways on Black Monday. Following a disappointing 4-win season, Jacksonville cannot afford to miss the mark in hiring their next coach, especially with Trevor Lawrence’s prime years on the line. As for Pederson, it remains uncertain whether the 2017 Super Bowl-winning coach will find another job or opt for retirement.

Antonio Pierce (Las Vegas Raiders)

Antonio Pierce’s journey has been unique. Named interim coach midway through last season, he revitalized the struggling Raiders locker room and earned the full-time job heading into 2024.

Unfortunately, the Raiders’ season has been another letdown. Although Pierce retains support within the locker room, it’s unlikely he survives this year’s Black Monday. However, firing Pierce will do little to address the Raiders’ deeper issues, including their ongoing search for a franchise quarterback.

Brian Daboll (New York Giants)

Brian Daboll’s job security heading into Black Monday is precarious but not hopeless. The Giants endured a dreadful 2024 campaign, managing just three wins in their first 16 games. Despite an uncharacteristic offensive outburst in Week 17, the team has struggled offensively all season, even with promising young additions like Malik Nabers and Tyrone Tracy Jr.

Still, Daboll’s track record offers hope. When paired with a capable quarterback in 2022, he was named Coach of the Year and led the Giants to success. If the team drafts the right quarterback this offseason, they might gamble on Daboll’s ability to develop their next star. Whether the Giants are willing to commit to Daboll for the long haul, however, remains the key question. We’ll find out on Black Monday.

Mike McCarthy (Dallas Cowboys)

After five years at the helm, Mike McCarthy’s time with the Dallas Cowboys could be nearing its end—or maybe not. Team owner Jerry Jones has consistently praised McCarthy’s ability to navigate a challenging 2024 season despite limited resources.

That said, McCarthy may not technically be fired on Black Monday, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the 2024 season. It’s possible the Cowboys will simply let his deal lapse without renewal. Then again, with Jerry Jones, surprises are always on the table.

Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts)

Could Shane Steichen’s fate be tied to that of Chris Ballard, the Colts’ general manager of nearly a decade? If Ballard is dismissed, it’s common for incoming GMs to bring in their own coaching staff, which could spell the end of Steichen’s tenure in Indianapolis.

While Steichen hasn’t performed poorly, his results lack consistency. The development of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has been noticeable but insufficient, and the Colts’ season-ending blowout loss to the Giants could weigh heavily on ownership’s decision-making as Black Monday approaches.

And Elsewhere?

Other coaches may also be on shaky ground. Jerod Mayo’s tenure with the Patriots has yet to win over the organization entirely, while Zac Taylor could find himself in trouble if the Bengals miss the playoffs despite their offensive firepower.

This Monday promises to be a dramatic one—just not for the coaches who will be packing their bags.

Photo Credit : Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union via Imagn

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Charles Taudin

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Global Editorial Chief of The Playoffs, I created The Free Agent, which became The Playoffs FR, in 2020 during the pandemic. A longtime fan of the four major American sports, I now oversee the editorial strategy and social media for all versions of The Playoffs. I still occasionally write about sports I’m particularly passionate about, such as the NFL or MLB. If there’s one thing you should remember: Eli Manning is the true GOAT for beating Tom Brady twice.