Black Monday Update: Head Coach, GM Firings Affect Top of the Draft

Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith reacts to play against the Detroit Lions during 2nd Half of a game at Ford Field. Bears won 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

With the dust finally setting from yet another historic black Monday in the NFL, teams at the top of the 2013 NFL Draft are predictably affected. I think it’s important to take a quick look at what changes teams are making, aren’t making, or might be making as we approach the offseason for a majority of the league.

1. Chiefs — Fired head coach Romeo Crennel, will keep GM Scott Pioli (per reports)
2. Jaguars — Fired GM Gene Smith, will re-consider head coaching options after new GM is hired
3. Raiders — Fired four assistant coaches, including offensive coordinator Greg Knapp
4. Eagles — Fired long-time head coach Andy Reid
5. Lions
6. Browns — Fired GM Tom Heckert, also fired head coach Pat Shurmur
7. Cardinals — Fired GM Rod Graves, also fired head coach Ken Whisenhunt (Whisenhunt took team to Super Bowl)
8. Bills — Fired head coach Chan Gailey
9. Jets — Fired GM Mike Tannenbaum, will retain head coach Rex Ryan (rumored to be parting ways with QB Tim Tebow)
10. Titans — Will retain head coach Mike Munchak, who will be back for third season (per reports)
11. Chargers — Fired GM A.J. Smith, also fired head coach Norv Turner
12. Dolphins
13. Buccaneers
14. Panthers
15. Saints
16. Rams
17. Steelers
18. Cowboys
19. Giants
20. Bears — Fired head coach Lovie Smith

The most surprising firing of the day was, of course, Chicago Bears head coach Lovie Smith. The Bears will be moving on and apparently are going to interview Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy in the Mile High City this weekend. McCoy has been Denver’s offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the past three seasons.

Lovie apparently won’t last long on the open market. ESPN is reporting that the former Bears head coach has four head coaching interviews lined up for this weekend already, and you’d have to assume a coach like Smith will be able to make a very simple lateral move.

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