2021 NFL Black Monday tracker: Coaches and GMs on the move
2021 NFL Black Monday Tracker: Coaches and GMs on the move.
For 14 NFL teams, it’s playoff time. For every other team, it’s time for the 2021 offseason which starts with the annual “Black Monday” where coaches and executives around the league are let go and teams begin lining up interviews for their vacant positions.
Many teams got a jump on Black Monday and began their search for a new head coach and/or general manager weeks ago.
Which teams are looking for new leadership? Which teams have the most attractive positions?
There are many things to factor in with GM/head coach searches, but it’s obvious some teams are going to be more project-based than others.
Here are all of the vacancies around the league, listed by 2021 NFL Draft order:
2021 NFL Black Monday Tracker
Jacksonville Jaguars
Fired: GM Dave Caldwell, HC Doug Marrone
The Jaguars’ general manager and head coach positions could be among the most attractive in the NFL.
Whoever takes on this job will have ample 2021 NFL Draft capital which will almost undoubtedly include Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence at the top. You can’t ask for a much better start to a rebuild than what the Jags have to offer.
New York Jets
Fired: Head coach Adam Gase
The long-rumored firing of Adam Gase finally happened as the Jets shockingly won a pair of games near the end of the season, ultimately costing them a shot at Trevor Lawrence.
GM Joe Douglas remains and the Jets will not be the easiest sell to prospective head coaches with one of the least talented rosters in the league and seemingly no long-term answer at quarterback.
Houston Texans
Fired: HC/GM Bill O’Brien
Bill O’Brien’s tenure as Texans general manager and head coach will not be fondly remembered. He made some of the worst moves in recent NFL memory.
The Texans have DeShaun Watson, but their cap space is in bad shape and they have no selections in the first two rounds of the 2021 NFL Draft.
Yikes.
Atlanta Falcons
Fired: GM Thomas Dimitroff, HC Dan Quinn
The Falcons decided to make a move in-season to get rid of the brain trust of Thomas Dimitroff and Dan Quinn, which helped lead the Falcons to a Super Bowl appearance a few years back.
Atlanta is looking for new leadership and they are probably looking for a coaching crew that can put this veteran offense back in the postseason sooner rather than later.
Detroit Lions
Fired: GM Bob Quinn, HC Matt Patricia
The Lions tried to implement the Patriot way in Detroit, and like many teams who hire former Bill Belichick assistants, they found that it’s not so easy to do.
Michigan native Robert Saleh (49ers defensive coordinator) seems like a really strong candidate for this position.
Carolina Panthers
Fired: GM Marty Hurney
The Panthers have an attractive job opening with a very solid foundation built in year one of the Matt Rhule era.
Given how well this team played at times in 2020 under Rhule, the Panthers should have no problem bringing in a new GM who would undoubtedly work with Rhule on getting a long-term plan put together for this team at the quarterback position.
Denver Broncos
Vacancy: GM John Elway (taking on new role with team)
John Elway essentially “retired” from being the Denver Broncos’ general manager, but will be heavily involved in the process of bringing someone new into the fold. The new GM in Denver will also report to Elway, who said in his press conference that he is “tired”.
The Broncos also have to fill their no. 2 front office role with Matt Russell retiring as well.
Los Angeles Chargers
Fired: HC Anthony Lynn
The Chargers ended the 2020 season on a high note but they did not avoid getting involved in NFL Black Monday.
Head coach Anthony Lynn is out, but the Chargers should have zero issue attracting a prospective head coach to come in and coach likely rookie of the year Justin Herbert.
Minnesota Vikings
Retired: OC Gary Kubiak
The Vikings have had zero continuity at offensive coordinator in recent years and it looks like Gary Kubiak is slated to retire again from his role as play-caller.
Las Vegas Raiders
Fired: DC Paul Guenther
The Raiders had enough of Paul Guenther’s defense and fired him in-season.
They have already begun targeting candidates including Chargers defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.