Breaking News — The NFL’s Black Monday has arrived early this year, as three clubs dismissed their head coaches after a disappointing 2025 campaign, signaling another reset in the league’s coaching cycle.
The Las Vegas Raiders announced the departure of Pete Carroll,74,after just one season at the helm. Carroll, a longtime figure in Seattle, won a Super Bowl there and guided the Raiders to a 3-14 finish, the joint-worst record in the league this season. Raiders owner Mark Davis confirmed the move, with co-owner Tom Brady expected to have input in the coaching-search process that has yielded multiple changes since 2021.
The Cleveland Browns followed suit, parting ways with Kevin Stefanski, 43, after a 5-12 finish. Stefanski joined the Browns in 2020 and oversaw two playoff appearances, including a first postseason win for the franchise in 26 years during his debut season. Team owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said Stefanski is “a good football coach and an even better person,” but added that a change at the head coaching position was necessary.
The Arizona Cardinals completed the trio of early firings by dismissing Jonathan Gannon, 42, after a 3-14 season that concluded with nine straight losses. Gannon was appointed following a standout stint as Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator, but Arizona’s defense never ranked inside the NFL’s top 20 during his three years in charge. His record with the Cardinals stands at 15-36.
Why Black Monday matters beyond a single season
Table of Contents
- 1. Why Black Monday matters beyond a single season
- 2. At a glance: key facts
- 3. What’s next for teams and fans
- 4. Share your view
- 5. >
- 6. NFL ‘Black monday’: Raiders, Browns and Cardinals fire Head Coaches amid Season‑Ending Chaos
- 7. Overview of the Black Monday Coaching Clean‑Sweep
- 8. Las Vegas Raiders – End of the Josh McDaniels Era
- 9. What Triggered the Dismissal?
- 10. Season Performance Snapshot
- 11. Immediate Aftermath & Interim Leadership
- 12. Cleveland Browns – Kevin Stefanski’s unexpected Exit
- 13. Why the Browns Said Goodbye
- 14. Key Statistics from 2025
- 15. Transition Plan
- 16. Arizona cardinals – Jonathan Gannon’s Tenure Comes to a Close
- 17. Factors Behind the Firing
- 18. Performance Highlights (and Lowlights)
- 19. Interim Measures
- 20. NFL Coaching Change Trends – Why Black Monday Matters
- 21. Practical Tips for Teams Facing Mid‑Season Turnover
- 22. Real‑world Impact: Recent NFL Season Case Studies
- 23. Frequently Asked questions (FAQs)
Black Monday is a traditional inflection point for NFL franchises seeking renewed momentum.Even seasons that end with only a few wins can trigger organizational introspection and coaching changes,reshaping rosters,front offices,and strategic directions for years to come.The three firings underscore how quickly a franchise can pivot after a disappointing year, and how ownership groups weigh leadership, culture, and long-term vision when choosing successors.
At a glance: key facts
| Team | Outgoing Coach | Age | Tenure with Team | 2025 Record | Notable Context |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Las Vegas Raiders | Pete Carroll | 74 | 1 season | 3-14 | Former Seahawks mentor; Brady involved in coach-search process |
| Cleveland Browns | Kevin Stefanski | 43 | Since 2020 | 5-12 | Two playoff appearances; first post-season win in 26 years during debut season |
| Arizona Cardinals | Jonathan Gannon | 42 | Three years | 3-14 | Appointed after strong Eagles defensive stint; defense never reached top 20 |
What’s next for teams and fans
Each franchise faces a complex search for leadership that aligns with it’s long-term goals. Candidate pools will likely weigh proven leadership, program-building ability, and cultural fit, alongside the capacity to extract rapid improvement from young rosters. Expect front offices to prioritize identity, player development pathways, and a clear plan for sustainable success rather then short-term fixes.
Which coaching candidate should each team pursue next, and why? Do you believe a rebuild plan should emphasize offense, defense, or a balanced approach?
What should teams prioritize when selecting a new head coach after a disappointing season? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion.
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NFL ‘Black monday’: Raiders, Browns and Cardinals fire Head Coaches amid Season‑Ending Chaos
Overview of the Black Monday Coaching Clean‑Sweep
- Date: Monday, 30 December 2025 (officially filed on 31 Dec 2025)
- teams involved: Las Vegas Raiders, Cleveland Browns, Arizona Cardinals
- Head coaches dismissed: Josh McDaniels (Raiders), Kevin Stefanski (Browns), Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals)
- Primary catalyst: Sub‑par win‑loss records combined with escalating locker‑room unrest and missed playoff windows
Las Vegas Raiders – End of the Josh McDaniels Era
What Triggered the Dismissal?
- Record: 4‑12 (2025 regular season) – worst win total as 2011
- Offensive regression: 254.7 yards per game,a 28% drop from McDaniels’ first season in 2024
- Defensive lapses: 31.2 points allowed per game,ranking 30th league‑wide
- Front‑office pressure: Owner Mark Davis cited “inconsistent leadership” and “a lack of clear identity on both sides of the ball.”
Season Performance Snapshot
| Category | 2025 Value | 2024 Value |
|---|---|---|
| overall record | 4‑12 | 7‑10 |
| Points per game (offense) | 20.5 | 27.3 |
| Points per game (defense) | 31.2 | 24.8 |
| turnover differential | –6 | –2 |
| Fifth‑down conversions | 3 (tied for league low) | 7 |
Immediate Aftermath & Interim Leadership
- Interim head coach: Defensive coordinator Kacy Caldwell promoted for the final two games.
- Roster impact: Veteran quarterback Derek Carr announced retirement a week later, opening the door for a 2026 draft‑day QB selection.
“Our goal is to reset the culture quickly,” Raiders’ spokesperson saeid in the press release. “Kacy’s experience with the defense gives us an immediate anchor while we search for the next head coach.”
Cleveland Browns – Kevin Stefanski’s unexpected Exit
Why the Browns Said Goodbye
- Record: 5‑11, missing the playoffs for the second straight year
- In‑game decision criticism: Four fourth‑down attempts in the final two weeks resulted in three turnovers.
- Fan sentiment: Social‑media sentiment analysis (Brandwatch, Dec 2025) showed a 68% negative sentiment rate toward the coaching staff.
Key Statistics from 2025
- Rushing yards per game: 124.3 (13th) – a decline from 149.6 in 2024
- Passer rating (QB): 84.2 (20th)
- Red‑zone efficiency: 61% (ranked 27th)
Transition Plan
- Interim head coach: Offensive line coach Tom Riehl assumed duties for the final game.
- front‑office move: General manager Andrew Berry announced a “extensive review of the coaching beliefs” and the formation of a scouting committee to evaluate external candidates.
“We remain committed to building a championship culture,” Berry said, adding that “the interim staff will keep our roster focused while we conduct a thorough search.”
Arizona cardinals – Jonathan Gannon’s Tenure Comes to a Close
Factors Behind the Firing
- Record: 3‑13 (worst season in franchise history)
- Defensive breakdown: 38.9 points allowed per game (league‑worst) despite a top‑10 secondary in the previous year.
- Ownership’s ultimatum: Team president Michael levy gave a “no‑tolerance” deadline for improvement that was not met.
Performance Highlights (and Lowlights)
- Turnover margin: –12 (fourth‑worst)
- Third‑down conversion rate: 30.2% (28th)
- Special teams mishaps: 8 blocked kicks, the highest in the NFL for the season.
Interim Measures
- Interim head coach: Special teams coordinator Jay Gruden stepped in for the final two weeks.
- Long‑term outlook: The Cardinals are expected to target a defensive‑focused head coach with a track record of turning around struggling units.
“The institution is focused on rebuilding from the ground up,” Levy noted, “and we will pursue a coach who can restore competitiveness across the board.”
NFL Coaching Change Trends – Why Black Monday Matters
- Historical context: black Monday (the Monday after Week 18) has become the unofficial deadline for franchise‑level coaching decisions. Since 2017, 28 head‑coach changes have been announced on this day.
- Strategic advantage: Early dismissals give teams a head start on the 2026 free‑agency cycle, allowing new coaches to influence draft strategy and player acquisitions.
- Player morale: Studies from the Sports Management Research Institute (2023) show a 12% increase in player‑performance ratings when a new head coach is installed before the offseason.
Practical Tips for Teams Facing Mid‑Season Turnover
- Establish an interim leadership hierarchy – appoint coaches with clear authority and communication channels.
- Maintain roster stability – avoid wholesale roster changes until the new head coach’s philosophy is defined.
- Leverage analytics – use data‑driven insights to identify immediate performance gaps (e.g., third‑down efficiency, turnover differential).
- Engage players in the transition – hold town‑hall meetings to address concerns and reinforce a unified vision.
- Accelerate the hiring timeline – start a confidential search within 48 hours of dismissal to secure top talent before other teams intervene.
Real‑world Impact: Recent NFL Season Case Studies
- 2022 Dallas Cowboys (Mike McCarthy transition): after an early‑season firing,the Cowboys hired a new head coach before the draft,resulting in a 12‑5 record and a playoff berth.
- 2023 New York Giants (Brian Daboll replacement): The decision to wait until after the season cost the Giants a top‑10 draft pick, highlighting the importance of timing.
- 2024 Seattle seahawks (Pete Carroll’s mid‑season exit): The Seahawks promoted a defensive coordinator mid‑season, leading to a 3‑6 finish but a stronger defensive identity for the following year.
These examples illustrate that the when and how of a coaching change directly affect both short‑term performance and long‑term franchise health.
Frequently Asked questions (FAQs)
Q: how quickly can a new head coach be hired after a Black Monday firing?
A: Moast teams aim to complete the interview process within 7–10 days, leveraging existing scouting networks and the “coach‑of‑the‑year” shortlist.
Q: Do NFL contracts typically include clauses for early termination?
A: Yes—head‑coach contracts frequently enough contain performance‑based buyout provisions that activate after a set number of losses or missed playoff appearances.
Q: What role does the NFL Players Association (NFLPA) play in coaching changes?
A: The NFLPA does not directly intervene, but its collective bargaining agreement outlines procedural standards for staff changes to ensure player‑coach relations remain professional.
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