Black Monday is a sobering day in the NFL — coaches are fired, families are uprooted, and changes are being made across every organization in the league. We bring you the latest NFL news and rumors as they happen, so keep checking back throughout the day. The following information is current as of 5:19 PM ET.
Latest NFL Black Monday news and rumors
Arizona Cardinals
Just before 12 p.m. ET, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Arizona Cardinals fired head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Just 10 months ago, he signed a contract extension through the 2027 season. Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill has been doing extensive research from numerous sources in recent weeks.
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport says that the Cardinals’ current defense coordinator, Vance Joseph, will take a long look at the head coaching position. We have more on the Cardinals’ top head coach candidates.
The Cardinals also announced this that General Manager Seve Keim has decided to step down from his post to focus on his health. So far they have requested permission to interview 49ers director of pro personnel Ran Carthon, 49ers assistant general manager Adam Peters, Bears assistant general manager Ian Cunningham and Titans director of player personnel Monti Ossenfort.
Atlanta Falcons
Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees told players this morning that he is retiring. NFL media Tom Pelissero reports that the Falcons expect to cast a wide net and search for their next defensive coordinator.
In other Falcons news, they named Greg Beadlers their new president. Rich McKay will remain CEO of the Falcons and continue to oversee football operations. In addition, he will assume CEO duties for AMBSE, the Falcons’ parent company, Mercedes-Benz Stadium and MLS Atlanta United.
Carolina Panther
Now that the Panthers’ season is over, they will turn their attention to finding the head coach. FOX’s Jay Glazer reported that Harbaugh has already spoken to Panthers owner David Tepper. Glazer also reported that they will be interviewing former Colts head coach Frank Reich.
In addition, CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reports that Jim Caldwell will be interviewing with the team today (Monday, January 9th).
Cleveland Browns
On Monday morning, the Cleveland Browns announced that they had relieved defensive coordinator Joe Woods of his duties. The Browns gave up 331.5 yards per game and 22.4 points per game, which placed them midfield in the league.
A few hours later, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Browns have requested an interview with Patriots linebacker coach Jerod Mayo and former Dolphins head coach and current Steelers LB coach Brian Flores. They have also asked permission to interview Seahawks assistant head coach Sean Desai and former Lions head coach Jim Schwartz.
Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos will be busy finding their next head coach. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that they will be interviewing Jim Harbaugh this week and they did asked for permission Interview Cowboys defense coordinator Dan Quinn. Rapoport also notes that Rams defense coordinator Raheem Morris will be a candidate for the job.
MORE: Find out where everything is with Broncos Head Coach Search
But all eyes will be on Sean Payton. Multiple reports, including this one from NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, say the Broncos were given permission by the New Orleans Saints to interview Payton for their head coaching position. Additionally, the two teams seem to understand and agree on what trading compensation would look like. NFL rules state that January 17 is the first date an in-person interview would be permitted.
MORE: Where will Sean Payton train in 2023?
There’s no deal, but the Broncos are expected to meet the Saints’ asking price, which is said to be a first-round draft pick and up. Talks between the Broncos and Saints are still in the early stages, but a requirement for the Saints allowing teams to interview Payton was that the other team first had to agree to compensation.
Because Payton is signed to the Saints, New Orleans controls his rights and will be a key player in the Payton Sweepstakes. Here’s more about Payton and his coaching career.
Houston Texans
Late Sunday night, the Houston Texans announced they had fired head coach Lovie Smith. Smith follows another One-and-Done head coach at Houston after David Culley was fired after last year’s season. Houston was 3-13-1 under Smith, including a win over the Colts in Week 18 that saw them lose the 2023 NFL draft pick.
So far, the Texans have asked to interview the following people: Shane Steichen, Ben Johnson, DeMeco Ryans, Jonathan Gannon and Ejiro Evero.
Here are our top five candidates to replace Lovie Smith in Houston, with Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon being an early favorite for the job.
Los Angeles Rams
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, McVay’s future with the Rams is in doubt. Sources tell Schefter that after Sunday’s regular-season games against the Seattle Seahawks, McVay will need some time to figure out if he’ll return for the 2023 season.
McVay has experienced several personal and professional circumstances over the past year, all of which weigh on him during this process. McVay, who is only 36, would probably stun many if he walked away.
FOX’s Jay Glazer said that many in the organization expect McVay to leave and that it won’t be too long after the regular season wraps up.
After winning last year’s Super Bowl, the Rams have been plagued by a string of injuries and have not had a first-round draft pick for the next several years. Also, they face the 2023 salary cap and changes in the coaching staff are expected. All of this will be at play as McVay considers his future.
If McVay goes away, the Rams will control his rights until the end of his contract, which is the end of the 2026 regular season.
New England Patriots
In an early morning press conference, Bill Belichick announced that he will be back in his 24th season as head coach of the New England Patriots. Belichick made no hints about the future of his coordinators, particularly on the offensive side with Matt Patricia and Joe Judge.
“Every decision we’ve made has always been with the intention of doing what’s best for the football team,” Belichick said. “It’s always been like that and it’s going to be like that in the future,” he said. “You have different options at different decision points. If these come or come, we will continue to evaluate them.”
Tennessee Titans
On Monday afternoon, the Titans fired four assistant coaches — OC Todd Downing, OL coach Keith Carter, secondary coach Anthony Midget and offensive skill assistant Erik Frazier. Tennesse has also begun finding its next general manager. NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reports that they asked to interview the following people:
- Glencook
Assistant General Manager of the Cleveland Browns - Ian Cunningham
Assistant General Manager of the Chicago Bears - Ryan Cowden
Titan’s Interim General Manager and Vice President of Player Personnel - Monti Ossenfort
Titan’s Director of Player Personnel - Adam Peters
Assistant General Manager of the 49ers - Ran Carthon
49ers Director of Pro Personnel - Malik Boyd
Bill’s Senior Director of Pro Personnel - Quentin Harris
Cardinals Vice President, Player Personnel