NFL’S Black Monday
Dec 31st, 2012 by Bilal Ali
Firings
Arizona Cardinals: Coach Ken Whisenhunt and general manager Rod Graves are out, a team source told NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. The Cardinals later confirmed the moves.
Buffalo Bills: Coach Chan Gailey was let go after three seasons that went nowhere in Buffalo. The defense and quarterback play never improved. It’s unclear if general manager Buddy Nix will remain.
Chicago Bears: In the first mild surprise of the day, coach Lovie Smith was fired after three playoff appearances in nine years, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport first reported. General manager Phil Emery took the job last year and will hire his own man.
Cleveland Browns: The team announced Monday morning that coach Pat Shurmur and GM Tom Heckert are both out. They never had much of a chance once new owner Jimmy Haslam bought the team.
Kansas City Chiefs: Chairman and CEO Clark Hunt announced the Chiefs have parted ways with coach Romeo Crennel. The team said it has not made a final decision about GM Scott Pioli’s status. NFL.com’s Steve Wyche reported Sunday that the Chiefs are expected to retain Pioli despite a disastrous 2-14 season.
Philadelphia Eagles: Owner Jeffrey Lurie confirmed Monday morning that coach Andy Reid is out after 14 seasons in Philadelphia. The Eagles won’t waste any time starting a coaching search.
San Diego Chargers: The Chargers announced both coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith have been let go. Former Green Bay Packers GM Ron Wolf has been brought in as a consultant to help search for the next leadership group.
Up in the air
Carolina Panthers:Â Ron Rivera has struggled to win close games during his tenure and isn’t a natural in game management. A four-game winning streak to end the season could save his job, but the Panthers will hire a new GM after the season.
Chances of a change: Strong. NFL Network’s Michael Lombardi reported Sunday that Rivera likely will lose his job. Multiple reports in Carolina suggest no final decision will be made Monday. Lombardi believes the next GM will decide Rivera’s fate.
Coaches, GMs fired on Black MondayTake a look at the coaches and GMs who have been relieved of their duties following the 2012 regular season. |
Detroit Lions:Â Jim Schwartz and GM Martin Mayhew pulled off one of the best rebuilding efforts of all time after taking over the 0-16 Lions. And then the bottom fell out for a talented roster this year.
Chances of a change: Growing. Multiple outlets said earlier in the week that Schwartz was safe, but ESPN reported Sunday that Lions ownership is so disturbed with the team’s culture, it could make a change. Schwartz is signed through 2015, but that might not matter.
Jacksonville Jaguars:Â Mike Mularkey was hired just last year, but his boss, GM Gene Smith, was fired Monday morning. Mularkey wasn’t able to develop young quarterback Blaine Gabbert.
Chances of a change: Good. Mularkey told players in a team meeting that he’s still the head coach after talking with the owner Thursday and Monday, Fox Sports insider and NFL Network contributor Jay Glazer reported. But Mularkey’s fate ultimately will be decided by the next GM. Mularkey will have to wait and see.