NFL Rumors: Black Monday Rumors Swirl Fly – Sean Payton, Jim Caldwell, Tom Coughlin, More
It happens every single year after the NFL regular season is over, and this year will be no different. Once the regular season is done, the dreaded Black Monday takes place, and that is when head coaches, general managers, and some other team executives are out of a job. There are rumors flying around as to who will be out and who is safe, and some of them are quite surprising.
One name that is already out is Chip Kelly, as he was fired by the Philadelphia Eagles this past week, right before completing his third season with the team. Bleeding Green Nation is reporting that as many as three teams may already have eyes on Kelly.
At least 3 #NFL teams have very strong interest in former #Eagles HC Chip Kelly. All but lock coaching in NFL next season @FOX29philly
— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) January 3, 2016
The three teams looking at possibly going after Kelly are the Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, and Miami Dolphins. Tennessee is without a head coach, and the Dolphins are kind of without one, but the Browns are interesting, as Mike Pettine is still currently head coach in Cleveland.
Meanwhile, it’s also being said that the San Francisco 49ers could get rid of Jim Tomsula after just one season and also make a run for Chip Kelly.
Word throughout the NFL games on Sunday though is that Pettine is going to be fired by the Cleveland Browns as of Sunday evening. NBC Sports states that owner Jimmy Haslam is also going to be firing general manager Ray Farmer.
Chuck Pagano’s contract is expiring, and he is reportedly going to be out with the Indianapolis Colts. It is not yet known if general manager Ryan Grigson will be staying on or not. What is known is that it’s rumored the Colts will be going after New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton or Alabama head coach Nick Saban, according to CBS Sports.
Yes, Payton is under contract with the Saints for two more seasons, but word has it that he could be fired or at least allowed to talk to other teams.
The New York Giants are also rumored to have an interest in Payton, as Tom Coughlin looks to be on his way out. If he has his way though, Coughlin will retire before being fired on Black Monday.
On Sunday, the Miami Dolphins fired general manager Dennis Hickey so the executive offices in South Florida will be restructured.
Even with a 1-7 start to the season, many may be shocked to learn that Detroit Lions head coach Jim Caldwell’s job is likely safe. Owner Martha Ford is a huge fan of Caldwell and is all about keeping him in the position he currently holds.
A new general manager will be coming into the Lions as Martin Mayhew was fired back in November though, and Ford is likely going to let that person make the final decision.
In Philadelphia, Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Doug Pederson is the leading candidate to get the Eagles head coaching job. If Payton is gone in New Orleans, offensive coordinator Doug Marrone may end up being strongly looked at to replace him.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has seen the rumors that Kelly or Payton could take over for Jason Garrett as head coach. Well, Jones has said that Garrett’s job is safe, and that isn’t overly surprising considering the Cowboys still owe him $24 million whether he’s with the team or not.
Some surprises could be coming on Black Monday, but this is likely far from the only names that will be involved in the rumors. NFL head coaches and general managers may have an idea where they stand, but tomorrow will be a day of dread and relief around the league.
[Image by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images]
