The Monday after the end of the NFL regular season is a busy one for franchises not prepping for the postseason: Black Monday, as it’s known, is when some downtrodden teams fire their head coaches and begin the process of hiring someone who will lead the players next.
As of publishing this, Black Monday 2024 is a few days away, which means we’re focused on the names who could be out, but as we’ve done at times during the season, we can look at the coordinators, assistants and college coaches who could be elevated to the top job.
Here’s a look at the names being thrown around:
1
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan head coach
The return to NFL rumors about him are LOUD … and he happens to be coaching for a national championship on Black Monday.
2
Ben Johnson, Detroit Lions offensive coordinator
Arguably the hottest name on the market given what he’s done with the Lions’ dynamic offense.
3
Jerod Mayo, New England Patriots inside linebackers coach
The buzz is he’s one name who could be in line to take over if Bill Belichick leaves the Pats. If he’s not chosen or Belichick stays? He could be hired elsewhere.
4
Eric Bieniemy, Washington Commanders offensive coordinator
Sigh. We’ve been calling him a head coaching candidate for YEARS. Yet no one hired him for reasons unknown. Maybe this is finally his year?
5
Dan Quinn, Dallas Cowboy defensive coordinator
Does he deserve another go at a head coaching job after getting the Atlanta Falcons to a Super Bowl? And with his solid resume? Maybe!
6
Lou Anarumo, Cincinnati Bengals defensive coordinator
A notable name for a few years who could finally get a look after coaching a really good Cincy defense.
7
Mike Macdonald, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator
With the Ravens’ talented defense playing like it is, it’s for sure that he belongs on this list.
8
Bobby Slowik, Houston Texans offensive coordinator
A Kyle Shanahan guy? Who turned the Texans’ offense into a really good unit? Heck yeah.
9
Frank Smith, Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator
A lot of buzz about him right now, and you get why given what the Fins have done on offense.
10
Ejiro Evero, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator
He’s worked wonders with the Panthers, and before that, did well with the Broncos.
11
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator
It would be awesome to see him get another shot after what he’s done in Minnesota.
