Year after year, some NFL teams part ways with their head coaches just one day after the last game of the regular season. This year too, the so-called “Black Monday” is already casting its shadow. The first coach dismissal has already been revealed.
The Washington Commanders end their disappointing season late Sunday evening with a home game against the Dallas Cowboys. The team from the capital was only able to achieve four wins. Most recently, the bottom team in the NFC East remained without success for seven games in a row.
The weak season will therefore probably have far-reaching consequences. The two NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero report that the Commanders will probably part ways with their head coach Ron Rivera on the infamous “Black Monday”.
However, owner Josh Harris, who only bought the team in July, wanted to wait for the last game against the favored Cowboys before announcing the decision internally, it is said. The series of bankruptcies in recent weeks in particular pushed the 58-year-old to make the decision.
NFL: Personnel quake at the Washington Commanders?
According to the report, general manager Martin Mayhew could also have to pack his bags. A final decision about its future could take some time, Rapoport and Pelissero continued. The search for a successor to Rivera will be led by Harris.
NFL insiders analyze that the open coaching position in Washington is “more attractive than it has been in decades.” The mix of a competent owner, a viable roster structure, a potential top-three draft pick and additional draft capital to potentially sign a new franchise QB make the job a great opportunity for many candidates.
The report brings Ben Johnson into play as a possible new head coach, who is currently causing a sensation as the offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions.