Black Monday: Fired NFL Coaches 2017

Every year, Black Monday sounds the death knell for a bevy of NFL coaches. It’s the day when owners and fans have seen enough to know their coach isn’t the right fit. It’s unfortunate that so many coaches lose their job each year, but it’s simply the nature of the NFL beast. Here are four coaches that should or have already received the ax this offseason.

Chuck Pagano

There’s no doubt that The Colts’ Chuck Pagano is a tough and inspiring guy. But his rah rah style just hasn’t worked the past two years. In fact, most observers believe it was Andrew Luck, not Pagano, who put the Colts in the playoffs his first three years.

Pagano just isn’t the guy. His teams come in unprepared and lack discipline. And too many times, Pagano has made inexplicable in game decisions, like the ill advised fake punt last year that doomed The Colts against New England. Andrew Luck and Colts’ fans deserve a fresh start.

Rex Ryan – Fired December 27

Rex Ryan’s tenure in Buffalo needs to end this offseason. After a ton of hype and high expectations, Ryan’s Bills have under performed. An 8-8 campaign last year left fans and management frustrated, and this season looks to end the same way — an average team out of the playoffs.

Ryan’s brash style just hasn’t played well. There’s more loud talk than execution, and the defense hasn’t developed. It’s time for the Bills to move on to quieter pastures.

LeSean McCoy and wide receiver Sammy Watkins say discipline was an issue during Rex Ryan’s tenure.

“I think the discipline has been an issue,” McCoy said Friday. “Players just [need to take] accountability for their own actions. … I just think as players, as professionals, we need to step up and play accountable. That’s the biggest issue.”

“It’s discipline,” Watkins said Thursday. “Whatever around the locker room that needs to be addressed — on the field, off the field, flags, whether it’s a running drill. … I just think being professional as players [needs to be] fixed first.

“Then the coaches have to be hard on us, not scared of us. Get at us, yell at us, curse at us. Whatever to get the player to do that job the best he can, that’s what they need to do.”

Chip Kelly – Fired on January 1st

The Chip Kelly NFL experiment needs to end in San Francisco. After three ego ridden years in Philadelphia, and an absolute train wreck with the 49ers this season, it’s clear that Kelly’s run and gun doesn’t work in the NFL. Sure, it’s a lot of fun to watch at times, but once defenses get a bead on all the formations, Kelly’s vaunted offense is dead in the water.

Not to mention that by all accounts, staff and players feel bullied by Kelly’s autocratic style. That might go over in college, but with grown-ups it’s another story. It’s time for Chip Kelly to return to the amateur ranks.

Kelly was fired on New Year’s Day after one season with the Niners along with GM Trent Baalke.

Mike McCoy – Fired January 1st

In all reality, it’s a tough situation for the Chargers’ Mike McCoy. His team has incurred an absurd number of injuries since he took over last year, and it’s hard to blame the coach when this happens. But in the end, it’s results that matter, and 10-11 wins over two season just won’t cut it in today’s win now NFL climate.

The Chargers have lost a disproportionate number of close games under McCoy. This suggests to fans that the teams has adequate talent despite the injuries. Fair or not, the coach will always be blamed for his teams folding the fourth quarter. Look for McCoy to land softly elsewhere.

The Chargers fired McCoy after four seasons following Sunday’s loss that left the team with at 5-11 for the season.

“Mike McCoy is a man of high character, and we thank him for his dedication to the Chargers,” team president John Spanos said. “The decision to dismiss Mike was made in the best interests of our franchise. Our team’s disappointing performance has not matched this team’s potential and has fallen short of the demanding standards that we seek to impose throughout our organization. Our comprehensive search for a new head coach begins immediately.”