Black Monday Tracker: General Managers and Head Coaches Fired Around the NFL

The Monday after the NFL regular season ends has become known as "Black Monday" throughout the league, as on this day a number of general managers, head coaches, and assistant coaches are fired.  The Colts themselves took part in Black Monday a few years ago by firing team president Bill Polian and general manager Chris Polian following the conclusion of the 2011 season.  Since then, the Colts have enjoyed a quick rebuild (thanks mostly to quarterback Andrew Luck) and just secured a third straight playoff spot, but other teams around the league aren't as fortunate.  And today, just like so many other Mondays following the season, there are firings taking place.  We'll keep you updated on those moves in this post.

The Chicago Bears fired general manager Phil Emery and also fired head coach Marc Trestman.  Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. of Windy City Gridiron wrote of Trestman:

The Bears went 8-8 in Trestman's first season as head coach, but fell to a disappointing 5-11 in year two. The drop in wins, by themselves, aren't solely a fireable offense. The drop in production wasn't necessarily the final straw that led to the Bears relieving Trestman of his duties. But when the players begin to question the leadership of the team, there's no salvaging that.

The New York Jets fired general manager John Idzik and fired head coach Rex Ryan.  John B of Gang Green Nation wrote of the two:

Ryan lasted six seasons as head coach. His stint included two trips to the AFC Championship Game in his first two years but no postseason berths in his last four.

Idzik only lasted two seasons, but his personnel moves were widely ineffective to the point he lost the support of the fanbase in almost record time. There will be no Bradway type new role in the organization.

The Atlanta Falcons fired head coach Mike Smith after seven seasons.  Dave Choate of The Falcoholic wrote this of Smith:

Smitty, as he was known when the fanbase was still feeling affection toward him, finishes nearly seven full seasons in Atlanta with a 66-46 record in the regular season, and a 1-4 record in the playoffs. He has the best record and most wins in team history, he brought the team to the NFC Conference Championship Game in 2012 and presided over a renaissance that at least temporarily erased the awful feelings brought by 2007, but two brutal years marred by disappointment and poor decisions ultimately cost him his job.

Furthermore, last night (literally minutes after his post-game presser), the San Francisco 49ers and head coach Jim Harbaugh announced that they were mutually parting ways.  The move was practically official long before that, as everyone knew the two sides would not be working together next year.  It's very rare when a top coach hits the market, but Harbaugh might not be on the market for long.  In fact, many say it's already a done deal that he'll be leaving the NFL for the Michigan Wolverines, his alma mater.

Keep in mind, too, that the Oakland Raiders' head coaching position is currently open, as they fired former head coach Dennis Allen mid-season, but interim head coach Tony Sparano seems to be very much in the running for the full-time position.

We will update this post as the day goes on and as more firings (if any) come in.