NFL Black Monday Firings – Coach, GM Changes Around League
NFL's Black Monday got off to an early start with the firing of New York Jets general manager Mike Tannenbaum, who was dismissed from his role with the team saying Rex Ryan is still the coach, according to NFL.com.
Yes, this New York sports fan is surprised by that, although I think it's possible Rex's pink slip could come later this offseason with a new GM.
The Cleveland Browns made a pair of changes Monday as well. Pat Shurmur is out as the coach after two seasons and a 9-23 record. General manager Tom Heckert is gone, too.
The one coaching change seemingly everyone knew about, including the coach himself, was Andy Reid's exit in Philadelphia after 14 years. The team made it official shortly after 10:30 Monday morning, reports NFL.com.
The Chicago Bears made a move that some would consider surprising with the axing of Lovie Smith, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com. The Bears were off to a 7-1 start this season and looked to be cruising to a division title and playoff appearance. But, they finished 3-5 and were eliminated from the sixth and final playoff spot with Minnesota's Week 17 win over the Packers - who came back to the steal the NFC North from Chicago.
I'd be surprised if Smith didn't land another gig somewhere. Maybe not immediately, but you'll probably find him coaching, at least as a coordinator, in the next year or two.
And, the coach changes continued on Monday morning as seemingly ever time your refreshed the NFL.com page, an job opening had been posted.
The site reports Chan Gailey has been 'relieved of his duties' as coach of the Buffalo Bills. In fact, the report says that was the bulk of the team's official release, with no mention of GM Buddy Nix, who is rumored to be in trouble of being shown the door, too.
The Kansas City Chiefs will also have a new head man in 2013, officially announcing Monday that Romeo Crennel has been fired. Crennel was 2-1 to end the 2011 season after Todd Haley's firing, and went just 2-14 in 2012.
In another move than most expected, the San Diego Charges have fired head coach Norv Turner. General manager A.J. Smith is gone too. Many believe Turner strength is at the coordinator position. He had many talented teams in San Diego, but the team was never able to reach its full potential.
Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, is tweeting that coach Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves have been given the boot by the Arizona Cardinals.
The Oakland Raiders did not fire coach Dennis Allen on Monday but announced that several assistants are out. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp, linebackers coach Johnny Holland, offensive line coach Frank Pollack and special teams coach Steve Hoffman were all released Monday afternoon, according to NFL.com.
...check back for updates.