NFL Black Monday 2025: Inside the Firings of Falcons, Browns, Raiders & Cardinals Head Coaches
Atlanta Falcons: Raheem Morris — The Struggle to Break Through
The Falcons’ decision to part ways with head coach Raheem Morris marked one of the most discussed moves of Black Monday. Atlanta announced Morris’ firing after two seasons in charge, ending the 2025 campaign with an 8-9 record — a familiar story after an 8-9 mark in 2024 and no playoff berth in either year.
Morris’ tenure began with optimism. The Falcons brought him back largely for familiarity and leadership, banking on his experience as a former interim coach in 2020 to steady a franchise that has endured a playoff drought since 2017.
Coaching History & Accomplishments:
Took over as Falcons head coach in 2024.
Finished 16-18 overall across two seasons.
Secured an improbable four-game winning streak to end the 2025 season, though it wasn’t enough to save his job.
Why It Ended:
Despite flashes of promise, including late-season resilience, inconsistency and questions about game management haunted Morris’ tenure. Atlanta’s leadership opted for a “hard reset” after failing to crack a weak NFC South playoff picture and missed opportunities in critical moments.
Cleveland Browns: Kevin Stefanski — From Coach of the Year to Letting Go
Cleveland’s move to fire Kevin Stefanski stunned portions of the NFL world given his early success with the Browns. Stefanski spent six seasons with the franchise, highlighted by two NFL Coach of the Year awards and multiple playoff appearances. But recent struggles overshadowed that success.
Coaching History & Accomplishments:
Hired as Browns head coach in 2020.
Guided the Browns to a historic 11-5 season and a playoff win, breaking a 26-year drought.
Named NFL Coach of the Year twice.
The Downward Turn:
Despite early triumphs, Cleveland posted losing records in four of Stefanski’s six seasons and finished 5-12 in 2025, last in the AFC North. Issues with quarterback consistency — particularly after the high-stakes Deshaun Watson trade — and inability to build a sustained contender led to this decision.
Legacy:
Stefanski leaves as one of the more accomplished Browns coaches in recent history — but also a reminder that early success doesn’t guarantee long-term security in today’s NFL.
Las Vegas Raiders: Pete Carroll — One-and-Done Legend in Sin City
Few coaching exits were as eyebrow-raising as the Raiders’ firing of Pete Carroll after just one season. Carroll, a Super Bowl-winning coach with the Seattle Seahawks, was brought in to stabilize the Raiders but instead oversaw a franchise-worst 3-14 record in 2025.
Coaching History & Accomplishments:
Legendary tenure with Seattle Seahawks (2009–2019), including a Super Bowl XLVIII title.
Hired by Las Vegas for the 2025 season.
Struggles in Las Vegas:
The Raiders’ season under Carroll featured internal discord, inconsistent play, and a win total tied for league worst. A midseason lack of identity, struggles to integrate veteran players and a franchise desperate for direction left Carroll unable to deliver results.
Final Notes:
Despite Carroll’s Hall of Fame résumé, the fit with Las Vegas was short and fraught, highlighting that past glory isn’t always enough to weather modern NFL pitfalls.
Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Gannon — Three Seasons, No Momentum
Arizona’s dismissal of Jonathan Gannon closed the book on a head coaching stint that never met expectations. Gannon, 42, was fired after three full seasons in which the Cardinals went 15-36, including a dismal 3-14 in 2025 and a nine-game losing streak that underscored a lack of progress.
Coaching History & Accomplishments:
Hired in February 2023 after success as the Philadelphia Eagles’ defensive coordinator.
Best team finish came with an 8-9 record in 2024.
Why Gannon Was Let Go:
Gannon’s tenure failed to elevate Arizona’s defense — a key reason for his original hiring — and the offense lacked consistency. With the Cardinals stuck at the bottom of the NFC West and no playoff appearances, management opted to reset before the 2026 season.
What Comes Next:
Arizona now enters a pivotal offseason with major decisions looming, including the future of quarterback Kyler Murray and the franchise’s strategic direction.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL Black Monday brought sweeping changes to four franchises hungry for results. From rising stars to established legends, the coaching carousel underscores the league’s competitive ruthlessness. In a sport where momentum and culture are currency, these departures reflect more than just records — they spotlight identity, leadership and future aspirations.
