Black Monday is fast approaching, friends. Depending on your perspective, it's either the unfortunate end of an era or the hopeful beginning to a new chapter. Either way, pink slips are a comin' for a handful of NFL coaches.
So which coaches have "earned" their walking papers?
1. Jay Gruden- Washington Redskins
Jay Gruden is in the first year of a hefty, guaranteed five-year contract so firing him would be a costly affair. Nonetheless, Gruden is in the middle of a perfect storm of dysfunction without a life boat. Between an inept front office, a clueless owner, a dearth of talent and consistent coaching mismanagement, the Washington Redskins are in disarray.
The franchise needs a complete overhaul; new general manager, new head coach, new quarterback. Gruden has not shown the ability to adjust, innovate or properly manage the team. Despite a poor season last year, the team has further regressed under Gruden.
ESPN could be looking at a brother combo for Monday Night Football, because I think Gruden should be out of work.
2. Marc Trestman- Chicago Bears
Apart from brief glimmers of hope, the Trestman era in Chicago has been disappointing to say the least. Yes, fans expected a leap this season after going 8-8 last year. They just didn't expect that leap to be off a cliff.
The Bears are 5-10 this year and marred in dysfunction. Offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer admitted that the "buyer's remorse" comments regarding Jay Cutler's contract came from him. Players in the locker room are reportedly "confused and uncomfortable" with Trestman's inaction on the matter coupled with his benching of Cutler.
There's a lot of offensive firepower on this team, but they need the right coach to make sure they don't implode.
3. Rex Ryan- New York Jets
Where to begin?
It's not just that Jets fans had to sit through six combined years of Mark Sanchez and Geno Smith at quarterback, it's not just that Jets fans had to watch their best player shipped off despite wanting to return, it's not just that Jets fans haven't enjoyed a post-season berth since Justin Bieber still rocked the shaggy head look; it's all of those things combined.
Admittedly, not all of New York's problems are Ryan's fault. He's a good coach whose players will go to battle for him. But the Jets are an absolute mess and a clean break followed by a complete reboot is probably in everyone's best interest.
