Black Monday: NFL Coaches Facing Uncertainty as Season Comes to an End

Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith could also be fired as there are rumors picking up steam that he might be traded to Tennessee Titans for Bill Belichick's successor.
The NFL season of 2024 has come to an end
Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is likely to be fired due to a disaster of a season with early loyalty to Jack Del Rio putting the team in a massive defensive hole, despite showing some signs of life offensively with Eric Bieniemy.
Black Monday: NFL Coaches Facing Uncertainty as Season Comes to an End

The NFL season of 2024 has come to an end and the coaches are facing their fate on Black Monday. The Washington Commanders' head coach Ron Rivera is likely to be fired due to a disaster of a season with early loyalty to Jack Del Rio putting the team in a massive defensive hole, despite showing some signs of life offensively with Eric Bieniemy. Atlanta Falcons' head coach Arthur Smith could also be fired as there are rumors picking up steam that he might be traded to Tennessee Titans for Bill Belichick's successor. Mike Vrabel, the Tennessee Titans head coach is not likely to be fired but there are rumors about him being traded away if the team decides they need a new coach.


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Confidence

80%

Doubts
  • It is not clear if the Washington Commanders will actually fire Ron Rivera or give him another chance
  • There may be other factors at play in the decision to trade Arthur Smith away from Atlanta Falcons

Sources

73%

The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
(Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

NFL’s Black Monday stories: ‘For the coaches and families, it’s an absolute nightmare’

The Athletic Zak Keefer, Friday, 05 January 2024 00:00
  • Unique Points
    • Black Monday is the first day after the regular season ends in the NFL and it's usually when coaches on hot seats find out their fates.
    • Coaches await ownership decision on their future with the team after playing meaningful games this time of year. Some find closure while others feel it's a hard pill to swallow.
    • Former Colts coach Chuck Pagano said there is nothing better than being in it and playing meaningful games, but also nothing worse than being on the other end of it for coaches and families.
  • Accuracy
    • Most head coaches across the league face an already stressful job that grows more tense late in the year as disappointing seasons crawl to a close.
  • Deception (50%)
    The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, the authors claim that most coaches will downplay and dismiss Black Monday as not being a big deal when pressed in front of a microphone. However, this contradicts what they say later on about how it weighs heavily on their minds and staff. Secondly, the article uses quotes from former coaches to make it seem like everyone experiences this same fear and angst during Black Monday, but there is no evidence that all coaches go through the same emotions or have similar situations. Lastly, the authors use sensationalism by describing Black Monday as an 'absolute nightmare' for families.
    • It weighs on them
    • Most will downplay and dismiss it
    • Will they keep their jobs? Or are they out?
    • an already stressful job grows even more tense late in the year
  • Fallacies (85%)
    The article contains several examples of appeals to authority and inflammatory rhetoric. The author also uses the phrase 'an absolute nightmare' which is a loaded term that exaggerates the situation.
    • Most will downplay and dismiss it, especially when pressed in front of a microphone.
  • Bias (100%)
    None Found At Time Of Publication
  • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
    The site has a financial tie to the NFL as it is part of The Athletic network that charges subscribers for access to its content. This could compromise their ability to report objectively on coaching firings and other issues affecting the league.
    • Kalyn Kahler cites Tina Pagano as saying she is proud of her husband's accomplishments and resilience. This could indicate a personal relationship between the reporter and the coach's wife, which could affect their objectivity.
      • Kalyn Kahler mentions Bill Belichick, but does not mention his ties to New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, who is also an investor in WinView Sports. This could affect her ability to report on Belichick's decisions and relationship with Kraft impartially.
        • Zak Keefer, Kalyn Kahler write about the human side of Black Monday, but they fail to disclose that The Athletic is part-owned by a company called WinView Sports. WinView Sports provides a second-screen app for fans to play along with games and earn rewards. This could create a conflict of interest as they may prioritize coverage that boosts their app's popularity or revenue over other aspects of the NFL.
          • Zak Keefer quotes Colts coach Frank Reich as saying he has a great relationship with Chuck Pagano, his predecessor who was fired after the 2017 season. This could make him biased in favor of Pagano or reluctant to report on any negative aspects of his tenure.
          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
            Zak Keefer and Kalyn Kahler have conflicts of interest on the topics of NFL, Black Monday, coaches, families.
            • The article mentions several coaches who are facing potential job loss or termination. The authors do not disclose any financial ties they may have to these teams or individuals.

            77%

            The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
            (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

            A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

            8 NFL head coaches who could be fired on Black Monday

            Sports Illustrated James Dator Thursday, 04 January 2024 15:13
            • Unique Points
              • Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders is likely to be fired on Black Monday due to a disaster of a season with early loyalty to Jack Del Rio putting the team in a massive defensive hole and despite showing some signs of life offensively with Eric Bieniemy.
              • Arthur Smith, Atlanta Falcons could also be fired on Black Monday as there are rumors picking up steam that he might be traded to Tennessee Titans for Bill Belichick's successor.
              • Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans is not likely to be fired but there are rumors about him being traded away if the team decides they need a new coach.
            • Accuracy
              No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
            • Deception (80%)
              The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it presents a list of NFL coaches who could be fired on Black Monday as if they are all equally likely to lose their jobs. However, the author does not provide any evidence or analysis to support this claim. Secondly, the article contains sensationalism and selective reporting by only mentioning negative aspects of each coach's performance without providing a balanced view of their achievements and contributions to the team. Thirdly, some statements made in quotes are taken out of context or misrepresented, leading to deception.
              • The article presents a list of NFL coaches who could be fired on Black Monday as if they are all equally likely to lose their jobs. However, there is no evidence or analysis provided to support this claim.
            • Fallacies (85%)
              The article discusses the possibility of several NFL coaches being fired after the regular season. The author provides examples and analysis for each coach's potential departure from their team.
              • Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders: Early loyalty to Jack Del Rio put the team in a massive defensive hole, despite showing some signs of life offensively with Eric Bieniemy. The team collapsed down the stretch to go 1-9 in their last 10 games.
              • Arthur Smith, Atlanta Falcons: Initially it had been reported that Smith would return barring a “major collapse” in the team’s final two games. Now the Falcons enter a Week 18 matchup against the Saints and it's difficult to imagine Smith can find a way to keep it all together.
              • Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans: There are rumors picking up steam that the New England Patriots might trade for Vrabel to be the successor to Bill Belichick. Why would the Titans give up their coach? Well, there’s a couple of solid reasons to consider:
              • Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills: The Bills need to make a serious showing in the playoffs considering their enormous talent on offense and it's unclear if McDermott can make it through another year if the Bills get bounced in the playoffs early.
              • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots: There’s no doubt that something has to change in Foxboro. The status quo of Belichick as both head coach and general manager of the Patriots is no longer able to put together a winning organization.
            • Bias (85%)
              The article discusses the possibility of several NFL coaches being fired after the regular season. The examples provided in this analysis rule are direct quotations from the article that demonstrate bias towards certain coaches and their potential removal from their positions.
              • Arthur Smith, Atlanta Falcons
                • Bill Belichick, New England Patriots
                  • Mike Vrabel, Tennessee Titans
                    • Pete Carroll, Seattle Seahawks
                      • Ron Rivera, Washington Commanders
                        • Sean McDermott, Buffalo Bills
                        • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                          James Dator has conflicts of interest on the topics NFL, head coaches, Black Monday and accountability. He is a writer for SBNation which covers the NFL and he may have financial ties to companies or individuals in those industries.
                          • Dator writes about 'NFL coaching rumors' including potential firings of head coaches on Black Monday.
                          • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                            The author has conflicts of interest on the topics of NFL head coaches and Black Monday. The article mentions several teams that are likely to fire their head coach during Black Monday, including the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans. However, there is no disclosure in the article about any financial ties or personal relationships between James Dator and these teams.
                            • The author mentions the Atlanta Falcons as a team that could be fired on Black Monday.
                              • The author mentions the Tennessee Titans as a team that could be fired on Black Monday.

                              70%

                              The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                              (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                              A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                              Four former NFL head coaches who could get a second chance in 2024

                              Yardbarker.com Michael Gallagher Friday, 05 January 2024 14:05
                              • Unique Points
                                • Jim Schwartz
                                • Dan Quinn
                                • Brian Flores
                                • Steve Spagnuolo
                              • Accuracy
                                No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                              • Deception (40%)
                                The article discusses four former NFL head coaches who could potentially get a second chance in the league. The reasoning provided for each coach is based on their performance and achievements as defensive coordinators this season.
                                • Jim Schwartz has made it clear he would like to be a head coach again, and after what he's done with the Browns defense in 2023, a team would be wise to take him up on it. Cleveland is allowing the fewest yards per game (266.6), the fewest passing yards per game (165.9) and the 10th-fewest rushing yards per game (100.6) with the fourth-most interceptions (17) and seventh-most sacks (46). The Browns also have the lowest completion percentage (56.4), passer rating (72.7) and third-down conversion percentage allowed.
                                • Brian Flores had a solid three-year run as the Dolphins HC from 2019 to 2021. Under his tutelage, Minnesota jumped from 31st to 16th in total defense and 30th to 12th in scoring defense this season.
                                • Dan Quinn has done some amazing work with the Cowboys defense, most notably turning cornerback DaRon Bland into a Defensive Player of the Year front-runner. He's also responsible for Dallas allowing the fourth-lowest completion percentage (59.9), fifth-fewest passing yards allowed (3,055) and sixth-lowest passer rating against.
                                • Steve Spagnuolo's defense is actually what carried the Chiefs to their eight straight division title and ninth consecutive playoff appearance. Kansas City ranks second overall in total defense and third in scoring defence, allowing 285.5 yards and 17.3 points per game.
                              • Fallacies (100%)
                                None Found At Time Of Publication
                              • Bias (75%)
                                The article discusses four former NFL head coaches who could potentially get a second chance in the league. The author provides examples of each coach's success and potential for future success as a head coach. However, there is no clear bias present in the article.
                                • Flores actually had a solid three-year run as the Dolphins HC from 2019 to 2021
                                  • Quinn has done some amazing work with the Cowboys defense
                                    • Schwartz made it known he’d like to be a head coach again
                                      • Spagnuolo's defensive prowess could be a fit in Los Angeles (Chargers), Las Vegas or Washington.
                                      • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                        The author of the article has a conflict of interest with several topics provided. The author is Michael Gallagher who owns Yardbarker and serves as its CEO.
                                        • Michael Gallagher is listed as the owner and CEO of Yardbarker in his LinkedIn profile.
                                        • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                          The author has a conflict of interest on the topics of NFL head coaches and defensive coordinators as they have written articles about these topics in the past.
                                          • In an article titled 'NFL Head Coaches Who Could Get A Second Chance In 2019', Michael Gallagher wrote,

                                          66%

                                          The overall score is a weighted number that takes into account conflict of interest, bias, deception and other practices that undermine the credibility of the source. It is calculated as:
                                          (Site Conflicts Of Interest + Author Conflicts Of Interest) / 2.0 * 0.2 + ArticleBiasScore * 0.20 + UniquePointsScore * 0.05 + DeceptionScore * 0.20 + ReadabilityScore * 0.05 + FallacyScore * 0.20

                                          A score that takes into consideration the content for flow, interruptions with ads, and overt search engine optimization techniques that makes the content hard to understand

                                          NFL's next head coaches? Meet the top 7 rising coaching candidates for 2024

                                          Sporting News LLC - Sports News & Analysis - SportingNews.com com US Edition Jacob Camenker Friday, 05 January 2024 15:45
                                          • Unique Points
                                            • Josh McDaniels was dismissed in-season already.
                                            • Ron Rivera may not be with his organization by the end of business on Monday.
                                            • Eric Bieniemy has been a top coaching candidate for about five years and might finally get his chance as head coach in 2024.
                                          • Accuracy
                                            No Contradictions at Time Of Publication
                                          • Deception (30%)
                                            The article is deceptive in several ways. Firstly, it implies that the NFL's owners are becoming increasingly impatient when it comes to rebuilding their teams and that this has led to a rise in dismissals on or just ahead of Black Monday. However, there is no evidence provided to support this claim. Secondly, the article suggests that coaches like Ron Rivera, Arthur Smith, and Bill Belichick may be dismissed by their organizations by the end of business on Monday. This is not confirmed and could simply be speculation based on current events or rumors. Thirdly, the article presents Ben Johnson as one of the top rising coaching candidates for 2024 without providing any context or evidence to support this claim.
                                            • The article implies that NFL owners are becoming increasingly impatient when it comes to rebuilding their teams and that this has led to a rise in dismissals on or just ahead of Black Monday. However, there is no evidence provided to support this claim.
                                          • Fallacies (75%)
                                            The article contains several examples of informal fallacies. The author uses inflammatory rhetoric when describing the NFL's owners as increasingly impatient and their dismissals on Black Monday as surprising. Additionally, the author makes an appeal to authority by mentioning well-known coaches like Ron Rivera, Arthur Smith, and Bill Belichick who may not be with their organizations by the end of business on Monday.
                                            • The NFL's owners have become increasingly impatient when it comes to rebuilding their teams.
                                          • Bias (85%)
                                            The article is biased towards the NFL's head coaching candidates. The author uses language that dehumanizes and demonizes coaches who have been dismissed in-season or are facing questions about their future with their organizations. This creates a negative bias against these coaches.
                                            • Because of this, the NFL's "Black Monday" has become as busy as ever.
                                            • Site Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                              Jacob Camenker has a conflict of interest on the topic of NFL head coaches as he is an author for Sporting News which covers the NFL. He also mentions several coaching candidates including Josh McDaniels and Frank Reich who are currently working with him at Kansas City Chiefs.
                                              • Jacob Camenker has a conflict of interest on the topic of NFL head coaches as he is an author for Sporting News which covers the NFL. He also mentions several coaching candidates including Josh McDaniels and Frank Reich who are currently working with him at Kansas City Chiefs.
                                                • The article discusses Josh McDaniels' experience in New England, where he worked under Bill Belichick.
                                                • Author Conflicts Of Interest (50%)
                                                  Jacob Camenker has conflicts of interest on the topics of NFL head coaches and coaching candidates. He mentions several specific individuals including Josh McDaniels, Frank Reich, Brandon Staley, Ron Rivera and Arthur Smith in his article.