It’s Black Monday in the NFL, and it’s brought some major shake-ups in the coaching world. Two prominent figures, Ron Rivera and Arthur Smith, have found themselves out of a job as the Commanders and the Falcons make significant changes to their coaching staff.
Key Takeaway
Black Monday in the NFL sees the departure of Commanders’ Ron Rivera and Falcons’ Arthur Smith, signaling a significant shift in coaching personnel for both teams.
Ron Rivera’s Departure from the Commanders
The Commanders announced the departure of Ron Rivera after his four-season tenure with the franchise. Rivera, also known as Riverboat Ron, led the team to a record of 26-40-1 during his time as head coach. Despite the team’s struggles, he managed to secure a playoff appearance in 2020, ultimately winning Coach of the Year honors that same season. Notably, Rivera also battled squamous cell carcinoma during his coaching stint but continued to lead the team without missing a single game while undergoing treatment.
The Commanders’ decision to part ways with Rivera opens up an enticing opportunity for potential coaching candidates, especially with the team holding the No. 2 overall pick in the upcoming draft. The franchise’s new owners, Josh Harris and Magic Johnson, are determined to revitalize the team’s performance. In a strategic move, the Commanders have enlisted the expertise of former Golden State Warriors GM Bob Myers to assist in their quest for a new head coach.
Arthur Smith’s Dismissal from the Falcons
Meanwhile, the Atlanta Falcons made the decision to relieve Arthur Smith of his coaching duties after three consecutive seasons with a 7-10 record. Falcons head coach Arthur Blank expressed the difficulty of the decision, acknowledging Smith’s contributions to the team’s culture while emphasizing the need for improved on-field results. The Falcons are now seeking new leadership to propel the team forward.
