The conclusion of the NFL regular season has marked a significant “Black Monday,” a day when several teams make important coaching changes. Notably, the New York Giants have chosen to retain General Manager Joe Schoen, while the Arizona Cardinals have fired Head Coach Jonathan Gannon. Other teams, including the Washington Commanders, have made their coaching decisions, reflecting the high stakes of performance in the league.
The Giants’ decision to keep Schoen comes despite a disappointing recent record. In his four years, Schoen has overseen a cumulative record of 22-45-1, which translates to a win percentage of only 0.331. The team’s performance has declined sharply since a promising start in the 2022 season, where they achieved a 9-7-1 record and reached the playoffs. However, the subsequent seasons saw the Giants finish with records of 6-11 in 2023 and 4-13 in 2024. This year, they ended with a disheartening 3-14 record, resulting in a -142 point differential.
Fans of the Giants are left with mixed feelings, as two late-season victories prevented them from securing the first overall pick in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. Instead, they will select fifth, marking the seventh time in nine years that their initial pick has landed in the top six.
The decision to retain Schoen is reminiscent of previous January statements from the Giants, where the management expresses frustration but opts to continue its current leadership. The struggles of the franchise have been a reflection of deeper issues within ownership and management, which has struggled to make effective hires and recognize when changes are necessary.
Cardinals Part Ways with Gannon After Disappointing Tenure
In contrast to the Giants, the Arizona Cardinals have decided to move on from Jonathan Gannon, who was dismissed following a lackluster season. Gannon, who began his tenure as head coach in 2023, finished with a career record of 15-36, a win percentage of 0.294. The Cardinals started the 2025 season positively at 2-0 but then suffered through a devastating stretch, losing 13 of their final 14 games.
The decision to hire Gannon in the first place was questioned, especially after his management during the Super Bowl, which some critics argue he mishandled. His departure follows a pattern of instability in the Cardinals’ coaching staff, which previously included Kliff Kingsbury and Steve Wilks. While some speculation suggested Gannon might retain his position, the team ultimately opted for a change.
Other Coaching Changes Across the League
The Washington Commanders have also made headlines by firing Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt, whose unit struggled throughout the season, finishing 27th in points allowed. Whitt had previously made headlines for bold statements leading up to significant games but ultimately could not deliver results on the field.
Meanwhile, speculation surrounds Kliff Kingsbury, who may also exit his role as Offensive Coordinator for the Commanders. Kingsbury had interviewed for the Eagles’ offensive coordinator position last offseason but was ultimately not hired.
In Dallas, the Cowboys have parted ways with Defensive Coordinator Matt Eberflus, a decision that may come as a surprise considering the team’s player management decisions. The Cowboys’ defense faced challenges this season, and it is believed that the lack of talent on the roster significantly affected their performance.
In a more positive light, the Miami Dolphins have expressed interest in interviewing Alec Halaby, Assistant General Manager for the Philadelphia Eagles, for a potential GM position. Halaby has garnered attention in previous offseasons and could find himself in a leadership role soon.
As the NFL prepares for the offseason, these coaching changes signal a pivotal moment for several franchises. The decisions made in the coming weeks will shape the future direction of teams as they aim to improve ahead of the next season.
