NFL Black Monday: Doug Pederson OUT, Cowboys play mind games with Mike McCarthy, and more updates from across the league

The NFL regular season is over, and with it comes the annual tradition of Black Monday, where struggling franchises decide it’s time to clean house. Here’s the rundown on the latest coaching moves, rumors, and big decisions shaping the offseason.

Doug Pederson Out in Jacksonville

What a fall from grace for Doug Pederson. Just two years ago, the Jaguars looked like they were turning the corner, with Pederson guiding Trevor Lawrence to his first playoff appearance. Fast forward to today, and Jacksonville is starting over again.

A statement from Jaguars Owner Shad Khan. pic.twitter.com/jpNoeSfm81

— Jacksonville Jaguars (@Jaguars) January 6, 2025

Owner Shad Khan announced Monday morning that Pederson is out following a 4-13 season marred by regression across the board:

“We have to restore the winning environment we had here not long ago,” Khan said.

It’s not hard to see why Khan pulled the plug. Lawrence looked like a franchise quarterback last year, but under Pederson’s watch in 2024, he stumbled, and the Jaguars became irrelevant in the playoff race by midseason. Now, the team is searching for its third head coach in five years. Yikes.

Jerry Jones Playing Mind Games With Mike McCarthy

Over in Dallas, the Cowboys are dealing with their own brand of drama. Head coach Mike McCarthy just wrapped up his contract, and while it seems logical for Jerry Jones to extend him, the owner is keeping his cards close to his chest.

When asked about McCarthy’s future after Sunday’s loss to Washington, Jones offered a masterclass in non-answers:

“I don’t know that I’m considering making a change,” Jones said, refusing to fully endorse his coach either.

McCarthy, for his part, came out swinging:

“I’m a winner. I’ve won a championship. That’s who I am,” McCarthy said postgame, sounding more like a coach looking for his next gig than one with job security.

It’s a fascinating standoff. Everyone here in Philadelphia fully endorses Mike McCarthy staying in Dallas for as long as possible. Whether Jones is willing to pony up for McCarthy or if he’s quietly browsing the NFL coaching market is certainly up for debate.

Las Vegas Raiders: Antonio Pierce in Limbo

The Las Vegas Raiders remain one of the league’s most dysfunctional franchises, and interim head coach Antonio Pierce may be the latest victim of their chaos. Pierce inherited a mess but brought energy and leadership to the locker room. Unfortunately, that hasn’t translated into wins—or much faith from ownership even with a quarterback carousel that has produced nothing but trash for the past several years.

Sources suggest that while Mark Davis appreciates Pierce’s leadership, the lack of offensive creativity has been a major concern. And let’s not forget the ongoing tension between Pierce and GM Tom Telesco, which reportedly didn’t help matters. A decision on Pierce could come as soon as today.

Brian Callahan Likely Staying in Tennessee

Despite a dismal season that saw the Titans limp to the league’s worst record, head coach Brian Callahan appears safe—for now. The Titans will have the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, giving Callahan an opportunity to reset and rebuild.

“We’re here and can use [the No. 1 pick] to improve our team as best we can,” Callahan said after Tennessee’s season finale.

Callahan will meet with ownership later today, but all signs point to him sticking around.

More Updates from Across the NFL:

• New England Patriots: Fired first-year head coach Jerod Mayo after a disastrous season.
• New York Jets: Kicking off their search for both an NFL head coach and GM.
• New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears: Also in the market for new head coaches.
• New York Giants: Confirmed that Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen will return, despite a frustrating season.

With Pederson out, McCarthy’s future hanging in the balance, and teams like the Raiders still undecided, this year’s NFL coaching carousel is shaping up to be one of the wildest in recent memory.

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