The National Football League (NFL)’s “Black Monday” has already struck twice: The Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons parted ways with their head coaches the day after the main round final.
In Washington, the collaboration with Ron Rivera ended, whose team only managed four wins and 13 defeats last season. The Commanders signed Rivera in 2019, and the team from the US capital only reached the play-offs in the first season under the head coach.
Rivera's time in Washington was marked by special circumstances: The 62-year-old was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2020 and was on the sidelines for every game despite ongoing treatment. Rivera has been considered cured since January 2021.
Atlanta head coach Smith was fired that night
The Atlanta Falcons announced the dismissal of Arthur Smith that night; in the three seasons with the head coach, there was no play-off participation and no positive season results. At the end of the season, Atlanta lost 17:48 to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday and lost the second half 0:31.
“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” said club owner Arthur M. Blank. Although Smith “contributed to building a good culture on our football team,” the results did not meet the franchise’s expectations.
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