Black Monday for the 2025–26 NFL season falls on Monday, January 5, 2026.
This date marks one of the most consequential days on the NFL calendar, as teams that miss the playoffs begin making major coaching and front-office decisions.
What Is Black Monday in the NFL?
Black Monday is the informal name given to the Monday immediately following the end of the NFL regular season. It is traditionally the day when underperforming teams announce head coach firings, staff changes, and organizational restructures.
The term has become synonymous with the start of the annual NFL coaching carousel, shaping the league’s offseason well before the playoffs even begin.
Why Is Black Monday January 5, 2026?
The timing is tied directly to the conclusion of the regular season:
- Week 18 of the 2025 NFL season ends: Sunday, January 4, 2026
- Black Monday: Monday, January 5, 2026
Because the National Football League schedules Black Monday immediately after the final regular-season games, teams can begin offseason planning without affecting playoff preparation.
What Typically Happens on Black Monday?
On Black Monday, fans can expect a wave of announcements across the league, including:
- Head coach firings
- Offensive and defensive coordinator changes
- Front-office restructuring
- Interim coaches being relieved of duties
Some teams choose to act immediately, while others wait days or weeks before making official moves.
How Black Monday Impacts the NFL Offseason
Black Monday effectively launches the NFL offseason for non-playoff teams. Once coaching vacancies open, organizations begin interviewing candidates, requesting permission to speak with coordinators from playoff teams, and shaping their long-term strategies.
These early decisions often influence:
- Free agency priorities
- Draft strategy
- Quarterback development plans
- Staff continuity for young rosters
Can Coaches Be Fired After Black Monday?
Yes. While Black Monday sees the largest volume of firings, some teams delay decisions until after the playoffs or even after the Super Bowl. Coordinators from playoff teams often become head coaching candidates later in January or February.
Final Takeaway
For the 2025–26 NFL season, Black Monday is January 5, 2026, arriving just one day after the regular season concludes. It remains one of the most closely watched days in the league, setting the tone for months of coaching hires, roster changes, and organizational resets.