12 Possible Head Coaching Vacancies

Dec 28, 2010

The day after the last week of NFL games is usually called Black Monday because it is the day when the axe falls on coaches in the NFL. In addition to the four in season firings, we believe there could be another 8 openings next week.

Here is the rundown on which teams may have openings:

Miami Dolphins: Tony Sparano is definitely in trouble particularly after Sunday's loss and the apparent anger of owner Stephen Ross who has done a lot to enhance the home game experience. a 1-7 home record doesn't help that experience.

Carolina Panthers: It is a foregone conclusion that John Fox is gone in Carolina. The only question is whether GM Marty Hurney will also hit the road.

Houston Texans: Gary Kubiak's tenure is undoubtedly coming to a close after the Texans have taken a nosedive.

Tennessee Titans: The longest tenured coach in the NFL might be on the open market. Jeff Fisher or Vince Young? Bud Adams wants the two to work it out and neither seems inclined to do so. With the Titans struggling down the stretch, Fisher could really be in trouble.

Cincinnati Bengals: The contract of head coach Marvin Lews expires after this season. One year after being named NFL coach of the year, Lewis is likely to be out of a job.

Cleveland Browns: Eric Mangini is in his second year with the Browns. Unlike last season where the Browns streaked to a strong finish, they are on a three game losing streak and Mike Holmgren may be inclined to bring in one of his guys to run the show.

New York Giants: After their epic collapse against the Eagles, the Giants looked undisciplined against the Packers. The New York media has their hatchets out and with an uninspired loss against the Redskins, the Giants may just pull the trigger.

Oakland Raiders: We throw Tom Cable into the mix because with Al Davis, you never know what will happen despite the fact the Raiders have made strides this season.

Fantasy Impact:

yesterday

Raiders sign RB Sincere McCormick to roster; WR D.J. Turner to IR

Pro Football Talk

yesterday · 7:50 PM EST

The Raiders used up their temporary practice squad elevations for running back Sincere McCormick, so they made a more lasting roster move on Tuesday.

McCormick has been signed to the 53-man roster in Las Vegas. Wide receiver D.J. Turner was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Related players: Alexander Mattison, Zamir White, Ameer Abdullah

Fantasy Impact:

McCormick played in the last two games for the Raiders as they were missing Mattison and White due to injuries. McCormick ran 12 times for 64 yards in last Friday’s loss to the Chiefs and he had five carries for 33 yards against the Broncos in Week 12, the story said. McCormick led the way for the Raiders against the Chiefs with 12 carries to Abdullah's 10. McCormick may be worth a pickup and stash at this point, as the Raiders are trying to figure out their roster for 2025. Mattison, White and Abdullah don't necessarily offer much future upside at the position, so it's possible the team will see what they have with McCormick going forward. However, keep an eye on the injury statuses of Mattison and White. The Raiders are at Tampa Bay in Week 14.

Commanders RB Austin Ekeler (concussion) week to week

Ben Standing on X

yesterday · 7:21 PM EST

Austin Ekeler's response when asked whether he could return this season:

"It's week to week. I want to continue to learn more. It's my second concussion (this season). Am I more susceptible to a third now that I've had two and the severity of mine? It's a learning process for me because I've never had anything this bad and twice in the same season. ... The best thing about is the team has my back ... I really appreciate DQ (Dan Quinn) and Adam Peters for being there."

Related players: Brian Robinson, Jeremy McNichols, Chris Rodriguez

Fantasy Impact:

It doesn't seem like Ekeler has a timetable and the week to week tag indicates it could be some time. Ekeler is clearly concerned about this long-term well-being. From a fantasy angle, Robinson should continue to lead the way with McNichols seeing the passing down work. Rodriguez may be a guy to pick up in deeper leagues as a stash, especially if Ekeler ends up missing significant time. Rodriguez got some mop-up time and ended up carrying the ball 13 times for 94 yards, adding a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Titans.

49ers sign RB Israel Abanikanda; RB Christian McCaffrey to IR

Pro Football Talk

yesterday · 6:09 PM EST

The 49ers were down to one healthy running back on their active roster, so they added another one off the waiver wire on Tuesday.

The NFL’s daily transaction report shows that they have claimed Israel Abanikanda off of waivers from the Jets. Abanikanda was let go on Monday when the Jets signed running back/kick returner Kene Nwangwu to the 53-man roster.

Christian McCaffrey was officially moved to injured reserve in a corresponding move.

Related players: Isaac Guerendo, Patrick Taylor, Ke'Shawn Vaughn

Fantasy Impact:

Guerendo is expected to take over the team's RB1 role with Christian McCaffrey and Jordan Mason both heading to IR. Abanikanda should be a familiar name to those in dynasty circles. He was a 2023 fifth-round pick but at the time was buried on the depth chart with the Jets, and he never earned much of a role on offense and didn’t play in the regular season this year, the story said. He appeared in six games as a rookie and ran 22 times for 70 yards while catching seven passes for 43 yards, the story added. The team also signed Vaughn to their practice squad.