The day after the regular-season ends is known as Black Monday around the NFL, marking a crucial moment for head coaches as club owners make tough decisions about their future. As the 2023 regular season comes to a close, several coaches find themselves on the hot seat, with at least four teams closely monitoring the fate of their leaders.

In Washington, Ron Rivera has been dealing with a struggling team. Despite making changes within his coaching staff, such as firing offensive coordinator Scott Turner and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio, the Commanders have not been able to turn their fortunes around. With a 4-10 record and a five-game losing streak, Rivera's position appears precarious. Although there is a slim chance that a strong finish to the season could potentially save his job, team owner Josh Harris is believed to be considering a change in leadership for the Commanders.

Meanwhile, Arthur Smith of the Atlanta Falcons is also under scrutiny. While ownership has expressed commitment to Smith, a significant accomplishment such as a winning season or a playoff appearance may be necessary for him to secure his position. The Falcons have faced quarterback issues throughout the season, with Desmond Ridder facing inconsistency and being benched in favor of Taylor Heinicke. Smith's player management, particularly with talented individuals like tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson, has also raised questions. However, owner Arthur Blank has stated that he plans to let the season play out before making any final decisions.

On the other hand, Matt Eberflus of the Chicago Bears has seen a shift in his prospects despite a rough start to the season. After going 0-4, the Bears have managed to play .500 football and have secured notable wins over division rivals. A strong finish in the remaining three games could potentially save Eberflus' job, with league sources suggesting that the 100-year-old Bears owner, Virginia McCaskey, values stability and does not make rash decisions.

Perhaps one of the most surprising names on the list is Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots. While speculation about a separation between Belichick and the Patriots is rampant, sources indicate that change is inevitable. Owner Robert Kraft has been disappointed with the team's performance over the past few seasons, including a blowout loss in the playoffs and missing the postseason entirely. It remains uncertain what form the change will take, as various possibilities are being considered. These include offering Belichick a chance to stay if he relinquishes his general manager role, allowing Belichick to seek other employment while facilitating a trade, or simply letting Belichick walk away. Regardless, a change in the Patriots' direction is on the horizon.

In addition to the aforementioned coaches, other names on the Black Monday cusp include Robert Saleh of the New York Jets, Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints, and potentially Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Their fate will likely be determined by their team's performances in the final three weeks of the season.

As Black Monday approaches, the NFL coaching landscape is set for a significant shakeup. Decisions made by team owners in the coming weeks will shape the future of these franchises and set the stage for the next phase of leadership.