Monday 2 January 2017 11:59, UK
San Francisco 49ers fire head coach Chip Kelly and general manager Trent Baalke, while Mike McCoy parts company with the San Diego Chargers.
The Monday immediately after the end of the regular season is known as Black Monday and is usually when underperforming coaches and GMs pay the price for losing seasons but two franchises bit the bullet within hours of Sunday's final whistle.
San Francisco became the most high profile when Baalke confirmed reports he was to leave in an interview with local radio moments after the team were beaten by Seattle.
News that Kelly's one-year stay in the Bay Area had come to its conclusion was confirmed in a statement from the 49ers soon after, the 49ers 2-14 record tying for the worst in franchise history and seeing Kelly join Jim Tomsula and Jim Harbaugh who have left the position in each of the last two summers.
San Francisco released a statement confirming their search for a fourth head coach in four years is underway, owner Jed York saying: "Despite my feelings for Trent and Chip, I felt the decision to change our football leadership was absolutely necessary," York said.
"The performance of this team has not lived up to my expectations or those of our fans, and that is truly disappointing.
"We all expected to see this team progress and develop as the season went on, but unfortunately that did not happen.
"That is why now is the time to find a new direction for this team."
One other departure was confirmed on Sunday with San Diego firing Mike McCoy, while Gary Kubiak is widely expected to stand down as Denver head coach taking the total number of organisations seeking a new head coach to six.
The Chargers parted company with McCoy after a dismal end to the season saw them drop out of play-off contention and become the first and only team to lose to the Cleveland Browns this season.
Five straight defeats included the reverse to the hapless Browns did for McCoy and brought his four year stay to a close after one play-off appearance that came in his debut 2013 season.
Multiple sources have reported Kubiak has already told his players he will be stepping down and confirmation is expected to follow later on Monday from the Denver Broncos, just one year after he led the franchise to their third Super Bowl.
Health issues are believed to have influenced Kubiak's decision. He was diagnosed with a complex migraine back in October and while in charge of Houston in 2013 he collapsed on the field and was diagnosed with a mini-stroke.
Already on the lookout for a new head coach are the LA Rams, whore fired Jeff Fisher in early December. Buffalo parted ways with Rex Ryan after two years and Jacksonville dismissed Gus Bradley after week 15 and a 14-48 record over his four year stint with the Jaguars.
There was good news for one GM-HC team with the New York Jets confirming that Todd Bowles and general manager Mike Maccagnan will be in place for 2017 despite a 4-12 record for the season.
