Other clubs got a head start on rebuilds, with the Chicago Bears firing Matt Eberflus, the New Orleans Saints firing Dennis Allen and the New York Jets firing Robert Saleh earlier this season. Each of those franchises has since been linked to notable candidates, including ex-head coaches like Mike Vrabel and Ron Rivera.

The NFL’s “Black Monday” is almost upon us. It’s the first unofficial day of the offseason for non-playoff teams, and traditionally when the majority of coaching firings are announced — with the search for a new era beginning.

The New England Patriots announced they are firing Jerod Mayo as head coach, following the team’s 23-16 win over the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.