NFL coaches fired: Dolphins’ Brian Flores, Vikings’ Mike Zimmer, Bears’ Matt Nagy among those out
The day after the NFL regular season ends is one that coaches dread more than any other. It’s when teams unhappy with their overall results announce that they’re “moving in a different direction” or “seeking a fresh start” by firing their head coaches (and most likely the rest of the coaching staff).
After the longest season in NFL history, several clubs have already decided they need new leadership to take over in 2022. Here’s a roundup of the NFL coaches who managed to make it to the end of this season, but whose teams decided they won’t be returning for another one.
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Mike Zimmer, Minnesota Vikings
Zimmer was the third-winningest coach in Vikings history, compiling a 72-56-1 record over eight seasons. Despite two division titles, three playoff appearances and at least seven wins in every season, it wasn’t good enough for him to keep his job.
He and general manager Rick Spielman were both fired after Minnesota finished out of the playoff picture for the second consecutive year with an 8-9 record.
wasn’t enough to save Flores’ job.
In his first stint as an NFL head coach, Flores compiled a record of 24-25.
Nagy and general manager Ryan Pace were fired on Monday.
“That’s real. That’s life. We know our record’s not good enough. You can’t run from it,” Nagy said after Sunday’s season-ending loss to the Vikings.
falling to the AFC West champion Kansas City Chiefs 28-24 on Saturday.
The team made Fangio’s firing official a day later.
Since winning Super Bowl 50, the Broncos have not been to the playoffs in six years — the second-longest active streak behind the New York Jets.