The day following the conclusion of the NFL regular season is known as Black Monday because multiple head coaches are usually fired, and the 2023 version is no exception. A couple of teams have created head coaching vacancies less than 24 hours after their Week 18 matchups.

The Houston Texans didn't wait until Black Monday to make a coaching change, letting go of head coach Lovie Smith Sunday night. The Arizona Cardinals followed suit and fired Kliff Kingsbury on Black Monday, becoming the fifth team that doesn't have a full-time head coach for the 2023 season.

Neither decision comes as a surprise. Smith went 3-13-1 in his only season as Houston's head coach, finishing with the second-worst record in the league. Despite receiving a contract extension in March, Kingsbury was considered to be on the hot seat for much of the 2022 season.

"We are grateful for [Smith's] leadership and character, and we wish him the best moving forward," Texans chairman and CEO Cal McNair said in a statement. "While we understand the results have not been what we had hoped for, we are committed to building a program that produces long-term, sustainable success. Our fans and city deserve a team that they can be proud of."

The Texans are looking for their fourth head coach in as many years. There's been speculation since he was hired that Smith would only last one season in Houston. The Texans are expected to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick as they continue to rebuild the roster.

The Cardinals had much higher expectations for the 2022 season, coming off a trip to the playoffs. Arizona was embarrassed by the Los Angeles Rams 34-11 in Kingsbury's only playoff game.Kingsbury went 28-37-1 as the Cardinals head coach. A 4-13 record this season gives Arizona the No. 3 overall pick in the draft.

Shortly after Kingsbury was fired, Cardinals General Manager Steve Keim announced that he was stepping down from his position with the team. Kyler Murray is expected to miss the start of next season with a torn ACL. The Cardinals signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract in the summer.

The Los Angeles Rams could soon be looking for a new head coach. Sean McVay is reportedly taking time to consider his future with the team.

Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Joe Woods was a Black Monday casualty. Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees won't return next season after he announced his retirement Monday.

The Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers, and Indianapolis Colts all fired their head coaches during the season.

Lovie Smith
Head coach, Lovie Smith of the Houston Texans speaks to reporters during the NFL Draft Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on March 2, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Michael Hickey/Getty Images