Black Monday: Chicago Bears Fire Coach Marc Trestman, GM Phil Emery – Is Mike Singletary Next?

 The Chicago Bears failed to make the playoffs for the fourth straight season this year, and finally, someone of importance was held responsible. That somebody as coach Marc Trestman, who was fired by team owners Monday to become one of the first casualties of the NFL's notorious Black Monday, the day after the end of the regular season when the most coaches get fired.

SB Nation reports that Trestman expected to be fired after weak performances on national television against the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints. The Bears took a step backward in 2014, finishing 5-11 a year after improving to 8-8. They ended the season on a five-game losing streak, with rumors swirling about the state of their lockroom and franchise quarterback Jay Cutler. Trestman benched Cutler earlier in the year.

Thus ends Trestman's first stint as an NFL head coach. He previously worked as an offensive coordinator with the Oakland Raiders, assistant head coach with the Miami Dolphins and head coach in the Canadian Football League, according to SB Nation. The Bears rarely hire coaches with NFL head coaching experience.

The Bears also fired general manager Phil Emery and offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer, according to ESPN.

Emery is responsible for hiring Trestman to replace former coach Lovie Smith and for inking Cutler to an elaborate and expensive extension. Cutler's deal is worth $126 million, with $54 million guaranteed. He threw 18 interceptions this season.

The Chicago Tribune put together a long list of possible coaching candidates, and ESPN suggested that Mike Singletary could be an option. Singletary formerly coached the San Francisco 49ers (who are also in the market) after a 12-year playing career in the Bay Area.

Currently, Singletary works for the league with executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent, according to ESPN. It remains to be seen whether he longs for a return to the sidelines.