Every year in the NFL there's Black Monday. It's the day in which coaches and executives are often fired after a disappointing season. Most firings are done on Black Monday, although some take place during the season. The opposite end of Black Monday is the hiring of the next wave of coaches and executives to run these teams.

The exciting part of Black Monday is renewed hope for a moribund franchise. A team and its fanbase get a shot of energy when the new hires are people they're looking forward to. In some cases, the new hires are met with trepidation or skepticism. That's when the people hired aren't known, or, aren't/weren't coveted by others around the league.

One segment of fans often forgotten in the whole Black Monday saga are the ones who lose those new hires and have to replace them. League hiring rules state teams must interview minority candidates, get permission from teams to speak with guys under contract, and all sorts of other things. Enter Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik. He's the first time play caller given the keys to the kingdom with a rookie quarterback and a roster on the come up.

Slowik turned the opportunity given to him into being a desired candidate for head coaching openings across the league. The Panthers, Commanders, Falcons, and Titans have all requested to speak with Slowik. They all either have a young QB to groom, or will draft one. Who better to hire than a guy who helped a rookie QB win his division, and possibly offensive rookie of the year.

Slowik couldn't do his job as well without having C.J. Stroud. Stroud wouldn't have been drafted if it weren't for general manager Nick Caserio. Stroud was recently the subject of “what if” trade rumors. People discussed what the Texans could get if they traded him. Caserio became a part of the rumor mill too when Bill Belichick was initially rumored, then ultimately parted ways in New England. When dispelling the rumors, Caserio used the word “jackass” in describing said rumors. He reiterated he's fully committed to this organization and is very happy here.

While these rumors and hiring cycles can be stressful for fans of teams with good young coaches and executives, they should feel proud. If nobody wants to hire guys from your team, something is wrong. Teams only poach talent from places they see things working. It's a copycat league. If you do well, others will attempt to emulate your success. The best way to do so is by bringing in the people who helped create that environment.

Now, the Stroud talk was just that: talk. No one in their right mind would even consider trading him. The mere fact that he was discussed as potentially fetching at least three first rounders or more was a hat tip to how good he's become, as well as the value of QBs. Caserio's rumored return to New England was solely based off the fact that he was with the organization for about 20 years. Belichick was on his way out, and people speculated Caserio might want to return.

Slowik is a different story. He took on a role for the first time and excelled. The league has gone the way of offense, and Slowik is a fruit from a tree that people are ready to pick from. Keeping him will be difficult. Per league rules, he can leave for a higher position (assistant head coach, or head coach), but not another OC job. Not even for more money.

All of this means this organization has gone from undesirable to undeniable in a little over a year. Winning the AFC South with a rookie QB, and first timer at OC & head coach has never been done. They may not finish the story this season, but it'll be a fun ride to watch them try!