The NFL had a mini-Black Monday on Dec. 12, with two franchises — the Chiefs and Dolphins — deciding to fire their coaches that day. However, according to the ESPN's John Clayton, Todd Haley and Tony Sparano weren't the only head coaches set to be let go.

Clayton reports that the Bucs were very close to removing Raheem Morris on Monday, the day after the team lost a 14-0 lead to the Jaguars in an embarrassing 41-14 loss. Team officials opted not to fire Morris partially because he is also the team's defensive coordinator. Clayton said there was nobody else on the staff management felt worthy of promoting to head coach.

Morris has a 17-28 record as the head man in Tampa, and this season has gone far differently than what was expected. After a 10-6 record in 2010, the Bucs had thoughts of reaching the playoffs. Instead they have regressed and are currently 4-9. The team hosts the Cowboys on Saturday night.

The way we see it

Morris might be safe for now, but this doesn't bode well for his long-term future in Tampa. With only one year remaining on his contract, it wouldn't be a surprise if the team opted to part ways with the head coach and go in a different direction.